#69: Recruitment Is Marketing: The Evolution of Talent Acquisition
In this episode of The Changing State of Talent Acquisition, hosts Graham Thornton and Martin Predd welcome Maria Christopoulos Katris, Founder and CEO of Built In. Maria shares her 15-year journey growing Built In from a Chicago-based tech community to a global recruitment platform, offering sharp insights into why traditional applicant tracking systems (ATS) are failing to capture the full candidate journey and how employer branding has become a cornerstone of modern talent acquisition. With Built In’s latest trends report as a backdrop, Maria reveals why companies are doubling down on employer brand investments and how referrals are surging as a top channel for tech talent—while also exposing the limitations of relying on them.Topics include:The evolution of recruitment from job boards to a marketing-driven disciplineWhy ATS source-of-hire data is only 20% accurate and how to move beyond itThe rise of employer branding as a core pillar of talent acquisitionThe surge in referrals for tech talent and their potential impact on diversityStrategies for improving candidate experience and treating applicants like consumersThe growing importance of employer branding for internal retentionHow to educate executives on the value of employer brand investments when ROI is challenging to measureLinks:Maria Christopoulos Katris, Founder and CEO of Built InLinkedIn Built In 2025 Talent Trend ReportConnect with the Built In team to learn more about how a recruitment marketing approach will help you attract top talent."Tune in to discover how to transform your talent acquisition strategy by embracing recruitment as marketing and building a candidate-centric employer brand that stands out in today’s competitive landscape.
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#68: The AI Skills Gap: How Educational Institutions and Employers Can Prepare Workers for the Future
In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Alex Swartsel, leader of JFF Labs Insights Practice at Jobs for the Future, to explore the growing AI skills gap and its implications for the future of work. Alex shares eye-opening research showing how AI usage in the workplace skyrocketed from 8% to 35% in just one year, while revealing a concerning disparity: 60% of employees are using AI for self-directed learning, yet only 16% have access to employer-provided AI tools.Our conversation dives into what makes a "quality job" in today's economy and JFF's ambitious mission to see 75 million Americans working in quality jobs within the next decade. Alex unpacks how AI is transforming both educational settings and workplaces, challenging traditional notions of digital literacy and reshaping the skills landscape.You'll discover why the most valuable future skills may not be AI-specific technical abilities, but rather the "human skills" that AI can't replicate—creativity, critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. Alex also explores how different educational institutions are navigating AI adoption and the policies that could help create more equitable access.Whether you're an HR professional, educator, or worker navigating this rapidly evolving landscape, this episode offers critical insights on how we can ensure AI becomes a technology that makes everyone better off, rather than deepening existing divides.Links: JFF Labs: The AI Ready Workforce Research FindingsJobs for the Future
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#67: Building Human-Centric AI in HR Tech: From Fear to Adoption
In this episode, Kyle Lagunas of Aptitude Research discusses the crucial distinction between "human-in-the-loop" and truly "human-centric" AI approaches in HR. Drawing from his extensive 15-year career studying innovation cycles in HR tech, Kyle explains why adoption rates for AI in HR are stalling despite executive support, and offers practical strategies for building AI literacy within organizations.Topics Covered:The difference between human-in-the-loop vs. human-centric AI designWhy HR departments struggle with AI adoption and tech literacyPractical ways to increase AI literacy within HR teamsEvaluating AI use cases across impact, risk, and complexitySuccess stories and low-risk starting points for HR AI implementationMoving beyond the "bias boogeyman" in AI evaluationDiscover how to evaluate AI implementations and learn why many HR departments are starting their AI journey with conversational AI. This episode provides a nuanced framework for HR professionals looking to move beyond fear-based decision making and implement AI solutions that genuinely augment human capabilities.
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#66: Hiring Humans in the Age of AI
In this episode of The Changing State of Talent Acquisition, we sit down with Craig Fisher—CEO of TalentNet Media, author of Hiring Humans, and one of the most respected voices in the HR tech space. From his early days in staffing to launching TalentNet Live, Craig has worn nearly every hat in the talent world.We explore why friction in the hiring process is actually a good thing, how AI tools can enhance rather than replace human connection, and why most companies are missing the mark on retention and employee advocacy. Craig also shares behind-the-scenes details on rewriting 13,000 job descriptions for one of the world's largest banks—and why SEO and contextual AI optimization are now table stakes for recruiting.Plus, he gives us a sneak peek at his upcoming book Paint Your Store, designed to help job seekers and solopreneurs level up their personal brands.Whether you're a recruiter, TA leader, or job seeker navigating today's AI-infused hiring landscape, this is one conversation you won't want to miss.🛠️ Topics covered:How social media shaped early recruitment marketingThe case for human friction in hiringWhy AI won't replace recruiters (but bad job descriptions might)Tactical tips for job SEO and optimizing for AI searchThe overlooked power of onboarding and employee advocacy🔗 Learn more about Craig's work: hiring-humans.com New episodes every week at changestate.io
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#65: The Future of Work: How AI, Gig Economy, and Fractional Employment Are Redefining Careers
In this episode of The Changing State of Talent Acquisition, we sit down with Rishad Tobaccowala—author, speaker, and strategist with 37 years of leadership experience at Leo Burnett and Publicis Groupe—to explore the shifting dynamics of work in the age of AI and digital transformation.Rishad shares insights from his books Rethinking Work and Restoring the Soul of Business, diving into the rise of task-based employment, the growing trend of fractional roles, and how both individuals and companies must adapt. We discuss:Why the traditional full-time job is evolving into a modular, task-based systemThe "Company of One" mindset and how fractional employment creates flexibility for both companies and workersHow companies can foster strong cultures without relying on physical office presenceThe six essential skills individuals need to stay relevant in the AI-driven future of workIf you've ever wondered what the future of employment looks like—and how to prepare—this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Rishad Tobaccowala:Books: Rethinking Work & Restoring the Soul of BusinessNewsletter: rishad.substack.comPodcast: What Next?
In today's rapidly evolving workplace, talent acquisition professionals navigate continuous transformation. From emerging HR technologies to evolving candidate expectations, we explore what it takes to redefine recruitment for the modern era.Each episode, we bring you conversations with pioneering practitioners and innovative thinkers who are reshaping how organizations connect with talent. We dig beneath the surface to uncover the real stories, challenges, and breakthroughs happening on the front lines of recruitment.The Changing State of Talent Acquisition Podcast goes beyond industry buzzwords to engage with the people and ideas driving meaningful change. Join us as we explore the unconventional approaches, unexpected insights, and authentic experiences that are transforming how organizations find and secure the talent they need to thrive.
Ireland