Is your hiring process losing you top talent before you even make an offer?
If you’re still waiting to “see just one more candidate,” you might already be too late.
In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde-Schroeder sits down with Blake Babcock, Vice President of Client Engagement at Staffing Solutions Enterprises, to unpack the realities of today’s hiring landscape.
They discuss the biggest hiring mistakes that slow employers down—like waiting too long to make an offer—and how to fix them before losing great candidates.
Blake shares tactical advice on how to stand out in a crowded job market, why defining what makes your workplace special is critical, and how to craft job offers that don’t get ignored.
Plus, he breaks down the biggest missteps employers make when evaluating candidates and why the best hire might not check every box on your list.
Episode Highlights & Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Introduction to Blake Babcock and his accidental entry into the recruiting industry
- 02:30 – Are we in a candidate’s or employer’s market? Blake’s take on why hiring remains competitive
- 04:15 – The #1 mistake employers make when trying to attract talent
- 05:50 – Why hiring decisions mirror the sales funnel—and what to do about it
- 07:10 – The toughest roles to fill (and why it’s not about job titles)
- 09:00 – Compensation, benefits, and what really makes an offer competitive
- 12:45 – When to use a staffing firm vs. internal hiring teams
- 16:00 – How to ensure new hires don’t leave within their first 90 days
- 19:00 – Is AI coming for your job? The reality of automation in recruiting
- 23:30 – HR Hot Seat: Hired or Fired? Blake weighs in on Zoom cameras, unlimited PTO, and Gen Z lingo
Episode Links:
- Listen on Spotify
- Listen on Apple Podcasts
- Watch on YouTube
- Learn more about Staffing Solutions Enterprises
