Episode 61: The Most Misunderstood Aspects of Job Searching with Russell Ayles

Recruiting is No Joke

Have you ever felt like your job application disappears into a black hole, never to be seen by human eyes? You name it, I've heard it. 'It must be a robot, 'ATS just reject everyone,' or the classic, 'No one even reads my resume.'

Today on "Recruiting is No Joke," we're thrilled to have Russell Ayles, the founder and CEO of UNRiVALLED recruitment agency. With decades of experience in internal recruitment, Russell brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion.

During our conversation, we dive deep into a controversial video by Jerry Lee, the CEO of WonSulting. The video in question showcases a fake resume with the name "Kiss My Nuts" that somehow managed to secure interviews. We fiercely debate the video's underlying message, pondering whether it's a stark revelation of recruiters prioritizing keywords over the entirety of a resume's content.

Throughout our conversation, we dissect the recruitment process, underscoring the undeniable importance of relevant experience and how phone interviews play a crucial role in evaluating a candidate. We also touch upon the often overlooked disconnect between corporate executives and their employees, the elusive concept of a hidden job market, and how the culture of a company can significantly influence its recruitment practices.

Wrapping up the episode, we share some practical job application tips and take the time to debunk common myths surrounding the hiring process. Our goal is to shed light on these critical issues and help both recruiters and job seekers navigate the complex world of recruitment with a better understanding and more realistic expectations.

In this episode:

• (00:00:37) - Introduction to Russell Ayles
• (00:01:50) - Russell's journey to becoming a LinkedIn Top Voice.
• (00:05:34) - Choosing and using an ATS, focusing on candidate experience.
• (00:08:41) - Russell's transition from career coaching to founding Unrivalled.
• (00:09:57) - Discussing the challenges faced in business and entrepreneurship.
• (00:11:34) - Reaction to Jerry Lee's "Kiss My Nuts" resume experiment.
• (00:15:24) - Debating the experiment's purpose and recruiters' responsibilities.
• (00:16:35) - Authenticity and impact of Jerry Lee's video.
• (00:17:50) - Role of keywords in recruitment and talent acquisition.
• (00:19:29) - Why certain resumes pass screening processes.
• (00:20:24) - Recruiters' emphasis on specific skills.
• (00:23:33) - The influence of resumes on job suitability.
• (00:26:19) - Elon Musk's $56 billion request and employee implications.
• (00:29:28) - Trust and culture in corporate environments.
• (00:32:32) - Comparing US and Australian corporate cultures.
• (00:33:21) - Culture differences in small vs. large companies.
• (00:34:11) - Aligning recruitment with company culture.
• (00:35:59) - Company culture's effect on recruitment.
• (00:38:56) - Glassdoor reviews' impact on company perception.
• (00:44:47) - The hidden job market's role in recruitment.
• (00:47:43) - Advantages of hidden jobs for companies and HR.
• (00:49:18) - Overcoming fear in job applications.
• (00:50:10) - Evaluating career advice based on advisors' experience.
• (00:51:01) - Statistics on role filling methods.
• (00:52:34) - Job advertising, hidden market, and job search strategies.
• (00:54:27) - Matching qualifications with job requirements.
• (00:55:47) - Realities of the hiring process and skills importance.

About Joel Lalgee

Joel Lalgee is an internationally known recruitment leader and coach who has helped thousands of recruiters build their brands online. In 2015, Joel started recruiting for a small start-up agency in Milwaukee. He quickly found his passion for recruitment. In 2019, he discovered content marketing, publishing his first posts on Linkedin. Since then, he has grown to over 400k followers, and his content has been seen over 1 billion times. In 2023, he started a business specializing in coaching recruiters, marketing consulting, and influencer partnerships.

Recruiting is No Joke Social Media

• Linkedin
• Website
• Instagram
• TikTok
• X (formerly Twitter)

About Russell Ayles

Russell Ayles is a seasoned professional with nearly two decades of experience in the retail industry. Having worked with industry giants like ASOS, General Pants, and House of Fraser, he has seen it all when it comes to recruitment. Russell is the founder of UNRiVALLED Agency, offering a refreshing approach to talent sourcing. With a focus on understanding businesses' DNA and providing top-notch candidate care, Russell is committed to revolutionizing the recruitment process.

Russell Ayles Social Media

• UNRiVALLED Agency.
• Linkedin