The job search can feel brutal: hundreds of applications, constant ghosting, and endless rejection. But what if the problem isn’t you — it’s your strategy?In this episode of The Interim Era, Matt See and Mark Palmer talk with career advisor and former recruiter Hayley McNeal Drake. With years of experience on the hiring side, Hayley pulls back the curtain on what actually gets candidates noticed and what gets them skipped in seconds.What we cover:✅ Why “Easy Apply” is a trap for most job seekers✅ Resume mistakes that kill your chances instantly✅ The truth about ATS systems (and how to actually get through)✅ How to fix confusing job titles so recruiters understand your role✅ The underrated power of LinkedIn comments and conversations✅ Staying confident and sane when rejection piles upWhether you’re in the middle of a job search, burned out from ghosting, or just want to know how recruiters really think, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and land your next role.👉 Watch, subscribe, and join the conversation.

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Losing a job isn’t just about updating your resume—it’s about sleepless nights, stress, and the mental health struggles that come with career transitions. In this episode of The Interim Era Podcast, hosts Matt See and Mark Palmer sit down with Dr. Kelly O’Malia, a former chief medical officer and seasoned physician, to unpack the hidden toll of job loss.They discuss: • How layoffs impact mental health • Coping with rejection and “any job updates?” questions • Why routines and structure are crucial during unemployment • Practical strategies for staying positive and resilient • When to recognize stress as something more seriousThis conversation is a reminder that caring for your mental health isn’t something you do after the job search ends—it’s part of how you get through it.👉 If you’re between jobs, considering a career change, or simply need encouragement, this episode is for you.🧭 How to Find Local Support • Call 211 – Free service that connects you with local clinics and resources. • Check with your PCP – Your primary doctor can refer you to therapists or support programs. • Use directories – NAMI, SAMHSA, or Psychology Today let you search by ZIP code. • Community groups – Local health departments, churches, and nonprofits often offer free or low-cost programs. • In crisis? Dial 988 – The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.🌐 Additional Mental Health Tools • Headspace – Meditation and mindfulness app • Calm – Guided sleep, stress, and relaxation support • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Education, support groups, and helplines • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 24/7 free and confidential support in the U.S.Subscribe for more conversations about navigating career transitions, resilience, and the realities of work and life in the interim era.

In this episode of The Interim Era, Matt and Mark bring in a voice from the other side of the job search: longtime recruiter Erik Winkler. With more than 25 years in talent acquisition, Erik doesn’t hold back on what recruiters really look for, what gets candidates tossed aside, and why the cover letter might finally be dead.

The conversation digs into the realities of today’s hiring process—AI screening, overloaded recruiters, and the human element that often gets lost. Erik shares candid insights on what stands out in a resume, whether LinkedIn messages actually work, and the biggest mistakes candidates make at every level.

If you’ve ever wondered how recruiters really think, or if you’re tired of sending applications into the void, this episode offers perspective, practical takeaways, and a few hot takes you won’t want to miss.

In the premiere of The Interim Era, Matt opens with a story many can relate to: a Friday evening rejection email that became the spark for this podcast. From there, he sits down with co-host Mark Palmer for an honest conversation about why they’re starting this journey together and what they hope to uncover along the way.

This first episode introduces the heart of the show: exploring the ups and downs of career transitions, sharing strategies for staying resilient, and bringing in voices from mental health experts, recruiters, and leaders who know what it takes to navigate uncertain times. Whether you’re in the middle of a job search, considering a career pivot, or simply looking for encouragement, this episode sets the stage for a podcast built to help.