Ep.12 – Alexa Lane - What It Really Takes to Become a Recruiter

Ep.12 – Alexa Lane - What It Really Takes to Become a Recruiter

Guest: Alexa Lane Industry: Recruiting and Talent Acquisition Episode Summary: Have you ever considered a career in recruiting or talent acquisition? In this episode of The Job Hunt Insider, Rick Boyer sits down with Alexa Lane, Head of Global Talent Acquisition at Placements AI, to explore what it really takes to succeed in the recruiting profession. Alexa shares her non-traditional career journey from marketing and sales to recruiting leadership, discusses the skills that make great recruiters, explains the differences between agency and in-house recruiting, and offers practical advice for breaking into the field. Whether you're considering a career change or simply want an insider's perspective on the hiring profession, this episode is packed with valuable insights and real-world advice. About Alexa: Alexa Lane is the Head of Global Talent Acquisition at Placements AI and a two-time Talent100 award winner. With a career spanning marketing, sales, agency recruiting, and in-house talent acquisition, she brings a unique perspective on building high-performing teams and helping professionals advance their careers. Passionate about mentoring recruiters and leveraging AI to improve hiring, Alexa combines strategic business insight with a genuine commitment to connecting great people with great opportunities. You can connect with Alexa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexakrasnylane [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexakrasnylane] About Rick: Rick is a project manager with a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects. He brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/]. You can also reach out to Rick and listen to all the episodes through The Job Hunt Insider website:  https://jobhuntinsider.com/ [https://jobhuntinsider.com/] The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon, https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book [https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book]. It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. -------------------------------- **Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider** [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider**] If you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights. Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]

Ep.11 – Katie Rasure - Networking Beats Applying: The LinkedIn Strategy That Opens Doors

Networking Beats Applying: The LinkedIn Strategy That Opens Doors Guest: Katie Rasure Industry: LinkedIn Episode Summary: This episode of The Job Hunt Insider focuses on helping you learn how to use LinkedIn to make genuine connections and level up your presence on the platform to get you the results you're looking for LONG TERM instead of continuously chasing short wins. About Katie: Today’s guest is Katie Rasure, a LinkedIn specialist who helps professionals turn their LinkedIn profiles into powerful tools for connection, visibility, and opportunity. She works with entrepreneurs, teams, and individuals to upgrade their profiles, improve their networking strategy, and use LinkedIn more intentionally. In this episode, Katie shares practical advice for job seekers on how to stand out on LinkedIn, connect with the right people, and position themselves so recruiters can actually find them. You can connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-rasure-specialist/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-rasure-specialist/] Her website: https://krdesignsvaservices.my.canva.site/krdesigns-virtual-assistant-services-linktree [https://krdesignsvaservices.my.canva.site/krdesigns-virtual-assistant-services-linktree] About Rick: With a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects, Rick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/] The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon, https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book [https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book]. It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. -------------------------------- ** Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider] ** If you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals and career coaches from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights. Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]

Ep.10 – Shelli K. Spence - Your Experience Isn’t Enough Anymore

You Spent Years Building Credibility — But Does Anyone Outside Your Company Know It? Guest: Shelli K. Spence, Positioning Executives for Their Next Move Industry Focus: Corporate Executives, Directors, Senior Managers Episode Summary: On this episode of The Job Hunt Insider, we’re discussing something most professionals don’t think about until it’s too late: career visibility. My guest is Shelli Spence, a career strategist who helps executives position themselves for their next opportunity before they need it. You will hear lots of great advice and learn about her Optimize, Attract, and Convert Framework. If you’ve spent years building credibility behind closed doors, this conversation will show you how to make sure the right people actually know you exist. About Shelli: After building a successful career in senior leadership roles and serving as an Army Intelligence veteran, Shelli now teaches professionals how to turn their experience into a powerful personal brand that attracts opportunities. You can connect with Shelli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellikspence [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellikspence] Check out Shelli’s website: Shelli’s Socials LinkedIn™ Coaching · Simplified Social Media https://shellionsocial.com/ [https://shellionsocial.com/] Sign up for her Executive Brand Newsletter: https://shellionsocial.com/brief [https://shellionsocial.com/brief] About Rick: With a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects, Rick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. He now has more than 13 years of experience as a job transition coach. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/] Check out The Job Hunt Insider website for more information: https://jobhuntinsider.com/ [https://jobhuntinsider.com/] The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon (link on jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]). It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. -------------------------------- **Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider**If [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider**If] you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights. Support The Job Hunt Insider by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider] Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]

Ep.9 – Katie Helbling - Cleared Jobs: What It Takes To Get In The Door

Cleared Jobs: What It Takes To Get In The Door Guest: Katie Helbling, ClearanceJobs.com [http://ClearanceJobs.com] Industry: Security Clearance Jobs Episode Summary: In this episode, Rick speaks with Katie Helbling about one of the biggest barriers job seekers face when trying to break into the defense and intelligence industries: security clearances. Katie explains how the clearance process really works, who controls sponsorship, and why individuals can’t apply for a clearance on their own. She breaks down the differences between clearance levels, what “active” status means, and what happens after you’re sponsored — including the SF-86, background investigation, and adjudication process. The conversation also covers common reasons for denial, timelines, reciprocity between agencies, and practical steps job seekers can take now to position themselves for cleared opportunities. About Katie: Katie Helbling is the Content Marketing Manager at ClearanceJobs, where she focuses on helping cleared professionals—particularly those transitioning from military service—understand the national security job market and successfully navigate their next career step. She works closely with recruiters, hiring managers, and cleared candidates across the defense and intelligence community to translate what employers are really looking for into practical, actionable guidance for job seekers. Before joining ClearanceJobs, Katie supported several defense contractors working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intelligence Community (IC), contributing to staffing, human resources, and marketing efforts. You can connect with Katie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-h737784/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-h737784/] ClearanceJobs is committed to connecting security-cleared professionals and employers in a secure and private career network to fill jobs that safeguard our nation. https://www.linkedin.com/groups/78232/ [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/78232/] Watch this video to see what ClearanceJobs is all about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4b4tmpYHGU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4b4tmpYHGU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4b4tmpYHGU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4b4tmpYHGU] Links Mentioned In The Episode: Standard Form 86 – Questionnaire for National Security: https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf86/ [https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf86/] https://www.clearancejobs.com/ [https://www.clearancejobs.com/] https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs [https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs] https://news.clearancejobs.com/ [https://news.clearancejobs.com/] https://about.clearancejobs.com/ [https://about.clearancejobs.com/] (click on Resources) https://about.clearancejobs.com/employers/recruiting-resources/2026compensationreport [https://about.clearancejobs.com/employers/recruiting-resources/2026compensationreport] https://www.clearancejobsblog.com/ [https://www.clearancejobsblog.com/] https://clearedjobs.net/guides/security-clearance-timeline [https://clearedjobs.net/guides/security-clearance-timeline] Security Clearance Insecurity Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0mhm1UsZWKs7AkGMR926pH [https://open.spotify.com/show/0mhm1UsZWKs7AkGMR926pH] Security Clearance Careers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1oDnWxWoKyRNNsapSWG37w [https://open.spotify.com/show/1oDnWxWoKyRNNsapSWG37w] YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ClearanceJobs [https://www.youtube.com/@ClearanceJobs] About Rick: With a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects, Rick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/]. Check out the website: https://jobhuntinsider.com/ [https://jobhuntinsider.com/] The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon, https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book [https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book]. It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. -------------------------------- Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider] If you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights. #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice #CareerTransition #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearchStrategy #InterviewTips #HiringManagerInsights #RecruiterAdvice #CareerGrowth #JobHunt #JobHuntingTips #CareerCoaching #Interview #CareerChange #JobHunting #JobHuntAdvice Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]

Ep.8 – Claire McGuire - Stop Blending In

Stop Blending In: Your Unique Talents Can Take You Further Than You Think Guest: Claire McGuire, Talent Acquisition Manager with Financial Growth Partners (FGP) Industry: Financial Services Episode Summary: In this episode of The Job Hunt Insider, Rick speaks with Claire McGuire about breaking into financial services and why confidence, authenticity, and networking can dramatically change a job seeker’s trajectory. Drawing from her experience working inside banking and now recruiting for the industry, Claire shares what financial services careers look like, who tends to thrive, and how career changers can successfully pivot — even without a finance background. She also discusses transferable skills, common candidate mistakes, the role of preparation, and the realities of the first year in the field. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the power of referrals and relationship-building, offering practical insight into how job seekers can stand out and explore opportunities in a career path that rewards individuality and initiative. About Claire: Claire McGuire is the Talent Acquisition Manager at Financial Growth Partners. She brings a unique blend of both recruiting expertise and real-world banking experience, having built her career in credit and commercial banking roles before moving into talent acquisition. Now, she helps talented professionals break into and grow within the financial services industry. A proud Central Pennsylvania native and Christopher Newport University alumni, “Go Captains!,” Claire is passionate about opening doors and building strong teams. And when she’s off the clock, you’ll find her with her family and her dog, Thunder—named after the AC/DC song, “Thunderstruck.” You can connect with Claire on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-mcguire-pa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-mcguire-pa/] Financial Growth Partners (FGP) helps shape a career that’s truly yours, powered by the freedom to lead, the support to excel, and the chance to change lives every single day. https://www.yourfgp.com/ [https://www.yourfgp.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourfgp/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/yourfgp/] The Book: Be sure to also check out The Job Hunt Insider: Essential Strategies for Resumes, Networking, Interviews, and Salary Negotiation on Amazon, https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book [https://shr.pn/jobhunt-book]. It brings together more than a decade of firsthand career transition coaching, hiring manager, and recruiting insight to give you a clear, practical roadmap for landing the role you want. About Rick: With a background in writing job postings, reviewing resumes, collaborating with recruiters, conducting interviews, hiring candidates, and managing projects, Rick brings a wealth of firsthand experience to the table. In addition, having gone through the job search process himself, he understands the challenges and nuances involved in finding the right opportunity. You can connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickboyer/]. Check out the website: https://jobhuntinsider.com/ [https://jobhuntinsider.com/] -------------------------------- Listen on major podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Pocket Casts, and more! -------------------------------- ** Please Support - https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/job-hunt-insider] ** If you found this episode valuable, consider leaving a small tip to help cover hosting costs. Every bit of support helps keep the show going. Thank you! The Job Hunt Insider podcast’s main focus is on interviewing talent acquisition professionals from diverse industries. Each episode delves into the strategies, tips, and insights that can give job seekers a competitive edge. Whether you're just starting your job hunt or looking to make a career transition, this podcast offers valuable perspectives to help you succeed. Subscribe and Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes by subscribing to The Job Hunt Insider on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more job search tips and insights. #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice #CareerTransition #ProfessionalDevelopment #JobSearchStrategy #InterviewTips #HiringManagerInsights #RecruiterAdvice #CareerGrowth #JobHunt #CareerCoaching #Interview #CareerChange #JobHunting #JobHuntAdvice Find out more at http://jobhuntinsider.com [http://jobhuntinsider.com]