with recruiter & tech leader Carol Hauser
“You don’t need to be 100% ready. If you wait for that, you’ll miss out.”
– Carol Hauser
Why This Episode Matters
If you’ve ever hesitated to apply for a job because you didn’t meet every single requirement, if you’ve submitted countless applications without receiving a response, or if you’ve avoided negotiating your salary out of fear of losing the offer, this episode is for you.
I recently spoke with Carol Hauser, a Brazilian tech leader, recruiter, and public speaker who has assisted hundreds of professionals in navigating the job search from both sides of the table.
Carol shared so much valuable insight that it’s difficult to choose just one key takeaway.
The Hidden Truth About Job Searching
The job search today is broken in many ways:
🔍 Great jobs aren’t always listed.
Up to 80% of jobs are filled through referrals, not online applications.
💬 Candidates feel like they’re ghosted.
Carol explains why recruiters go silent—and how you can follow up strategically.
🤖 AI is changing how interviews are won.
And no, it’s not just about prepping with ChatGPT (though we talk about that too!).
🎯 Most people wait until they’re “ready.”
But the truth is, most men apply at 60% readiness. Why are women still waiting for 100%?
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Carol and I dive into:
✅ The real reason you’re not hearing back from applications
✅ How to write STAR method stories that actually impress interviewers
✅ Why women hold back from negotiating—and what to do instead
✅ How to leverage networking instead of job boards
✅ Tips for managing rejection (and confidence) during the process
🔥 My Favorite Moment
When Carol said:
“If you feel 100% of the requirements, where will you grow?”
It reminded me of so many brilliant women I coach who stay stuck because they think they need another certification, more years of experience, or a better résumé layout.
That’s not what gets you the job.
Confidence, strategy, and visibility do.
🎥 Watch the Clip
Want a quick taste? This three-minute segment will shift how you think about applying before you’re “ready”:
🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
Don’t miss the full conversation – Carol shares practical, actionable advice you can apply today if you’re looking to grow your career or switch roles.
👉 Listen to the episode on my website
Or watch the video:
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👉 Subscribe to my Substack — where I go deeper into leadership, self-doubt, and the mindset shifts that changed everything for me.
About Carol Hauser
Carol Hauser is a Brazilian-born recruiter, tech leader, and advocate for women in STEM. With experience on both sides of the hiring process, she brings empathy, strategy, and bold insights to job seekers navigating today’s evolving tech landscape.
Follow Carol on LinkedIn.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Linktree: https://bit.ly/3PO20fr
About Me
Hi, I’m Limor Bergman Gross—Executive Coach for women in tech, former Director of Engineering, and host of From a Woman to a Leader.
I help mid-level women in tech get promoted, be seen as leaders, and grow into Director/VP roles—without sacrificing their values or burning out.
Let’s connect:
🌐 Website
🎧 Podcast
💌 Substack