Tricia Scalzo’s Post

Remember when you interviewed for your last job? The uncertainty, anticipation, and excitement? When hiring for your team, keep in mind that each candidate is experiencing those same feelings. It's important to share your hiring timeline and provide timely feedback. #hiringprocess #feedback #respect

If your superpowers are business savvy, change maker and talent developer like me, it's important to recognize that, and to find ways to communicate that value with examples and numbers so that it resonates with hiring managers. 🤝 Example: ✅ I implemented an organization-wide system to ensure that information was funneled to the product team so that we could focus on the most impactful problems in the market. ✅ I estimate we saved at least $ in cost and X in time. 🥇 💡 The interview process is about communicating your value and connecting with the interviewer on a human level. 💡 Find out what is important to them, then position yourself with specific examples and numbers. Wishing you best of luck in landing the job of your dreams in 2024!

“Why Didn’t I Get the Job?” A client told me last week: “I thought the interview went so well – I don’t know where I went wrong.” The truth? You may not have done anything wrong. Many factors in hiring are out of your control. Here are a few common reasons: — Internal candidates – Companies often prioritize promoting from within. — Cultural fit – Skills can be taught, but fitting into the company’s culture is key. — More relevant experience – Another candidate may better match the current business needs. — Budget cuts – Hiring plans sometimes change due to financial constraints. — Shifting priorities – The role may no longer be urgent or has been filled quickly. — Long-term potential – Companies look for candidates they see growing with them. Rejection doesn’t always reflect your performance. Some things are simply out of your hands. P.S. Don’t let a missed opportunity define your worth.

"We decided to move forward with a preferred candidate." Ouch... that stung. It's hard when you get this type of feedback because it's not anything you did wrong; it's just that someone else performed better than you. That can be a hard pill to swallow, but I actually think this is a good kind of feedback because it doesn't close the door completely. It just means it isn't your time yet. Remember, there will be more job openings, maybe even a better-suited role in the same company. Keep your foot in the door, be graceful, and accept the decision professionally. Ask for tips for future interviews and stay in contact with the talent team or hiring manager—you never know when the door might open again. Don't dwell on the rejection or rule that company out of future applications. Don't stand in your own way.

Been holding off on your job search because the market’s been tough? I get it, but here’s why NOW is the time to dive back in. Just had a call with the insightful Mara Jorgensen, and she dropped a fresh perspective: The next 11 weeks are your golden window. With vacation season ending and fiscal years wrapping up, hiring managers are in a rush to fill those open roles. So, if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” time—this is it. Polish up those interview skills, get your name out there, and make your move before Thanksgiving. No fluff, just facts. #CareerMove #InterviewPrep #WomenInTech #TakeAction

Make no mistake: things have changed on your candidate's side. How will you know? Every time you connect, ask "What's changed in your world since we last spoke?" Their boss just approached them about a potential promotion. One of their opportunities fell through. They had two great interviews with new companies in the past week. Keep checking in. Keep asking what's changed. Surprises are a Recruiter's worst enemy.

It's officially "Job Search Season". For the Directors, VPs, and startup leaders ready to make your next move, here's your PSA: At this stage in your career, your goal isn't to "stand out from the crowd". 👉 You need to be the person that's going to take them to the next level. That's who gets the interview. And ultimately that's who gets hired. ❌ It's not the one with the polished "Tell me about yourself". ✅ It's the one whose journey to this point makes them the obvious choice. ❌ It's not the one with the fanciest degree. ✅ It's the one whose depth of experience makes them the clear SME. ❌ It's not the one with the brand name experience. ✅ It's the one who's created the results they crave. How are you showing your hiring teams you're their best path to their next uplevel?

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭... Today, I came across posts by someone we had once passed over during an interview. They are doing amazing things in their career - and for their company! Ough - that could have been us! 😔 This isn't the first time this has happened, and as a founder, I can tell you it's really painful. They could and should have been here, contributing massively to our business. But we missed! (good for them, of course!). It's a painful reminder of the really big impact of our decisions. For founders out there: make sure to continuously refine your hiring processes, trust your instincts, and look beyond resumes to the individual potential. Also: to any person out there rejected for a job: know that it may not be about you interviewing poorly; often, it's the hiring team that falls short. Go out there and make amazing things happen elsewhere! Because you can!

I turned down three CPO interview opportunities this month — two just on Monday — with companies you’ve heard of, because I didn’t think I’d be happy there. If you can, I encourage you to do the same. First, I want to call out what a privilege it is to be picky. Thanks to my consulting / advising income and our savings, I can afford to make choices like this and many cannot. Also, we all know this job market is tough and it’s scary to say no to anything. I get it. I feel the same fear and doubt. I second guess myself all the time. But I think it’s really important to know what makes us happy and the environments where we will be successful, and filter aggressively for that up front. The last thing we want is to be weeks into the job and realize we need to bail out and search all over again. For me, it’s about: - Wanting to be a part of the mission of the company - The impact of my work making a difference to the users / customers / people on the receiving end - Working with highly collaborative, highly strategic people who are outcomes oriented - Companies that are either already working in an empowered product model or have the exec buy-in to get there What’s your list?

Everyone needs assistance navigating this bumpy job market so help anyone you can. Self-awareness is a powerful tool in the job search process. As a candidate, if you find that the hiring process isn't aligning with your expectations or values, it's entirely appropriate to reassess your involvement. The job search is a 2-way street. It’s perfectly acceptable to remove yourself and focus elsewhere. It's nice hear different options and opinions but only you know what is best for you. #candidatecare #feedbackmatters