Winning the Job Interview With Corporate Recruiter Joel Stern

🎙 Guest: Joel Stern, Corporate Recruiter
🕒 Duration: 26 minutes

Episode Summary:
In this episode, seasoned recruiter Joel Stern shares key strategies for veterans and job seekers to position themselves effectively in job interviews. He highlights the importance of self-awareness, storytelling, and networking while offering practical insights into how candidates can take an active role in the interview process.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Understand Your Value: Know what you bring to the table. Employers look for candidates who can either make money or save money for their organization.
✅ Prepare Your Story: First impressions matter—be ready to articulate your journey, skills, and how they align with the role.
✅ Interviewing is a Skill: Like any skill, it requires practice. Don't wait until a high-stakes interview to refine your responses.
✅ Make Genuine Connections: Research the interviewer and find common ground to build rapport.
✅ Stay Positive and Hopeful: The job search process can be challenging, but maintaining a positive mindset and resilience will keep you moving forward.
✅ Self-Reflection is Crucial: Before selling yourself to an employer, get clear on your motivations, priorities, and values.
✅ Engage in External Processing: Talking through your experiences with others helps refine your message and build confidence.
✅ Know Your Audience: Research the company and the person interviewing you to tailor your responses effectively.
✅ Be an Active Participant in the Interview: Don’t just answer questions—steer the conversation by highlighting your strengths and aligning them with what the employer needs.
✅ Networking Leads to Opportunities: Many jobs are filled through referrals, so be intentional about building relationships.

Memorable Sound Bites:
🔹 "Make me money or save me money." – Employers hire based on value.
🔹 "Can I have a beer with them?" – Cultural fit matters in hiring decisions.
🔹 "You have to find windows of hope." – Maintaining optimism is key to a successful job search.

Chapter Breakdown:
⏳ 00:00 – Setting the Stage: Introduction and Setup
⏳ 00:22 – Understanding the Role of a Recruiter
⏳ 02:25 – Transitioning from Military to Civilian Careers
⏳ 04:32 – The Importance of First Impressions
⏳ 07:21 – Navigating the Interview Process
⏳ 10:24 – Building Connections During Interviews
⏳ 13:19 – The Role of Fit in Hiring Decisions
⏳ 16:29 – Maintaining Hope During Job Searches
⏳ 18:08 – Self-Reflection and Career Clarity
⏳ 21:33 – The Power of External Processing
⏳ 23:10 – The Importance of Preparation
⏳ 23:17 – Introduction to the Series and Upcoming Topics
⏳ 24:16 – Transition Readiness and Resources for Veterans

Resources Mentioned:
Vector Accelerator – A program designed to help veterans find clarity and confidence in their transition to civilian careers.
LinkedIn Networking Tips – Strategies for making meaningful connections before an interview.
Interview Preparation Guide – Steps to refine your story and boost confidence in interviews.
Connect with Joel Stern:
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelwstern/

Follow Vector Accelerator for More:
🌐 Website: VectorAccelerator.org

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About Joel Stern

Joel has a background in corporate recruiting and operations, working with established and early stage startups. He’s worked for an accounting/consulting firm, law firms, an infamous mortgage lender, a regional bank, and fintech and biotech startups. He went to UC Riverside and graduated with a business degree.

Fun fact, in 2013, Joel’s wife took an expat assignment and moved the family to São Paulo, Brazil where they lived for 2 years. It was an awesome experience as Brazil hosted the World Cup and was preparing for the Olympics! Shortly after arrival, Joel met a neighbor who turned into a business partner.

In his free time, he enjoys a good round of golf, sprint triathlons, fundraising for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and serving on the Board for his fraternity. He lives in San Diego with his sweetheart of 24 years and their 18 year old daughter, who brightens up their world.