In this episode of the Boys of EdTech, the crew is joined by Jenna Farone, Vice President of Education at Rockwood Search, for a timely and unfiltered conversation on the current state of the edtech job market.

Jenna shares her journey into edtech recruiting, from entering the industry with no prior experience to building a strong network and becoming a trusted partner for both candidates and companies. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at how hiring really works in edtech today and why relationships matter more than ever.

The conversation dives into the wave of layoffs and restructuring happening across the industry, unpacking what is actually driving these changes. From post-COVID overhiring and shifting budgets to evolving expectations around performance, the group explores why companies are becoming more selective and risk-averse in their hiring decisions.

Jenna also shares practical advice for job seekers navigating this uncertain market. She emphasizes the importance of leveraging your network, being clear about your experience, and avoiding the common mistake of mass applying without a strategy. The discussion highlights how strong candidates differentiate themselves by understanding their strengths, asking the right questions, and treating interviews like a true two-way process.

The episode also explores the role of AI in hiring, the importance of self-awareness in career decisions, and how both candidates and companies can make smarter, more intentional choices. Whether you are hiring, job searching, or simply trying to understand the market, this episode offers valuable insights grounded in real-world experience.

Connect with the Boyz
Rick Fernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
Matthew Millstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-millstein/
Jacob Kantor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejacobkantor/
Ryan Patenaude: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatenaude/
Jeff Piontek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpiontek/

Key Moments

04:22 Adapting quickly in new jobs

07:53 Coping with a layoff

10:41 Discussing layoffs and AI impact

13:31 Business growth and funding challenges

16:39 Navigating partnership challenges

19:45 Understanding Sales Hiring Needs

24:59 Assessing Leadership in Job Search

28:38 Finding the right team fit

31:04 Challenges of Founder Led Sales

35:38 Founders doing their own sales

36:47 Technical founders avoiding sales

41:14 Finding strong job candidates

45:20 Finding a specialized recruiter

Connect with Guest
Jenna Farone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennafarone

Interested in joining the show? Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/SRVhzpXikBombee38

Listen to the episode: https://youtu.be/sGgVHQL46Q8