Recruiter Secrets: Forget the Algorithm, Here's How People Actually Get Hired

<p>Host Jane Khodos Beyer sits down with Chaz Cirame, founder of Big Fish Recruiting, who specializes in placing top talent in public affairs, public policy, and communications. Chaz shares why LinkedIn applications are basically a black hole, why a handwritten thank-you note is still the ultimate power move, and how AI-generated cover letters are backfiring on candidates in ways they don't expect.</p><p></p><p>You'll also hear:</p><p></p><ul><li>Why networking beats cold applying every single time (the real numbers will surprise you)</li><li>How to negotiate an offer without pricing yourself out</li><li>What employers are doing wrong — and how it's costing them great hires</li><li>Why experience almost always trumps a graduate degree</li><li>The career pivot framework Chaz used himself to leave public affairs and build Big Fish from scratch</li></ul><p></p><p>Plus book recommendations you'll want to write down: <i>Designing Your Life</i>, <i>Aware</i>, and <i>How to Win Friends and Influence People.</i></p><p></p><p>Chaz also shares his favorite spots in Old Town Alexandria — from Bollywood Masala to St. Elmo's Coffee — in our lightning round.</p><p><br /></p><p>00:00 AI Job Search Mistakes</p><p>00:15 Meet Chaz Cirame</p><p>01:24 How We Met</p><p>02:18 Career Pivot Story</p><p>04:27 Designing Your Life</p><p>07:15 Hiring Market Reality</p><p>09:01 Standing Out in Interviews</p><p>11:13 Candidate Interview Donts</p><p>13:32 Networking Beats Applying</p><p>16:12 Using LinkedIn Wisely</p><p>18:53 AI Cover Letter Pitfalls</p><p>20:07 AI Resume Pitfalls</p><p>21:26 Beating ATS Bots</p><p>22:36 Employer Hiring Mistakes</p><p>25:45 Offer Negotiation Reality</p><p>32:03 What Drives Top Pay</p><p>33:44 MBA Versus Experience</p><p>37:23 Job Search Timelines</p><p>38:35 Networking And Books</p><p>40:20 Old Town Lightning Round</p><p>41:34 Wrap Up And Contact</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Chaz’ favorite places around Old Town:</b></p><ul><li>St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub: 529 Montgomery St | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://stelmoscoffeepub.com" target="_blank">stelmoscoffeepub.com</a> | IG: @stelmos</li><li>Southside 815: 815 S Washington St | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://southside815.com" target="_blank">southside815.com</a> | IG: @southside815</li><li>Bollywood Masala: 219 King St | <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://bollywoodmasalaalexandria.com" target="_blank">bollywoodmasalaalexandria.com</a> | IG: @bollywoodalexandria</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><b>Further Reading Recommendations</b></p><ul><li>Cirame recommends two pivotal books on career design and self-awareness: "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, and,</li><li>"Aware" by Les Csorba. </li></ul><h3><b>The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria</b></h3><p></p><p><i>The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria</i> is a podcast that explores the people, places, and ideas that shape the historic district. Hosted by <b>Jane Khodos Beyer</b>, the show features wide-ranging discussions with local leaders and experts who bring practical ideas on how to preserve our heritage and build a vibrant community.</p><p></p><p>© 2026 The People You Meet in Old Town Alexandria. All rights reserved.</p><p><br /></p>