Episode 6: Jodie Prestinario, Strategic Partnerships Leader at ZipRecruiter

In this episode of The Long Game, David Pardo sits down with Jodie Prestinario, Strategic Partnerships Leader at ZipRecruiter. Jodie shares insights on building successful partnerships, the evolving landscape of recruitment, and ZipRecruiter's innovative approach to connecting employers and job seekers. They discuss the shift towards skills-based hiring, the impact of AI on recruitment, and strategies for employee retention and growth in the post-COVID era. Jodie offers valuable perspectives on the importance of continuous learning in today's rapidly changing job market. Join us for a deep dive into the current state of recruitment and the future of workforce development.

Notes from the show:

• Find Jodie online on LinkedIn
• Find Jodie's husband's business online: Casita Crafters
• If you're wondering about the training exercise that forces Starfleet Academy cadets to work through a no-win scenario, it's the Kobayashi Maru. It's a test of character. I'm ashamed I couldn't remember what it was called. What's the point of being a nerd if you can't recall these things amirite?

Takeaways:

• "It's been an awesome journey. And just to be able to see something that's scaled, right, especially through all the changes and COVID, different economy and macro environment for hiring, it's been awesome to see the recruiter withstand that kind of test of time."
• "I helped them plug in phones. I gave them sales support for a new hire class. I took them to lunch and I sat there, you know, from eight to five every day. I was attentive. I made myself available and that was huge....Relationships, everything's relationships."
• ZipRecruiter has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote work by investing in AI technology and developing tools to facilitate remote hiring (and you should too)
• Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in expanding ZipRecruiter's reach and customer base.
• Successful partnerships require collaboration and integration to provide a seamless customer experience.
• A career in partnerships? Can be pursued by gaining a finance or business background and then gaining experience in sales and growth strategies. Building strong relationships is crucial in partnerships and can lead to success. Partnerships is really the business of business.
• Major job market redefinitions: The shift to skills-based hiring involves identifying talent based on abilities and competencies rather than just education and experience. Employers need to invest in skills and workforce learning to support employee growth and development. Employers should redefine jobs as a collection of skills and tasks rather than relying solely on job titles. Technology can help identify skills and competencies in the hiring process. Keep your eyes on the shift or risk falling behind!
• Employers can support employee growth through mentorship, training, and providing real-life experiences.
• Building relationships and partnerships is a continuous process that requires ongoing effort and investment BUT IT'S WORTH IT.