About
As the VP of Learning and Development at HR, Talent & Systems, I have led diverse teams…
Articles by ⭐Joshua
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Paying it Forward - Where Art Imitates Life
Paying it Forward - Where Art Imitates Life
"Paying it forward" - sharing our knowledge with others and paving the way for them to succeed as we have - is vital to…
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The Lost Art of Recruiting – “Checking Boxes” vs. Finding the Right Fit
The Lost Art of Recruiting – “Checking Boxes” vs. Finding the Right Fit
Across roles and industries, millions of highly qualified people with non-traditional backgrounds hear a common refrain…
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⭐Joshua Cutler shared thisStrangely enough, this sounds exactly like my post from the other day. Now you have both a recruiter from several world class companies, as well as the guy who makes more networking introductions than anyone else in the world telling you the exact same thing. Maybe it's time to cool it with the "nobody's acknowledging my application" posts? https://lnkd.in/ercGxKkD⭐Joshua Cutler shared thisLinkedIn applications won’t get you HIRED. I know what you’re thinking. But as an executive recruiter at Amazon, Google, McKinsey with 20+ years of experience, I can GUARANTEE you… For leadership roles we never looked at LinkedIn applications. Not once. Why? Because the best candidates don’t come from a stack of resumes. → We network. → We headhunt. → We rely on referrals. If you’re spending hours applying online and hearing nothing, let me be blunt: The system isn’t broken. It’s just not built for leaders with 15+ years of experience. Here’s how it actually works: → Recruiters fill roles through their networks first. → Most job postings are posted after someone is already in the pipeline. → Your application isn’t being ignored – it’s being outmaneuvered. So, what works? 1️⃣ 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. Stop chasing recruiters – they’re not the decision-makers. Build relationships with the people who actually have hiring power. 2️⃣ 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲. If you’re not using LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge, you’re invisible. Posting strategically isn’t optional – it’s how you position yourself as a leader. 3️⃣ 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝘄𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. The best jobs aren’t advertised. Strategic outreach and positioning put you on the radar before the job even exists. The reality is this: → The best jobs aren’t listed. → The best candidates aren’t applying. → The best opportunities go to those who know how to get noticed. If you’re tired of playing the online application game, it’s time to start playing the game that actually works. What’s the most frustrating part of your job search right now? Drop it below - I’ll show you how to fix it.
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⭐Joshua Cutler posted thisMy last post was about why I network as much as I do. This post will be about how to network as efficiently as possible. My colleagues are often surprised that I limit my calls to 15 minutes, and are flabbergasted when our mission is accomplished in 3 to 5 minutes at the most. Many people hold the mistaken view that you have to develop a close relationship with someone before exchanging introductions, and that you need to have a deep understanding of the type of work they do in order to figure out which people to introduce them to. In fact, this isn't the case at all. To make introductions, all I need to know is what your goal is for the next step in your career. That's really all I'm listening for. I don't need to hear your entire career journey - in fact, I always mention that I can only help you with the future but not with the past. Once I have the information I need, I'll just tune you out and start making introductions while you're still speaking. Remember, I make over 100 introductions every day, so please be mindful of my time constraints as well. There are also cases when someone is not seeking any introductions (HUGE mistake unless you're fully retired), and even worse when someone sets up a call just to "get to know each other." A call without a clear business objective is NOT networking. Think about it - what good will come from explaining our work to each other without a clear plan for action? When has that ever materialized into anything worthwhile? Not only is it wasting my time, but it's taking time away from people who actually need my help. It's essentially the corporate equivalent of dialing 911 when there is no actual emergency. I also take a more broad-based approach to networking. I can't memorize who works in which industry, or what types of challenges their companies are facing because this is way too much information to keep track of. Instead, I make introductions in four broad categories. Based on your individual needs, I'll know which category of people to introduce you to. Since everyone in the HR space falls under one of these categories, you'll be certain to meet people who can help you, no matter what your goals are. CATEGORY 1: Internal HR executives, which includes both full-time and fractional. CATEGORY 2: HR executive (external) recruiters. CATEGORY 3: Third-party providers (vendors, consultants, etc.) CATEGORY 4: Other miscellaneous people who are not in HR but whose work requires them to be well connected in the HR space. Our work days would all be much shorter if we all committed to getting down to business and addressing the task at hand. Let's all make a concerted effort to do that! Who's with me?
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⭐Joshua Cutler reposted this⭐Joshua Cutler reposted thisSay hello to Brightway Advisors! 👋 We know how overwhelming it can be to juggle the financial, operational, and HR sides of running a business. That's why we're here - to help you build confidence in your numbers, clarity in your strategy, and momentum in your growth. 🎥 This quick video introduces who we are and how we support small businesses like yours. Let's light the way to a smarter, more supported business. 💡 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gD6nH8zH #BrightwayAdvisors #SmallBusinessSupport #BackOfficeSolutions #ClientAdvisoryServices #BookkeepingHelp #HRSupport
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⭐Joshua Cutler posted thisMany people have marveled at my networking methodology, which is unlike anything ever created previously. But few take the time to understand WHY I do it so extensively. It's simple - it gains me access to people I never would have had access to otherwise. It's said that "Your network is your net worth." In other words, your career opportunities are determined more by the people in your network than by your actual abilities. It pains me to see posts complaining about not getting any responses after applying to 600 jobs. This is exacerbated by commenters offering sympathy, without addressing the reality of how foolish this approach is. No one is a good match for 600 jobs, so the vast majority of those jobs are wrong for you. But more importantly, you're avoiding the real work of networking and meeting people who can vouch for you. Those you meet don't have to become close friends - they simply need to know who you are so they can introduce you to others. Yes, it's much more time consuming than clicking "apply." If you want to get results, you have to put in the work. Linkedin is filled with "pundits" teaching you to be treated as just another sheep in the herd. Very few are teaching what really works so you'll become the top dog who pushes the sheep out of the way. - How and when to apply. (It doesn't matter.) - How to format your resume for the ATS. (Resumes are reviewed by people - an ATS is simply a program that stores them.) - When to follow up. (If you're a top candidate, the company will stay in touch so you won't have to ask.) - How to handle a long interview process. (If you're a top candidate, the process will be expedited.) - How to handle a one-way interview. (No company that sees you as a serious contender will make you do this.) -How to know which companies should be on your "target list". (You have no realistic way of knowing this without actually having worked there.) -Doing extensive research on these "target companies" and proposing ideas to solve their problems. (Unless they've hired you, they don't give two shits about your opinion.) I've made many comments about how critical networking is at the executive level. However, it's very important for junior and mid-level positions as well. Many people have lamented that they're competing against countless other applicants. In reality, that's not your competition. For every open role, companies consider internal candidates and personal referrals first, and only refer to inbound applications as a last resort when all their other options are exhausted. If you're wondering why you never hear back after an application, I just solved the mystery for you. I'm sure there will be people who object to what I'm saying because exposing these uncomfortable truths upsets their BS business model. I'm sharing my own experience as both a hiring manager and candidate. I have nothing to gain financially by doing so - I just want everyone to be informed as to how the game is really won.
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⭐Joshua Cutler posted thisI recently connected with an L&D leader who invited me to join their online event about the latest trends in the industry. They specifically mentioned that they were interested in my expertise, both as an L&D executive, as well as being the world's top super connector. I checked it out and the person who contacted me, as well as the event itself, appeared totally legitimate. However, the invitation came with a catch - it costs about $50 to attend. I wrote back to confirm that this was accurate, and when they did confirm as much, I immediately ended the conversation and sent that person on their way. It's insulting enough when people seek your expert counsel for free. It's even worse when they ask you to pay them for the privilege! As everyone knows, I never ask for money in exchange for my introductions - all I require is that you make introductions for me in return. This will add far more mutual benefit in the long term than any token payment you could ever offer me. This should serve as a stark warning whenever someone asks you to pay to participate in an event or a workshop. Every industry has hundreds, if not thousands of free networking groups and events, where you can meet amazing colleagues and learn about opportunities without ever having to pay a dime. If anyone does ask you to pay for your membership or attendance, simply ask them what they can offer you that provides more value than what you would receive for free elsewhere. Unless they can clearly articulate their value proposition, tell them "Thanks, but no thanks."
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⭐Joshua Cutler posted thisAs the fall hiring season picks up, I look forward to making and receiving more introductions every day. This is especially critical now, given the catastrophically poor corporate hiring market we're facing, especially in HR. I take the utmost pride in making more introductions than anyone else in the world, and I'm honored to see the fruits of my labor pay off, with colleagues gaining new jobs and business partnerships as a result. Please take a moment to stop and think about the work that it takes to make this happen. Making over 100 introductions every day takes a tremendous amount of time and effort, and that effort deserves to be respected. The vast majority of my interactions with new and existing colleagues is overwhelmingly positive. However, given the sheer number of people I speak with each day, there are bound to be some bad actors who don't conduct themselves accordingly for a multitude of reasons. I take my leadership in this endeavor extremely seriously, and I feel a moral obligation to immediately advise my closest colleagues whenever someone I introduced them to behaves in a manner that is not befitting of continuing the relationship. Some people have mistakenly assumed that I am trying to "blacklist" certain individuals, when the reality couldn't be further from the truth. If I tell you not to speak with someone, it's because that person did something improper that justifies ending the relationship. It is never because of any personal animus, or for any reason unrelated to the matter at hand. One thing life has taught me is that selfish people are rarely selfish in isolation. If they behave unprofessionally toward me, they most likely will do the same toward others - hence the warning to steer clear. This morning I un-networked a recruiter I have known for years. I advised them of someone's poor behavior, and the recruiter flat out told me that they planned to continue speaking with that person anyway. This is literally the first time anyone has ever directly said such a thing to me. Of course, that recruiter can do whatever they wish, but that will come at a huge cost. Giving of myself to others is part of who I am as a person. I don't know of anyone else on Linkedin who does as much to help others as I do. However, I'm also a human being and I need help from others as well to continue these efforts. If you don't feel that you need to listen to my warnings, you can feel free to leave my network. If you think it's ok that other people don't reciprocate the introductions I've made for them, YOU are the problem. If anyone takes exception to anything I just said, go ahead and remove our connection. When you do as much for others as I do, then perhaps I will consider a different perspective. Until then, please keep in mind that the introductions I make are a privilege, not an entitlement. This is not an invitation for a debate because for me these matters are not negotiable. It is simply a moment of reflection.
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⭐Joshua Cutler reposted this⭐Joshua Cutler reposted this𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴! Drum roll please... 🥁 Excited to welcome Cierra Patterson as our newest Senior Associate where she will be supporting me and growing the HR & Total Rewards practice here at GQR. Cierra brings ~4 years of agency experience supporting a wide variety of search engagements (including HR!) and has a track record of delivery, team leadership, and client partnership. She will be based in #Charlotte and focus on deepening our candidate network and accelerating delivery across HR, Total Rewards, and HRIS searches nationwide, with a particular focus on the Southeast. She's very interested in further connecting with the #HR and #TotalRewards community so please send her a connection request and a congratulations!
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⭐Joshua Cutler posted thisI've posted about this before but I'm afraid I'll have to do so again. I'm getting multiple requests every day to make introductions to random people in my network. I should reiterate that there are many people in my network I have never spoken with, and that asking for an introduction to that person will not help you in the slightest. One person even went so far as to request confidential details about the specific company where they were applying, and they appeared genuinely astonished that I'm not privy to private discussions at the companies where I'm connected with people. I must ask everyone to PLEASE STOP reaching out requesting introductions to specific people. This is extremely disruptive to my day and I don't have time to write back and explain that I don't know that person. I understand in this terrible market, we're all trying to gain every advantage we possibly can (myself included!). If I think of someone who can help you, I'll make the introduction. Don't ask why, just speak to that person and everything will become clear to you. I'm the best in the world at what I do for a reason.
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⭐Joshua Cutler posted thisI recently got off a call where someone told me they were looking to create a networking group for Christian HR executives and to only introduce them accordingly. Another person recently requested something similar. Someone else asked me to only introduce them to women executives, for whatever reason I don't recall. I fully support everyone's right to identify however they wish and to belong to whichever groups they feel represent them. The problem is when someone asks me to limit introductions based on a legally protected category. No matter the reason or however well-intentioned they may be, this is discriminatory networking. It is not a request I will ever honor. Please think this through carefully in the future.
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⭐Joshua Cutler liked this⭐Joshua Cutler liked thisI have been going back and fourth in my head debating whether or not to share this but yesterday I celebrated 5 years drug-free. In high school, I was caught in a cycle of drug addiction. It’s not something I’ve often shared in a business context, but I believe it’s important to be real about where we come from. In August of 2016, I made the decision to get clean — but like so many journeys, mine wasn’t a straight line. Through setbacks and steps backward, it wasn’t until October 2nd, 2021 that I was able to truly begin living drug-free. Since then, every single day has been a choice — a choice to build, to grow, and to lead. That choice has brought me here, as CEO of Jasper Consultancy, working alongside incredible executives and leaders. This journey reminds me so much of what founders face when starting companies. It’s rarely a straight path. There are mistakes, pivots, setbacks, and moments when it feels easier to quit. My story is a reminder that success, in anything, isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience — continuing forward even when things get hard, and choosing every day to build something better. If you’re struggling right now, know this: your past doesn’t define you, and neither do your setbacks. Every day is a chance to rewrite your story. Here's to the first 5 years and many more to go!
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⭐Joshua Cutler liked this⭐Joshua Cutler liked thisOne thing I’ve learned in my career: opportunities rarely come from sending out résumés into the void. More often, they come from conversations, follow-ups, and staying connected with people in your network. Recently, I reached back out on a role I’d discussed months ago. Even though the position was still in flux, it opened the door to a different conversation—how I might support their L&D initiatives on a contract basis. That’s the benefit of a strong network: it’s not just about “landing a job,” it’s about uncovering ways to collaborate, solve problems, and create impact together. If you’re in transition (or even if you’re not), don’t underestimate the power of checking in. Sometimes the most valuable opportunities aren’t listed on job boards—they’re sitting in someone’s inbox, waiting for the right timing. Curious—how has your network surprised you with an unexpected opportunity? Additionally how can I assist with your networking plan?
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⭐Joshua Cutler liked this⭐Joshua Cutler liked this🚙 EXTREME HR ROAD TRIP 🚙 At 5 AM this morning, I am began a road trip for the ages. Over the next nine days, I will cover eight states and five major cities. The HR Like a Boss tour is in full swing. I have the great fortune to be doing keynotes, main stage presentations, and workshops at the annual conferences at MD SHRM, SHRM Georgia State Council, and DallasHR. Plus, I will be visiting my niece and seeing a client along the way. A huge thanks to Shari Arends, SHRM-CP, aPHR, Janeann Allison, and Erin Swain for the gracious invites to be a small part of their amazing conferences. I look forward to having a safe and memorable trip and can’t wait to meet some amazingly awesome human resources professionals. If you’re curious how things are going, add a comment and let me know what you’re up to this week. I will be sure to keep you posted. P.S. If you’re in any of the cities below, let me know. I will do my best to connect with you. Ocean City, Maryland Richmond, Virginia Greensboro, North Carolina Atlanta, Georgia Dallas, Texas
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⭐Joshua Cutler liked this⭐Joshua Cutler liked this🎉 A big shout-out to Tom Schin of Build Better Culture in Ballston Spa, NY! We’re honored to have you as part of ACRN. Drop a 👋 to say hello! #ACRN #WelcomeAboard #SupportLocal
Experience & Education
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HR, Talent & Systems
View ⭐Joshua’s full experience
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Licenses & Certifications
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Special Advisor - L&D Thought Leadership
Coaching Champions Community
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Public School Teacher Permanent Certificate - Teaching of English as a Second Language
New York State Department of Education
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Public School Teacher Certificate - French
New York State Department of Education
Volunteer Experience
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Educator/Fact Finder
Haiti Earthquake Relief
- 4 months
Disaster and Humanitarian Relief
Due to my fluency in French and my experience as an ENL educator, I was selected to partake in a fact finding mission to determine what types of educational services were needed in the aftermath of the Haitian earthquake. I participated in numerous conference calls with members of the Haitian community, and offered strategic input about how best to provide educational assistance to those in need.
Honors & Awards
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Networking Expert Ambassador
Willory
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Networking Expert Advisor
People Leadership Group
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Author, Top HR Networking Expert
Troop HR
https://www.troophr.com/blog/networking-in-the-hr-space-both-an-art-and-a-science
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The Unique Value Former Teachers Can Add in Corporate Learning
ATD - "Off the Cuff" Podcast
Keynote speaker on ATD's podcast about the unique value former teachers can add in corporate learning.
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Outside the Box Thinker - Innovative Business Ideas
Learning for You Consulting
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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French
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Spanish
Native or bilingual proficiency
Organizations
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Association for Talent Development
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Forbes Coaches Council
Distinguished Member
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International Advisory Board for Online Learning
Founding Member
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SHRM
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Talent Transformation Guild
Member
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