Hired: Talent VP on Job Interviews, Negotiation & Offers

Apply at: moveupcareers.com/coaching   Limited spots. Matthew personally reviews every application. What Really Happens After the Interview Final decisions are made in a closed-door meeting most candidates never see. Story: Two equal candidates—one played it safe, one challenged a market assumption. The bold one got the $180K offer. Perfect answers don’t win offers. Problem-solvers do. The 3 Table...

Speaking confidence coach Linda Ugelow joins the Move Up Podcast to explore how job seekers can overcome interview nerves, build authentic presence, and communicate with clarity and confidence—especially in high-stakes, video-based environments. Connect with Linda: lindaugelow.com/rituals Delightinthelimelight.com Key Takeaways: Nerves are natural and can enhance performance if properly managed—ad...

Use code "moveup" for one free month at Callings.ai  Garrett Rice, co-founder and CEO of Callings.ai, shares how his team is revolutionizing the job search process with AI-powered tools designed to help job seekers navigate an increasingly complex and competitive market. Key Takeaways: Garrett and his co-founder built Callings.ai out of personal frustration with the outdated job search p...

You nailed the interview. They smiled. Then… silence. Here’s why. Summary: Most candidates never pitch themselves —they only answer questions. Hiring managers aren’t mind-readers. Your job is to connect the dots. Show up as the solution to their problems or opportunities. Learn the pitch that landed roles at Microsoft, Apple, and more. Two levers that close interviews: positioning + pitch. Sterile...

Feras Ahlou shares the five most important strategies Gen Z job seekers and early-career professionals can use to gain career traction, while also revealing how getting laid off led him to a life-changing entrepreneurial journey. Key Takeaways Over 50% of Gen Z graduates are underemployed a year after graduation—Feras outlines practical steps to overcome this, including leveraging AI, acquiring ce...

Most interview questions are easy to prepare for — but this one trips up even seasoned executives, VPs, and top salespeople.  In this episode, Matthew reveals the deceptively simple interview question designed to uncover dangerous red flags — and how you can ace it to stand out in today's ultra-competitive job market. You’ll learn: The exact question top recruiters use to test your humility a...

Connect with Lorraine: unforgettablepresencebook.com linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee Lorraine K. Lee, LinkedIn Top Voice & author of Unforgettable Presence (Apr 22 2025)  Big Idea – Hard work gets you noticed inside your cubicle; presence gets you noticed outside it. 3 Arenas to Master Executive Poise – How you show up in rooms. Digital Footprint – LinkedIn posts ≈ once / month to start. Micro‑In...

Dr. Sharon Hull: Founder of Meta Solutions and author of Professional Careers by Design , Dr. Hull brings 35 years of experience as a physician and coach to help over 450 clients pivot careers. Beating Self-Doubt: She shares her "hip pocket questions," starting with "What matters most to you?" to guide listeners through career uncertainty. Five-Step Framework: Identify what mat...

The Big Five Personality Traits and how they relate to career growth: Openness to Experience Conscientiousness Extraversion Agreeableness Neuroticism (emotional stability) Traits linked to higher promotion rates : Extraversion – Helps with visibility and networking Conscientiousness – Correlates with high performance and dependability Emotional Stability – Supports calm decision-making under stres...

Meet the Experts : Dr. Randy Brazie (psychiatrist and medical director) and Dr. Geoffrey VanderPal (educator, financial advisor) discuss how medicine, neuroscience, and business intersect to help job seekers. Science of Stress : Understand how the nervous system reacts under pressure and why recognizing fight-or-flight (or freeze) responses is crucial for interview success. Practical Anxiety Techn...

Handwritten thank you letters set you apart —but only send them for roles you actually want . Don’t bother writing one if you had a weird vibe, didn’t connect, or just aren’t excited. If the company, manager, role, or pay feels right— go the extra mile . Keep it short, safe, and strategic. This isn’t a place for emotion or storytelling. The goal? To show appreciation, reinforce interest, and subtl...

Why Workplace Conflict Is Rising 70% say conflict at work is worse than ever. Remote work, poor management, and stress fuel tension. Ace Conflict-Related Interview Questions Employers ask: “Tell me about a time you faced conflict?” Use the 4 C’s : Connection, Clarity, Curiosity, Commitment.   De-Escalate Conflict Like a Pro Use “Tell me more” to calm heated situations. Spot toxic workplaces before...

Tired of sending cover letters that never get a response? In this episode, I share a game-changing strategy that top executives and sales leaders use to stand out—and it works for anyone from entry-level to C-suite. Stop begging for jobs and start solving problems with this simple but powerful approach. Key Takeaways:   Why mass applying is a waste of time – and what to do instead   The "Rebe...

Career pivots are more common than ever – Nearly 49% of professionals make a major career change, and employers are becoming more open to hiring pivoters. The employer's perspective – While some still see career changers as risky, many companies now recognize the value of diverse experience and fresh thinking. Key factors that make a career pivot successful: Commitment – Show you’ve done the...

Episode Summary: Networking That Works – Strategies to leverage your contacts for job opportunities. Breaking the Fear of Networking – How to start building relationships even if you don’t know many people. The Power of Intentional Networking – Why it’s not about collecting business cards but forming meaningful connections. Lessons from the Trenches – Dr. Benjamin Ritter and Matthew share their re...

Rejection emails are frustrating, but what about ghosting, or when a position is put on hold? It’s not a bad sign—it’s an opportunity. In this episode, I break down: Why companies pause hiring – Common reasons behind hiring freezes and delays. What a “position on hold” really means – Why it’s not the same as rejection. The two common (but ineffective) responses – What most candidates do wrong. A p...

In this episode, we dive into perfectionism—how it impacts job seekers, employees, and leaders—and explore strategies to overcome its pitfalls without losing its advantages. Our guest is Dr. Gregory Chasson , a board-certified cognitive behavioral therapist, researcher, educator, and author of the new book, Flawed . Dr. Chasson breaks down why perfectionism can be both an asset and a hindrance, ex...

In this episode of The Job Interview Experience , we dive deep into the fascinating (and often entertaining) world of interview vibes. Whether you're the over-prepared pro, the natural conversationalist, or even the overly confident charmer, understanding your interview style could be the key to unlocking your next big opportunity—or learning what’s holding you back.   Here’s what you’ll disc...

Connect with Thomas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tompowner/ https://www.careerthinker.com/ Thomas Powner, founder of Career Thinker, shares how to transform your job search into a powerful career marketing campaign. With 25+ years in sales, operations, and HR, Thomas offers practical advice to help job seekers stand out and succeed. Key Takeaways: Career Marketing Campaign: Position yourself as a...

Skill-Based Hiring: Companies are prioritizing skills over degrees. Job seekers should highlight measurable results on resumes and LinkedIn. Employees can upskill strategically to stay competitive and post about it on LinkedIn. Hybrid and Remote Work: Self-management and productivity are crucial. Job seekers should emphasize remote work success and tools used. Employees can showcase initiative and...

Ramon Santillan shares a bold strategy to stand out in your job search: bypass recruiters and connect directly with decision-makers. Connect with Ramon: https://www.persuasiveinterview.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/interviewcoach/ Key Takeaways: Understand the Process: A breakdown of the hiring process and why targeting decision-makers can be more effective. The Three Key Contacts: How to ident...

The end of a job interview can make or break your chances. Do you thank them too much? Say something awkward? Or, worse, leave them thinking you're not confident in your abilities? In this episode, Matthew Sorensen, founder of CandidateClub.com and host of The Job Interview Experience , reveals:   The biggest mistakes candidates make when ending an interview —and how to avoid them.   What to...

Focus on Future Contributions: Emphasize how past experiences equip you to solve current and future problems. Connect Past to Future: Draw a clear line between your past skills and knowledge, and how they can benefit the company in the future. Shift the Focus: Move away from simply reciting your resume and instead highlight how you can contribute to the company's goals. Understand the Company...

In this episode of The Job Interview Experience , Matthew Sorensen hosts Kate Pozeznik, founder of Quirk, a personal branding and career consulting firm. Kate shares insights into personal branding, the hidden job market, and how to articulate salary expectations confidently. With years of experience helping executives and rising professionals build fulfilling careers, Kate provides actionable ste...

Ready for a career reset? In this episode, we chat with John Tarnoff, an executive and career transition coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Boomer Reinvention, who specializes in guiding mid-career professionals toward more fulfilling roles. Fired 39% of the time in his entertainment career, John transformed setbacks into success and now shares his insights on standing out in today’s job market. D...