We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Matthew Sorensen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Matthew below.
Matthew, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
At the end of 2019, the company I had been the Director of Talent Acquisition at for four years was acquired, and I didn’t see it coming. I was out of a job, but couldn’t be more excited.
Prior to this, I worked as an executive recruiter and then as a search firm owner. As the Director of Talent Acquisition at this quickly growing company, I interviewed thousands of job seekers at all skill levels.
I saw the huge gap between the important skills applicants brought to the table and the struggle they had conveying those skills to secure a job. It dawned on me that I could help. I could flip the script for job seekers around the world by sharing what I saw – bad interviews from great talent – and help them put their best foot forward.
So I grabbed a microphone that had been sitting idle for over a decade, plugged it into my computer, hit record, and started talking about how the same mistakes that ruin first dates also ruin job interviews – and what can be learned from both. From there, The Job Interview Experience Podcast was born.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started as an Executive Recruiter for a small boutique search firm. I learned traditional recruiting methods – before LinkedIn took over the recruiting world. Many of these “old ways” are still best.
Eventually, I started my own firm, combining proven best practices with the best technology available. I slowly grew my client list and introduced some of the top talent in the world to a small group of clients.
I did a lot of work for one particular client, and they offered me an internal role – Director of Talent Acquisition. I was excited about their growth and potential and was drawn to making an impact, so I shifted gears and took that role. As the Director of Talent Acquisition, I was hands-on in every aspect of recruiting, from viewing resumes to interviewing and making offers.
Today, as the Host and Creator of The Job Interview Experience, I put all my experience and everything I’ve witnessed and processed into the podcast so that job seekers can gain an understanding of the application and interview process. What works, what doesn’t, and how to stand out.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
All the success in my career came from helping companies hire great talent – representing the company.
When I started The Job Interview Experience Podcast, I did a 180. I help job seekers get better jobs faster.
Working on the “talent” side of the Talent Acquisition industry was a big pivot, but my heart is 100% in it—my calling is to serve job seekers. There are many great voices out there, but my approach to education and sharing insight seems to “click” with job seekers. I strive to deliver clear, focused, and concise content. The job search and being unemployed are stressful, so I need to help job seekers get there faster.
The Job Interview Experience has grown to be in the top .05% of all podcasts globally, so it’s a niche audience with a large following.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
I had zero following before starting The Job Interview Experience Podcast. No blog, no LinkedIn posts, nothing.
My assumption was that I should name the podcast after what job seekers want – interview experience. Walking into a job interview feeling familiar with the process and confident. I didn’t name it after myself or something “catchy.” The name works; job seekers know they’ve found what they are looking for when they see the title. It’s been a huge factor in growth.
Part of my thought process was to name the podcast after what job seekers would search for online, “how to get job interview experience”. Something like that.
Oh, and “The Job Interview Podcast” was taken, so I had to get creative!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jobinterviewexperience.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jobinterviewexperience
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JobInterviewExperience
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-job-interview-experience/
- Twitter: https://x.com/jobinterviewpod
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jobinterviewexperience
