Corporate Pizza Party

It's time for a  RecFest recap and reflections on the event. Farrah and Mike recount the excitement of meeting each other in person for the first time, the awkwardness of navigating social interactions like deciding who to hug, and the ongoing challenges faced by recruiters in today's job market. Amidst the casual banter, we touch on the frustrations around AI in resume reviews and the persistent issue of ghosting in the hiring process, all while sharing some humorous takes on coffee preferences. Listen in as we recount the chaotic yet amusing experience of running over time during a panel discussion at RecFest, leading to some unexpected moments with the host and abruptly cut microphones. We explore hiring practices aimed at humanizing the candidate experience, such as providing feedback and resources to rejected candidates, and share a humorous tangent about the favorite foods from the event. From public speaking nerves to the unique atmosphere that combined elements of a festival with a professional conference, this episode captures the essence of RecFest in all its glory. Finally, we explore the recent trends in remote work productivity and corporate policies, with a special focus on major tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta revisiting their return-to-office mandates.  Finally we are joined by a special guest we've heard about but never heard from on the podcast!

What happens when you show up to a job interview quoting TikTok videos? Join us on this episode of the Corporate Pizza Party podcast as we share our hilarious misadventures recording on the road and our upcoming escapade to Recfest in Nashville. We dive into the importance of doing your homework before interviews, with candidates amusingly referencing our online content. Our lighthearted chat explores the quirks of corporate life and the unexpected ways social media plays a role in job preparedness. Switching gears, we tackle the harsh realities of today’s tech job market. It's no longer the land of endless opportunities; companies are sharpening their axes, ready to cut underperformers without hesitation. We'll share real-life tales of job seekers applying to thousands of positions and the swift consequences of not meeting expectations. We emphasize the need for adaptability, clear communication of qualifications, and understanding the business game's new rules. This candid discussion is a must-listen for anyone navigating these turbulent waters. Finally, we dissect the complexities and frustrations of modern recruitment processes. From the impractical hunt for the perfect hire to the emotional turmoil of job terminations, we leave no stone unturned. Personal anecdotes highlight the unrealistic expectations within hiring, while we discuss the balance needed for fair assessments. As we wrap up, enjoy a playful segment about spirit animals and why asking tough questions is crucial during job searches. This episode promises both laughter and valuable insights for job seekers and employers alike.

Ever wondered how a simple LinkedIn post could turn into a social media frenzy? Join us on this episode of Corporate Pizza Party Podcast as we explore the dramatic saga of Ethan, a former Amazon employee, who accused his CEO of unethical behavior, sparking responses from the CEO himself and even Ethan's ex-wife. We break down the motivations behind airing such personal grievances online and the implications for personal branding and professional conduct, all with our signature blend of humor and disbelief. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this rollercoaster of a story! Along the way, we reminisce about the origins of our podcast’s introductory segment, debating its current relevance, while sharing laughs over our struggles with air conditioning and creating travel content. And for those navigating today's job market, we dive into the nuances of office attire and interview etiquette, especially for entry-level roles. We discuss the phenomenon of personality hires and share anecdotes of individuals being chosen for their positive vibes over experience. Additionally, we tackle the misconceptions perpetuated by social media trends, frustrations with media inaccuracies, and the shocking persistence of discriminatory job postings. This episode promises a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and absurdities of modern employment, ensuring you leave with both insights and a smile.

Ever wondered how people manage to rise through the ranks despite their glaring incompetence? This week we are dishing out some hilarious yet insightful takes on the curious phenomenon of "failing up" in corporate America.  We dive headfirst into the baffling world of corporate hierarchies, sharing juicy stories of leaders who dodge accountability and clueless managers who somehow keep getting promoted. We dissect a particularly head-scratching scenario involving a leader who made a colossal blunder but left the fallout to an unlucky subordinate. From the Peter Principle to inadequate training programs, we expose the cracks in the system that allow underqualified individuals to ascend to their level of incompetence. Our conversation shifts gears as we discuss what effective management should look like, spotlighting both the empathetic and authoritative aspects of the role. With personal anecdotes and contrasting corporate training programs like those at Electronic Arts, we stress the importance of robust internal training over external consultants. 

JOur lighthearted chat about Farrah's "new mom" look smoothly transitions into a conversation about quirky baby products, including a donut-shaped pillow for toddlers learning to walk before we finally getting into bashing what may be one of the worst Linkedin posts of all time.  Listen in as we humorously dissect the post's lack of genuine engagement and the defensive responses from the original poster. We also touch on the ease of automating responses to job applicants and the collective effort by LinkedIn users to call out nonsensical posts. This conversation inspires a creative idea for a TikTok series based on corporate and HR-related insults, turning professional jargon into witty comebacks. We then explore the societal stigma around jobs such as driving for Uber or bartending, emphasizing their respectability and potential networking opportunities. The discussion highlights the importance of respecting essential workers and the reality versus perception of jobs like BART employees in San Francisco. We share personal anecdotes about layoffs at Bungie and the broader implications for employees in the gaming industry. Wrapping up, we examine the challenges faced by laid-off employees and recruiting teams, ending on a light-hearted note with a funny office recording mishap. Join us as we share our thoughts, express confidence in our work, and invite you to join us for the next pizza party.