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Send us a text Hung Lee is the founder and editor of Recruiting Brainfood, and one of the sharpest observers of how hiring actually works. Two years ago, Hung joined me to talk about the future of recruitment and what AI might do to talent acquisition. This time, we are past predictions. AI is in the workflow, shaping sourcing, screening, and candidate experience. The focus now is what is working, what is quietly breaking, and what leaders should do next. We start with a thought that used to sound far fetched: a company’s AI speaking to a candidate’s AI. Now it is starting to look normal. From there, we unpack where AI genuinely creates value across the hiring funnel, how to maintain trust when automation becomes the first touchpoint, and what leadership needs to own when AI influences selection decisions. If you lead Talent Acquisition, hire as a manager, or sit on a leadership team making choices about AI adoption, this is an essential listen. What we cover What has changed most in day to day recruiting since the early AI predictions, and what surprised HungWhere AI is genuinely creating value across the hiring funnel, and where teams are buying hopeAI agents as the first touchpoint for candidates, and how to keep trust high when experience is automatedSelection and high stakes decisions: decision quality, fairness, accountability, and practical guardrailsWhat capabilities leadership teams should build for 2026How the recruiter role changes: what shrinks, what expands, and what becomes more importantHow Talent Acquisition evolves in the age of AIRecruiting Brainfood: https://www.recruitingbrainfood.com/ Hung Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunglee/ Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Everyone’s rushing to “AI-ify” their hiring process. But if you’re just automating broken decisions, you’re not solving the problem. You’re scaling it. In this episode of School of Hiring, I’m joined by Andreea Lungulescu— formerly global TA leader at Zalando, Wayfair, thermondo and the mind behind Talent Crunch, one of the few places where people in talent say what they actually think. We dig into: 🤖 Why “Post-AI Good” hiring looks nothing like today’s playbook 🎯 What needs to stay human—and how to protect it 📈 How to shift from process execution to strategic ownership 🧠 And the big question: Who’s really leading AI in your org? Andreea brings the clarity, challenge, and candor this conversation needs. Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Hiring isn’t about filling roles. It’s about solving problems. In this episode, Gwen Gayhart—psychotherapist turned Fortune 500 recruiting leader—joins Konstanty to rethink interviews as collaborative working sessions, not performances. Together, they dismantle outdated hiring norms and reveal how to turn interviews into real conversations rooted in trust, clarity, and co-creation. What You’ll Learn Why every open role signals a broken system or a change that’s overdueHow top-tier candidates don’t want to “perform”—they want to solveWhat most companies get wrong when framing roles (and how to fix it)The psychological drivers behind hiring decisions—and how to harness themThe truth about “overqualified” candidates and how to unlock their potential Highlights The candidate isn’t the only one being evaluatedRésumés don’t close gaps—conversations doEmployers must own the problem before anyone else can solve it Gwen’s Message to Hiring Managers Don’t ask who the candidate is. Ask what the problem is, and who can solve it—with you. Perfect For → Hiring managers tired of transactional interviews → HR leaders building better training → Leaders who want to attract thinkers, not performers Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Most founders make the same million-dollar mistake when building teams. They think it’s about hiring “the best.” Peter Sorgenfrei (LinkedIn) disagrees — and he would know. He’s built six companies across three continents, hired hundreds of people, and seen how elite talent can kill a company when the chemistry is wrong. Here’s what we unpack in this week’s episode of the School of Hiring Podcast: 1️⃣ Cultural Blindspots European teams prize expertiseAmerican teams chase executionAsian teams value harmony  Each works locally, but global scaling makes these differences collide.2️⃣ The Talent Trap Four FAANG “rockstars” don’t guarantee success. Too many architects, not enough builders. Too many visionaries, not enough executors. 3️⃣ The Real Secret The strongest teams weren’t the most impressive on paper.  They were the ones who:  ✔️ Challenged each other constructively  ✔️ Adapted to market shifts together  ✔️ Put company success above personal wins This episode is for founders, CEOs, and leaders who want to build global teams that scale. 👉 Follow Peter Sorgenfrei for more on leadership and scaling. 👉 Follow Konstanty Sliwowski for daily insights on structured hiring and team building. 👉 Learn more: School of Hiring | Klareda Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Most of us treat negotiation as a final hurdle. A back-and-forth after the offer’s made. That’s a mistake. Hiring doesn’t end with an offer. And negotiation doesn’t start with one. In this episode of the School of Hiring podcast, Konstanty Sliwowski is joined by expert negotiator Stephen Hartley-Brewer to unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of talent acquisition: the role of negotiation in the hiring process. Stephen started his career in strategy consulting at BCG, then transitioned into high-stakes finance—negotiating complex deals at private equity firms like BC Partners and TPG-Axon. Today, he leads Hartley-Brewer Negotiation Consultants, advising law firms, financial institutions, and business services companies on how to negotiate with clarity, structure, and measurable outcomes. Together, we explore: Why every hiring conversation is a negotiation—from the initial recruiter call to the final interviewHow “harmless” early questions about compensation can set damaging anchorsWhy candidates often signal one thing but mean another (and how to avoid misreading them)How to embed negotiation into every phase of the hiring process to avoid post-offer surprises and reduce mis-hiresThe psychology behind anchoring, misalignment, and missed signals—and how to counter themHow to help candidates feel safe, seen, and understood while protecting your positionWhether you're a founder, CHRO, hiring manager, or candidate you'll walk away with new frameworks to improve offer acceptance rates, negotiate without friction, and secure hires that actually stick. If you want to hire top talent with confidence—not chaos—this episode is a masterclass in negotiation for modern hiring. Check out https://schoolofhiring.com and https://hartley-brewer.com/ for more. Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text What determines whether a senior hire becomes a high-impact leader or a costly misstep? In this episode, we explore the critical period of executive transitions—the first 365 days when newly appointed leaders are expected to build relationships, deliver results, and shape strategy, often without a clear roadmap. Our guest, Navid Nazemian, is the author of the international bestseller Mastering Executive Transitions and one of the world’s top executive transition coaches. He has coached more than 100 C-suite leaders across Europe, Africa, and North America, and held senior HR roles at global companies including Vodafone, Adidas, and Roche. Navid has been recognized as HR's Most Influential Practitioner and Coach of the Year. We discuss: Why clarity on success must start before the offer is madeThe risks of misalignment between boards and executive hiresWhy generic onboarding fails senior leadersHow to apply the Double Diamond Framework® to de-risk transitions and accelerate impactThis conversation is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, HR leaders, and hiring managers who want to improve hiring decisions and ensure new leaders thrive. Connect with Navid Nazemian: linkedin.com/in/navidnazemian Connect with Konstanty Sliwowski: linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Leadership isn’t about a title — it’s about influence, impact, and the ability to empower others. But for many talented leaders, especially women, climbing the leadership ladder comes with unique challenges: navigating bias, building executive presence, and leading without compromising authenticity. In this episode of The School of Hiring, Konstanty Sliwowski is joined by Jill Avey, executive coach and founder of SisterSmart Leadership. Jill shares transformative insights on how women can break through leadership barriers and step confidently into VP and C-suite roles. From strategic self-advocacy to building high-performing teams, this conversation is a masterclass in modern leadership. Tune in to discover: The most common leadership mistakes that stall promotionsWhat executive presence really looks like in male-dominated spacesHow to build influence without playing politicsThe hidden challenges women face — and how to overcome themHow leaders can create empowered, high-performing teamsWhether you’re aiming for your next big role or helping others grow, this episode will change how you think about leadership growth. Music: Smarties Outro - FMA Podcast Suggestion by Birds for Scale Licence: CC BY-SA Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Every company has a culture—whether you shape it or not. It can be intentional or accidental. It can fuel performance or quietly tear your business apart. And the difference between a thriving company and one stuck in survival mode? Often, it comes down to one thing: leadership. In this episode of The School of Hiring, I’m joined by Erik Pfannmöller, serial entrepreneur, former Canoe World Champion, and founder of The Culture Code Foundation. Erik has built and exited multiple high-growth companies and now helps organizations develop high-performance cultures that drive innovation, attract top talent, and create long-term, defensible success. We unpack the often invisible force that shapes businesses—company culture—and the role ego plays in either strengthening or sabotaging it. In this episode, we explore: Why culture is your ultimate competitive advantageHow ego silently kills team performance and decision-makingThe biggest myths leaders believe about company cultureWhat founders must let go of in order to scale successfullyWhether it’s ever too late to fix a toxic cultureWhat business leaders can learn from elite-level sportWhether you're a founder building from scratch or a leader trying to fix what's broken, this episode is packed with insights on how to lead with humility, clarity, and purpose—and build a culture that lasts. 📝 Podcast Show Notes Guest: Erik Pfannmöller – Serial Entrepreneur, Culture Builder, Former Canoe World Champion, Founder of The Culture Code Foundation. Topics We Cover: The DNA of high-performance teamsWhy most leaders misunderstand what company culture really isWhere ego helps—and where it destroys—leadershipLetting go as a founder and learning to trust your teamHow to build “unhackable” cultures that competitors can’t copyWhat sports teach us about leadership, resilience, and feedbackWhy culture starts at the top—and how to keep it from going toxicKey Resources Mentioned: 📘 Win from Within by James Heskett📘 The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle📺 How Apple’s Culture Evolved Over Time (YouTube – from min 12)Connect with Erik: 🌐 Website: erikpfannmoeller.de 💼 LinkedIn: Erik Pfannmöller Connect with Konstanty / The School of Hiring: 🌐 schoolofhiring.com 💼 Konstanty on LinkedIn Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Most leaders think they know how to make a good hire. They trust their instincts. They believe their experience helps them spot the right candidate. But what if that confidence is misplaced? What if they’re unknowingly repeating the same hiring mistakes—costing their companies millions? In this episode of The School of Hiring, I’m joined by Tim Freestone, founder of Alooba and host of the Objective Hiring podcast. Tim has spent years studying why hiring fails, and how companies can fix it with data-driven, validated insights. We break down: Why most hiring decisions are built on false confidence The biggest hiring mistakes companies don’t even realize they’re making Why intuition and experience aren’t enough to judge candidates How data-driven hiring improves accuracy without losing the human element Why companies that don’t fix hiring set themselves up for failure This is not just about hiring. It’s about breaking free from flawed decision-making and learning how to build truly great teams. How hiring will evolve in the next decade What today’s hiring managers need to change Tim’s one piece of advice for leaders who want to master hiring Guest Links: 🔹 Tim Freestone LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-freestone-alooba/ 🔹 Alooba: https://www.alooba.com Host Links: 🔹 Konstanty Sliwowski LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ 🔹 School of Hiring Website: https://www.schoolofhiring.com Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Hiring is not just about finding the right skills. It is about identifying who can truly deliver results when it matters most. In this episode of The School of Hiring, Konstanty Sliwowski sits down with Andrew Sridhar, a former Navy SEAL turned tech leader who has led high-stakes teams in combat, Wall Street, and AI-driven businesses worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Andrew has seen firsthand what separates elite leaders from the rest and how bad hiring decisions can derail even the best teams. His experience spans the military, finance, and cutting-edge AI product development, making his insights on leadership, resilience, and hiring some of the most valuable you will hear. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔥 The difference between leading in combat and leading in business—and what founders can learn from it 🔥 How to identify and hire real leaders (not just those who look good on paper) 🔥 Why resilience is the ultimate hiring filter—and how to assess it in candidates 🔥 The biggest hiring mistakes across the military, finance, and tech 🔥 Why AI will never replace human leadership in hiring If you are a founder, hiring manager, or leader looking to build teams that can thrive under pressure and deliver when it counts, this episode is a must-listen. This is a rare conversation that bridges leadership lessons from Navy SEAL operations, Wall Street trading floors, and AI-driven companies into one powerful discussion on hiring, resilience, and leadership. If you want to hire and lead with clarity, precision, and confidence, this episode will change the way you think about who you bring onto your team. Connect with Andrew Sridhar: 🔹 LinkedIn: Andrew Sridhar 🔹 Newsletter & Podcast: The Warrior Poet Connect with Konstanty Sliwowski & The School of Hiring: 🔹 Website: School of Hiring 🔹 LinkedIn: Konstanty Sliwowski 📢 Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a hiring manager or leader who needs to hear this! Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Hiring is broken. The same outdated interview questions. The same awkward silences. The same hiring managers convinced they’re great interviewers—when in reality, they’re driving top talent away. In this episode of The School of Hiring, Konstanty Sliwowski sits down with Lorna Erickson and Victoria Gates, co-founders of Expert Interviewers, who have built a following of nearly 200,000 people on TikTok (@expertinterviewers) by exposing the worst hiring practices in brutally honest (and hilarious) ways. But don’t let the comedy fool you—between the three of us, we’ve conducted over 25,000 interviews. We’ve seen it all: 🚩 The painfully bad interview questions that should have died in the ‘90s 🚩 Interviewer egos that ruin great hiring decisions 🚩 The hiring mistakes companies keep repeating—over and over again What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🔥 What actually makes a great interviewer (and why most people aren’t as good as they think) 🔥 The biggest hiring mistakes that are costing companies top talent 🔥 The worst interview questions ever asked—why they exist and how to replace them 🔥 How ego in hiring is ruining great hires and what to do about it 🔥 Why AI-led interviews are failing—and what the future of hiring really looks like This episode will make you laugh, cringe, and rethink everything you know about hiring. If you’ve ever sat through a terrible interview, you’ll feel a little too seen. Don’t miss this one! Detailed Show Notes: 🎙️ The State of Interviewing Today The biggest red flags that reveal an interviewer has no idea what they’re doingInterview practices that should have died years ago but are still being used todayThe real problem with “hiring for culture fit”—and what to do instead🎙️ Breaking Down Bad Interviews Ego in hiring—how to spot it and how to fix itThe absolute worst interview questions ever asked (this will hurt)The one question more hiring managers should be asking🎙️ The Science of Interviewing What separates an average interviewer from an exceptional oneIs gut instinct in hiring a superpower or just bias wrapped in confidence?The biggest hiring myths that companies need to stop believing🎙️ The Future of Hiring Will AI-led interviews ever work? Or are they just making hiring worse?If we could rebuild hiring from scratch, what would it actually look like?🎙️ Rapid Fire Round (Quick-Hit Hiring Hot Takes) 🔥 Worst interview trend right now? 🔥 Best way to tell if a candidate is bullshitting? 🔥 One thing every hiring manager should stop doing immediately? 🔥 What’s worse: an awkward interview or an interrogation-style one? 🔥 If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing? Why You Should Listen If you’re hiring, being hired, or just want to know why interviewing feels so broken, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and brutally honest truths about what needs to change in hiring today. Listen now and learn how to stop making bad hires—and start building better teams. Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text How intentional are you when hiring your next employee? Are you relying on outdated practices or picking random questions from an AI-generated list?  Don’t worry—we’ve all been there. But what if you had a system? What if taking a more strategic approach to your hiring process could help you attract top talent, retain them longer, and avoid costly mistakes? This week, Konstanty Sliwowski, founder of the School of Hiring, who has conducted over 12,000 documented interviews speaks with Erin Hatzikostas of the b-Cause Work Doesn't Have To Suck podcast.  Konstanty is here to completely transform the way you think about hiring and interviewing. What you’ll learn in this episode: 1️⃣ The real cost of bad interviews—and how to fix them. 2️⃣ Why a Hiring Blueprint is far more effective than a generic job description. 3️⃣ Konstanty’s favorite interview questions and the game-changing reasons behind them. 4️⃣ The 50% surge in ATS applications—and how it impacts your hiring strategy. 5️⃣ The concept of “rusting out” at work—and how to avoid it for yourself and your team. If you’ve ever felt like hiring is a gamble, this episode is for you. It’s time to adopt a proven framework, make better hiring decisions, and build the high-performing team you’ve always dreamed of. Links and Resources: 👉 Connect with Konstanty on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ 👉 Explore the School of Hiring: https://schoolofhiring.com/ Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Are we approaching hiring backward? In this thought-provoking episode of the School of Hiring podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Diane Hamilton to explore a radical new lens on hiring. Dr. Hamilton, a globally recognized thought leader, Forbes contributor, and creator of the Curiosity Code Index®, challenges the traditional focus on skills and behaviors in hiring. Instead, she introduces the concept of outcomes-based hiring as the key to aligning talent with business success. Named one of today’s top leadership voices alongside Elon Musk and Sheryl Sandberg, Dr. Hamilton has worked with leaders from Adobe, NASA, and General Motors. Her expertise sheds light on one of the most persistent hiring truths: companies hire for skills but fire for behaviors. Together, we dive into practical strategies hiring managers, HR leaders, and executives can use to build better teams and achieve measurable results. Whether you’re rethinking your hiring process or positioning yourself as a top candidate, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can apply today. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Skills vs. Behaviors vs. Outcomes: Why hiring for outcomes bridges the gap between business needs and real-world performance.The Curiosity Advantage: How curiosity can transform the hiring process for both managers and candidates.Behavioral Blind Spots: Practical advice for avoiding common hiring mismatches.The Perception Puzzle: How subconscious biases influence hiring decisions—and what you can do to overcome them.Lessons from Leadership: What today’s most influential leaders do differently when building high-performing teams.Key Questions Explored: How has curiosity evolved as a critical driver of innovation and hiring success?Why do companies continue to struggle with assessing behaviors, and how can they improve?What can hiring managers learn from leaders like Ken Fisher, Martha Stewart, and Brene Brown?How does perception shape hiring outcomes, and how can we minimize bias?About Our Guest: Dr. Diane Hamilton is a Forbes contributor, keynote speaker, and author of Cracking the Curiosity Code and Curiosity Unleashed. As the creator of the Curiosity Code Index® and Perception Power Index, she’s developed groundbreaking tools that help leaders drive innovation, engagement, and productivity. Dr. Hamilton has been recognized globally for her work, including being named one of today’s top leadership voices. Actionable Takeaways: Assess for Outcomes: Shift your interview strategy to focus on what success looks like in the role—not just on skills or past behaviors.Leverage Curiosity: Use curiosity as a metric for identifying candidates who can adapt, innovate, and grow with your company.Mind Your Perceptions: Challenge your biases by using structured interviews and validated tools to evaluate talent objectively.🎧 Tune in to rethink how you hire—and how you build teams that drive success. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to the School of Hiring podcast for more expert insights and actionable strategies. Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text Welcome to The School of Hiring! In this episode, Konstanty Sliwowski is joined by Alex Domene, former CTO of LucaNet and current Board Member of G&H Banking Software. With his extensive experience in engineering leadership and product development, Alex offers a fascinating perspective on the evolving role of engineers in today’s tech-driven world. Together, Konstanty and Alex explore critical topics shaping the future of engineering and hiring: Redefining the Role of Engineers: How the modern engineer’s responsibilities have expanded in complexity and diversity, from architecture and toolchains to AI and DevOps.AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement: Why AI should be seen as a supportive tool—helping engineers generate ideas, solve defects, and enhance productivity—rather than a replacement for human creativity and judgment.The School Smarts vs. Street Smarts Debate: Alex shares his take on whether technical expertise or adaptability and problem-solving skills matter more in engineering roles today.Effort, Output, and Impact: Inspired by McKinsey’s frameworks, the conversation highlights why focusing solely on effort misses the bigger picture of outcomes and impact in engineering teams.Practical AI in Engineering and Hiring: How AI is transforming the hiring process and engineering jobs, and what qualities hiring managers should prioritize in this rapidly changing landscape.Key Takeaways from McKinsey’s Research: Alex and Konstanty unpack insights from McKinsey’s 2023 article on engineering KPIs, including frameworks like DORA and SPACE. They discuss how metrics such as Developer Velocity Index, Contribution Analysis, and Talent Capability Score are reshaping how companies assess performance and potential. Why You Should Listen: This episode is essential for leaders, hiring managers, and engineers who want to understand the shifting dynamics of engineering work and build teams that thrive in an era of constant innovation and change. Whether you’re exploring AI’s role in hiring, navigating the debate on school smarts vs. street smarts, or seeking actionable strategies to future-proof your team, this conversation is packed with insights. Subscribe to Our Newsletter: Stay ahead of the curve in hiring and team building by subscribing to the School of Hiring newsletter at newsletter.schoolofhiring.com. Get exclusive insights, practical tools, and strategies delivered straight to your inbox. About Alex Domene: Alex Domene is a seasoned engineering leader with a wealth of experience in product design, development, and delivery. As the former CTO of LucaNet and current Board Member of G&H Banking Software, Alex is responsible for driving innovation and empowering engineering teams to excel in a competitive landscape. About the Host, Konstanty Sliwowski: Konstanty is the founder of The School of Hiring, dedicated to helping leaders master the art and science of hiring as a strategic advantage. With nearly 20 years of experience in talent acquisition and building high-performing teams, Konstanty offers practical insights to empower leaders to make better hiring decisions. Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com

Send us a text In this episode of the School of Hiring, Dr. Mark Smith, founder of A Better Choice Hire and author of A Better Choice: The Manager’s Guide to Skills-First Hiring, joins Konstanty Sliwowski to discuss how outcome-focused and competency-based hiring can transform the way organizations identify top talent. Mark shares his innovative approach to reducing hiring risks, pinpointing leadership potential, and leveraging assessment techniques like role-play to evaluate candidates in real-world scenarios. This episode is packed with actionable strategies to help leaders and hiring managers make more effective, future-proof hiring decisions. Dr. Mark Smith, is an organizational psychology expert and founder of A Better Choice Hire. With nearly two decades of experience advising top organizations, Mark has redefined how companies approach hiring, shifting the focus from skills to outcomes and competencies that truly drive success. Mark’s expertise lies in helping organizations minimize hiring risks by evaluating candidates through innovative methodologies such as role-play exercises, which simulate real-world challenges to reveal how candidates perform under pressure. His book, A Better Choice: The Manager’s Guide to Skills-First Hiring, provides a practical framework for managers to make confident, informed decisions. In this episode, we’ll explore: Common Recruiting Pitfalls: Why focusing on resumes and “fit” often leads to poor outcomes—and what to do instead.Competency-Based Hiring in Action: How companies can shift from assessing skills to measuring competencies that predict performance.Identifying Leadership Potential: Key traits and behaviors that signal a candidate’s ability to lead, and how to uncover them during the hiring process.Evaluating for Outcomes, Not Promises: Strategies for assessing a candidate’s ability to deliver results in uncertain and high-stakes environments.Role-Play Assessments: How Mark’s approach simulates real-world challenges to evaluate a candidate’s readiness and problem-solving capabilities.Minimizing Bias in Hiring Decisions: Techniques to create a fair and effective hiring process that prioritizes competency and outcomes over assumptions.This conversation is packed with actionable insights for leaders, HR professionals, and hiring managers looking to build teams that can deliver tangible results and thrive in any environment. About Dr. Mark Smith: Dr. Mark Smith is a leading expert in organizational psychology and the founder of A Better Choice Hire. His innovative assessment methodologies help organizations hire for outcomes and competencies rather than traditional metrics like resumes or skills alone. Mark’s latest book, A Better Choice: The Manager’s Guide to Skills-First Hiring, outlines practical strategies for modern hiring practices that drive team and organizational success. Learn more about Mark at abetterchoicehire.com and connect with him on LinkedIn. About the Host, Konstanty Sliwowski: Konstanty is the founder of the School of Hiring, a platform dedicated to helping leaders master competency-based hiring as a strategic advantage. With nearly 20 years of experience in talent acquisition and building high-performing teams, Konstanty shares actionable insights that empower leaders to achieve better hiring outcomes. Connect with Konstanty on LinkedIn Follow Konstanty Sliwowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sliwowskik/ For more insights check out www.schoolofhiring.com and newsletter.schoolofhiring.com