In this conversation, Benjamin Mena, the founder of Select Source Solutions and host of the Elite Recruiter Podcast, is interviewed by Aaron Opalewski of Sparking Success. They discuss various topics related to government contracting, recruiting, and the impact of AI in the industry. Benjamin shares his journey into the government contracting space and how he started his podcast. They also talk about the current state of the government contracting sector and the importance of building relationships in recruiting. The conversation covers various topics related to recruiting and the future of the industry. The main themes include the importance of genuine connections, the impact of AI on recruiting, the art of recruiting, and the upcoming recruiting summits. The conversation also touches on the significance of storytelling and the parallels between wine and recruiting. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of continuous learning and building strong relationships in the recruiting industry.

Takeaways

Building relationships is crucial in the recruiting industry, and AI tools can be used to support the relationship-building process.

Government contracting is a steady industry with ups and downs, but it provides stability in uncertain times.

The podcast started as a way to connect with others during the COVID-19 pandemic and has evolved into a platform for sharing stories and insights in the recruiting industry.

The impact of the podcast has been positive, with listeners finding value in the conversations and guest interviews.

The future of AI in recruiting is uncertain, but there will always be a need for human recruiters who can build relationships and provide personalized services. Genuine connections and a genuine interest in people are key to success in recruiting.

AI is expected to have a significant impact on the recruiting industry, particularly in automating transactional tasks.

The art of recruiting and the art of building relationships will continue to be important in the industry.

Recruiters should focus on deep knowledge, effective communication, and creating a positive candidate experience.

Attending recruiting summits can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities for recruiters.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup

03:24 Discussing the Flood Incident

04:29 Introduction to Benjamin Mena and his Podcast

06:55 Getting into Government Contracting

09:03 Current State of the Government Contracting Space

11:56 The Impact of AI in Recruiting

16:14 Diversifying the Business and Team

21:43 Starting the Elite Recruiter Podcast

22:52 The Evolution and Impact of the Podcast

23:22 Conclusion

25:58 The Impact of AI on the Recruiting Industry

30:23 The Art of Recruiting and Building Relationships

36:46 The Significance of Storytelling in Recruiting

41:09 Recruiting Summits: Learning and Networking Opportunities