It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know: A 33-Year Recruiter's Honest Take on Getting Hired

Why does the most qualified person so rarely get the job, or the audition?

In this episode of Sounds Good by ChoirMate, Dr. Jaclyn Normandie talks with executive recruiter Deb Horowitz, co-founder of Career Quarterback, about what really happens to a resume after you hit submit. They cover why referrals beat cold applications, the STAR method for behavioral interviews, and simple tools for interview anxiety. Deb traces the same networking logic into music, from workshop auditions to ensemble habits recruiters actually notice. A practical, honest conversation for anyone navigating a job search, an audition season, or a career crossroads. About the Guest: Deborah "Deb" Katz Horowitz is Principal of DLH Squared and has spent 33 years in recruiting, spanning banking, HR staffing, and executive search. She spent 11 years as an internal executive recruiter inside some of the most recognizable names in business: Amazon, AWS, Audible, Wayfair, and Peloton, where she joined during its hyper-growth phase. She previously founded Continuiti, an executive search firm she built to over $9 million in revenue. In 2013, she co-founded Career Quarterback, coaching young professionals through their first job search, and today she works with private equity portfolio companies while volunteering her time coaching women returning to the workforce. Deb holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan. Learn more: https://careerquarterback.com and https://dlhsquared.com Any thoughts? Contact us: podcast@soundsgood.as