Interviewing the Interviewer: A Conversation with J.J. Brizendine for First Generation Jobseekers
J.J. Brizendine -
Talent Acquisition Consultant, North America – People & Culture, Manpower Group
J.J. Brizendine understands the power of connections. In the corporate recruitment space since 2020, J.J. has been responsible for all aspects of the recruitment lifecycle, from candidate searches based on specific criteria, to candidate screenings, to holistic restructuring of corporate recruitment programs. From the tech industry, to leadership development fraternities, to the well-known e-reading company Audible, and now the recruiting powerhouse Manpower Group, J.J. has applied his passion for candidate support across his entire career. With a personal mission to “bridge your skills, goals, and interests with the right opportunity”, J.J. joined FGPM VP Margaret Nedow to discuss his careerpath and his best advice for first generation professionals navigating an uncertain job market.
In Part I of this Community Leader Interview, J.J. discusses:
Realizing late in his college education that he needed a major pivot, with one month to graduation
Leaning into his network to become a professional yapper
How his journalistic curiosity (“ABC": Always Be Curious”) makes him a successful recruiter
Advice for young professionals considering their own early career pivots, including seeking perspective from those who know you better than yourself and taking advantage of your resources
How his passion for connection guides his carer
His daily role as a recruiter with Manpower Group - including how best to work with a recruiter and how they assist you in your job search
How AI is impacting the job search process, his thoughts on how candidate use of AI affects his role as a recruiter, and how first generation professionals can use AI to their advantage when looking for a job
Dispelling the myth that Gen Z can’t hold a conversation and a classic book recommendation to help train your communication skills
In Part II of this Community Leader Interview, J.J. discusses:
His 12-to-18 month outlook of the recruitment landscape, acknowledging both positivity and uncertainty
What actually happens to that resume you sent through a company talent portal
The position description vs. the purple unicorn
Advice for job seekers targeting a specific company
Interview Do’s: The power of wearing a tie, and saying thank you, during the interview process
Interview Dont’s: The importance of where, and how, you conduct the interview
The pride of being a first generation professional
What he loves about Milwaukee
Panelist:
J.J. Brizendine, Talent Acquisition Consultant, North America – People & Culture, Manpower Group
Moderator:
Margaret Nedow, Vice President, First Generation Professionals of Milwaukee Inc.
Recorded Monday, June 23, 2025
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