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What do you do after a layoff—and how do you come back stronger?
On What’s Your Work Fit?, host Dan Smolen welcomes Kareem Rogers, HR business partner, corporate recruiter, and founder of The Fit Recruiter LLC, for a practical and motivating conversation about career reinvention, job search strategy, networking, personal branding, and standing out in a crowded hiring market.
Kareem shares what job seekers should focus on first after losing a job: mental health, healing, and clarity.
From there, he outlines how candidates can rebuild with purpose by sharpening their brand, growing their network, upskilling—especially around AI and in-demand capabilities—and learning how to present proof of value in interviews.
Dan and Kareem also explore the importance of team experience, curiosity, adaptability, military service, athletics, and transferable skills in shaping a resilient career path. The episode closes with a powerful reflection on what it means to help people find meaningful work that improves lives.
If you are navigating a layoff, considering a career pivot, or trying to future-proof your career in a changing workplace, this episode is packed with actionable insight.
In This Episode:
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How to reinvent yourself after a layoff
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Why mental health matters before job search strategy
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How recruiters evaluate candidates quickly
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The importance of personal branding in a competitive market
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Why networking and relationships still matter
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How to use examples and proof of work in interviews
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Why curiosity and adaptability drive long-term career success
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How sports, teams, and military experience build transferable skills
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What makes a candidate memorable to recruiters and hiring managers
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Kareem Rogers’ definition of true work fit
Key Takeaways
Being laid off is not just a professional event—it is an emotional one. Kareem emphasizes that recovery begins with healing, not hustling.
Reinvention requires differentiation. Candidates need to know what they are known for, what value they bring, and how to demonstrate it clearly.
Networking is not optional. Strong relationships can open doors, create introductions, and help candidates get seen.
Upskilling matters more than ever. With AI reshaping the market, job seekers need to stay current and show evidence of growth.
Recruiters respond to clarity, relevance, and connection. Great candidates do not just say they are valuable—they show it.
Notable Moments
[05:34] Dan asks the lead question: how do I reinvent myself after a layoff?
[06:44] Kareem says healing and mental health must come before reinvention
[08:00] Why personal branding and positioning matter in today’s job market
[09:06] Kareem explains the real power of networking and connections
[12:21] Why upskilling—especially around AI—can strengthen a job search
[13:44] The value of bringing examples and proof of work into interviews
[17:24] Why candidates must show value, not just claim they are hard workers
[19:25] Dan and Kareem discuss sports, teamwork, and transferable career skills
[27:27] Why military veterans often bring mission focus and discipline to work
[31:17] Curiosity as a signal of long-term value and adaptability
[34:37] Resume advice: match your application to what the job actually asks for
[37:24] Why building rapport with interviewers can change outcomes
[39:58] Dan shares a story about his daughter landing a nursing role through a powerful interview answer
[47:42] Kareem answers the show’s signature question: What’s your work fit?
About Our Guest
Kareem Rogers is an HR business partner, corporate recruiter, and career coach. In his full-time role, he recruits nurses and technicians for a hospital system. Through his business, The Fit Recruiter LLC, he helps job seekers build stronger careers, increase earning potential, and position themselves more effectively in the job market. Kareem is also active on LinkedIn, where he shares career advice, motivation, and recruiting insights. Kareem lives and works in Chicago, Illinois.
Why Listen to This Episode?
This episode is for anyone who wants to:
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recover from a layoff with confidence
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improve job search results
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understand what recruiters really look for
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learn how to position themselves in a changing job market
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build a career that aligns with purpose, strengths, and long-term work fit
This episode first aired on March 13, 2026 on the What’s Your Work Fit? YouTube Channel. Watch it HERE.
EPISODE DATE: March 20, 2026
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