Open To Work

The Person Behind The Scenes - What It’s Like Supporting Someone Through a Job Search?

For our 50th episode of the Open To Work Podcast, we’re doing something special.I’m joined by my wife — Mrs. Parker — for an honest conversation about what it’s really like to support someone through a job search. From the moment I was made redundant, through the highs, lows, and uncertainty, to finally landing a new role, she was there through it all. This episode shares her side of the story — the emotions, the surprises, and what we both learned along the way.In this episode, we talk about: - What it felt like when I was first made redundant - The toughest moments during the job search (for both of us) - How she supported me, and what she found hardest- The emotional impact of finally landing a new role - Advice for anyone supporting a partner through career uncertainty Whether you're the one searching or the one supporting, we hope this episode helps you feel less alone. And now check out the How To Get Hired Playbook https://bit.ly/matthewgethired Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/ Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/interview-questions As ever thank you to our Sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

Farah Sharghi on Navigating Internal Job Moves and Office Politics

In this episode of the Open To Work Podcast, career coach and former tech recruiter Farah Sharghi joins us to break down everything you need to know about navigating internal job moves—from preparing for internal interviews to dealing with the politics that often come with making a move inside your own company. If you’re eyeing a promotion, a lateral shift, or just want to grow without leaving your current employer, this episode is packed with practical advice and real talk about what works (and what doesn’t).Topics Covered: • How internal interviews differ from external ones • What hiring managers really look for in internal candidates • How to prepare when you’re already “known” inside the company • Managing internal reputation and handling tricky manager dynamics • How to advocate for yourself without stepping on toes Whether you’re ready to level up or just want to be ready when the right opportunity opens up, Farah’s advice will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on job search strategy, career growth, and hiring insights. Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVBwYU5udzAzTEFXYnowaXNCeHdtbTVxd0ZuZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsaWg2TmJrXzlGRWI1RFd4S1ZtMjNrYVgtTFVoSHRncGw1MUdGY21vLTN4WkQwQUc2SGJOaHRIRlBVX0haUmJFTU9xLXhnUXM2MjZGVEdSVVAxLXI0QlIwNGg5V0F5a2xvMVFNSERlcldVRGx1NnF1Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fopentoworktoolkit.substack.com%2F&v=uCywcABftpw]Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/i... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFpKaWpjR2s3SU5JdEhHNG0taGxuVGtrRjhLd3xBQ3Jtc0tudEttc05lcGpPVDdfNm1kZXBUYnRudjBYTHNBQUQwMFNuMTg0MkFVeDBPTmUzWlBKWERkeUNMV2hTUWhTdU1jaENkdmt2Qm1ZdGZmSGtkTnk4NVhYaUlTeVpIeHpvRHZQbHpfd0t5QzA0b1NpYzZyWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hireguide.com%2Fresources%2Finterview-questions&v=uCywcABftpw]As ever thank you to our Sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2o4MWJIOUFUY1FOVWp6Uk1vV1VuUUVJTVhsQXxBQ3Jtc0tsOGtERXFrRWYwaGVZTk1sQ0xid0pUejlPVUdUbVB3ZGZYb29EcS0yaHRRZlRHVXNWY0JTMDhReGE1b0JhZ3pFc2Z3cXY4X2hMWnlGWVZmUGhVdVVUYzlOUjlKa0FiZWJrLU5zM25kVFRuNElBdzVudw&q=https%3A%2F%2Faldersonjames.com%2F&v=uCywcABftpw] Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkN5OU93eDhnOGlLSV9jVUJ5OUthOExWeHRtQXxBQ3Jtc0trd3dIeUlRakptMWk4SHc1bXNHOWJSZVRwcnR3OEp4MXpmVHV2QXhxbjZCRXJLcnJkRmxvTlR5REVsYnEtY1RWc3NCWTNta0hzMTU5S0pQV0ZRX1ZoTjhuckVyYnBZT0o0dmpRUHBqeHE1TW9SYzZpcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hireguide.com%2F&v=uCywcABftpw]

Can Your Tweets Cost You the Job? A lawyer on the Future of Background Screening

What actually happens during a background check? What can make or break a reference call? And could your social media presence soon be part of the process? Hamraj shares his legal insight and practical advice to help job seekers understand what’s being checked, why it matters, and how to prepare.🔍 Topics Covered:The difference between background checks and reference checksWhat employers are really looking forHow background checks are evolving with remote work and AIWhether social media screening is becoming standard practiceHow candidates can prepare—and what to fix before it’s flaggedWhether you're job hunting or just curious about what’s happening behind the scenes after you hit “apply,” this episode will give you clarity, context, and peace of mind.Thanks as ever to our sponsors Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/ and Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on job search strategy, hiring insights, and career growth.

Are You Really AI-Ready? What Job Seekers & Companies Need to Know.

How do you become AI-ready in today’s fast-changing job market? In this episode, we speak with Martyn Redstone, founder of genAssess and an expert in AI for recruitment, about how both job seekers and companies can prepare for the future of work.Topics covered: • What does it really mean to be AI-ready? • The key difference between an AI-enabled candidate and an AI-ready employee • Practical AI skills to put on your resume • How companies are integrating AI into hiring and operations • Why AI literacy is becoming a must-have skill across industriesWhether you’re job hunting, hiring, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this conversation will give you clear, practical insights into navigating the AI-driven workplace.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly episodes on job search strategy, hiring trends, and career growth.Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type -https://www.hireguide.com/resources/i...As ever thank you to our Sponsors:Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/

Stop Spamming. Start Connecting! Mike Peditto on Authentic Networking

Stop Spamming. Start Connecting! Mike Peditto on Authentic NetworkingIn this week's episode, Matthew is joined by Mike Peditto, content creator, Talent Acquisition Director and job search advisor offering sound advice to those seeking to find the right job. The pair discuss the key topic of networking, focusing on what makes the process authentic and what you can do to improve your network.Sign up for our free weekly job search tips in our newsletter - https://opentoworktoolkit.substack.com/ Be sure to check out HireGuide's exclusive glossary of interview questions by job type - https://www.hireguide.com/resources As ever thank you to our Sponsors: Alderson James https://aldersonjames.com/ Hireguide https://www.hireguide.com/