What Employers Really Look for in Candidates in the Age of AI with Bill Kasko

OPEN Tech Talks: AI worth Talking| Artificial Intelligence |Tools & Tips

In this episode of Open Tech Talks, Kashif Manzoor is joined by Bill Kasko, founder and president of Frontline Source Group. With more than two decades in the staffing industry, Bill shares how the talent landscape is shifting as AI, Generative AI, and automation reshape hiring needs. He explains why traditional hiring requirements like expecting years of experience in a new field, don't always match today's AI skill sets and how organizations are adapting to this rapid evolution.

Bill discusses the challenges companies face in finding AI-savvy talent, the rise of AI agents in products and workflows, and the ongoing evaluation of where AI truly saves time versus where human oversight is still required. He also offers insights into how candidates can stand out by demonstrating adaptability, sharing real project experiences, and even talking openly about failures.

The conversation touches on remote vs. hybrid work trends post-COVID, the role of LinkedIn as a talent network, and why employers are taking back control of hiring after the "great resignation."

Toward the end, Bill shares his People–Process–Service philosophy and explains why communication, honesty, respect, and entrepreneurial thinking are at the core of building resilient businesses and lasting relationships with clients and candidates.

Episode # 167

Today's Guest: Bill Kasko, President and CEO, Frontline Source Group

Bill Kasko is President and CEO of Frontline Source Group, a leading staffing and recruiting firm with a national presence. With a strong background in the industry, Mr. Kasko has driven Frontline Source Group to become an award-winning company that provides temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire staffing solutions across various industries.

• Website: Frontline Source Group

What Listeners Will Learn:

Why hiring for AI roles requires a new mindset, and how companies are coping with skills that don't have formal training pipelines yet.

• How businesses can keep up when AI technology shifts faster than traditional 18-36 month adoption cycles.
• Why adaptability, value creation, and project experience (even failed ones) are key for hiring managers today in the Gen AI era
• How organizations are evaluating when AI tools add real efficiency and when human review is still essential.
• Insights into hybrid, remote, and in-office work patterns and how they impact hiring.
• Why talent now comes from networks, not just applicant pools, and how leaders should rethink recruiting strategies.
• How Bill applies this framework to strengthen teams and deliver consistent, high-quality results.

Resources:

• Frontline Source Group