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From Pepsi to FAANG: The Changing Obsession with Big-Name Employers

From Pepsi to FAANG for hiring, forget toys and give the Gift of College and Coke flops in their AI Ad

Author

The Deputy
November 21, 2024

“If Microsoft ever does applications for Linux, it means I have won."

Linus Torvalds

Before you READ further, use promo code “WFHCoffee” and get 20% off any bag of freshly roasted Sumato Coffee. ☕️ —> Brewing Connections Across America 🇺🇸

In today’s email:

  • Job News:  From Pepsi to FAANG: The Changing Obsession with Big-Name Employers

  • Overheard at coffee:  Forget Toys—Give the Gift of College

  • Trending AI News: AI Ad for Coca Cola goes flat

  • Hot Jobs: (keep scrolling down ⬇️)

  • Recruiting Fails: Don’t Skip the Chain of Command in Hiring ❌

Job News

Back in 1999, if you wanted to build a career, companies like Pepsi, GE, Procter & Gamble, and Honeywell were the gold standard. I had solid stints at Pepsi and Honeywell myself, and while I learned a lot, I couldn’t help but wonder: why were recruiters so obsessed with these corporate giants?

Fast forward to today, and the obsession has shifted to tech titans like Google and Microsoft. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every client who asked us to poach talent from FAANG, I’d be a little richer (and maybe drinking better coffee).

If you’re hiring in the AI space, Microsoft is the place to watch. Whether it’s Azure expertise or cutting-edge generative AI projects, their people are leading the charge. If that sounds like your dream hire—or if you are that person—let’s talk. We’ve got killer engineering opportunities that could be the perfect fit.

One thing I learned during my Pepsi and Honeywell days is that big companies build cultures so strong they almost feel cult-like. Case in point: I once had to give a verbal warning to an employee at Pepsi—for drinking Coke on the job. Yeah, you read that right. And while tech might be more relaxed, I’d bet it still raises eyebrows if you walk into a Microsoft meeting flaunting all Apple gear.

Whether it’s old-school giants or today’s tech leaders, some companies just know how to cultivate loyalty—and that attracts recruiters like moths to a flame. The real question? Are you hiring for skills, culture fit, or the company name on the resume?

Overheard at coffee ☕️

Looking for a gift that actually makes a difference? Skip the overstuffed toy bins and check out Gift of College. Whether it’s helping someone save for college or tackling student loan debt, this gift hits where it matters most.

It’s perfect for:

  • Students: Help them stack up college savings instead of another unnecessary gadget.

  • Adults buried in student loans: A thoughtful way to lighten the load.

And here’s the kicker: more employers are hopping on the bandwagon, offering Gift of College as a benefit to their teams. It works at any accredited college and is way better than giving another gift that collects dust.

This holiday season, give something meaningful—because a brighter future beats another toy truck any day.

🚀 People do not get excited about an AI driven ad for Coca Cola. Fans say they nailed the execution but missed the emotion.

See for yourself - does the ad below make you want to sip on a Coke?

🔥 Hot Jobs - $1K Referral Fee

Recruiting Fails: The other day, a candidate decided to skip the recruiter and hiring manager they’d been working with and go straight to the HR team with their questions. Bold move? Sure. Smart move? Not so much.

While it might seem like a good way to stand out, here’s the reality: this kind of leapfrogging often backfires. In this case, the HR person and hiring manager were put off by the unexpected outreach and, let’s be real, the slightly “prickly” tone didn’t help.

Here’s the Playbook:

1. Stick to the people you’ve been working with. Your recruiter or hiring manager is your direct line to getting the job, so use them. They’re your advocates—don’t sidestep them.

2. Ask questions—but with tact. There’s nothing wrong with seeking clarity, but tone matters. Coming across as combative or impatient? That’s a red flag for any team.

The Deputy Takeaway:

In the hiring process, every interaction is part of your audition. Make it a good one. Show respect for the process and the people involved—it’ll get you much farther than an unsolicited phone call ever will.

Do you have recruiting Fail Stories? Reply with your epic fails – we'll feature them. Own your blunders, embrace vulnerability, and let's all level up together.

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