Cover of Ghosted by the Machine

Ghosted by the Machine

Ghosted by the Machine

By: WRKdefined Podcast Network
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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.All rights reserved by WRKdefined Career Success Economics Marketing & Sales
Episodes
  • How to Take Control of Your Job Search

    How to Take Control of Your Job Search
    20 Oct 2026
    Why does finding a job feel so difficult when employers say they cannot find qualified candidates? In this episode of Ghosted by the Machine, host Mark Lane talks with recruiter Matt Tibbetts, owner of Express Employment Professionals of Ellis County, Texas, about what is happening on both sides of the hiring process. Matt explains why qualified candidates get overlooked, how recruiters connect job seekers with opportunities they might otherwise miss, and what candidates can do to improve their chances of getting hired. From networking and transferable skills to interview preparation, follow-up strategies, and AI in recruiting, Matt shares practical advice for navigating today's job market. The conversation also explores why honest communication, clear expectations, and personal relationships are essential to improving the hiring experience for everyone. Matt’s profile linkedin.com/in/matttibbetts Key Takeaways Job seekers and employers are often equally frustrated with hiring, but recruiters can help bridge the gap by understanding what both sides need. Recruiters can uncover opportunities that job seekers might never discover through online applications because they have direct relationships with employers. A resume should help candidates secure an interview, but personal conversations are often what allow employers to recognize their true value. Honest communication matters. Matt's "no surprise policy" emphasizes keeping candidates informed about expectations, feedback, and next steps. Transferable skills, attitude, and personality can be just as important as specific experience when evaluating someone for a position. AI can help with resume preparation, identifying opportunities, and interview practice, but it should support human judgment rather than replace it. Job seekers should understand their strengths, know what they want, and clearly explain the value they can bring to an organization. Building a targeted list of employers and developing relationships can be more effective than submitting applications without a clear strategy. Following up through email, phone calls, or handwritten notes can help candidates stand out and demonstrate genuine interest. Employers should focus on meeting qualified candidates, improving communication, and using technology to create more opportunities for meaningful human interaction. Timestamps 00:00 Why hiring feels broken for everyone 02:46 Why employers struggle to find candidates 04:29 Why resumes cannot tell the whole story 05:16 How recruiters uncover hidden opportunities 07:29 Why honest feedback and communication matter 12:53 Transferable skills and AI in recruiting 15:58 How job seekers can identify their value 18:53 Building relationships with target employers 19:22 How to follow up and stand out 23:37 Why technology should increase human interaction Keywords job search strategies, recruiter advice, candidate experience, job interview tips, hiring process, transferable skills, AI in recruiting, job search follow-up, networking for jobs, human-centered hiring
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    30 min
  • The Human Cost of Long-Term Unemployment

    The Human Cost of Long-Term Unemployment
    13 Oct 2026
    What happens when nine months of unemployment puts your family's financial security, emotional well-being, and future at risk? Donnie Grooms shares his deeply personal experience of searching for work while struggling to provide for his family. From selling his children's playground to help cover expenses to facing repeated rejection and uncertainty, Donnie explains the emotional and financial toll of long-term unemployment. The conversation explores how job seekers maintain resilience when opportunities seem out of reach, why employment gaps should not define a candidate's value, and what recruiters and hiring managers need to understand about the people behind every application. Through financial hardship, personal sacrifice, and the pressure of providing for his family, Donnie shares what keeps him moving forward and why human connection, empathy, and opportunity matter more than ever in today's hiring process. Donald’s profile linkedin.com/in/donaldgrooms Key Takeaways Long-term unemployment affects more than an individual's career. It can threaten a family's financial stability, emotional well-being, and sense of security. Nine months of searching for work can create significant psychological stress, especially when someone is responsible for supporting a family. Financial hardship can force families to make painful sacrifices, including selling personal belongings simply to cover essential expenses. Job seekers who have been unemployed for extended periods are not necessarily lacking motivation, qualifications, or a willingness to work. The longer a job search continues, the more priorities can shift from finding the ideal career opportunity to simply finding someone willing to offer a chance. Resilience does not mean unemployment becomes easier. It means continuing to move forward despite rejection, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion. Recruiters and hiring managers should look beyond employment gaps and recognize the experience, skills, and determination candidates bring to an organization. Sharing personal job search experiences can help employers better understand the human consequences of hiring decisions, rejection, and lack of communication. Family can provide an important source of hope and motivation during periods of prolonged unemployment. Behind every resume and application is a person with responsibilities, relationships, and a life that extends far beyond their employment status. Timestamps 00:00 Introducing Donnie's job search journey 03:33 Recognizing people and improving processes 05:22 The psychological and financial toll of unemployment 07:15 Managing emotional stress during a prolonged job search 08:32 When finding any opportunity becomes the priority 10:46 The financial sacrifices families make during unemployment 13:06 Staying resilient through rejection and uncertainty 14:16 What hiring managers should understand about unemployed candidates 15:28 Finding hope and motivation through family 17:03 Why hiring needs more empathy and human connection Keywords long-term unemployment job search struggles financial hardship emotional toll of unemployment job seeker resilience family impact of unemployment employment gaps candidate experience hiring empathy job search motivation
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    17 min
  • Why Human Writers Still Matter

    Why Human Writers Still Matter
    6 Oct 2026
    How is AI changing writing careers, and can it actually replace a skilled copywriter? Joe Emery shares his experience navigating a difficult job market after five layoffs in five years and explains why he does not see AI itself as the biggest threat to professional writers. Instead, he believes effective writing still depends on creativity, strategy, emotional connection, and understanding what motivates people to act. The conversation explores how writers can use AI for research and strategy without sacrificing their own voice, why human connection remains essential in marketing, and what it takes to keep moving forward in a challenging job market. Joe’s profile linkedin.com/in/joeemerywrites-forbondfansonly Key Takeaways Joe has worked as a professional copywriter for approximately 10 years. Five layoffs in five years have given Joe a firsthand view of how difficult the writing job market has become. AI can help writers with research, ideas, and strategy without replacing the writer. Skilled copywriting requires understanding human emotion and what motivates people to take action. Creativity remains an important advantage for writers as AI becomes more common. AI-generated copy still needs human judgment, context, and refinement. Writers can benefit from learning how to work with AI rather than treating the technology only as a threat. Businesses still need human writers who understand their customers, brand, and emotional motivations. Job searching can take a significant emotional toll, making mental health and community especially important. Human connection remains a critical part of effective writing, marketing, and communication. Timestamps 00:00 Navigating the job market as a writer 02:59 How AI is changing writing careers 06:04 Why emotional connection matters Keywords AI and writing copywriting writing careers AI copywriting creativity job market job search emotional connection freelance writing human creativity
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    9 min
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