What’s Evergreen in Recruiting—And What’s Coming Next

Episode 85


Episode Overview

Our host, Pete Newsome, sits down with John Ruffini—VP of Professional Development at HealthTrust Workforce Solutions and author of Money Makers—to explore how recruiting is evolving and which fundamentals still hold strong.

While technology and AI have transformed the way recruiters operate, Ruffini reminds us that relationships remain at the heart of great recruiting. He states, “Our business is still about relationships, and people want to interact with other people. It’s just human nature.”

He shares his “million-dollar questions”—thoughtful, disarming prompts that turn reluctant candidates into open conversations—and contrasts this relationship-first mindset with the transactional approaches that dominate today’s landscape.

The conversation also dives into the impact of remote work, including the loss of geographic boundaries and the challenge of developing young talent. Ruffini makes a strong case for hybrid models and shares personal lessons from both wins and failures that helped shape his recruiting philosophy.

Whether you’re a veteran recruiter or just starting out, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the future of talent acquisition—and why human connection still matters most.

37 minutes

Additional Resources

About Pete Newsome

Pete Newsome is the president of 4 Corner Resources, the nationally acclaimed staffing and recruiting firm he founded in 2005. His mission back then was the same as it is today: to do business in a personal way, while building an organization with boundless opportunities for ingenuity and advancement. When not managing 4 Corner’s growth or spending time with his family of six, you can find Pete sharing his sales and business expertise through public speaking, writing, and as the host of the Hire Calling podcast.

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