What if the key to unlocking the future of recruitment lies not in cutting-edge technology, but in the timeless power of human connection? Could AI, with all its promise, actually be widening the gap between recruiters and the candidates they seek? And in a world where side hustles are on the rise and trust is harder to earn, how can recruiters and job seekers alike navigate the ever-shifting landscape of the job market?
In this episode of Recruiting is No Joke, we get real about the challenges and opportunities in the world of talent acquisition. Today, host Joel Lalgee is joined by Anna Taylor, Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Semperis , a leading cybersecurity software vendor. Together, they’re unpacking some of the biggest trends shaping recruitment right now—from the rise of AI tools to the enduring importance of human connection.
Anna shares her personal journey into recruitment and why she believes that, despite all the tech advancements, the heart of hiring still comes down to people. They dive into the unique challenges of recruiting in the cybersecurity sector, the impact of hybrid work models, and how to spot fraudulent candidates in an age of increasingly sophisticated scams.
But it’s not all about the challenges—Anna and Joel also share practical advice for job seekers, like how to craft a resume that stands out (hint: clarity and authenticity are key) and why networking is still one of the most powerful tools for career growth. Plus, they tackle the rise of side hustles and what it means for employers trying to build trust with their teams.
Whether you’re a recruiter, a hiring manager, or someone navigating the job market, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s get into it!
In this episode:
(00:03) – Introduction to the podcast
(01:06) – Guest introduction
(01:55) – Anna's role at Semperis
(02:31) – Team structure and hiring
(02:58) – Remote vs. hybrid work preferences
(04:14) – Personal experiences with work models
(05:36) – Challenges of remote work
(09:23) – Recruitment journey
(11:30) – Previous experience in HR tech
(12:27) – Learning curve in tech recruitment
(13:43) – Growth of cybersecurity industry
(15:10) – Impact of AI on recruitment
(16:45) – The disruption of recruiting
(18:02) – The adrenaline rush of placement
(19:09) – AI in recruitment tools
(20:41) – Fake employees in interviews
(21:50) – Identifying fraudulent resumes
(22:16) – Consistent LinkedIn profiles
(23:16) – Security breaches during hiring
(24:24) – Application volume and resume trends
(25:16) – What recruiters look for in resumes
(26:10) – The importance of professional experience
(27:13) – Matching resumes to job descriptions
(28:07) – Resume length and relevance
(29:25) – Professional summary considerations
(29:32) – Understanding candidate potential
(30:26) – AI in recruiting challenges
(32:09) – Rise of side hustles
(33:15) – Screening for side hustles
(35:52) – Personal branding and networking
(37:25) – Advice for career starters
(38:44) – Networking strategies
(40:58) – Upcoming events and conferences
(41:46) – Connecting with the company
(42:48) – Long-term networking
About Anna Taylor
Anna Taylor is the Director of Global Talent Acquisition at Semperis, a cybersecurity software vendor specializing in hybrid identity protection. Since joining in January 2022, she has played a pivotal role in scaling the company from 140 to 500 employees across multiple global locations. With a background in HR tech and startup environments, Anna brings a deep understanding of talent acquisition, operations, and workforce strategy. She is passionate about building strong recruitment teams, navigating the challenges of global hiring, and ensuring a seamless candidate experience. Anna is also a strong advocate for ethical hiring practices, particularly in an era of AI-driven recruitment and increasing cybersecurity threats.
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