Virtual Talent TechWalk | 12/16
Welcome to a December to remember!
We’re done with “let’s connect next year.”
Instead of treating the end of Q4 like a dead zone for hiring and career moves, the TechWalk team is turning it into a launchpad. In the final weeks of 2025, we’re bringing together the companies still building and the talent still searching, because innovation doesn’t take December off, and neither does our community of more than 12K tech and SaaS professionals.
AGENDA
9:00 AM Event Kickoff: Introductions
9:10 AM Session #1 - How to Work With Recruiters Effectively
Edie Greenberg PHR. Chicago Chapter Lead, Talent Collective
How internal and external recruiters search, filter, and present candidates, how to build real relationships, what signals matter, and how to increase your chances of being surfaced for the right roles.
9:25 AM Session #2 How We Actually Use ATS Systems
Fiona McDonald, Talent Acquisition Specialist, Ave Point
How resumes are screened, how filters work, what gets reviewed, and the small mistakes that hold strong candidates back.
9:40 AM Session #3 The Traits and Behaviors That Separate Top Candidates From Everyone Else
Bob Ruf, President, ChiTech Resources
The habits, patterns, and signals that consistently help candidates move quickly through later rounds and stand out for the right reasons.
10:00 AM Session #4 How to Make a Strong First Impression in Screening Calls and Early Interviews
Andrea DiCastro, Product Director - Personalization, Ziff Davis Shopping
What stands out, what signals readiness, how candidates communicate with clarity and confidence, and what pushes us to advance someone quickly.
10:15 AM Session #5 What Really Happens Behind the Scenes in Our Hiring Process
Kent Ragan, VP, Global Partnerships, Simpplr
How applications move internally, who weighs in, what slows things down, and how candidates can avoid getting stuck in limbo between stages.
10:30 AM Session #6 What We Are Really Looking For When We Give Homework or Take-Home Assignments
David Hampton Jr, CEO, Hampton Strategies, LLC
Why we assign them, how we evaluate submissions, what we consider red flags, and the signals that matter far more than perfection.
10:45 AM Session #7 What We Recommend If You Do Not Make the Final Cut
En-Szu Hu-Van Wright, Head of Talent Strategy, Chili Piper
How to stay connected, how to leave a lasting positive impression, and how to position yourself for future roles even after a no.
11:00 AM Closing remarks & event ends
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Talent TechWalk Events
Join us for:
Talent TechWalk [NYC]
Our signature walk-and-talk format, co-hosted by teams who aren’t waiting until 2026 to get the right people in seat and driving impact.
Virtual Talent TechWalk
Can’t access a TechWalk in your area? Join this live virtual showcase to meet the companies with open roles and ambitious plans for the year ahead.
TechWalk Talent Breakfast Summit [NYC]
A morning of panels, roundtables, coaching sessions, and 1:1 meet-and-greets connecting unicorn companies with the talent profiles behind their highest-priority roles.
If you’re hiring, you’ll meet motivated candidates in person, no endless resumes or holiday scheduling delays.
If you’re job-seeking, you’ll connect with companies ready to move now.
Innovation doesn’t take December off, and neither should your next big move.
About TechWalk
We're building a different sort of networking event for members of the Tech and SaaS communities to get outside, meet new people, and enjoy some fresh air, while practicing mindful movement.
Every week, we'll gather at an easy-to-find meeting spot and then take a leisurely stroll through the park, appreciating the scenery and forging new connections in a friendly and inclusive setting.
This is a chance to network, share ideas, and build relationships in a healthy and refreshing alternative to the average happy hour.
Whether you're looking for a new role or just need a break from the daily grind, all are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!
For real-time updates on special events and new Co-Hosts follow us sign up for our newsletter www.techwalk.co
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