Ghosted by the Machine

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Ghosted by the Machine explores the human side of hiring through honest conversations with job seekers, recruiters, HR leaders, and workplace experts. Host Mark Lane gives people a voice in a world increasingly filtered by algorithms. Real humans. Real stories. Let’s make hiring human again. 

  1. 6D AGO

    How Leadership Impacts Modern Hiring

    Episode DescriptionThis episode explores how leadership shapes hiring culture, candidate experience, and the balance between technology and human connection in recruitment. You will learn how AI is influencing hiring decisions, why empathy matters more than ever, and how leadership accountability impacts communication throughout the recruiting process. The conversation also examines how organizations can improve hiring outcomes by combining technology with stronger human oversight and authentic leadership practices. Key takeawaysLeadership directly impacts candidate experienceAI should support recruiters, not replace judgmentEmpathy improves communication during hiringHuman oversight is critical in AI driven recruitingCandidate experience reflects organizational cultureCommunication breakdowns damage employer reputationAI bias often mirrors existing human biasJob seekers need preparation for changing hiring systemsLeadership accountability improves recruitment outcomesHuman connection still matters in modern hiring Timestamps00:00 Leadership and hiring introduction02:00 Results versus human connection04:54 Communication breakdowns in hiring07:30 Preparing job seekers for the market10:20 Why empathy matters in recruitment12:59 Balancing technology and human interaction15:33 The impact of AI on hiring18:20 Leadership accountability in recruiting21:01 Understanding candidate experience23:37 The future of leadership and hiring KeywordsleadershiphiringAI in recruitmentcandidate experienceempathy in hiringorganizational culturetalent acquisitionrecruitment strategyhuman centered hiringAI bias Connect with Kate’s - linkedin.com/in/katajohnso

    33 min

  2. MAY 12

    Navigating Career Transitions: Andrew MacAskill

    This episode explains how career transitions impact both professional identity and emotional well-being, and why navigating a job search today requires more than simply applying online. You will learn how LinkedIn algorithms influence visibility, why adding value attracts better opportunities, and how emotional resilience helps during periods of rejection, ghosting, and uncertainty. The conversation also explores the broader economic challenges affecting job seekers and why hiring needs a more human-centered approach. Connect with Andrew - linkedin.com/in/jobsearchcoach execcareerjump.com Key takeaways Career transitions often involve a grieving process Job loss can affect identity and confidence LinkedIn visibility depends on training the algorithm Adding value attracts stronger professional opportunities Reciprocity and engagement improve networking outcomes Ghosting and rejection can become learning opportunities Economic conditions are impacting hiring across industries Emotional resilience is essential during long job searches Human connection still matters in recruiting Self-employment can become a path forward during transitions Timestamps 00:00 Navigating career transitions 03:46 Understanding today’s job market 07:45 Maximizing LinkedIn visibility 11:32 Attracting opportunities through value 15:21 Bringing humanity back into hiring 18:56 Transitioning into self-employment Keywords career transition job search LinkedIn strategy career coaching emotional resilience AI automation hiring process networking career growth job market

    21 min

  3. MAY 7

    Navigating Age Bias

    This episode explains the challenges experienced by professionals in today’s hiring market and how age bias and AI-driven recruiting systems can impact job opportunities. You will learn how applicant tracking systems may unintentionally filter out seasoned candidates, why networking remains one of the most effective job search tools, and how resilience and personal branding can help candidates stay visible. The conversation also explores practical ways to adapt resumes, leverage relationships, and maintain confidence during a difficult search. Key takeaways Experienced professionals often face hidden age bias AI screening tools can overlook qualified candidates Networking remains critical in modern job searches Relationships can open doors faster than applications alone Resume optimization is important in ATS driven hiring Persistence matters during long job searches Personal branding helps candidates stay visible Confidence can be challenged after layoffs and rejection Community support improves resilience during transitions Experience and relationships are valuable career assets Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and career background 00:50 Emotional impact of job loss 02:00 Surprises in today’s hiring process 03:05 AI screening and potential age bias 04:15 The value of relationships 05:00 Networking as a job search advantage 06:40 Using AI tools for resume updates 07:30 Overcoming bias with persistence 08:00 Advice for job seekers 10:00 Staying proactive and hopeful Keywords ageism in hiring job search AI in recruiting experienced professionals networking resume optimization career resilience candidate experience personal branding ATS systems Connect with Gary - linkedin.com/in/gary-shifflet-9b78931

    11 min

  4. MAY 5

    How to Stay Competitive in Job Search

    This episode explains how experienced professionals can stay competitive in today’s job market by combining technology, resilience, and continuous learning. You will learn how AI tools can improve resumes and interview preparation, why human connection still matters in hiring, and how to maintain momentum during long job searches. The conversation also explores practical strategies for upskilling, handling rejection, and finding alternative paths to stay active and visible. Key takeaways AI tools can improve resume quality and visibility Human connection still plays a key role in hiring decisions Resilience is essential during long job searches Upskilling helps candidates stay competitive Feedback is critical for improvement and growth Strong communication skills are valuable in any role Continuous learning increases long term opportunities Silence after interviews can be managed with the right mindset Diversifying income can reduce job search pressure Faith, attitude, and persistence help maintain motivation Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to job search challenges 02:30 Using AI to improve resumes 03:37 Key strengths in project management 04:42 Advice for recruiters on communication 05:51 Importance of feedback in job search 07:00 Staying hopeful during setbacks 09:20 Handling silence after interviews 12:14 Tools for job search and resumes 14:34 Upskilling and certifications 17:30 Exploring alternative income paths Keywords job search AI in hiring resume tips career growth project management upskilling interview preparation career resilience job market continuous learning Connect with Monica - linkedin.com/in/monica-mosqueda-pmp

    20 min

  5. APR 30

    The Future of Hiring: Insights from Katrina Kibben

    This episode explains why modern hiring processes often fail both candidates and recruiters and how better communication can improve outcomes. You will learn how AI and applicant tracking systems are exposing outdated recruiting practices, why job descriptions play a critical role in attracting the right talent, and how speed-driven hiring can reduce quality. The conversation also explores how organizations can reduce ghosting, improve transparency, and build stronger relationships with candidates over time. Key takeaways AI is exposing inefficiencies in hiring processes Speed often takes priority over quality in recruiting High application volume creates screening challenges Job descriptions are critical to attracting the right candidates Many candidates feel lost in applicant tracking systems Lack of communication leads to frustration and disengagement Recruiting is not just marketing, clarity matters more Candidate databases can improve long term hiring success Overqualification is often misunderstood in hiring decisions Respect and transparency improve candidate experience Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to modern hiring challenges 00:30 What recruiters are doing right 00:51 Speed versus quality in hiring 02:07 Why candidates disappear in the process 03:28 Managing high application volume 04:12 Loss of human interaction in hiring 06:35 Why job descriptions matter 09:57 The impact of ghosting on candidates 12:16 Building trust with applicants 16:37 Addressing ageism and experience bias Keywords hiring process candidate experience AI in recruiting job descriptions recruiting communication ATS systems talent acquisition job search hiring strategy recruitment challenges Connect with Katrina - linkedin.com/in/katrinakibben

    18 min

  6. APR 30

    Stand Out in Hiring: James Ellis

    This episode explains why many companies struggle to attract strong candidates even when they invest in recruiting and employer branding. You will learn the difference between looking attractive as an employer and becoming truly choosable to job seekers. The conversation explores how AI-generated messaging is making companies sound the same, why authentic employee stories build trust, and how organizations can stand out with clear, credible differentiation. It also covers how candidates can become more memorable and avoid getting lost in applicant tracking systems. Key takeaways Most employer branding sounds generic and forgettable Companies need to be choosable, not just attractive AI tools can amplify bland corporate messaging Real employee stories build stronger trust than slogans Clear proof points matter more than vague values statements Paid ads can attract applicants but not true loyalty Candidates must differentiate themselves beyond qualifications Strong headlines and positioning improve candidate visibility Ghosting is often a cultural problem, not only a tech problem Human centered hiring starts with authenticity and communication Timestamps 00:00 Breaking through hiring algorithms 00:26 Employer branding versus choosable companies 01:13 How AI amplifies sameness 03:11 Employee stories shape reputation 05:37 The danger of employer bland culture 14:32 Buying applicants with paid ads 18:29 Positioning yourself as the ideal fit 30:44 Hiring problems go deeper than AI 39:26 How to become unghostable 45:02 Addressing bias in hiring Keywords employer branding talent acquisition hiring strategy candidate experience AI in recruiting job search ATS tips company culture recruitment marketing hiring communication Connect with James: EmployerBrandLabs.com

    50 min

  7. APR 28

    Self Leadership for Job Seekers

    This episode explains how mindset and self-leadership can transform the job search process. You will learn how internal dialogue shapes confidence, emotions, and actions during rejection, why clear vision helps maintain momentum, and how limiting beliefs can hold candidates back. The conversation also explores practical ways to build authentic relationships, stay connected to purpose, and regain control in a hiring system that often feels frustrating. Key takeawaysInternal dialogue strongly affects job search confidenceBeliefs influence emotional reactions to rejectionSelf-leadership creates consistency during uncertaintyClear vision helps maintain motivation and focusIdentity should not depend only on employment statusLimiting beliefs can block progress and opportunityAuthentic relationships matter more than automation alonePurpose can guide decisions during setbacksMindset shifts can improve resilience and momentumOwnership creates stronger long-term career growth Timestamps00:46 Career journey from design to coaching01:01 Understanding what drives behavior03:23 The power of internal dialogue05:35 How beliefs shape emotions07:06 Protecting identity during job search09:34 Challenging limiting beliefs12:04 Why clarity creates momentum13:03 Building real relationships14:41 Coaching offer for listeners Keywordsjob search mindsetself leadershipcareer resilienceconfidence building job seeker advicepersonal growthnetworkingmotivationcareer coachingmindset strategies Connect with DJ - linkedin.com/in/djhurula Website xyztbd.com

    15 min

  8. APR 23

    Why Job Search Feels Cold

    This episode explains why many job seekers feel invisible in today’s hiring process and how companies can bring human connection back into recruitment. You will learn how AI and applicant tracking systems affect applications, why feedback and empathy matter, and how resilience helps during a difficult search. The conversation also explores leadership through care, practical advice for recruiters, and ways candidates can adapt without losing authenticity. Key takeaways Many job seekers feel ignored by automated hiring systemsAI can help applications but also create distance Feedback is one of the most valuable parts of hiring Empathy improves candidate experience and employer reputation Human connection should remain central to recruitment Leadership can be built on clarity and accountability Resourcefulness helps candidates navigate long searches Staying resilient is critical during job uncertainty Learning new tools can improve job search outcomes Care and excellence are strengths in leadership and hiring Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and career background 00:39 Nonprofit marketing and leadership experience 01:57 Emotional toll of job searching 02:56 ATS frustration and automated rejection 04:20 Feeling invisible in AI hiring 06:05 CARE leadership philosophy 08:50 Advice for recruiters 09:38 Bringing humanity back to hiring 10:43 Encouragement for job seekers 12:21 Learning AI during job search Keywords job searchhuman hiring AI in recruitingATS systems candidate experience leadership development career resilience recruiter advice empathy in hiring job seeker support Connect with Teresa - Teresa Barnhill | LinkedIn Please SUBSCRIBE

    14 min
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About

Ghosted by the Machine explores the human side of hiring through honest conversations with job seekers, recruiters, HR leaders, and workplace experts. Host Mark Lane gives people a voice in a world increasingly filtered by algorithms. Real humans. Real stories. Let’s make hiring human again. 

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  • Channel
    WRKdefined
  • Creator
    WRKdefined Podcast Network
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
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