The Blueprint Roundtable: Recent Episodes
Krissy Manzano
The Blueprint Roundtable is an ongoing series with our team and an occasional guest. In each session, we ask the team a simple question related to trends in recruiting, talent, and go-to-market for discussion and debate!
Getting to the offer stage of an interview is exciting. But it can often be one of the more stressful stages of the interview process for the candidate. Questions like whether to negotiate or how to negotiate without looking bad can often leave candidates feeling anxious and unsure about how to proceed confidently.
In this episode, we break down these common concerns and give you practical advice on when to negotiate and when to hold off. We'll help you understand the ins and outs so you can make smart decisions that won't hurt your chances down the road.
Don't miss this episode—it's a must-listen if you want to navigate job offers like a pro and make sure you're getting the best deal possible without ruining future opportunities.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
In today's competitive job market, interviewing has never been tougher. One crucial stage, often dubbed "the knockout round," is where even top candidates can stumble—the mock call step.
In this episode, Emily and Krissy discuss why candidates often fail at this stage, why it's essential for assessing candidates accurately, and how to prepare so your nerves don’t get in the way of showcasing your skills. If you're actively interviewing, this episode is a must-listen.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
This isn't about mastering the art of interviewing; it's about presenting your best self, showcasing your skills and experience. We'll also cover common interview pitfalls to avoid.
Whether you're in a GTM role like sales or marketing, or seeking a different position, these tips are universally applicable. We'll highlight common mistakes that many candidates make during the interview process.
Are you or someone you know job hunting? This 12-minute video could be one of the most helpful resources you watch this week.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Leveraging your network to find your next hire can offer many benefits, but it also comes with potential drawbacks. So, when is the right time to use this approach, and how should you go about it? That's the focus of this episode of the Blueprint Roundtable.
We'll explore all aspects of this strategy, discussing when it makes sense and when it doesn't. Be sure to tune in and listen!
Any tips you'd add? Comment below.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Do candidates frequently stumble at a particular stage of your interview process? If it's during the peer interview step, then this episode is a must-listen.
While securing internal buy-in, especially from peers, is valuable and important, peer interviews can often go wrong. In less then 10 minutes, we'll highlight the common pitfalls of peer interviews and, more importantly, how to improve this step while keeping peers involved in the hiring process.
Any tips you'd add? Comment below.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Hiring the right person and ensuring accountability across the board has never been more important. But the timing and choice of who interviews these candidates remains an open question. This leads us to this week's topic about the C-suite: when should executives step in?
Join us this week as we share tips on when to bring in executives and how to leverage these stakeholders for maximum impact and efficiency.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Layoffs have been a constant presence over the last four years, especially in the tech industry. The ongoing cycle of hiring and reductions in force has not only caused a sense of whiplash but has also sparked a strong desire among many to voice what they perceive as the injustice of their layoffs.
This leads us to our question of the week: Is it professional to record layoffs and share them on social media?
Join us on this episode of the Blueprint Roundtable where we give our honest opinions without holding back. We'll discuss the pros and cons and explore all the ways you can express your experiences truthfully without jeopardizing your future job prospects.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
It seems like every company has its own unique way of conducting interviews, from the questions they ask to the overall process, which can make preparing for them feel like an impossible task. However, there's one common mistake that we've seen candidates make over and over again across all types of interviews.
Join us on this episode of the Blueprint Roundtable as we dive into this critical misstep and discuss how to avoid it, ensuring you make the best impression possible
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Hiring is back but it's harder than ever, for both the candidates and the hiring manager. What used to wow companies isn't working anymore leaving many candidates confused on what they need to do to stand out and prove themselves.
This got us thinking - are candidates doing interview preparation the right way? Join Matt, Chuck, and Krissy and they share their biggest takeaways from 2023 and where the market is heading, showing what hiring managers are really looking for.
In this episode, you'll get excellent tips on how to not only prep for an interview but stand out amongst the crowd. If you're interviewing or thinking about a job/career change then this is an episode you absolutely do not want to miss.
Listen now and don't forget to subscribe to our channel.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
We all know what happens when a number shows up calling our phone we don't recognize. More than ever recently the level of spam calls have multiplied with phone carrier services enacting special software and algorithms to help alert us to calls we send to voicemail.
But this got us thinking - if so much work is going into making sure only individuals you know can reach your phone, is cold calling still going to be an effective sales strategy in 2024 and beyond?
Join Matt and Krissy for this episode as they share their views on where selling is headed and how relationships and connections will matter more then ever in the future.
Tune in and don't forget to subscribe!
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Finding the perfect candidate for a role is hard, but can they be too perfect? Is there a red flag for too much experience or someone in a senior role applying for a junior to mid-level role?
This is one of the few roundtable episodes where we don't all agree but have some great tips and takeaways for hiring managers and also candidates who fall into this category.
Make sure to listen in and leave a comment with any tips you might have. Happy hiring!
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
The first part of this episode was a real hit, and it's no surprise, considering the tough hiring challenges companies are facing. While opinions on these challenges may differ, one thing is crystal clear: we're in the midst of a massive hiring shift, and the old ways just won't cut it anymore.
Get ready for Part 2, where we'll delve even deeper into the burning question: "Are we placing too much emphasis on industry experience?" We'll also explore how the interview process needs to step up its game to stay competitive.
Join us for this episode to catch our insights and, of course, some good ol' BP banter that we couldn't resist including.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Buyers are changing the way they buy, and it's making us rethink our strategies. This got us wondering if there's a top-notch sales methodology that outshines the others. But maybe the bigger question is, are the sales methodologies still relevant?
Tune into this week's episode of the Blueprint Roundtable to hear our thoughts.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Nothing is more important then getting a new hire up to speed, to hit the ground running as soon as possible. But how you do this and what is expected from the new hire is often where opinions and results vary. And that's this week's question on the Blueprint Roundtable - "What is the quickest way to effectively onboard a new hire?"
Join Krissy, Matt, and Emily as they share their perspectives with solid tips and best practices that are guaranteed to get your new hires in a position for success.
While role and seniority are certainly factors, but the real game-changer lies in knowing how to evaluate skills and behaviors throughout the hiring process. This understanding is the key to consistently achieving excellent and and realistic results for every hire, every time.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Join us on the Blueprint Round Table as we dive into the practical aspects of "Navigating Your First Sales Role." In this conversation, experienced sales professionals Krissy Manzano and Emily Bell share their valuable insights to help you excel in your sales career, whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your skills.
From mastering product knowledge, understanding your competition, and navigating market dynamics to efficient time management and effective prospecting, this episode provides a roadmap for success in the sales world.
If you're looking to make a significant impact in the field of sales, this episode offers down-to-earth insights and strategies to enhance your sales skills. Tune in now for practical advice that can benefit your sales career!
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Interviewing can sometimes feel like a strategic game, where both sides are cautious, aiming to unravel each other's backgrounds and intentions. Initially, the company may hold more bargaining power, but as the interview progresses, gut feelings and potential pitfalls often become recurring themes. Instead of genuinely grasping a candidate's valuable skills and behaviors, interviewers sometimes focus on these to eliminate rather than understand.
It's important to note that no two interviews are identical, yet there are moments when interviewers expect candidates to almost read their minds or intuit the next step. This leads us to this week's thought-provoking question: Is it considered unethical to provide guidance to a candidate during the interview process?
Join us, Krissy, Emily, and Lizzy, as we delve into this somewhat controversial topic, offering distinct perspectives on how to navigate it ethically, ensuring a win-win outcome for both parties involved.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
We can acknowledge that recruiting and hiring are difficult, time-consuming endeavors that can be draining. However, what poses an even greater challenge is conducting a covert search operation.
Join Chuck, Krissy, and Matt as they delve into the intricacies of executing an efficient stealth mode search. They'll shed light on the potential pitfalls to navigate, underscore the critical importance of a well-structured process, and emphasize the significance of delivering an exceptional candidate experience. Tune in for invaluable insights on this subject.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
Is having an MBA valuable after you have a working history? That's the topic and question we have on today's Blueprint Roundtable. Join Matt, Krissy, and Chuck as they share personal insights, tips for standing when getting your MBA, and some realistic expectations everyone who goes after this graduate degree should have.
Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the world of interviewing, hiring, and recruiting by subscribing to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTubeour website, and never miss an episode. Where perspectives transform into practice—this is the Blueprint Roundtable. #BlueprintRoundtable
As technology continues its rapid advancement, a plethora of new sourcing tools have emerged, providing recruiters (both internal and external) with an array of options to connect with talent.Â
This prompts a pertinent question: Is LinkedIn still the ultimate platform for discovering and engaging with top-tier candidates? To shed light on this inquiry, we've enlisted the expertise of our LinkedIn Recruiter guru, Lizzy Castro. Additionally, Emily will enlighten us about some exciting tech innovations worth exploring.
Don't miss out on this week's Blueprint Roundtable, where the entire discussion unfolds. Join us for a comprehensive exploration of the topic.
Welcome to a captivating episode of the Blueprint Round Table podcast as host Krissy Manzano leads a discussion with her fellow hosts, Lizzy and Emily.Â
Together they are tackling the timeless dilemma faced by recruiters and hiring managers: Should they prioritize a candidate's potential and ability to learn or their proven industry experience? Tune in to explore the nuances surrounding this topic, from the role of experience in leadership positions to the benefits of fresh perspectives brought by candidates from different industries.Â
Discover why the obsession with experience might not always lead to success and how embracing potential could pave the way for more effective hiring strategies. Don't miss this insightful episode that challenges conventional hiring practices and offers valuable insights for professionals across all industries.
The way we work has transformed dramatically since the COVID-19 outbreak. Remote work became a global necessity during the pandemic, leading to success for both businesses and individuals. Fast forward almost four years, and we're witnessing a new trend: a mix of remote and office work.
In this podcast episode, we're diving into this question: Is the traditional office rebounding and is there an impact on hiring and employee performance? Join our hosts, Emily, Chuck and Krissy, as they debate the topic. They'll cover everything from the benefits of starting a job in person, which helps build strong relationships, to how remote work can provide a better work-life balance and support system for busy parents.
Tune in as we explore this important topic and shed light on the changing landscape of work.
Being transparent and sharing the salary range within a job description is something we all agree is attractive but companies still hesitate to put out there.Â
In this episode of the Blueprint Roundtable, we are digging into the why.Â
We unravel the reasons behind this reluctance among companies and hiring managers even before the interview stage.Â
Does this hesitation help or hinder the interview process?Â
Can salary transparency inadvertently attract the wrong candidates or lead to unrealistic demands from applicants, expecting the top-end compensation?
Moreover, we explore the potential risks associated with internal employees having visibility into their colleagues' pay. Is there a fear of unrest or discontent within the organization?
Whether you're an employer, hiring manager, or job seeker, this episode is packed with information that will shed light on the impact of salary transparency and its role in shaping the employment landscape.
Prepare to dive into the depths of wisdom and resilience on this week's captivating episode of the Blueprint Roundtable. Hosted by Lizzy Castro, join Matt and Krissy as they unravel the profound topic of how hard-earned experiences shape our journey toward wisdom.
Through storytelling and personal anecdotes, Matt and Krissy share part of their journey, revealing the invaluable lessons they've learned during challenging times. Discover their secrets to harnessing adversity, using it as a catalyst for personal growth and inner strength.
Be prepared to be inspired as they share their time-tested strategies for not just surviving, but thriving in the face of adversity.
Feeling the urgency to hire, but drowning in a sea of countless applicants for the role? Don't worry, we've got your back!
Tune in to the latest episode of the Blueprint Roundtable, where our team dives into actionable strategies for effectively managing inbound applicants. Learn how to conquer the daunting task of sifting through the backlog while ensuring that you don't overlook that hidden gem among the crowd, all while still having ample time to engage in effective outreach to passive candidates.
Join us as we provide practical advice and invaluable insights on navigating this challenging hiring process.Â
Welcome to another episode of The Blueprint Roundtable! In this episode, Krissy Manzano takes the lead as our host, joined by Matt Lewers and Chuck Brotman. Together, they tackle the intriguing question: Can someone be overqualified for a job they apply for?Â
The conversation revolves around the perception of over-qualification and its impact on the hiring process. Matt shares his changed perspective, while Chuck brings up the issue of age bias.Â
Join us for an insightful discussion as we delve into the complexities of job qualifications.
In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Matt Lewers, Krissy Manzano, and Chuck Brotman delve into a pressing question that many businesses face: Should board members and investors be part of the hiring process for individual contributors? Join the conversation as they explore the pros and cons of involving high-level stakeholders in the hiring process.Â
Discover the nuances, challenges, and considerations surrounding this topic as the team engages in a lively discussion.Â
Whether you're a hiring manager, a business owner, or simply interested in the dynamics of building a team, this episode offers valuable insights into the role of board members and investors in the hiring process for individual contributors.
In this episode, we'll explore practical strategies, share personal stories, and offer valuable insights to help you overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.Â
Whether you're facing difficulties in your personal life, career, or society at large, our expert guests and hosts will provide down-to-earth advice and inspiring anecdotes to guide you toward resilience, adaptability, and a brighter future. Tune in and discover how to navigate tough times with determination, practicality, and renewed hope.
Hiring the right candidate can be a daunting task. What exactly should you be looking for? What criteria will set them up for success in your organization? In the pursuit of finding the perfect candidate, many hiring processes heavily emphasize industry experience. But is this focus on industry expertise limiting our ability to identify truly exceptional talent?Â
On this episode, we explore the question of whether industry experience should be the ultimate determining factor in hiring decisions.
Through compelling data, real-life examples, and actionable insights, this episode encourages listeners to question the status quo and reevaluate their hiring criteria.
On this episode we delve into the intricacies of compensation negotiation, exploring the factors that shape job seekers' outlook.
Through candid discussions, expert insights, and real-world examples, we unravel the ever-changing landscape of the job market. From economic trends to global events, join us as we analyze the forces at play and provide practical strategies to help job seekers navigate compensation negotiations with confidence.
If you're interested in the business world, you've probably heard of "Go-to-Market" (GTM) hiring. With technology constantly advancing, the way companies approach GTM hiring is changing like never before.
In this episode of the Blueprint Roundtable, we dive deep into this topic, discussing how companies are now requiring more specialized skills for each role as they continue to expand and multiply by the thousands.
But why are these changes happening? What are the benefits and drawbacks of this approach? Tune in to find out! Whether you're a business owner, a job seeker, or just curious about the future of hiring practices, this episode is not to be missed.
On this week's episode of the Blueprint Roundtable, we tackle the question that's been on everyone's mind: why are hiring timelines getting longer? This delay can be frustrating for both job seekers and employers alike.Â
We'll explore the various factors that have contributed to this trend, from the rise of remote work to the increasing competition for top talent. Whether you're a job seeker or an employer, we'll provide practical solutions to help you navigate these challenges and optimize your hiring process.
Join us as we tackle this important issue and provide expert insights on how to adapt to the changing landscape of hiring. Whether you're looking for a job or trying to fill a position, this episode will give you the tools you need to succeed.
Are you feeling stuck in your current job or itching for a change, but worried about making a bad decision? You're not alone. In this episode of the Blueprint Roundtable, we'll be exploring the idea of giving yourself permission to pivot.
Many people are held back by the fear of taking a step in a new direction that might set them back or leave them in a less prestigious position. But what if we told you that being strategic is the key to a successful pivot? It's not about where you currently rank on the totem pole of your workplace. Instead, it's about having a plan and being intentional with your career moves.
Tune in as we dive into the strategies and mindset shifts you can adopt to make a career change that truly aligns with your goals and aspirations. Don't let fear hold you back any longer - it's time to give yourself permission to pivot.
As we near the end of Women's History Month, we thought it would be fitting to address a question that's been on many people's minds: do women still face fewer opportunities in the workplace today?Â
Join us for an insightful podcast episode where we'll delve into the reality of this issue and explore personal experiences to shed light on the matter.
Trying to hire the best talent for a role can sometimes feel like a shot in the dark, especially when they are entry-level. But when you have the right hiring process in place, you can identify an individual's true potential and ability with more certainty.
On this episode, we will explore the ins and outs of an effective role-play process for candidates. Our expert guests will share their valuable insights and tips on how to run a successful role-play, ensuring you find the best talent for the job.
Whether you are a recruiter or a hiring manager, this episode will equip you with the necessary tools to streamline your hiring process and identify the right fit for your company.
Listen as we dive into the topic of an ideal candidate profile. Join Chuck, Matt, and Krissy from the Blueprint team as they discuss its purpose, key components, benefits, and why it’s crucial to have one in place to have a clear to make effective hires.
Whether you’re an employer looking for your next candidate or a job seeker wanting to understand what employers are seeking, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to create an ideal candidate profile that can help you find the right fit for your team or career.Â
As always, thank you for listening!
In this episode, we explore the importance of candidate experience and how it can influence an organization's ability to attract and retain top talent. Our team shares tips and best practices for creating a positive candidate experience, from the application process to onboarding and beyond.Â
Whether you're a hiring manager, HR professional, or a job seeker, this episode provides valuable insights into the power of candidate experience and how it can impact your success in today's job market.Â
Join us this week as we discuss whether a two-weeks notice from candidates in today's market.
On this week’s episode, we delve into some of the taboo topics in recruiting that are not often discussed openly.
There seems to be some disagreement about what is expected of a candidate in terms of interview etiquette, but there are also some common expectations that most hiring managers have. In this episode, we discuss the tradition of sending a thank you note after an interview and whether it is a necessary part of the process.
Social media has blown up over the last decade with LinkedIn topping the charts on the professional side. But if a candidate doesn't have a LinkedIn page, should hiring managers be concerned?
On this week's episode, we discuss the practice of back-channeling candidates and whether it is considered ethical or not.
Join us as we talk about the effectiveness of hiring athletes for sales positions, and whether or not athletic experience should be considered a key factor in the hiring process.
For some time, people have tried to identify warning signs on a resume before interviewing candidates. In today's episode, Krissy, Matt, and Emily address one of the most debated warning signs: when a candidate has transitioned from a management role to an individual contributor role and discuss whether this should really be viewed as a red flag.