In this episode of Recruiters on the Rise, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Emily Paik, Senior Recruiter at Kit and writer of the Talent Talk newsletter. Emily shares how she transformed a chaotic, reactive hiring process into a strategic, candidate first operation, achieving 100% positive candidate feedback along the way. She breaks down her approach to communication, the small gestures that make a big difference in candidate experience, and how she thinks about metrics like quality of hire. Emily also opens up about her winding path into recruiting and AI's growing role in the hiring process. A practical, honest conversation you won't want to miss.

Takeaways:

• Follow up even when you have nothing new to say. Candidates' biggest complaint is being ghosted, a quick check-in with no real update still goes a long way.
• Learn the product, not just the role. The best impact you can have as a recruiter is deeply understanding the company's product and customers before you start filling seats.
• Your interview process is your employer brand. How candidates feel during hiring directly impacts how they perceive your company and they'll tell others.
• Simplify quality of hire. Don't overcomplicate it with fancy algorithms, automated 30/60/90 day manager surveys are enough to give you meaningful, actionable data.
• Share interview questions in advance. You're not trying to test on the spot thinking you want candidates at their best, and giving them time to prepare gets you there.

Quote of the Show:

• "Every opportunity I've had has led me to the next greatest thing. Each step of my career has prepared me for the next in a way that I didn't even realize at the time." — Emily Paik

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilypaik/
• Website: https://talent-talk.kit.com/8a0ad780b7