How can job seekers win in a world where roles attract hundreds—if not thousands—of applicants and the hiring process feels like a black hole? This week, Jeff Mains is joined by Garrett Rice, co-founder and CEO of Callings AI, for a compelling look at how AI and modern SaaS tools are reshaping the job hunt—for the candidates themselves.
Garrett draws on his extensive tech background—including years at Apple—to outline why today’s employment search is fundamentally broken, and how Callings AI equips job seekers with workflow, networking, and optimization tools to regain control, clarity, and confidence on their path to a new role. The conversation is rich with actionable insights on standing out, networking with intention, and designing products for real user needs. If you’re a SaaS founder, product builder, or simply navigating your own job transition, this episode is a masterclass in both leadership and innovation.
Key Takeaways
00:00 Empowering Job Seekers with SaaS
04:28 "Career Shift: From Apple to AI"
08:31 Job Application and ATS Challenges
10:51 "Optimizing Job Application Success"
14:48 AI-Enhanced Job Networking Tool
18:29 "Comprehensive Job Search Support"
21:55 Networking Unlocks Hidden Job Market
24:50 Streamlined Job Matching Platform
27:32 AI Boosts Efficiency and Fun
30:20 Improving Candidate Discovery
35:34 "Embrace Internal Growth Over Consultants"
40:05 Division of Roles in Partnership
41:18 Resume Enhancement Tool Unveiled
45:31 Earning Customer Trust Over Awareness
49:25 "Sales Hiring and Resource Sharing"
Tweetable Quotes
"The number one way to win a job is to get out of the pile and into the ‘You’re being considered’ pile—and that’s done through networking." — Garrett Rice
"AI won’t magically solve the job search, but it can finally help level the playing field." — Garrett Rice
"Your resume is a piece of paper. When you reach out, you become human to the company." — Garrett Rice
"If you’re not iterating, you’re not building. Success is just well-managed failure and learning." — Garrett Rice
"Credibility is earned, one relationship at a time—it’s not just about getting your name out there." — Garrett Rice
The Power of Referrals: "I think that the referral incentive is huge and most people completely underestimate that or forget it exists." - Jeff Mains
SaaS Leadership Lessons
Iterate Relentlessly:
"You build, it works a little bit, it doesn’t work in parts. You rebuild and you iterate and iterate and iterate.” — Learn as you go. Product-market fit is a process, not a one-time discovery.
Mission-Driven Building:
Stay laser-focused on delivering value to your core user—even when others try to pull you toward more profitable, “easier” directions.
Make Networking Frictionless:
In both leadership and job search, proactively and intentionally connecting with others is non-negotiable for success.
Credibility Over Noise:
The brand battle isn’t just about visibility. It’s earning trust, one genuine connection at a time, that matters now more than ever.
Co-Founder Synergy Matters:
Build with people you respect and align with. Complementary skill sets and shared values are a startup’s real superpower.
Embrace the Unknowns:
“The idea that you have when you start… is never how it works out.” Be ready to hack through the jungle, not stroll down a paved path.
Guest Resources
garrett@callings.ai
callings.ai
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettrice
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