A five-minute habit that quietly shapes your mindset, your space, and the way you show up every day.

In 2026, a resume that only checks boxes won’t get you hired. Applicant tracking systems now understand context, recruiters are skeptical of keyword-heavy applications, and AI-generated resumes have flooded the market. The candidates getting callbacks are the ones who balance three things: relevant keywords, proven impact, and a voice that actually sounds human.

If you’ve been recruiting long enough, you start to notice a pattern: not all clients are created equal. Some feel effortless to work with, others take a bit more effort, and a few… well, you’re not sure why you’re still holding on.

Think of it this way—your clients are a lot like your jeans. Some are your go-to favorites, some are for occasional use, and some probably should’ve been let go a long time ago. The key is knowing which is which—and having the confidence to act on it.

Recruiting isn’t about filling roles—it’s about meeting people in moments of change.
Behind every title is a different story: growth, doubt, comfort, or the quiet realization that it’s time for something new.

In a field where precision matters, striving for perfection makes sense—but in hiring, it can become a hidden obstacle. As both hiring managers and candidates hold out for the ideal, roles remain unfilled and opportunities slip by. In reality, progress in the water and wastewater industry depends not on perfection, but on capable professionals willing to grow into the role.

A World Water Day reflection on the essential role of water and the people who keep it flowing.

Last week I stood around a campfire with friends I’ve known for nearly 30 years.

We met as college soccer teammates. Today we’re executives, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and a few people navigating career transitions.

What struck me most wasn’t the nostalgia—it was the networking.

In a world of Easy Apply buttons and algorithm-driven hiring, we often forget that careers still move through people.

Sometimes the most valuable opportunities don’t come from LinkedIn.

They come from a conversation offline.

Recruiters don’t read resumes the way candidates think they do. Certifications, years of experience, and long job descriptions aren’t enough. What truly matters is strategic positioning, measurable impact, and career intentionality. Here’s what companies are really looking for.

Artificial intelligence is often associated with servers, silicon chips, and endless streams of data. What rarely enters the conversation is water. Yet water has quietly become one of the most critical resources powering the AI boom.

Behind every data center is a cooling system working around the clock — and in most cases, that cooling depends on millions of gallons of water. As AI expands, so does the demand placed on municipal systems, aquifers, and wastewater infrastructure. For utilities and water professionals, this shift represents both operational challenges and strategic opportunity.

An AI-led interview prompted one of my candidates to tell me, very plainly, “I hated it.”

That moment stuck with me. Recruiting should never feel robotic or transactional. At its core, it’s about people, stories, and real conversation — the kind that allows curiosity, nuance, and connection to exist. Because that’s where the best matches are truly made.

The best interviews do not feel stiff or scripted. When candidates feel comfortable, engaged, and present, the conversation flows more naturally and confidence shows up without forcing it.