Ghosted by the Machine

Ghosted by the Machine explores the human side of hiring through honest conversations with job seekers, recruiters, HR leaders, and workplace experts. Host Mark Lane gives people a voice in a world increasingly filtered by algorithms. Real humans. Real stories. Let’s make hiring human again.

Ghosted by the Machine is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 53 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Ghosted by the Machine, a business show with 53 episodes published.

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  Episode #54

  Why Qualified Candidates Get Missed

  Aug 17, 20261h 6m

  Why are qualified candidates applying to hundreds of jobs and still struggling to get interviews? This episode examines today’s hiring process from both sides, with recruiter Joe Shanbaum and resume writer Melissa Kelley breaking down what job seekers are experiencing and what employers are actually looking for. The conversation covers resume strategy, confusing job descriptions, skills alignment, Applicant Tracking Systems, AI-assisted applications, ghosting, and common job search myths. You’ll learn why constantly rewriting your resume may not be the answer, how to show the business value behind your experience, when to apply even if you do not meet every requirement, and why technology still cannot replace communication and human judgment in hiring. Melissa Kelley - linkedin.com/in/mkelleycprw Joe Shanbaum - linkedin.com/in/joeshanbaum Key Takeaways Qualified candidates can still be overlooked even when they have relevant experience. A resume should build a business case for why an employer should talk to you, not simply list responsibilities. Achievements and measurable impact are more valuable than a list of job duties. Job descriptions play a critical role in helping candidates understand whether their skills align with an opportunity. Candidates should focus resume customization on the most relevant skills instead of completely rewriting their resume for every application. Applicant Tracking Systems are only as effective as the way employers configure and use them. AI can help tailor resumes and applications, but its output should never be treated as a finished product. Candidates need to be able to explain and defend everything AI helps them put on a resume. Meeting roughly 70% of a job’s requirements may still be enough reason to apply. Communication, feedback, empathy, and human involvement remain essential to a better hiring experience. Timestamps 00:00 Why today’s job market feels contradictory 06:04 Why job descriptions matter 09:00 Why resumes stop getting results 17:54 What gets candidates noticed 26:37 How ATS actually affects hiring 34:08 How much should you customize resumes? 42:52 Using AI during the job search 49:55 Balancing AI with your own voice 56:19 Why candidate communication matters 78:55 Keeping the human element in hiring Keywords job search resume writing Applicant Tracking Systems AI in hiring candidate experience job descriptions skills-based hiring resume customization recruiting hiring process

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  Ghosted by the Machine

  How to Navigate Job Search Uncertainty

  Aug 10, 202616 min

  Today’s job search can feel unpredictable, especially when traditional career paths no longer guarantee the next opportunity. This episode explores how job seekers can navigate uncertainty, use contract work to build experience, recognize transferable skills, and maintain confidence when hiring feels increasingly difficult to predict. Lisa Warren shares what she has learned from her own job search, including why broadening your skills can create more career options, why resilience develops through difficult experiences, and how even small moments of human connection from recruiters can make a meaningful difference. Key Takeaways Contract work can provide experience while creating new career possibilities. Broadening your skill set can give you more control over your career direction. Resilience develops through navigating uncertainty, rejection, and disappointment. Transferable skills can be valuable even when they do not perfectly match a job description. Job seekers need to clearly communicate how their experience applies across different roles. Career paths do not always need to follow a straight line. Market conditions can influence hiring outcomes regardless of a candidate’s qualifications. There may be no reliable way to “game” today’s hiring system. Recruiters can make a meaningful difference through simple acts of communication and respect. Hope can come from recognizing that other talented people are experiencing many of the same challenges. Connect with Lisa - linkedin.com/in/lisazwarren Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and career background 00:46 Job searching and contract work 02:15 Building resilience through uncertainty 04:28 How contract work builds confidence 07:04 Broadening skills in today’s market 09:45 Defining the ideal next opportunity 10:43 Transferable skills as a superpower 11:54 What recruiters misunderstand about candidates 14:40 Finding hope during the job search 15:45 Final thoughts and next steps Keywords job search contract work transferable skills career resilience career transition hiring process career growth candidate experience job market career development

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  Episode #52

  Leading People Through AI Change

  Aug 4, 202653 min

  Artificial intelligence is changing the way organizations hire, lead, and support employees, but how do companies embrace innovation without losing the human side of work? In this episode, Mark Lane sits down with Noah Mithrush, Director of Growth Marketing at Guusto and host of HR on the Frontline, to discuss the future of work, AI in HR, employee experience, and why leadership matters more than ever during this period of rapid transformation. Noah shares his perspective on how AI is reshaping recruiting, workplace culture, employee recognition, and decision-making. The conversation explores the opportunities AI creates, the risks of over-reliance on technology, and why organizations must invest in people, training, and change management if they want AI to succeed. Whether you're an HR leader, recruiter, manager, or job seeker, this episode offers practical insights into using AI responsibly while keeping trust, empathy, and human connection at the center of work. The discussion emphasizes that technology should support people—not replace them. Connect with Noah - linkedin.com/in/nmithrush Key takeaways AI should enhance people, not replace themLeadership plays a critical role in successful AI adoptionEmployee recognition strengthens workplace cultureHuman oversight remains essential in AI-driven hiringOrganizations need better AI training and change managementCandidate experience depends on communication and empathyEmployee journey mapping should include emotional experiencesAI can improve productivity when integrated thoughtfullyCompanies should focus on responsible AI implementationThe future of work belongs to organizations that balance technology with humanity Timestamps 00:00 AI and the future of work00:30 Meet Noah Mithrush01:03 HR and digital transformation04:38 Why employee recognition matters05:32 The rapid rise of AI07:49 AI in recruiting and hiring17:22 Employee journey mapping26:00 Leadership and AI adoption30:24 Improving hiring with AI48:47 Bringing humanity back to HR Keywords AI in workplaceHR technologyfuture of workemployee experienceleadership and AIworkplace cultureAI recruitmentdigital transformationchange managementemployee recognition

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  Ghosted by the Machine

  Protecting Mental Health During Job Searches

  Jul 28, 202646 min

  Job searching can affect far more than a person’s career. It can damage confidence, strain families, and leave people feeling isolated and defeated. Todd Bertsch joins Mark Lane to discuss the emotional toll of unemployment, how Positive Intelligence can help people manage negativity, and why resilience is built through challenges. They also explore the impact of AI on hiring, the importance of supportive communities, and practical ways job seekers can protect their well-being, rebuild their confidence, and find hope during an uncertain career transition. Connect with Todd - linkedin.com/in/toddmbertsch Key Takeaways Job loss can create a genuine grieving process that should not be dismissed. Prolonged job searching can affect confidence, relationships, and mental well-being. Positive Intelligence can help people recognize and manage negative thought patterns. Resilience develops through challenges, setbacks, and intentional personal growth. Finding meaning in difficult experiences can help change your perspective. Support groups and trusted relationships can reduce isolation during unemployment. Activities that create joy and purpose can help job seekers reignite their motivation. Resume gaps do not define a person’s talent, value, or future potential. AI and automation can make hiring feel disconnected when human interaction disappears. Employers and recruiters can improve the candidate experience by treating people with empathy, dignity, and respect. Timestamps 00:00 The emotional toll of job searching03:04 Building resilience through Positive Intelligence05:54 Understanding the power of negativity09:12 Reigniting your motivation and confidence11:53 Finding community and meaningful support14:59 Processing the grief caused by job loss17:54 Bringing empathy back into recruitment24:14 How AI is affecting job seekers29:00 Creating a strong personal support network32:55 Finding hope during uncertain times Keywords job searchmental healthjob lossresiliencePositive IntelligenceAI in hiringcandidate experiencecommunity supportcareer transitionemotional well-being

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  Ghosted by the Machine

  Winning Jobs in the AI Era

  Jul 21, 202641 min

  Episode Description: This episode explores how artificial intelligence is transforming hiring, recruiting, and the job search while explaining why human connection still matters. You will learn how AI is changing resume screening, candidate sourcing, fraud detection, and hiring decisions, along with practical strategies for standing out in an increasingly automated recruiting process. The conversation also examines why authenticity, professionalism, and relationship building remain essential for both job seekers and recruiters. Connect with William Tincup - linkedin.com/in/tincup Key takeaways AI is transforming how candidates are sourced and evaluatedAuthenticity is becoming more valuable in AI-driven hiringHuman relationships remain critical to career successDifferentiation helps candidates stand out beyond keywordsAI can improve efficiency while reducing repetitive recruiting tasksCandidate communication and feedback strengthen employer brandsProfessionalism still matters in interviews and hiring decisionsTechnology can help reduce bias when implemented thoughtfullyRecruiters and job seekers must adapt to rapid AI advancementsThe future of hiring will combine automation with human judgment Timestamps 00:00 The future of work and AI03:01 The rise of HR podcasts05:46 The AI arms race in hiring08:57 AI resumes and hiring practices11:44 Candidate experience and ageism14:51 Technology in recruiting17:46 The importance of feedback20:44 Why positive feedback matters27:25 Building relationships in a digital world31:49 The future of recruiting and automation Keywords AI in hiringrecruitmentHR technologyjob searchtalent acquisitioncandidate experienceAI detectionfuture of workrecruiting trendsresume optimization

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