Blake Babcock (VP, Client Engagement, Staffing Solutions): The Cost of Hiring, Proactive Recruiting & 'Clarity’ as a Superpower

Is your hiring process losing you top talent before you even make an offer? If you’re still waiting to “see just one more candidate,” you might already be too late. In this episode of What’s Up at Work?, host Sam Clyde-Schroeder sits down with Blake Babcock, Vice President of Client Engagement at Staffing Solutions Enterprises, to unpack the realities of today’s hiring landscape. They discuss the biggest hiring mistakes that slow employers down—like waiting too long to make an offer—and how to fix them before losing great candidates. Blake shares tactical advice on how to stand out in a crowded job market, why defining what makes your workplace special is critical, and how to craft job offers that don’t get ignored. Plus, he breaks down the biggest missteps employers make when evaluating candidates and why the best hire might not check every box on your list. Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Blake Babcock and his accidental entry into the recruiting industry 02:30 – Are we in a candidate’s or employer’s market? Blake’s take on why hiring remains competitive 04:15 – The #1 mistake employers make when trying to attract talent 05:50 – Why hiring decisions mirror the sales funnel—and what to do about it 07:10 – The toughest roles to fill (and why it’s not about job titles) 09:00 – Compensation, benefits, and what really makes an offer competitive 12:45 – When to use a staffing firm vs. internal hiring teams 16:00 – How to ensure new hires don’t leave within their first 90 days 19:00 – Is AI coming for your job? The reality of automation in recruiting 23:30 – HR Hot Seat: Hired or Fired? Blake weighs in on Zoom cameras, unlimited PTO, and Gen Z lingo Hiring the right people starts with the right strategies. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to What’s Up at Work? and leave a review to help more leaders create thriving workplaces. 🔗 Learn more about ERC: https://www.yourerc.com 🔗 Learn more about Staffing Solutions Enterprises: https://www.staffingsolutionsenterprises.com