How Storytelling Drives Hiring Success with Jim D’Amico

Denise Chaffin is joined again by Jim D’Amico, VP of Talent Acquisition at Caliber Collision, to discuss the transformation of recruiting from a game of attraction to a strategy of influence. Jim breaks down how psychology, storytelling, and peripheral engagement form the new ecosystem of TA. They explore real-world applications like IP targeting, persona development, and storytelling archetypes, providing actionable strategies for recruiters, hiring managers, and executives alike. This episode is a masterclass on building connection and trust before a job is even posted.

Key Episode Segments:

• The Shift from Attraction to Seduction – Jim explains that recruiting today requires more than just advertising roles; it demands strategic engagement that builds interest before a job even opens.

• Peripheral Engagement as a Long-Term Strategy – By connecting with candidates through value-driven content before they apply, recruiters can establish trust and improve conversion when roles become available.

• First-Person Storytelling Builds Authenticity – Jim emphasizes that personal stories from recruiters resonate far more than secondhand accounts, creating stronger emotional connections with candidates.

• Persona Development Drives Industry Expansion – Understanding candidate personas allows TA teams to recruit across industries by aligning messaging with the values, goals, and challenges of new audiences.

• IP Targeting Creates a Competitive Edge – With simple tools like IP targeting, recruiters can serve consistent, subtle messages to passive talent, laying the groundwork for effective future outreach.