The Chad & Cheese Podcast

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of The Chad and Cheese podcast, recorded live from The Shaker Green Room at Recfest USA, Chad and Joel sit down with Nicole Stephens, Recruitment Marketing Manager at Floor & Decor. Nicole who shares her approach to employer branding and recruitment marketing, focusing on making work environments better and more enjoyable. She emphasizes the importance of doing more with less, offering actionable insights on maximizing impact with zero-dollar budgets. Nicole also highlights how companies can enhance their candidate experience without spending a fortune, using examples from brands like Microsoft and Duolingo. She digs deep into the challenges talent acquisition professionals face, stressing the need to understand the business and make meaningful changes, rather than focusing solely on metrics like social media likes. The discussion touches on important topics like employee advocacy, retaining talent, and the critical role of data in recruitment. Nicole shares practical advice on collaborating with other departments, automating processes without losing the human touch, and the importance of taking action, no matter how small. Finally, Nicole’s call to "work like a European" and embrace more holidays underscores her belief that breaks lead to better productivity and creativity. ENJOY!

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese podcast, Euan Cameron, CEO at Willo, returns for a Firing Squad reunion. The conversation covers the journey of Willo since their first appearance on the podcast in August 2021, including their fundraising efforts and product evolution. Euan shares that Willo recently raised $2 million in funding, bringing their total funding to over $3 million. He also discusses the importance of maintaining a frugal mentality and the challenges of dilution. The episode concludes with a discussion on Willo's customer base, which has grown to 12,150 customers in 195 countries, and their global reach in interviewing candidates from every country in the world. Willo has experienced significant changes since their last conversation, including the shift to candidates being comfortable on camera and the move upstream to larger enterprise organizations. They have developed a platform capable of interviewing and assessing candidates through video, audio, text, multiple choice, and assessments. The company has seen success in the US market, with 60% of their revenue coming from the US. They attribute their success to word-of-mouth referrals and delivering the best customer experience. Integrations have been important for SMBs, but not a major acquisition channel for larger organizations. The team has grown organically and is doubling in size over the next year. Willo is focused on automating the onboarding process and improving the efficiency of the next steps after assessment. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Firing Squad Reunion 07:59 - The Importance of a Frugal Mentality in Startup Success 09:44 - Navigating the Challenges of Dilution 15:05 - Global Reach: Interviewing Candidates from Every Country 17:35 - Moving Upstream to Enterprise Organizations 20:24 - Success in the US Market 23:28 -Importance of Integrations for SMBs 27:23 - Delivering on Time to Hire 29:18 - Balancing AI and Human Involvement 32:43 - Team Growth and Future Plans

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese podcast, the hosts discuss various themes including the impact of AI on jobs, innovative job-seeking strategies, the future of job boards like ZipRecruiter and Dice, the dock workers' strike and its economic implications, Amazon's workforce challenges, and the declining usage of condoms among young adults. Takeaways AI's impact on jobs is often overstated. Innovative job-seeking strategies can challenge traditional norms. The dock workers' strike highlights economic vulnerabilities. Amazon's new policies may lead to significant turnover. Condom usage is declining due to advancements in birth control. Job boards must adapt to survive in a changing market. Raising wages is essential for economic health. The future of work is increasingly influenced by technology. Networking events like HR Tech are crucial for industry connections. Understanding market dynamics is key for job boards. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Themes 02:04 - Reflections on HR Tech and Networking 06:01 - Innovative Job Seeking Strategies 10:01 - The Impact of AI on Employment 16:01 - The Future of Job Boards: ZipRecruiter and Dice 35:09 - Dock Workers Strike and Economic Implications 43:57 - Amazon's Workforce Challenges 46:59 - Declining Condom Usage and Societal Changes Keywords AI, job market, HR Tech, employment trends, ZipRecruiter, Dice, dock workers, Amazon, condom usage, economic impact, Butler America, Harold Dagget, Courtney Summer Myers, Gia Johnston, HR Gumbo, Outsolve, Paradox, FactoryFix, Keeyora, Bullhorn, Maersk

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Allison King, VP of People Operations at Sound Physicians, shares her experience and insights on job searching and personal branding on LinkedIn. She emphasizes the importance of creating a strong LinkedIn profile and being active on the platform to build a professional network and showcase your skills and interests. Allison also discusses her approach to job applications, including reaching out to connections for support and leveraging LinkedIn Jobs. She highlights the value of being strategic in your outreach and making specific requests for assistance. Additionally, Alison shares her thoughts on job boards and the application process, recommending a focus on LinkedIn for professionals and entry level jobs, new grads alike. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 02:56 - Allison's Journey and Background 06:49 - Using ChatGPT for Resume and LinkedIn 09:57 - The Power of LinkedIn and Green Banner 12:41 - Content Creation and Networking on LinkedIn 15:36 - Navigating the Job Search Process 19:58 - ATS and Technology in Job Applications 24:10 - Job Boards and LinkedIn for Job Search 26:30 - Advice for New Grads and Early Career Professionals 28:21 - Conclusion and Contact Information Keywords job search, personal branding, LinkedIn, networking, job boards, application process, new grands, entry level jobs, job search tips, indeed jobs, ziprecruiter job search, LinkedIn tips, LinkedIn Green Banner, Open to Work

Live from the SmartRecruiters booth at HR Tech in Las Vegas, this one is all beef, no filler. Stickin' it to Eightfold, "black Nazis," Brett Favre and cold beers start the episode off on a strong note, followed by the breaking news. Commentary focused on newly minted CEOs at Appcast and Enboarder, a $30 million round and a $250 million valuation at Silicon Valley darling, backed by Peter Thiel and Jack Dorsey, Mercor, and Amazon getting generous with Prime subscriptions for their employees ... in addition to a minimum wage starting at $22-hour. Buckle up kids, it's live from the bright lights of the Vegas Strip.

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, the boys discuss various topics related to the recruiting industry in Europe and beyond, including recent news about Google and StepStone, shout outs to industry players, and a deep dive into the dynamics of European media and classifieds businesses. They also analyze legal battles involving JobIndex and Google, and engage in a 'Buy or Sell' segment featuring startups like SkillVue, Jobbilla, and Flowit, providing insights into their potential in the market. Hot Takes The recruiting industry is facing significant changes due to technology and investment. Shout outs highlight the importance of community and collaboration in the industry. Media and classifieds businesses are undergoing major transformations with new ownership structures. Legal battles, such as Job Index vs. Google, reflect the complexities of the digital job market. SkillView aims to address the skills gap with innovative AI solutions. Jobbilla's approach to recruitment lacks unique offerings in a competitive market. Flowit focuses on employee retention through real-time feedback, but raises concerns about the role of managers. The hosts emphasize the need for human interaction in employee engagement strategies. Investments in startups reflect the growing importance of technology in recruitment. The podcast encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged with industry developments. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Context 02:54 - Shout Outs and Industry News 05:58 - Media and Classifieds Business Dynamics 09:06 - JobIndex vs. Google: Legal Battles 11:56 - Buy or Sell: SkillVue 23:53 - Buy or Sell: Jobbilla 30:04 - Buy or Sell: Flowit

In this conversation, Joel and Chad interview Stacey Gordon, founder and principal consultant at Rework Work, about unconscious inclusion, skills-based hiring, and the politicization of DEI. Stacey emphasizes the importance of actively working towards unconscious inclusion. She discusses the need for dialogue and open conversations to bridge the gap between different perspectives. Stacey also addresses the challenges of changing mindsets and the role of education in DEI. She highlights the benefits of skills-based hiring for diversity and inclusion and the need for ongoing training and implementation. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the politicization of DEI and the importance of shifting mindsets in the workplace. Takeaways Unconscious inclusion is the goal of DEI, where people are included without conscious effort or bias. Skills-based hiring can be a powerful tool for diversity and inclusion, as it focuses on the qualifications and abilities of candidates rather than their background or identity. Changing mindsets is crucial for progress in DEI, and ongoing education and training are necessary to shift perspectives and behaviors. The politicization of DEI can hinder progress, and it is important to have open conversations and bridge the gap between different perspectives. DEI is not limited to race, gender, or sexual orientation, but encompasses all aspects of identity, including socioeconomic status, religion, and language barriers. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Welcome 03:01 - Unconscious Inclusion: The Goal of DEI 08:11 - The Politicization of DEI: Challenges and Opportunities 11:21 - Changing Mindsets: The Key to Progress in DEI 18:45 - Bridging the Gap: Open Conversations and Different Perspectives 24:14 -The Power of Skills-Based Hiring for Diversity and Inclusion 27:26 - DEI Beyond Race and Gender: Embracing All Aspects of Identity 30:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action Keywords unconscious inclusion, skills-based hiring, DEI, politicization, diversity, inclusion, mindsets, education

In this episode of the Chad and Cheese Podcast, hosts Joel and industry veteran Emi Beredugo discuss various topics including LinkedIn's new features, the impact of layoffs in the recruiting industry, and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. They also delve into the recent merger of CareerBuilder and Monster, and Indeed's decision to remove free features from company pages. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and a light-hearted approach to serious topics. Ya' know, like always. Takeaways Emi is the senior manager of Recruiting Enablement at Elastic. LinkedIn is launching new features to enhance user engagement. The importance of DEI is being overshadowed by RTO policies. Indeed is removing free features from company pages, which may alienate smaller companies. The merger of CareerBuilder and Monster may not significantly impact the job market. Layoffs in the recruiting industry are affecting many employees. LinkedIn's verified job feature aims to improve job seeker safety. Video interviewing solutions are becoming more common in recruitment processes. The podcast hosts emphasize the need for inclusivity in hiring practices. Personal stories and humor are integral to the podcast's appeal. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:25 - Emi's Background and Role 04:03 - Shout Outs and Personal Stories 11:33 - Layoff News and Industry Updates 12:55 - LinkedIn's New Features Discussion 27:52 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Return to Office (RTO) Policies 34:59 - Indeed's Changes to Company Pages 37:58 - CareerBuilder and Monster Merger Discussion

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

In this snark-filled episode, Chad and Joel bring back SEO guru Alexander Chukovski to dissect Google’s latest core update, which has job boards like Indeed sweating bullets. Google’s now favoring ATS results and niche job sites, leaving generic job boards in the dust. The crew speculates whether Google is intentionally ghosting Indeed, especially after their pricey partnership with OpenAI. As usual, Chad and Joel throw take shots at job board giants and predict the future of job search. Best Line: "Indeed who? Never heard of 'em.”

In this episode, Joel and Chad interview Gareth Marlow, an executive coach and consultant at EQ Systems. They discuss various topics including Gareth's background, the differences between Cambridge and Oxford, their favorite sci-fi movies, and Gareth's work with startups. Gareth explains his role in helping organizations scale and achieve product-market fit. They also touch on the common problem of startups creating solutions for non-existent problems and the importance of customer orientation and research. In this conversation, Gareth Marlow discusses the challenges and strategies for companies looking to expand internationally, specifically between the UK and the US. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the cultural differences and nuances in each market, as well as the need for localized go-to-market strategies. Gareth also highlights the significance of working with local experts and building strong relationships to navigate the fundraising process. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the rapid advancements in technology and the potential for democratizing waves in AI and low-code development. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Small Talk 02:57 - Differences Between Cambridge and Oxford 09:29 - Gareth's Role in Scaling Organizations 11:49 - Challenges of Scaling and Going Beyond 500 Employees 13:14 - Startups Creating Solutions for Non-Existent Problems 15:03 - Importance of Customer Orientation and Research 15:09 - Introduction and the Problem Space 16:00 - Expanding in America and Europe: Different Approaches 18:20 - Building Footholds and Organic Growth 20:40 - One Size Does Not Fit All 22:41 - Go-to-Market Strategies and Team Dynamics 26:50 -Red Flags and Warning Signs for Startups 28:25 -Fundraising Tips and Differences in Investment 31:11 -The Potential of Technology Advancements Keywords Gareth Marlow, executive coach, consultant, EQ Systems, Cambridge, Oxford, sci-fi movies, startups, product-market fit, customer orientation, research, international expansion, UK, US, cultural differences, go-to-market strategies, fundraising, technology advancements, AI, low-code development

In this snark-filled episode, Chad & Cheese take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about events of 2024: the merger between two job board giants, Monster and CareerBuilder. Once the dominant forces in the recruitment industry, these two "dinosaurs" are now struggling to survive as they attempt to snuggle up and weather the changing landscape. Chad & Cheese break down how these industry titans fell from grace, touching on Monster’s acquisition by Randstad and CareerBuilder’s dismemberment by Apollo. With their trademark wit, they explore what went wrong—spoiler: Super Bowl commercials and bad leadership played a part—and predict how the merger will likely end. As they navigate the impact of the merger, Chad & Cheese explain why the job board industry is evolving into something more focused on niche markets and innovative performance models, while the "Titans of Old" are left rearranging deck chairs on the sinking ship. Filled with sharp insights and unfiltered commentary, this episode offers listeners a front-row seat to the job board "meteor crash" and what it means for the future of recruiting.  Get ready for some brutal honesty about where the industry is headed and why the old giants may not survive unless they evolve—fast.

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Richard Collins, serial entrepreneur and founder of C Squared Technology, discusses the art of the startup pivot and mastering the challenges and opportunities in the recruitment advertising industry. He shares his experience with building a platform that connects job boards and employers, focusing on delivering qualified applicants. Richard emphasizes the need for a shift from quantity-based metrics like cost per click to quality-based metrics like cost per qualified applicant. He also highlights the importance of community-building and reinvention in the job board industry. Richard also discusses the funding and growth plans for C Squared Technology. Checkout his recent post on the move: https://www.cvwallet.com/post/our-journey-from-smart-cvs-for-jobseekers-to-solving-recruitment-advertising-for-the-ai-age Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 04:10 - From CV Wallet to C Squared Technology 08:59 - The Role of Blockchain in the Industry 10:36 - Pivoting and Adapting to the Changing Market 12:24 - Tips for Startups Facing a Pivot 13:39 - Shifting from CPC to Qualified and Interested Applicants 19:38 - The Disconnect Between Traffic and Quality 22:04 - The Role of C Squared Technology in the Job Board Ecosystem 26:36 - Building a Platform and the Future of C Squared Technology 33:00 - Reflections on the Changing Landscape of Tech Startups 36:40 - Funding and Growth Plans for C Squared Technology Keywords Richard Collins, Beverly Collins, C Squared Technology, ClickIQ, Indeed, IndeedIQ, recruitment advertising, job boards, qualified applicants, cost per click, cost per qualified applicant, platform, community-building, funding, growth plans, Appcast, CV Wallet

With Chad jet lagged from his trip back home from Portugal, Work It Daily's J.T. O'Donnell fills in. The main themes include the changing expectations of job seekers, the importance of authenticity and authentication in employer branding, the impact of AI and automation on job applications, the rise of video in recruitment, the role of social media in employee activism, and the right to disconnect from work. The conversation also touches on the cooling labor market and the challenges faced by job seekers in finding suitable employment. What's more? Joel and J.T. discuss various topics related to employment and the workforce. They touch on the impact of the economy on different age groups, the future of recruiting, the rise of remote work, and the challenges of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. They also discuss the launch of LinkedIn's podcast aimed at Gen Z and the controversy surrounding an ageist report by Indeed. Takeaways Job seekers now expect the job to find them, thanks to the influence of platforms like TikTok. Authenticity is important, but job seekers also want authentication to ensure that employers are who they say they are. Video is becoming a crucial tool in recruitment, allowing job seekers to showcase their skills and employers to provide an authentic view of their company. Job seekers are using social media to document and validate their experiences, challenging traditional power dynamics in the workplace. The right to disconnect from work is becoming increasingly important, especially for younger generations who prioritize work-life balance. The economy has different impacts on different age groups, with younger individuals facing challenges in finding employment and older individuals experiencing age discrimination. The future of recruiting is uncertain, with the rise of AI and automation potentially reducing job opportunities in certain sectors. Remote work is becoming more prevalent and offers opportunities for individuals to have flexible and fractional careers. Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in companies are facing challenges and pushback, with some companies scaling back their initiatives. LinkedIn's launch of a podcast aimed at Gen Z reflects the growing importance of podcasts as a medium for professional content. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 01:34 - Introducing J.T. O'Donnell and her Background 02:21 - The Changing Expectations of Job Seekers 03:45 - The Importance of Authenticity and Authentication in Employer Branding 06:33 - The Rise of Video in Recruitment 07:59 - The Role of Social Media in Employee Activism 08:46 - The Right to Disconnect from Work 09:57 - The Cooling Labor Market and Challenges for Job Seekers 24:42 - The Impact of the Economy on Different Age Groups 27:24 - The Future of Recruiting and the Rise of AI 28:56 - The Opportunities and Challenges of Remote Work 37:46 - The Challenges of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 48:17 - LinkedIn's Podcast Aimed at Gen Z Keywords job market, job seekers, authenticity, authentication, AI, automation, video, social media, employee activism, right to disconnect, labor market, employment, workforce, economy, ageism, recruiting, remote work, diversity, equity, inclusion, LinkedIn, podcast

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Yehuda Beller, co-founder and CRO at Worklik joins the Chad and Cheese podcast for a session of Firing Squad. WorkLik is a video-based job platform that aims to improve the candidate experience and connect job seekers with employers. They focus on hourly workers and Gen Z job seekers who are tired of the traditional hiring process. They've raised $2.5 million in seed funding and are planning to raise a Series A round soon. They offer a pay-per-match model, where employers only pay when they match with a qualified candidate. Sounds familiar, but do they have something unique enough to make it out alive? Gotta listen. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 05:05 - The Name and Funding 06:15 - The Relevance of Video Resumes 07:51 - Funding and Advisory Board 09:13 - Background and Expertise of the Leadership Team 12:00 - Creating Video Intros and Work History 13:30 - Target Audience and User Experience 14:16 - Video Resumes and Risk Assessment 17:04 - Matching Candidates with Job Requirements 18:46 - Focus on Hourly Work and Part-Time Jobs 21:41 - Improving the Candidate Experience 24:43 - Emphasizing the Human Connection 26:13 - Engaging Candidates Through Chat Messaging 29:46 - Expanding Reach Through Social Media 35:16 - Pay-Per-Match: A Cost-Effective Model

This week, the boys are doing their best Charles Dickens impressions, but instead of two cities, they're waxing poetic about the tale of two applicant tracking systems: SmartRecruiers and iCIMS. One is making all the right moves, while the other one, well, not-so-much. Then it's on to Amazon, whose new Amazon Q technology is taking the world by storm ... and possibly putting a lot of developers out of work. Yikes! Then it's time for a little Buy-or-Sell, featuring Pangeam, Micro1 and Workpay. More disagreement this time than usual, so hopefully you like fireworks. And if you don't like fireworks, hopefully you like chicken, becauase Chick-fil-A is back in the news. And speaking of chicken, don't even get Chad started on Chicken Cock Whiskey ... you just need to listen. Chapters 01:00 - Euro Chad goes deep 03:40 - Chicken Cock Whiskey 05:18 - Oasis, PeralJam and Xers 08:25 - Kelce's New Heights rein in $100m 12:00 - Fantasy Football 14:15 - CEO Divergence 20:01 - iCIMS: Potential Acquisition Strategy and Layoffs 21:01 - SmartRecruiters: Industry Knowledge and Global Expansion 21:14 - Impact of CEO Changes on Global Growth Strategies 21:30 - Comparing iCIMS and SmartRecruiters 27:36 - The Impact of Amazon Q 34:54 - Recent Funding: Pangem, Micro One, and Workpay 43:32 - Chick-fil-A's Misadventure in the Streaming Market Keywords SmartRecruiters, iCIMS, CEO changes, acquisitions, layoffs, global growth strategy, iCIMS, SmartRecruiters, HR tech, AI, software development, Amazon Q, Pangem, Micro One, Workpay, Chick-fil-A, streaming platform

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.

Matt Fischer, President and COO of Bullhorn, joins the Chad and Cheese podcast to discuss the evolution of Bullhorn and the future of the recruiting industry. Fischer shares his background and how he got into the staffing and tech industry. He also talks about the importance of AI in recruiting and how it can optimize the human element of the job. The conversation covers Bullhorn's recent acquisition of Textkernel and the benefits it brings to the company. Fischer also discusses Bullhorn's marketplace and venture investments, as well as the state of the staffing industry. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:58 - Bullhorn's Evolution and Acquisition of Textkernel 08:39 - The Importance of Bullhorn's Marketplace and Venture Investments 11:05 - The State of the Staffing Industry 16:08 - No Immediate Plans for an IPO: Focus on Private Equity Sponsors Keywords Matt Fischer, Bullhorn, recruiting industry, AI, Textkernel, marketplace, venture investments, staffing industry

This week, Chad and Cheese discuss various topics including the DNC, immersive technology, Chick-fil-A's elevated drive-through, Shawn Fain's speech on American workers, Alex Cooper's $100 million podcast deal, and upcoming events like RecFest and fantasy football. They also touch on Chris Bakke leaving X Hiring after one year, as well as the decline of Indeed and its questionable strategies, as well as the launch of ZipRecruiter's new podcast. The conversation then shifts to the role of AI in coding and the potential impact on developers. Finally, they touch on the controversial law in Indiana that requires age verification for viewing pornography online. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 01:41 - Real People and Relatable Moments at the DNC 06:28 - Immersive Technology 10:46 - Shawn Fain Fighs for American Workers 13:06 - Alex Cooper's $100 Million Podcast Deal 18:22 - Chris Bakke Leaves X Hiring 24:28 - Indeed's Tomfuckery 30:05 - ZipRecruiter's Launch a Podcast? 35:47 - AWS AI in Coding 44:18 - Indiana Hates Freedom Keywords Democratic National Convention, immersive technology, Chick-fil-A, elevated drive-through, Sean Fain, American workers, Alex Cooper, podcast deal, RecFest, fantasy football, Chris Bocchi, X, recruiting industry, Chris Russell, X hiring, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, AI, coding, pornography, age verification

The Shred is a weekly roundup of who’s raised funds, who’s getting acquired and who’s on the move in the world of recruitment. The Shred is brought to you today by Jobcase.