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. 1d ago

    Turning Job Search Into Opportunity

    What do you do when the job search isn't working? How can you create new opportunities when traditional employment paths seem limited? In this episode, we explore the realities of searching for work in a remote location, the emotional ups and downs of unemployment, and how one professional transformed a personal passion into a growing business. Listeners will learn practical lessons about resilience, entrepreneurship, adapting to change, and redefining success during career transitions. Key Takeaways Job searching in remote locations presents unique challenges and limitations. Unemployment can be an emotional roller coaster with constant highs and lows. Career setbacks can create opportunities for personal growth and reinvention. Entrepreneurship often begins by solving a personal problem or pursuing a passion. Building something of your own can provide purpose during difficult transitions. Work identity should not be the sole measure of personal value. Creating a backup plan can reduce stress during career uncertainty. Resilience is built through adversity and persistence. Passion projects can evolve into viable business opportunities. Success often comes from adapting rather than waiting for circumstances to change. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and career journey 00:23 Job searching from Alaska 02:43 Challenges with traditional hiring 05:03 Launching a pet treat business 07:14 Lessons in resilience and identity 08:27 Creating your own opportunities 09:33 Human-centered hiring reflections Keywords job search, Alaska jobs, entrepreneurship, career change, resilience, remote work, small business, pet treats, personal growth, career transition Connect with Mindi - linkedin.com/in/mindi-vestal-ph-d-23a487212 Special Offer for Ghosted by the Machine Listeners 🐾 Mindi is offering Ghosted by the Machine listeners 25% off at her Etsy shop, Ruff Life Barkcuterie. Visit:https://rufflifebarkcuterie.etsy.com Use promo code: GHOSTEDBYTHEMACHINE Whether you're a dog lover or looking for a unique gift for a pet owner, be sure to check out Mindi's handcrafted treats and creations inspired by her own entrepreneurial journey.

    11 min

  2. Jun 9

    Why Candidates Feel Ghosted During Hiring

    Why do candidates feel ghosted after applying for jobs? How is AI affecting the hiring process? What can employers do to improve candidate experience and rebuild trust? In this episode, we speak with the founder of a candidate advocacy movement focused on hiring transparency, accountability, and communication. The conversation explores the emotional toll of prolonged unemployment, the growing role of AI in recruitment, the rise of job scams, and why so many candidates feel disconnected from the hiring process. We also discuss practical ways organizations can create a more human-centered hiring experience. Key Takeaways Candidate ghosting has become one of the most common frustrations in the job search process. Job rejection can create emotional effects similar to grief and loss. AI often amplifies existing problems rather than solving them. Poor communication damages trust between employers and candidates. Many job seekers struggle to distinguish legitimate opportunities from scams. Candidate experience should be treated like customer experience. Accountability and transparency are critical to improving hiring outcomes. Long-term unemployment can affect mental health, confidence, and family dynamics. Community support helps job seekers navigate difficult transitions. Small improvements in communication can significantly improve the hiring process. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to hiring challenges01:15 Personal story behind candidate advocacy03:50 Emotional impact of unemployment07:21 Building a community for job seekers10:02 How AI affects hiring10:52 Understanding candidate ghosting15:35 Improving accountability in recruitment19:32 Real job seeker experiences23:45 Hiring transparency and trust27:43 Final thoughts and action steps Keywords hiring process, candidate ghosting, AI in recruitment, candidate experience, hiring transparency, job search challenges, recruitment accountability, employment frustration, job scams, future of hiring. Connect with Alex - linkedin.com/in/alexfeder

    31 min

  3. Jun 2

    Human Connection in Modern Hiring

    What does it take to stay hopeful during a long job search? In this conversation, Rebecca Stack shares her experience navigating unemployment after a 20-year career in government, the emotional impact of today's hiring process, and how AI is changing the way candidates are evaluated. She discusses resilience, networking, mental health, human connection, and why maintaining hope is critical when facing rejection, uncertainty, and automated hiring systems. This episode offers practical insights for job seekers, recruiters, and hiring managers who want to create a more human hiring experience. Key Takeaways: Why job searching can feel emotionally exhausting and isolating How AI is both helping and hurting candidates during the hiring process The limitations of applicant tracking systems and automated screening Why networking and relationship building matter more than ever The importance of protecting mental health during career transitions How support from LinkedIn and professional communities can make a difference Why empathy and communication are essential in hiring The value of transferable skills and collaboration How trusting your instincts can help during uncertain times Why resilience and hope remain critical for long-term success Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to modern job search challenges00:33 Career transition after government service01:24 Managing job search stress and resilience02:35 Prioritizing mental health during unemployment03:33 Finding support through networking03:39 How AI affects job applications04:26 Problems with ATS and hiring systems05:45 Building relationships and collaboration07:46 Advice for recruiters and hiring managers11:47 Finding hope during career uncertainty Keywords:job search, AI in hiring, career resilience, human connection, applicant tracking systems, networking, hiring process, mental health, career transition, job seeker advice Connect with Rebecca - linkedin.com/in/rebecca-stack-5280a317b

    15 min

  4. May 26

    Why Applications Get Ignored Today

    This episode explores what it feels like to navigate a long job search in a hiring system increasingly shaped by AI, automation, and applicant tracking systems. You will learn how AI tools can help improve resumes while also creating unexpected challenges, why communication and candidate experience matter, and how job seekers can stay resilient during a difficult search. The conversation also highlights the emotional impact of repeated applications, the importance of authenticity, and practical ways to improve visibility. Connect with Elise: linkedin.com/in/elise-alley Key takeaways AI can help optimize resumes for keywords and ATS systems Professional writing styles can sometimes trigger AI detection concerns Job seekers spend significant time on applications with little feedback Communication has a major impact on candidate experience Long job searches can create emotional fatigue and frustration Authenticity still matters in a technology driven process Personalized follow up can improve candidate experience Candidate experience affects employer reputation Persistence remains critical during difficult job searches Hope and resilience help maintain momentum Timestamps 00:00 Navigating today’s job market 02:21 The role of AI in job searching 05:01 Resume challenges and personal branding 07:30 Communication and candidate experience 10:20 Finding hope during a difficult search Keywords job search AI in recruiting resume tips ATS customer support hiring process job applications candidate experience interview tips job seeker experience

    13 min

  5. May 19

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    45
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