Hiring and job searching have changed dramatically over the last few years — and this season of the podcast has been all about pulling back the curtain on what's really going on.

In the first half of the season, I had deep conversations with frontline recruiters about what’s happening behind the scenes in the hiring process. In this mid-season solo episode, I’m digging even deeper into some topics we didn’t get to fully unpack — and giving you a preview of the important conversations coming up.

Here’s what you need to know:

The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) isn’t the one rejecting you. It's a filing cabinet, not a decision-maker. What can automatically disqualify you are qualifying questions on applications — like required degrees, certifications, or experience levels. Answer honestly, but understand that these filters exist.

More importantly, your resume still matters. Someone is (usually) looking at it.

Desperation often leads people to apply to every job they see — but this approach usually leads to more rejection, not more opportunities. Recruiters are looking for a close match to the job description. Without a personal connection or near-perfect alignment, it’s tough to stand out in today's competitive market.

(Check out the free resource on writing powerful resume bullets and previous episodes on interviewing for more support below.)

If you’re getting interviews right now, you’re doing a lot right. Your resume is working. Even if you’re not landing offers, making it to interviews means you’re seen as qualified. In a crowded job market, that’s a huge accomplishment.

With return-to-office (RTO) policies shifting constantly, don’t assume anything. Whether the job is remote, hybrid, or in-office, ask about flexibility, future plans, and expectations before accepting an offer.

The rest of the season will cover:

These aren’t fluffy conversations—they’re real talk with industry pros who are willing to speak the truth.

Julia closes the episode with a reminder that not all recruiters ghost or ignore applicants. Many are advocates who care about making great matches. But—just like any industry—you’ll find good ones and not-so-good ones.

Her mission this season? To connect you with the kind of recruiters who get it and help you succeed.

 Listen to the full episode and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Want to fast-track your next move? Book a free clarity call with Julia and ask about the Career Advancement Intensive—a one-day deep dive to get you unstuck and moving forward.

Freebie: How to write accomplishment-based resume bullet points: https://ridethetidecollective.com/strategies/ultimateresumetip/

Podcast episodes interviewing strategies: