What happens when hiring becomes almost entirely automated? In this episode, Dean Newlund and Mitch McDermott explore why the companies that preserve human connection may outperform those that turn recruiting into a purely transactional process.

In this episode, Dean Newlund and Mitch McDermott discuss:

• How AI is transforming recruiting, hiring, and talent acquisition
• The risks of removing the human element from the hiring process
• Why have workplaces become increasingly transactional in recent years
• Practical strategies for standing out in a competitive job market
• The leadership and relationship skills that will matter most in the future of work

Key Takeaways:

• AI can improve recruiting efficiency, but organizations still need human judgment to identify culture fit, potential, and long-term success.
• The best candidates are not always the ones with the most optimized resumes, which creates risks when hiring relies too heavily on automated screening.
• Job seekers can improve their chances by bypassing crowded application systems and building direct relationships with decision-makers.
• Organizations that create meaningful employee connections may gain a competitive advantage as work becomes increasingly automated.
• High-quality effort, authentic communication, and relationship-building remain powerful differentiators in both hiring and leadership.

“High-quality effort gets high-quality results. Everyone is doing low effort, and most people in their job search are seeing low results.” — Mitch McDermott

About Mitch McDermott:

Mitch McDermott is an entrepreneur, talent advisor, and Founder & CEO of Talent Ascension Group, where he is advancing how companies evaluate, hire, and build mid-level leadership teams. He is recognized for challenging how the recruitment industry is structured and for pioneering a modern approach to mid-level leadership hiring by applying executive search standards to Manager, Director, and VP-level roles. Beyond his work, Mitch is an active voice in the talent industry and is known for his contrarian views on hiring, careers, and job search. He brings a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, global perspective, and a deep commitment to meaningful impact across the talent acquisition landscape.

Connect with Mitch McDermott:  

Website: https://www.talentascension.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-mcdermott-ba409387/

See Dean’s TedTalk “Why Business Needs Intuition” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEq9IYvgV7I

Connect with Dean:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgqRK8GC8jBIFYPmECUCMkw

Website: https://www.mfileadership.com/

The Mission Statement E-Newsletter: https://www.mfileadership.com/blog/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannewlund/

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/deannewlund

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionFacilitators/

Email: dean.newlund@mfileadership.com

Phone: 1-800-926-7370

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