The Blueprint Roundtable

Getting to the offer stage of an interview is exciting. But it can often be one of the more stressful stages of the interview process for the candidate. Questions like whether to negotiate or how to negotiate without looking bad can often leave candidates feeling anxious and unsure about how to proceed confidently. In this episode, we break down these common concerns and give you practical advice...

In today's competitive job market, interviewing has never been tougher. One crucial stage, often dubbed "the knockout round," is where even top candidates can stumble—the mock call step. In this episode, Emily and Krissy discuss why candidates often fail at this stage, why it's essential for assessing candidates accurately, and how to prepare so your nerves don’t get in the way...

This isn't about mastering the art of interviewing; it's about presenting your best self, showcasing your skills and experience. We'll also cover common interview pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're in a GTM role like sales or marketing, or seeking a different position, these tips are universally applicable. We'll highlight common mistakes that many candidates make during th...

Leveraging your network to find your next hire can offer many benefits, but it also comes with potential drawbacks. So, when is the right time to use this approach, and how should you go about it? That's the focus of this episode of the Blueprint Roundtable. We'll explore all aspects of this strategy, discussing when it makes sense and when it doesn't. Be sure to tune in and listen!...

Do candidates frequently stumble at a particular stage of your interview process? If it's during the peer interview step, then this episode is a must-listen. While securing internal buy-in, especially from peers, is valuable and important, peer interviews can often go wrong. In less then 10 minutes, we'll highlight the common pitfalls of peer interviews and, more importantly, how to impr...

Hiring the right person and ensuring accountability across the board has never been more important. But the timing and choice of who interviews these candidates remains an open question. This leads us to this week's topic about the C-suite: when should executives step in? Join us this week as we share tips on when to bring in executives and how to leverage these stakeholders for maximum impac...

Layoffs have been a constant presence over the last four years, especially in the tech industry. The ongoing cycle of hiring and reductions in force has not only caused a sense of whiplash but has also sparked a strong desire among many to voice what they perceive as the injustice of their layoffs. This leads us to our question of the week: Is it professional to record layoffs and share them on so...

It seems like every company has its own unique way of conducting interviews, from the questions they ask to the overall process, which can make preparing for them feel like an impossible task. However, there's one common mistake that we've seen candidates make over and over again across all types of interviews.  Join us on this episode of the Blueprint Roundtable as we dive into this cri...

Hiring is back but it's harder than ever, for both the candidates and the hiring manager. What used to wow companies isn't working anymore leaving many candidates confused on what they need to do to stand out and prove themselves. This got us thinking - are candidates doing interview preparation the right way? Join Matt, Chuck, and Krissy and they share their biggest takeaways from 2023...

We all know what happens when a number shows up calling our phone we don't recognize. More than ever recently the level of spam calls have multiplied with phone carrier services enacting special software and algorithms to help alert us to calls we send to voicemail.  But this got us thinking - if so much work is going into making sure only individuals you know can reach your phone, is cold ca...

Finding the perfect candidate for a role is hard, but can they be too perfect? Is there a red flag for too much experience or someone in a senior role applying for a junior to mid-level role? This is one of the few roundtable episodes where we don't all agree but have some great tips and takeaways for hiring managers and also candidates who fall into this category.  Make sure to listen in and...

The first part of this episode was a real hit, and it's no surprise, considering the tough hiring challenges companies are facing. While opinions on these challenges may differ, one thing is crystal clear: we're in the midst of a massive hiring shift, and the old ways just won't cut it anymore. Get ready for Part 2, where we'll delve even deeper into the burning question: &quot...

Buyers are changing the way they buy, and it's making us rethink our strategies. This got us wondering if there's a top-notch sales methodology that outshines the others. But maybe the bigger question is, are the sales methodologies still relevant? Tune into this week's episode of the Blueprint Roundtable to hear our thoughts. Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deepe...

Nothing is more important then getting a new hire up to speed, to hit the ground running as soon as possible. But how you do this and what is expected from the new hire is often where opinions and results vary. And that's this week's question on the Blueprint Roundtable - "What is the quickest way to effectively onboard a new hire?" Join Krissy, Matt, and Emily as they share th...

Join us on the Blueprint Round Table as we dive into the practical aspects of "Navigating Your First Sales Role." In this conversation, experienced sales professionals Krissy Manzano and Emily Bell share their valuable insights to help you excel in your sales career, whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your skills. From mastering product knowledge, understanding your...

Interviewing can sometimes feel like a strategic game, where both sides are cautious, aiming to unravel each other's backgrounds and intentions. Initially, the company may hold more bargaining power, but as the interview progresses, gut feelings and potential pitfalls often become recurring themes. Instead of genuinely grasping a candidate's valuable skills and behaviors, interviewers so...

We can acknowledge that recruiting and hiring are difficult, time-consuming endeavors that can be draining. However, what poses an even greater challenge is conducting a covert search operation.  Join Chuck, Krissy, and Matt as they delve into the intricacies of executing an efficient stealth mode search. They'll shed light on the potential pitfalls to navigate, underscore the critical import...

Is having an MBA valuable after you have a working history? That's the topic and question we have on today's Blueprint Roundtable. Join Matt, Krissy, and Chuck as they share personal insights, tips for standing when getting your MBA, and some realistic expectations everyone who goes after this graduate degree should have. Enjoy the debate? Share your 💡's below. Dive deeper into the...

As technology continues its rapid advancement, a plethora of new sourcing tools have emerged, providing recruiters (both internal and external) with an array of options to connect with talent.  This prompts a pertinent question: Is LinkedIn still the ultimate platform for discovering and engaging with top-tier candidates? To shed light on this inquiry, we've enlisted the expertise of our Link...

Welcome to a captivating episode of the Blueprint Round Table podcast as host Krissy Manzano leads a discussion with her fellow hosts, Lizzy and Emily.  Together they are tackling the timeless dilemma faced by recruiters and hiring managers: Should they prioritize a candidate's potential and ability to learn or their proven industry experience? Tune in to explore the nuances surrounding this...

The way we work has transformed dramatically since the COVID-19 outbreak. Remote work became a global necessity during the pandemic, leading to success for both businesses and individuals. Fast forward almost four years, and we're witnessing a new trend: a mix of remote and office work. In this podcast episode, we're diving into this question: Is the traditional office rebounding and is...

Being transparent and sharing the salary range within a job description is something we all agree is attractive but companies still hesitate to put out there.  In this episode of the Blueprint Roundtable, we are digging into the why.  We unravel the reasons behind this reluctance among companies and hiring managers even before the interview stage.  Does this hesitation help or hinder the interview...

Prepare to dive into the depths of wisdom and resilience on this week's captivating episode of the Blueprint Roundtable. Hosted by Lizzy Castro, join  Matt and Krissy as they unravel the profound topic of how hard-earned experiences shape our journey toward wisdom. Through storytelling and personal anecdotes, Matt and Krissy share part of their journey, revealing the invaluable lessons they&a...

Feeling the urgency to hire, but drowning in a sea of countless applicants for the role? Don't worry, we've got your back! Tune in to the latest episode of the Blueprint Roundtable, where our team dives into actionable strategies for effectively managing inbound applicants. Learn how to conquer the daunting task of sifting through the backlog while ensuring that you don't overlook t...

Welcome to another episode of The Blueprint Roundtable! In this episode, Krissy Manzano takes the lead as our host, joined by Matt Lewers and Chuck Brotman. Together, they tackle the intriguing question: Can someone be overqualified for a job they apply for?  The conversation revolves around the perception of over-qualification and its impact on the hiring process. Matt shares his changed perspect...