A job seeker submits their application. They wait. And wait. But there’s no call, no email—just silence. What they don’t know is that their fate was sealed in milliseconds, judged by AI-driven algorithms they’ll never see, for reasons they’ll never understand.
Are we witnessing a revolution that will elevate recruitment to new heights? Or are we on the verge of losing the human touch in hiring forever?
In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, Joel Lalgee sits down with Matt Pietsch to unravel the truth behind recruitment’s rapid evolution.
With decades of experience in human capital management, Matt has seen it all—the rise of cutting-edge HR tech, the fragmentation of applicant tracking systems, and the growing pains of an industry struggling to keep up with change. But with AI transforming hiring at an unprecedented pace, one question looms large: Are we making recruitment more efficient, or are we losing the personal touch that truly makes a difference?
Matt and Joel dive deep into the current job market, exposing the hidden challenges candidates face and the technology gaps recruiters must overcome. Can a more unified system bring order to the chaos? And in a world where automation is king, how do we keep genuine human relationships at the heart of hiring?
But that’s not all. The debate over remote work versus returning to the office is more intense than ever. How do companies measure productivity fairly? Are younger workers really craving in-person collaboration, or is flexibility the ultimate key to success? And what about working parents—how can they navigate a workforce that wasn’t built with them in mind?
With fresh insights, bold predictions, and a no-nonsense look at the future of human capital management, this episode is a must-listen. The future of work is changing—are you ready to adapt? Let’s dive in!
In this episode:
(00:03) Introduction to the episode
(01:12) Guest introduction
(01:48) Matt's background in recruitment
(02:01) Early recruitment experience
(02:45) Client relationships in recruitment
(03:15) Volume of calls in early career
(04:32) Evolution of recruiter value
(06:00) Face-to-face interactions in recruitment
(07:21) Progression in Matt's career
(08:26) Experience with startups
(09:33) Understanding HR tech landscape
(11:09) Innovation in ATS market
(13:16) Total talent management concept
(14:48) AI's impact on recruitment
(15:29) Candidate experience challenges
(17:18) Human interaction in recruiting
(19:13) Disconnect in recruitment processes
(20:14) The evolution of recruitment technology
(21:36) The future of recruitment staffing
(22:00) The impact of technology on human interaction
(23:39) The importance of face-to-face interaction
(24:36) Building an offline brand
(25:37) Value over discounts in sales
(26:06) Shifting focus to value in job applications
(28:00) ROI in employment relationships
(29:09) Changing dynamics of job security
(29:40) Discussion on remote work
(30:45) Deferred resignation announcement
(31:47) Flexibility in work environments
(32:42) Measuring productivity
(33:36) Remote work benefits
(34:36) Young workers' preferences
(35:33) Impact of return-to-office mandates
(36:34) Corporate decision-making
(37:15) Commuting challenges
(38:53) Childcare challenges
(40:14) Measuring productivity challenges
(41:05) Outlook for hiring market in 2025
(42:32) Networking opportunities
(43:09) Closing remarks
About Matt Pietsch
Matt Pietsch is a C-Suite Executive, CRO / CSO / Advisor, with over 25 years of experience in Human Capital Management, HRTech, and innovative SaaS products businesses. He is a proven business transformer, revenue accelerator, and creator of exceptional shareholder value. Whether in a situation that requires restructuring, turnaround, accelerating a successful business, revamping the go-to-market strategy, or global expansion, he positions companies for success, including exit.
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About Joel Lalgee
Joel Lalgee is an i