If you're someone with 10, 15, or even 20-plus years of experience in user experience or product roles, this episode is tailor-made for you. Sarah breaks down how experienced professionals like you are still landing great opportunities in diverse industries, the crucial difference between settling and compromising in your job search, how overconfidence can mask underlying fears and why it's essential to embrace modern job search strategies to stand out and succeed.Whether you're looking to climb higher in your current field or pivot to new opportunities, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life examples to help you strategize and thrive.Quotables"You have to communicate what you have done. You can't just rely on your qualifications.""There is a difference between settling or sacrificing and compromise. And with compromise, you still have the power."Timestamps00:42 Career climbers: hiring, mindset, imposter syndrome tips.04:28 Highlight accomplishments, not just qualifications, in resumes.08:50 Recognizing bills, imposter syndrome, and career challenges.10:27 Optimize career materials, LinkedIn; mindset essential.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

In today’s episode Sarah addresses a topic that affects nearly every job seeker: the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS. With so much misinformation and myths swirling around about how ATS works, Sarah spends intentional time cutting through the noise to give you the real story. She’ll break down what an ATS is, how it processes your resume, and why it's crucial to optimize your document for these systems. Sarah also shares actionable tips to increase your visibility to recruiters and hiring managers. If you're in the middle of a job search or gearing up for one, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the complexities of the ATS and land your next role.Quotables“One of the myths out there is that the ATS is a robot rejecting people. And that is not totally true.""You want to be customizing your resume for every job you apply to. Now that does not mean recreating it from scratch every single time. It could mean that you're just rewriting certain bullet points, reordering bullet points, maybe even removing bullet points to draw attention to the bullet points that are more relevant to that job you are applying to."Timestamps00:28 Applicant tracking systems organize and rank candidates.04:01 Recruiters and managers make final hiring decisions.08:37 Applicant tracking systems and self-ranking summary in hiring.12:43 Understanding applicant tracking systems & its human impact.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

In today’s episode Sarah shares valuable strategies for analyzing job descriptions in detail, so you understand how to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences.You’ll learn practical tips for tailoring resumes and portfolios to catch a hiring manager's eye by emphasizing specific examples that match job requirements. Sarah also addresses the challenge of being perceived as overqualified and offers insights on presenting yourself effectively regardless of extensive experience. If you’re navigating a job search and wondering how to make your experience count, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help refine your approach and improve your chances of landing interviews.Quotables"It's not about your years of experience. It is about how relevant your experience is.""Read and study the job description and look for things that they've mentioned that you have done and that you have stories to back up the fact that you've actually done those things."Timestamps00:38 Experience matters less, relevance is key.05:11 Customize your resume, portfolio to match the job description.07:55 Relevance over years of experience in hiring.10:32 Tailor your approach, highlight stories, get interviews.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

Struggling to know what to post on LinkedIn during your job search? You're not alone, and this episode has you covered.From sharing your expertise to engaging with people at companies you admire, you'll learn how to boost your visibility and create a strong first impression.In this episode, Sarah shares why posting regularly and thoughtfully can make a difference when potential employers scroll through LinkedIn profiles and gives practical tips on how to curate content, start meaningful conversations, and share valuable resources. You’ll also learn about the importance of engaging with posts from companies where you want to work and how this can influence LinkedIn's algorithm in your favor.Sarah also highlights what not to do, like turning LinkedIn into a place for complaints, ensuring your profile gives off the best vibe.Listen in for actionable advice that could help land you more interviews and get you noticed by the right people.Quotables"The moment someone lands on your LinkedIn profile, they are 1 step closer to getting to know you and maybe seeing how you could be a great candidate for a role they're hiring for, whether they're hiring now or maybe in the future."“When you share your knowledge, you increase your visibility. And when you increase your visibility, you are more likely to be seen and potentially stand out to people hiring or even just people who work at companies where maybe you want to work."— Sarah Doody Timestamps00:45 Overcome fear of posting on LinkedIn.03:09 Increase LinkedIn visibility through regular, engaging posts.07:26 Share expertise by explaining, increasing visibility and standing out.11:34 Leverage LinkedIn for job visibility and professionalism.12:57 Leverage LinkedIn for effective job search strategy.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

In today’s episode Sarah addresses this question head-on!Tune in to learn what Career Strategy Lab offers and how the unique group coaching program and community designed for UX, design, and tech professionals helps clients increase their confidence and achieve their career goals. Sarah also addresses the lack of negative reviews and discusses why some people choose not to publicly share their experiences.If you’ve ever been skeptical or simply curious, this fully transparent episode provides the clarity you need to get a real sense of what’s inside the Career Strategy Lab.Quotables"Whether you are marketing a physical product, a service, or yourself as a candidate, the principles of marketing still stay the same. You still need to do things that help you become more visible as a new business or a new product or a candidate. You need to catch people's attention. You need to make it easy for them to contact you.""I am the marketing firm. And if you want to learn how to market yourself as a candidate, then career strategy lab is going to help you do that."Timestamps00:39 Addressing the Scam Question00:58 Understanding Career Strategy Lab02:36 Handling Negative Feedback05:58 Marketing Insights and Transparency☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

Are you stuck trying to wrap up your UX portfolio because your massive project is taking forever to complete?Today we've got an insightful episode for all the UX designers out there grappling with how to present large projects in your portfolio. In this episode, Sarah discusses the strategy of breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable pieces, making your portfolio not only easier to complete but also more appealing to recruiters and hiring managers. Tune in to discover how this approach can streamline your job applications and better showcase your expertise.Quotables"It is perfectly fine to break up a very large project into multiple smaller projects for the purposes of your portfolio.""By taking a larger project and breaking it up into chapters, you can all of a sudden have a portfolio with 3, 4 projects in it.""What we want is to show the recruiters and hiring managers the evidence, the examples, the receipts."Timestamps00:32 Introduction to Career Strategy Podcast00:38 Handling Large Projects in Your UX Portfolio01:40 Breaking Down Large Projects into Smaller Sections04:33 Tailoring Your Portfolio for Job Applications07:38 Conclusion and Final Tips☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

Get ready to transform your approach to feedback! This episode delves into the art of giving and receiving critiques on career materials. Career Strategy Lab Coaches Erin Lindstrom, Becca Santilli, and Steph Knox share their extensive experience from reviewing thousands of resumes, portfolios, and LinkedIn profiles.They discuss the importance of being specific when asking for feedback and how staying mindful of your goals can make the process more effective. Learn how different methods, like live sessions and prerecorded critiques, can help boost your confidence and refine your materials. Whether you're looking for a new job or aiming for a promotion, this episode will guide you to get the best feedback possible. Tune in to discover actionable tips that ensure you get the feedback you need to succeed.Reflection Questions1. What strategies do you typically use when asking for feedback on your career materials, and how can you apply Erin, Steph, and Becca's advice to improve your approach?2. How do you handle receiving conflicting feedback from different sources, and what steps can you take to discern which feedback is most valuable to you as suggested in the podcast?3. Erin mentioned the importance of building the skill set to improve any career material bullet point in the future. What specific skills or actions can you focus on to enhance this ability in your own career development?4. Considering Becca's point about the importance of the compass statement in gaining clarity and confidence, how would you articulate your own compass statement, and in what ways might it serve as your North Star in your career journey?Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Special Guests00:11 Understanding Feedback in Career Strategy Lab00:42 Demystifying the Critique Process01:30 Meet the CSL Coaches03:17 The Critique Process Explained04:50 Personal Critiquing Processes06:07 Importance of Compass Statement09:45 Live Calls and Community Support11:36 Tips for Asking Feedback16:12 Your Next Steps ☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

Want to stand out in your job search? In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah breaks down the AIDA framework, a four-part methodology used by top companies to capture your attention and spark action. In this episode, you’ll learn how AIDA can be applied to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and even cold emails to potential employers and discover how small changes in how you present your skills and experience can make a big difference in holding a recruiter’s interest and getting that coveted interview.Whether you’re just starting to update your career materials or deep into your job search, these tips will help you think more strategically and communicate more effectively so you get noticed, book more interviews, and are offered more roles.Quotables "The process of you getting hired is very similar to the process of you going and buying that new pair of shoes or booking that hotel." "The goal is that something about your resume catches their attention, and to do that we need to create a resume that makes you stand out from other candidates.""Be thinking, what am I doing to capture attention, interest, desire so that they take action?"Timestamps 00:56 Interest leads to desire, prompting action ultimately.03:58 Effectively capturing attention and generating action is the goal of your career materials.09:11 Be mindful of how you’re taking action.12:05 AIDA has been around for a while, it’s time to apply it to your job search,☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

Eager to boost your professional growth but struggling to find the time and right flow for your life? Figuring out how to best use your time is a regular topic inside of Career Strategy Lab as we help clients navigate how to focus on progress over perfection while juggling the realities of life.In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares practical strategies to fit professional development into your life regardless of what your calendar looks like. From tips on scheduling dedicated time for growth to managing perfectionism and expectations, you'll learn how to navigate either a jam-packed schedule or, the ample free time a lay-off presents, to invest in yourself. Whether you're balancing a full-time job and other commitments or have an open calendar to focus on growth, this episode provides actionable advice catered to your unique situation. Get ready to uncover the importance of setting priorities, build a supportive community, and break tasks into manageable sprints to maximize your efforts. 00:56 Making time for professional development: actionable tips.03:46 Schedule professional development with focus and energy.08:22 Commit to intentional, efficient professional development.11:25 Break tasks, focus on energy, quality work.13:17 Prioritize tasks, schedule and say no.17:31 Learn practical tips for professional development journey.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

A few times a year we open the doors to Career Strategy Lab and host an Open House so prospective clients can learn about the program and get to know some of our clients. In this episode, we’re sharing the audio from our last Open House (it’s an imperfect podcast episode but we think the stories are worth sharing!) During this episode, you’ll hear from three Career Strategy Lab clients (two Product Designers and a Senior UX Designer) on how to tackle mindset issues like imposter syndrome and procrastination as well as how they improved their communication skills and confidence in CSL.Tune in to hear how these three women accepted new job opportunities by applying the “Product of You” framework Sarah teaches in Career Strategy Lab. 02:00 Work meeting, questions, introductions, Career Strategy Lab.05:26 Enhancing communication skills through enrolling in CSL.09:08 Focused on single case study with significant impact.13:01 Surrounding with career-focused community creates accountability.14:22 Embrace promoting yourself to communicate your value.18:04 Consistency in touch points shapes brand perception.23:36 Coaching and CSL sessions significantly improved performance.25:35 Optimize resume for ATS, keep it simple.30:33 Mindset calls provided support and guidance.34:45 Program rekindled confidence and passion for work.37:17 Allie found his flow; advice on sprints.40:54 Organize sprints for career roadmap and job search.43:36 Detailed course materials for career development available.45:51 Weekly sprint check-ins, events, job alerts available.49:35 3-month CSL course requires dedication.51:35 Encouraging self-compassion and growth in career.55:42 Private questions? Use the email or link.57:44 Thank you for listening to career strategy podcast.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

Navigating a layoff can leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and scared. In this episode, Sarah will walk you through how everything from feeling your feelings to updating your career materials.This episode offers 9 practical things you can to do feel more in control and to save time as you navigate the journey to finding your next role. And, if you're happily employed, these tips can help you prepare just in case you ever face an unexpected layoff. If you've recently experienced a lay off or spend time wondering what you'd do if you were to be laid off, this episode is for you. 00:00 Allow time to process, evaluate your finances, seek support.05:37 Update your resume, LinkedIn, then career materials.08:23 Use LinkedIn's "open to work" setting discretely.13:42 Personalize messages, be active in communities.15:26 Posting your vision to leverage visibility.19:35 Find joy, recharge, and relieve stress. 21:52 The power of helping others.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

Struggling with getting responses to your cold messages? Discover a straightforward approach to crafting communication that's more likely to get you a reply. This episode dives into a four-part structure called the GAIN framework, designed to hone your messages to be concise, clear, and effective. Learn why keeping things short is critical and how specificity in your queries can significantly up your chances of receiving the response you need. Plus, avoid common mistakes like overly long messages or unclear intent that might be sending your emails straight to the ignored pile. Want more support? Grab our communication swipe files and so much more inside of Career Strategy Lab.00:00 Be clear, concise, and specific in messaging.05:45 Use strong anchor when reaching out professionally.09:18 Efficient email communication framework for networking.10:32 Use GAIN framework for clearer, impactful messages.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

Unlocking potential in your career can often feel like a maze with no clear exit. This episode takes you inside one of our weekly Q&A calls that we do with our Career Strategy Lab clients. These calls allow our Career Strategy Lab members to come together in real-time to talk through their wins, struggles, and questions. Forget edited scenarios; you’re getting the raw and real questions that our clients grapple with, and the practical advice provided by our expert coaching team.In this episode of the Career Strategy Lab, you'll hear from individuals in different stages of their UX careers as they tackle challenges like articulating work, determining the ideal number of bullet points for their resume, and curating a UX portfolio with just the right amount of case studies. The discussions delve into whether it's better to stick to a career path closely or to pivot when unique opportunities arise, even if they don't perfectly align with long-term goals.Have questions? Join us in Career Strategy Lab to get your questions answered and career materials critiqued!00:00 Tips to improve your "about me" or what we refer to as a Compass Statement03:39 Suggest 2-3 bullet points, vary by content and context.08:47 Portfolios vary, no set limit. Tailor to showcase skills. No one-size-fits-all.10:33 Submit assets after going through the curriculum to match CSL standards, avoid quadruple work for feedback.16:07 Discussion about decision-making mindset and past experience parallels.20:22 People are encouraged to share and listen to others' experiences for support.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy RoadmapTired of the usual hustle of trying to make more connections without truly connecting? This episode of The Career Strategy Podcast cuts through the networking noise, offering a breath of fresh air with simple, down-to-earth strategies for building meaningful career relationships. In this ep, Sarah shares a quarterly plan for deepening ties with professionals who align with your goals and interests. By establishing clear career objectives, creating a targeted contact list, and fostering conversations beyond social media likes, you'll learn how to make every interaction count. 00:00 Strategic tips for building relationships at work.03:51 Create list of active platforms, engage intentionally.06:13 Nurture relationships with check-ins and engagement.09:15 Thank you and stay connected for more.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, we explore the impact of first impressions on LinkedIn and why complaining on the platform during a job search may not be the best approach. Sarah discusses the downside of posting negative content and offers practical tips for job seekers to make a positive first impression. Listeners will gain insights into alternative ways to express frustrations and job-related interests on LinkedIn. The episode emphasizes the importance of curating the content on their profiles to create a strong, professional first impression. By the end, listeners will understand the value of thoughtful and insightful content on LinkedIn and how it can impact their job search. If you're looking for practical advice on how to navigate LinkedIn and make a strong first impression, this episode has valuable insights for job seekers.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap00:00 LinkedIn users complain about job search treatment.03:13 Negativity in posts can affect job prospects.08:49 Engage and share insights for professional growth.10:23 Share insights on LinkedIn for positive impression.13:55 Spots available now, advance your career! ☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

👉 Get your free UX Career RoadmapNavigating the job market can feel like a maze. In this episode, Cheryl Platz, a seasoned UX professional, lays out a map for job seekers to present themselves effectively. Discover how to craft a portfolio that showcases not just your abilities but also the impactful contributions you've made in your career, whether that's enhancing processes, saving costs, or avoiding negative outcomes. Learn how a well-told story can elevate your job application and the significance of aligning your career materials with the needs of potential employers.Cheryl shares with Sarah her own job search experiences, sharing insights on how to adapt to feedback and connect with interviewers. She stresses the importance of engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, and how sharing genuine content can open unexpected doors in your career. Additionally, this episode delves into the process of evaluating portfolios, the critical skill of storytelling in interviews, and strategies for career transitions. Hear personal anecdotes on maximizing LinkedIn and tips for your first day and the first 90 days in a new role.Whether you're starting, switching, or advancing your career, this discussion provides practical advice for making the right moves on your professional journey.05:33 Post-9/11 economy disrupts computer science career.07:53 Diverse skills: production, writing, UX, game design.11:30 Transition from Gates Foundation to Riot leadership.14:40 Focus on strengths, strategize for interview success.17:23 Incorporating gaming experience into professional interviews.20:32 Engage with community, share work, mentor.23:29 LinkedIn as a career tool; use wisely.28:46 Flipping hiring practices, vetting applicants for interviews.30:40 Prioritizing criteria and quality in portfolio evaluations.34:20 Specific criteria for job search impact assessment.36:31 Celebrating wins and saving companies money is important.40:38 UX designers must design for others, not themselves.44:29 Presentation foreshadows potential client meeting behavior.47:39 Evaluating skills, problem definition, and case studies.51:15 Start by learning, absorb, set goals, learn rhythm.54:24 Quick social media post leads to resolution.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

You are the leader of your career. In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Erin Lindstrom, a seasoned CEO and CSL coach, reveals the strategies for becoming the leader of your own career. Diving into the idea that waiting for motivation is a trap, she stresses the importance of creating routines and structures tailored to your personal life. Erin challenges listeners to rethink their approach by stepping into the CEO role of "The Product of You." It's not just about job performance; it's about shaping a career that truly fits the life you aspire to have.  Listeners will learn to take command of their career journey by knowing their worth, making strategic decisions like a CEO, and managing their internal team of one with confidence. The discussion also tackles imposter syndrome by calling for a balance of humility and assurance. Erin demystifies the concept of motivation, showing how action breeds the drive to succeed, and underscores the power of self-recognition in your professional progress.Whether you're navigating uncertainty, wrestling with self-doubt, or simply looking to refine your career strategy, this episode offers practical tips and relatable advice to guide you forward. Tune in for a realistic roadmap to cultivating the mindset you need to design, market, and propel your career—and ultimately, yourself—towards your goals.00:00 Crafting, marketing, and selling yourself for success.03:32 Discussion about career development, CEO roles, and support.09:57 Strategies for self-managing work and decisions.13:17 Recognize and manage internal and external roles.14:40 Struggling with progress, seeking recognition and validation.19:58 Embracing confidence leads to humble self-assurance.21:27 Boost confidence by owning gifts boldly, acknowledge achievements.26:22 Reflect on past experiences, consider current capacity.30:38 Take action to start the motivation cycle.31:50 Track effort, progress to boost motivation cycle.35:05 Effective communication through asking and answering questions.40:04 Navigating self-doubt and growth in career.41:43 Professional outcomes, powerful storytelling, identity formation, human experience.46:06 Likability and openness matter in professional interactions.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah delves into the intriguing concept of career compound interest. She draws parallels between smart financial decisions and strategic career moves, emphasizing how small investments in your career today can yield significant results over time. Sarah discusses three key areas for creating a compound interest effect in your career: investing early, negotiating wisely, and building authentic relationships before they are needed. She offers actionable advice and real-world examples, highlighting the importance of proactive career management. Tune in to gain valuable insights into unlocking exponential success in your professional journey. 00:00 Early investment in time and career important. 03:35 Update LinkedIn profile before starting job search. 07:08 Negotiating is crucial for long-term salary. 10:58 Build authentic, small professional network early. 14:20 Negotiate wisely, network for success, career roadmap.☎️ Book a free Career Strategy Call to learn how we can help 📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter 🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

In today's episode, CSL Coach, Erin Lindstrom, takes over the podcast to dive into the common mindset challenges that arise when professionals start working on their portfolios. Erin discusses the emotional and psychological barriers that can make the process feel overwhelming, and she provides practical guidance on how to move through these challenges. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, a structured process, and being part of a supportive community. Erin's insights shed light on the deeper, emotional side of portfolio creation, offering valuable advice for anyone navigating their career advancement. So, grab a cup of coffee and join us as we explore how to overcome portfolio mindset hurdles and take charge of your career growth. 00:00 Framework benefits all career stages, freelance leverage. 03:42 Erin Lindstrom discusses challenges in creating portfolios. 07:07 Avoiding grief from toxic work experiences. 12:49 Clarity in design leads to marketing success. 16:09 Community support boosts motivation and success. 18:27 Email for help, focus on portfolio storytelling.🎟️ Join our 3-week live UX Portfolio Course (starts March 25) 🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap 🤩 Advance your career with career coaching in our Career Strategy Lab 📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

✨Reminder → Enrollment's open for our 3-week UX Portfolio Sprint. Doors close on March 22 or when seats are sold out! In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares actionable advice on how to stand out in your career by applying a sales strategy to your portfolio. By understanding the difference between features and benefits, you'll learn how to make a lasting impression through your portfolio, resume, or LinkedIn profile. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to level up their career and leave a lasting impact in the professional world. So grab your headphones and get ready to unlock the secrets to making your career stand out! 00:00 Opportunity to enhance UX portfolio in 3 weeks. 05:23 Companies should focus on benefits, not features. 09:00 Summarize your work with its impact and why. 13:12 Focus on benefits to capture people's interest. 14:17 Closing plea for engagement and feedback. Goodbye.🎟️ Join our 3-week live UX Portfolio Course (starts March 25) 🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap 🤩 Advance your career with career coaching in our Career Strategy Lab 📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

✨Reminder → Enrollment's open for our 3-week UX Portfolio Sprint. Doors close on March 22 or when seats are sold out! In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah discusses how sprints can serve professionals regardless of whether they're just starting out or seasoned leaders. She addresses frequently asked questions and invites listeners to enhance their presentation skills and make a meaningful impact in their careers by developing their portfolios. If you're looking to elevate your career and master the art of storytelling through an effective portfolio, this episode is a must-listen. 00:00 UX portfolio sprint benefits all career stages. 04:52 Limited VIP spots available for UX portfolio sprint. 09:09 Revive portfolio sprint for improved job readiness. 10:58 Follow framework for year; FAQs about UX. 17:33 Create a timeless portfolio with effective presentation. 19:04 Enrollment closes on March 22, starts March 25.🎟️ Join our 3-week live UX Portfolio Course (starts March 25) 🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap 🤩 Advance your career with career coaching in our Career Strategy Lab 📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

✨Reminder → Enrollment's open for our 3-week UX Portfolio Sprint. Doors close on March 22 or when seats are sold out! Let’s dive into the hotly debated topic of portfolio formats! In this episode, Sarah provides valuable insights into the strategic considerations that professionals should bear in mind when considering how to put together their UX Portfolio. Sarah discusses the pros and cons of website portfolios versus presentations and explores crucial factors to consider, such as time, cost, customization, user experience, and accessibility. This episode serves as a valuable guide in making informed decisions about your portfolio format. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on this critical aspect of your career development journey. 00:00 Choose portfolio format strategically for best reception. 05:34 Portfolio not for learning code, consider costs. 07:58 Customize portfolio to match each job's requirements. 12:07 Use job application portfolio for interview presentation. 16:02 Portfolio on website for job opportunities unlikely. 18:38 Follow Sarah Doody on social media, share.🎟️ Join our 3-week live UX Portfolio Course (starts March 25) 🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap 🤩 Advance your career with career coaching in our Career Strategy Lab 📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah explores a crucial aspect of the job search process: attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from a surprising source—the band Van Halen's infamous "no brown M and M's" contract clause—Sarah highlights the importance of demonstrating attentiveness in the job search. Through anecdotes and examples, she illustrates how failure to pay attention to crucial details can speak volumes to potential employers. With actionable advice and thought-provoking insights, this episode offers valuable strategies for job seekers to elevate their approach and stand out in a competitive job market. Tune in as Sarah Doody shares valuable lessons on the power of attention to detail in the job search. Timestamps 01:15 How to stand out in the job search 03:24 Testing attention to detail with Brown M and M's. 05:35 Secret words in instructions 06:09 Attention to detail is crucial in job search. 08:41 Thanks for listening, see you next time!🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap 🤩 Advance your career with career coaching in our Career Strategy Lab 📥 Join 49,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

Feeling worried about explaining career breaks in your resume? You're not alone. In this episode, we debunk the myth that work history gaps are a red flag to hiring managers. With insights from LinkedIn's research, we show how normalizing these breaks is increasingly accepted. In this episode: ➡️ Discover how LinkedIn's career break feature can help you openly represent time off and translate the skills gained during your break to potential employers. ➡️ Learn why embracing your career journey, from caregiving to dealing with pandemic waves, is an asset. ➡️ Dive into why it's crucial to align with companies that value your experiences, and how to spot these opportunities. Ready to reframe your perspective and feel empowered about career breaks? Then this episode is for you. Share it with someone who might be worried about their breaks too! 00:00 Gaps in resume are not a red flag. 05:10 Value career breaks, don't hide them. 07:07 Pandemic normalized career breaks, shift mindset, share.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Join 43,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Welcome to episode 55 of the Career Strategy Podcast which is a compilation of Sarah’s Job Search Series! Navigating a job search can feel like a lonely journey, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we unpack practical strategies to refine your job hunt and stand out to employers. We start by exploring the importance of defining your "career value criteria" (CVC)—a personal checklist beyond job title and salary that includes factors like company culture and growth opportunities. Get insight on making intentional choices, tapping into your community for better job leads, and why quality trumps quantity in your applications. Facing rejection? In this episode you’ll earn how to turn setbacks into growth and recognize when to tweak your approach. Instead of sending out masses of resumes, find out how targeted communication with key people can open doors that job boards can't. And when it comes to interviews, we discuss how presenting your past projects effectively can make all the difference. Let’s dig in to how creating genuine connections within companies is crucial, not just for the job at hand, but for your career trajectory. If you're feeling bogged down by the job search process, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable advice to keep you grounded and moving forward. 00:00 Define career value criteria to guide job search. 09:28 Consider company culture, growth opportunities, and travel. 10:55 Define career value criteria to streamline job search. 20:00 Strategic, clear, concise, and friendly cold emailing. 23:52 Leverage LinkedIn for networking and job opportunities. 30:42 Focus on impactful activities, build relationships, customize. 34:33 Pause, review career materials, focus on quality. 40:36 Companies use social media to attract talent. 48:04 Ensure your application materials create strong first impression. 50:40 Reflect on what's working, focus on improvement. 01:01:08 Find community support to navigate career challenges. 01:02:52 Reflect on job search, grow beyond rejection.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Join 43,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Today's episode of The Career Strategy Podcast delves into the topic of ghosting in the job search, shedding light on why it happens and how to cope with it. In this episode, Sarah shares a story from a restaurant manager's perspective, emphasizing that ghosting isn't a one-sided issue and is often not intentional. This episode offers practical advice, encouraging listeners not to take ghosting personally, and to take proactive steps to gather context and follow up with potential employers. 00:00 Dealing with ghosting in the job search. 03:49 Ghosting may not always be intentional in hiring. 07:54 Follow up for information, keep it concise. 12:34 Control negative thoughts, focus on what's manageable. 13:45 Reframing ghosting in the job search.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Join 43,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Looking to stand out in job interviews and extend your visibility after the meeting? In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares practical tips for making a lasting impression post-interview. ➡️ Learn how to craft follow-up messages that are personal and specific, ensuring that you stand out among other candidates. ➡️ Find out why creative follow-ups not only make you memorable but also prompt asynchronous interviews, elevating your chances of getting noticed. ➡️ Understand the importance of jotting down key discussion points after each interview to create impactful follow-up messages. ➡️ Dive into a short, succinct episode that reveals actionable strategies for boosting your interview game, making you a standout professional in a competitive job market. ➡️ Discover how small, thoughtful gestures can significantly impact your job search. Join Sarah in unlocking the potential of post-interview follow-ups to propel your career forward and please leave a review if you find this episode helpful.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Join 43,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Feeling stuck in your career or job search? Overwhelmed by the unknowns? This episode of The Career Strategy Podcast offers a practical tip to help you regain control and make intentional decisions. By focusing on what you can control rather than fixating on outside factors, you can move forward with clearer direction. Learn how to strategically apply to jobs, improve the quality of your application materials, and leverage your network for a competitive edge. Take charge of your attitude and choose who to listen to, minimizing information overload. 00:40 Tips to make clearer, intentional decisions in career. 04:31 Focus on what's within your control. 10:34 Balance information gathering with taking actionable steps. 11:51 Share and discuss to help get unstuck.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Join 43,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

Get ready to take control of your career with a 15-minute annual review! This episode is designed to help you reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. The questions shared in the episode will guide you through a simple yet impactful review of your accomplishments and aspirations. Sarah suggests sharing this exercise with a friend for accountability and fresh perspectives. By focusing on what you did last year, what went well, what to stop and start doing, and the conclusions you reached, you'll gain clarity on your short and long-term goals. Click here to get Sarah’s annual review workshop for just $29! The episode also offers a valuable resource to dive deeper into the annual review process, providing practical tools for strategic career and life planning. Whether you're seeking career growth, work-life balance, or simply a clearer focus, this episode will equip you with actionable steps to steer your career in the right direction. Tune in to kickstart a mindful and intentional year ahead! 02:02 The 5 review questions to ask yourself this year 03:07 Reflect on past year experiences, assign emojis. 08:16 Identify valuable conclusions, visualize 2025, align decisions. 10:29 Reflect on past year to improve 2025.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Join 43,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, guest host Erin Lindstrom takes over to tackle the topic of imposter syndrome. Erin delves into the origins of imposter syndrome and acknowledges the societal constructs that have contributed to its prevalence, particularly for women and people of color. Erin provides insights into overcoming imposter syndrome from a mindset perspective and highlights the importance of building humble confidence to navigate career challenges. She offers practical advice for individuals at different career stages, such as climbers, switchers, and launchers, and emphasizes the significance of collaborative action and leveraging personal experiences. Erin invites listeners to reflect on their own confidence spectrum and challenges them to explore the boundaries of humble confidence. A message of empowerment and personal growth resonates throughout the episode, providing valuable takeaways for individuals seeking to overcome imposter syndrome in their careers. 00:00 Addressing systemic barriers to leadership, overcoming doubt. 05:19 Overcoming imposter syndrome and self doubt. 09:02 Approach with humble confidence for success. 10:51 Coping mechanisms and building humble confidence. 14:18 Free masterclass on CEO mindset shifts.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Join 43,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

This episode origninally aired on the Ironhacks Podcast! Check out Ironhack's awesome resources here! In this episode, we discuss building a robust UX portfolio, mastering personal growth, and overcoming imposter syndrome in the tech industry. Join us as we explore the power of positive thinking and the significance of planning your career roadmap.  Don't miss our expert insights into the evolving digital landscape and the impact of human connections in today's virtual world. 0:00 Sarah Doody lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. 05:08 Workshop and portfolio for experienced UX professionals. 09:40 Imposter syndrome in different career transitions. 12:45 Discussion about a book on neuroscience concepts. 13:46 Positive thought is powerful but requires effort. 19:27 Important decision-making requires thoughtful contemplation despite busyness. 23:39 Self-reflection on growth and learning opportunities. 25:28 Career Strategy Lab: Career as a product. 29:25 Boot camp feels like yesterday, time flies. 31:45 Interview process remains consistent, adapt to remote. 35:09 Spoke at the Front Conference in Zurich. 38:01 Community involvement can give false sense of progress. 41:38 Being vocal in communities, extroverted vs. introverted. 45:03 Social media's impact on career strategies. 49:45 Focus on fixing company hiring and UX. 53:40 Advocate for mindset and enforcing it.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Join 43,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

This episode originally aired on the Honest UX Talks Podcast. 🗂 instagram.com/honest_ux_talks This conversation ranges from learning how to position oneself strategically in the competitive job landscape to the art of finessing career materials such as resumes and portfolios. Sarah shares innovative strategies for treating your job hunt as you would a UX project, emphasizing tailored applications, meaningful networking, and the human touch in technology-driven processes. With real-world examples and actionable advice, Sarah addresses common pitfalls and how to craft your narrative beyond checkbox portfolios. Whether you're an aspiring designer eager to break into the industry or a seasoned pro looking to pivot your approach to job applications, today's conversation promises to arm you with the tools you need for success. Tune in as we dissect the fundamentals of creating standout UX portfolios, crafting personalized cover letters, and navigating hiring practices that truly resonate with employers in diverse industries and geography. 01:01 Accidental journey into UX careers, coaching, portfolio. 05:33 Companies hired more despite pandemic; user experience. 09:17 Post-program challenges: job search, self-marketing, competition. 13:15 Focused on career education and personal branding. 17:29 Candidates should consider opportunities beyond fang companies. 21:19 Understanding and empathy for companies in hiring. 24:39 User research portfolio: demonstrate, not just state. 27:56 Portfolio doesn't need every UX process tick. 29:10 Boot camp presentations aren't suitable for portfolios. 32:18 Apply to fewer jobs with more care. 35:21 Customize cover letter, resume, and portfolio strategically. 39:06 Personalize experiences, prioritize people over platforms. 43:03 Effective communication: question, connection, and relevance.🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Join 43,000 people who read our free career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoy the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

This show was originally aired on the NN/g UX Podcast  hosted and produced by Therese Festenden. In this episode we dived into the heart of what makes a truly rewarding career – it's not the flashy title or the next paycheck, but the fulfillment you get from the impact you create and the skills you bring to the table. Therese and I talked about curating a portfolio that reflects real-world problem-solving, not just textbook processes, and the value of strategic thinking for career advancement. If you're chasing job satisfaction and meaningful projects in your UX journey, tap into your inner problem spotter and embrace every opportunity to learn and adapt. Remember, it's about making your role work for you, building a career that resonates with your passion, and planning ahead. Learn more about NN/g here: nngroup.com 047: Crafting a Fulfilling UX Career Beyond Titles and Salaries 00:50 Sarah is self-taught in information architecture, focused on research. 03:46 Multiple self-administered titles, significant impact on career. 09:21 Transitioning careers requires self-education and confidence. 10:55 Acknowledging undervalued experiences in transitioning professionals. 14:06 Reassess goals and expectations when seeking UX work. 20:02 Encouraging individual research and skill development. 22:51 Regret over past portfolio choices, advice valuable. 23:56 Portfolio must reflect perfect UX process requirement. 27:26 Prioritizing efforts based on experience and need. 32:47 Focus on fulfillment beyond title and salary. 34:34 Reflect on key experiences to reach goals. 36:29 Embrace strengths, find gaps, present solutions diplomatically. 42:23 Fulfillment comes from meaningful work and impact. 45:14 Listen to podcast, follow Sarah on socials. Share.🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week’s episode is an interview with product designer and Career Strategy Lab alumni, Melody. The job search can be a whirlwind of ups and downs. Melody shares how she kept a level head and used what she learned in our career coaching program to land a job with a company she had already applied to and been rejected from! Listen to hear the real experiences, obstacles, and victories of a CSL Alumni! 00:38 A quick intro with Erin 02:21 Let’s meet Melody! 04:28 Interaction design is the future of design 08:31 The CSL crossover of art and business 11:15 The frustrating job search before joining CSL 15:07 Well made career materials can carry you a long way 19:43 The job search roller coaster 23:12 Keep applying, it can work out! 26:36 Melody’s tips for keeping a healthy mindset!🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

In this "Open House" episode, we're joined by Career Strategy Lab alumni, Laura, Malavika , and Carlos, who each have their unique stories of transformation and success to share with you. Laura, a product designer at Cisco in Miami, shares her journey through the lab and the remarkable turnaround from nearly 60 job applications to landing interviews and a coveted job offer. Carlos talks about his career aspirations, the battle with rejection, and the momentous shift he accomplished with the help of CSL, now finding his groove at Covenant Eyes. And Malavika, whose persistence and newfound confidence through CSL led her to stand out among over 800 applicants to join Health Equity as a senior UX designer. We discuss the value of experience, the importance of maintaining consistency, and the courage to confidently wait for the right job opportunity. 05:32 Deciding to switch jobs, facing role mismatches. 08:02 Job search frustration transformed by mentor program. 11:39 Gained confidence, stood out in designer career. 13:05 Rejection letter led to self-confidence and clarity. 19:03 Contract to full-time transition at Cisco. 22:58 Structured, relevant case study impressed interviewers. 24:55 Preparing to document for future case studies. 29:40 Fear of not landing job or mentorship. 30:57 Facing hesitation but achieved good investment outcomes. 36:19 Challenges for career switchers in framing experience. 39:57 Excitement for career strategy lab and alumni feedback. 42:53 Hiring doesn't slow down during holidays. Be ready to apply for jobs at any time.🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week’s episode is hosted by CSL Coach Erin Lindstrom with special guest, Malavika Oak, a CSL Alumni! Tune in to hear what led Malavika to UX and her career journey from working at startups, getting laid off, and with the help of Career Strategy Lab, landing a new role that she describes as a “dream job.” 00:38 Intro with Erin 01:55 Meet Malavika 04:51 Looking for mentorship in the UX world 07:26 Being the only designer at a startup 11:25 Her new role 14:29 Slowly getting better and better at interviews 17:03 Tips for parents and other who are juggling multiple responsibilities 19:25 But why UX?🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Are you using LinkedIn correctly? It’s a social media platform, so be social!  This week Sarah talks about how making connections using LinkedIn can not only improve your visibility on recruiter searches AND help you find job openings faster. 01:09 The one thing many professionals forget to do when looking for work 02:08 LinkedIn Recruiter and the algorithm 03:35 You should be posting on your LinkedIn profile 05:25 It’s all about increasing visibility 07:12 Putting your skills and experience on display🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Everyone says that recruiters spend barely any time on resumes, but is that true? This week Sarah shares her tips to keep recruiters engaged so they never spend less than a minute on your resume. After this, be sure to listen to Episode 29 to learn more about the one page resume and how it could be selling you short! 00:19 Spoiler Alert: It’s a myth! 01:07 Put yourself into the shoes of a recruiter 02:52 Consider the design of your resume 05:45 Instead of a list of responsibilities, go into detail, give examples 07:02 What is your conclusion? Myth or No?🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

If you’re considering a career in UX but not sure how you can leverage your previous experience to help you stand out as a candidate we want you to know it’s absolutely possible. In this episode, Sarah talks through how to build a bridge from your current situation to a UX career. 0:55 You may be tempted to apply to lots of jobs 1:24 You might be competing for jobs with people with more UX experience than you 1:49 Here’s how to start thinking strategically about this 2:35 When you do this, your experience gives you a competitive advantage 4:17 You’re not destined to stay in that industry forever if you don’t want to 4:59 Think of it as a stepping stone🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The internet is FULL of information, but not all of it is as helpful as you may think. This week Sarah speaks to some of the flaws of trusting everything you read and hear online and how to discern if advice is worth listening to. 01:17 What do you do when you have a question? 02:52 Start asking questions about your source! 03:53 Is the advice you’re getting even relevant to today’s job market? 04:57 We tend to worry so much about messing up, that we doubt ourselves.🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week’s episode is a Q&A session with Sarah! Tune in to hear how to start your job search when you’re brand new to UX, looking for opportunities to grow from within your company, and the importance of your portfolio! 01:16 If you’re early in your career, of course you want to apply to everything! 03:01 How do you approach finding your first job? 06:46 Make the most of performance reviews 08:54 Spell. Check. Your. Resume. 10:20 Curate your resume to each job you apply to 12:10 The best way to approach cold emailing? Warm things up! 17:37 How important is a portfolio at the start of your career? Very important. 20:48 Never worked in UX? You still have skills you can use to apply to UX positions. 22:32 How do I use classified work to promote my skills?🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Why aren’t you making the progress you’d like to in your career? 🤔Maybe, just maybe, you’ve fallen victim to one of the biggest sources of procrastination in the job search? This week, Sarah discusses how sometimes it’s best to stop looking for more info and advice, and just act! If you want to make TRUE progress in your job search, listen in! Also, check out flowapp.info to help keep yourself on track! 01:14 At some point you need to stop seeking information and start taking action 02:04 More information often leads to contradicting information 02:42 Be careful of a false sense of progress, or FSP for short! 04:35 Get into the habit of notice when you’re procrastinating taking action 05:36 At the end of your day, take the time to make a plan of action for tomorrow🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Let’s be real, taking the next step in your career can be exhausting. The process of getting clear on what you want, finding aligned roles, tweaking your career materials, making connections and so on is filled with highs and lows. It’s not uncommon for each rejection or a lack of response to send you into a spin BUT, there are things you can do to manage your emotions, stay regulated, and continue down the path while taking space for the big feelings coming up. In this episode, Sarah dives into the world of feelings to discuss how to manage yours to avoid being TOO negative and/or overly confident. 00:52 Managing your emotions is important for so many reasons 01:58 We need to acknowledge our emotions or they may get in the way! 03:36 What if you’re not in the right state of mind when a big opportunity presents itself? 04:49 You need an emotional outlet 06:06 Rejection shouldn’t define you as a person OR a professional 09:23 Try to accept bad news from potential employers with an air of grace🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Yes or no?! 🤔 Everyone wants to know whether or not it’s recommended to put projects that didn’t launch in their portfolio and if it’s worth talking about during interviews. Here’s the quick version; when creating your portfolio and resume, use every amazing example of your skills you can. Why would you avoid using a project that didn’t go public? If you did the work, then show it off! Launching isn’t the only part of the story. Tune in to episode 36  to learn more about how to talk about your unlaunched projects with power. 00:58 The short answer, yes! 02:00 Stop thinking about why you can’t, and start thinking why wouldn’t you? 04:35 Projects don’t launch ALL THE TIME. 04:58 Be professional. Don’t use an interview to complain about the failed launch. 05:40 A quick recap🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

During this Q+A, Sarah discusses what your portfolio should look like when you leave a UX bootcamp, how many case studies should you present in an interview, the myth of the one page resume, and so much more! 01:14 The portfolio you created in a bootcamp won’t work with recruiters 05:29 You can’t predict how long you’ll have in an interview, so why not ask? 06:55 Keep your resume chronological 08:40 Employers want experience, they want receipts! 11:32 Work done for confidential clients may still be useful for your portfolio 12:41 The one page resume is the biggest lie ever told 14:52 Setting yourself up for a future job search 18:08 If you want to hear about new jobs, you have to be where the jobs are! LinkedIn 18:55 A bootcamp is not a ticket to a guaranteed job🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

You’ve done all the hard work of searching for a position, crafting your materials, interviewing, and you received a job offer! But then, the unthinkable happens. The offer is rescinded. 😱 This is a sucky situation to be in and this week Sarah dedicates an entire episode to help you move through it. 01:12 You aren’t the only one this has happened to. 01:53 Ask the company if they have any other open positions you may be a fit for 03:02 Remember, you made it this far. You’re doing something right! 04:24 It couldn’t hurt to see if your old position is open. 06:06 Have a job search strategy that you work year round 07:57 If you optimize your LinkedIn profile, your job search can happen without you 08:50 A quick recap🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The screening call with HR is often your first opportunity to connect and leave a lasting impact.   Tune into this episode to learn what to expect, how to make a great first impression, and the things to NEVER say during an HR screening interview! 00:55 HR Interviews are where your soft skills can shine 02:39 People will remember stories far more than they're going to remember that you were a fast learner or team player 03:31 Recruiters want to see how you got where you are 05:01 Utilizing the Five Ws of Journalism to answer questions 06:36 Don't start talking about your personal life because it's a distraction from your professional life 08:37 Ask Questions! You know they are going to ask if you have any so make sure you’re ready 11:49 A quick recap🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

This week’s episode is a Q&A session with Sarah! Tune in to hear the number one thing to do in a saturated job market, how to share case studies that are flagged as confidential, whether or not AI is a threat to UX careers and more! 01:16 Do everything you can to be visible to the companies you're applying to or where you wanna work 06:57 Don’t focus on the quantity of connections, but QUALITY! 11:11 Most people are only scratching the surface of their skills and experience 15:24 AI is not going to replace UX researchers 19:38 How can you use case studies in your portfolio when they’re flagged as confidential? 22:45 Using an educational case study can be tricky 27:56 Be where your potential clients are to stay on their minds 31:41 Relay to the interviewer not just what you’ve done, but the skills you used to do them🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Stop awkwardly approaching people to get career advice and use the strategies from this episode to connect instead! In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah introduces listeners to the informational interview and teaches exactly how to ask for one. 00:58 What is an informational interview? 01:59 Before asking someone, make sure they don’t cover your questions in their public work 03:23 How NOT to start your email 05:36 Tip #1: Breaking the ice 06:28 Tip #2: Be specific 07:57 Tip #3: Give them options for communication 09:38 A quick recap of how to ask for an informational interview🎁 Get a copy of our Free E-Book: The Career Strategy Roadmap. 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate the podcast to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

In this interview, Career Strategy Lab Coach, Erin Lindstrom, sits down with Katie Miller, an incredible Senior Researcher who was laid off who generously shares her path to finding her next role. Katie’s story is an amazing one that exemplifies everything that we teach. She shares how she got into UX, how she dealt with the mindset challenges of the job search, and how CSL has helped her land her new role. 03:51 How Katie first got into UX 10:37 The “pedigree” of working at a FAANG company 17:16 What if you stopped replying to every recruiter and focused on the once who are actually looking for YOU? 26:15 You can have your best interview and not get the job 34:53 It can be difficult sometimes, but trust that you’re good at what you do 39:24 Make sure to give yourself breaks 46:01 When an opportunity comes to add to your tool box, jump on it 49:29 Inclusivity is important for the research processes to bring a diverse data set 53:11 It all comes down to being your own best salesperson 57:27 Confidence in yourself and your work takes practice but it’s so worth it!🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream life? Explore Career Strategy Lab. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast listening guide. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

In this episode Sarah discusses the common misconception that your resume should only be one page long. If you have a long and accomplished career history, why would you limit your ability to sell your experience? There are many reasons to expand your resume, take a listen and see if you could improve how you sell yourself. 01:17  A one page resume isn’t enough most of the time 03:49 Recruiters and hiring managers want to see receipts of our abilities 06:01 When your resume reads like just an overview of your previous responsibilities, it makes it hard for you to stand out. 07:35 If you’ve received feedback from someone that your resume should only be one page, ask them why! 09:36 I’ve seen so many people in my programs expand their resume to two pages and quickly start getting interviews🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream live? Explore Career Strategy Lab. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast listening guide. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

In this episode Sarah discusses how to treat yourself and what you can offer to an employer like it’s a product. Do you know your core features? How are you marketing yourself? Are relationships important to “selling” myself? All these questions and more are answered! 01:16  I really believe that your career has a lot in common with a product and that the reason so many products fail is the same reason 05:23   Products can fail for three reasons:the design, the marketing, and the sales component 07:55  Every day you are trying to get people to buy into different things and the customers are your boss,  your co-workers, peers, etc. 10:59  It’s really important that you are doing small things to be marketing and selling yourself to stay visible 11:58  Do you have clarity on your core features? Products have features. You have features. 13:32 Question number one for you to ponder. Are you clear on the “design of you”? 17:55 Building trust with your audience is important. Without it, everything could come crumbling down based on your marketing choices 22:35  Recap🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream live? Explore Career Strategy Lab. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast listening guide. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

The episode of the Career Strategy podcast features clips from a live Q+A with Sarah. On it, she answers questions about differences in job titles, having a say in product strategy, transitioning from internship to positions, and so much more! 01:01 What is the difference between a UX Designer and Product Designer? 03:58 Should UX designers have a say in the overall product strategy and decision  making process? 05:11    UX designers should always be operating from a place of strategy. 06:08 Tips or recommendations for getting  UX consultant positions after a UX internship. 06:55 Try and expose yourself to many different types of products and many different types of industries. 08:53  UX jobs and other industries 11:17 Is UX strategy something that is marketable today? 15:17 Portfolio tips for people who are changing careers into user experience. 19:38 Is it a bad idea to try and market yourself as a UX researcher? 23:13 Just because you're seeing layoffs doesn't mean companies you've never heard of aren't hiring. 25:31  Are junior roles the best fit for someone transitioning into the world of UX from a design related field like architecture? 28:02 As a career changer, what would be the most important aspect that the employer will see on my portfolio? 28:53 A lot of projects that come outta bootcamps look the same and it's not your fault.🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream live? Explore Career Strategy Lab. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast listening guide. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube

The episode of the Career Strategy podcast features clips from a live Q+A with Sarah. On it, she answers questions about differences in job titles, having a say in product strategy, transitioning from internship to positions, and so much more! 01:01 What is the difference between a UX Designer and Product Designer? 03:58 Should UX designers have a say in the overall product strategy and decision  making process? 05:11    UX designers should always be operating from a place of strategy. 06:08 Tips or recommendations for getting  UX consultant positions after a UX internship. 06:55 Try and expose yourself to many different types of products and many different types of industries. 08:53  UX jobs and other industries 11:17 Is UX strategy something that is marketable today? 15:17 Portfolio tips for people who are changing careers into user experience. 19:38 Is it a bad idea to try and market yourself as a UX researcher? 23:13 Just because you're seeing layoffs doesn't mean companies you've never heard of aren't hiring. 25:31  Are junior roles the best fit for someone transitioning into the world of UX from a design related field like architecture? 28:02 As a career changer, what would be the most important aspect that the employer will see on my portfolio? 28:53 A lot of projects that come outta bootcamps look the same and it's not your fault.🎉 I'm hosting a FREE LIVE WORKSHOP on Thursday August 10th! Sign up to join me here! 🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream live? Explore Career Strategy Lab. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast listening guide. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

In this episode, Sarah discusses the number one thing holding you back in your career, the benefits of a community, honing in on your goals, and so much more. 01:30 What does advancing your career mean to you? 05:34 What plans do you have in place to get you to your goals? 08:03 Every goal needs a why, a purpose, a motivation 10:00 Set aside some time to map out a plan. What do you need to do to achieve your goal? 11:45 You need a community of like-minded people to help stay motivated 17:28 You have to embody the plan and believe in it 21:00 You can take action without strategy, but eventually you will lose focus and exhausted yourself🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream live? Explore Career Strategy Lab. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast listening guide. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Welcome to part 5 of the 5 part series on the Job Search. In this episode, Sarah discusses what it means when you’re rejected at different points of the hiring process,  reflecting on what is working and what isn’t, sparking relationships with employees, and accepting that sometimes rejection is a good thing. 01:35 Let’s jump right into how to deal with rejection in your job search 03:12 You’re not getting interviews, but who is rejecting you? An automatic system or a human being? 05:55 Now you’re getting interviews but still not getting hired. Well you’re doing something right! 08:37 Take a hard look at your skills and abilities and work on presenting them better. 10:57 Don’t compare yourself to the people getting hired, there are many considerations outside of your control 12:44 It can be valuable to build relationships with people at the company before you every apply 15:20 Remember to go over the positive parts of your job search 17:28 I encourage you to find a community of like-minded people. It can help remind you of your worth in your career search. 19:24 A quick recap🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream live? Explore Career Strategy Lab. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast listening guide. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Welcome to part 4 of the 4 part series on the Job Search! In this episode, Sarah discusses the importance of researching what kind of work environment a company has LONG before you apply by using social media to your advantage. She covers covers how to discern which sources to trust, how to learn about a company's culture, and how to vet reviews and comments you might find online.  In your job search, you do not have time to waste. By researching companies in advance, you'll avoid applying to companies that don't align with what you're looking for and you'll better equip yourself with questions if you apply and do get job interviews! 02:06 Workplace culture is so important because we spend a lot of time and energy at work 03:21 Research Strategy #1: Following employees on professional social media platforms 04:46 Research Strategy #2: Look at the social media presence of the company or your specific department of interest 06:54 Research Strategy #3: Read company reviews and consider reaching out to HR about any concerning reviews you see 09:04 Recap🤩 Want a career that lets you live your dream live? Explore Career Strategy Lab. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast listening guide. 📥 Get our free weekly career tips newsletter. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Welcome to part 3 of the 4 part series on the Job Search. In this episode, Sarah discusses why playing the numbers game is not in your best interest as well as how to  recognize red flags in your job search, the value of your time and energy, and how to maximize each application you send. 01:34 Multiple times a week people message me, email me and say, Sarah, I've applied to a TON of  jobs and not had a single interview. 02:47 A lot of people just simply don't know what to do if they're applying to jobs and they're not getting interviews. 03:53 Reason #1 that you should stop playing the numbers game: It’s a red flag that something isn’t working 05:01 Reason #2 that you should stop playing the numbers game: Time & energy 06:41 Reason #3 that you should stop playing the numbers game: You aren’t concentrating enough on building relationships 08:06 Reason #4 that you should stop playing the numbers game: Your mental health 10:24 Recap🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  click here and leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

Welcome to part 2 of the 4 part series on the Job Search. In this episode, Sarah discusses prioritizing making connections with people, following and engaging with people who work at companies you want to work for (without coming off as a creeper!), cold emailing hiring managers, and how to keep your messaging short and sweet. 01:27 Why you need to prioritize people over platforms in your job search. 03:03 How a lot of people successfully find and apply to jobs through the portal 04:38 Focus on connecting with people because people share about jobs before they ever hit the job boards. 07:12 I wanna go through an example that I saw on LinkedIn last year… 08:19 There's no perfect formula to use or template. You have to be strategic 10:54 You really need to proactively be seeking to create or nurture relationships in your job search. 12:57 If you have not prioritized people in your job search yet, it is not too late.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please  click here and leave a quick review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

This week’s episode is first in a series all about the JOB SEARCH!  In this episode, Sarah discusses creating your career value criteria so instead of panicking and taking the first offer you get, you can feel confident that you’re making the right choice. 01:49 The number one thing you need to do before you apply for a job? what this is, is you need to create something that I call your career value criteria. 03:20 If you don't think about these things, guess what? You might end up taking a job that doesn't align with what you want and what you need. 05:03 It can help you leverage one of the biggest superpowers in your job search, and that is your career community. 06:23 Let's imagine you're buying a house… 08:23 So beyond job title and salary, of course, here are the things we need to think about. 09:50 A great way to brainstorm this is to think about the past jobs you've had. 11:31 As much as they are interviewing you, you need to be interviewing them.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

In today’s episode, Sarah shares a mindset coaching call that the CSL Coaching Team hosted for people interested in CSL to give them a taste of the kind of calls we host on a weekly basis. Each week (and on this call) our coaches discuss a myriad of topics including; your relationship with your past work, confidence in yourself and your materials, and many other challenges you may face while developing your career strategy. Tune in and let us know what you think! Time stamps: 02:00 Introduction 05:42 Sarah speaks about developing your career  as the product of you. 09:48 Let’s talk about staying motivated during the job search. 16:48 Layoffs are absolutely happening and we're also seeing a lot of people get hired. 20:54 Consistency is not the same as perfection. 23:26 Jobs are one of those things where there's beginnings and endings and there's often grief. 27:59 The period between finishing an education and building up a portfolio slash publishing that portfolio, what framing recommendations do you have around thinking about this and not getting bogged down? 29:12 How do I work on my confidence in the workplace? I feel scared to contribute to conversations because I'm scared that my ideas aren't good enough. 30:42 Let’s talk about where confidence comes from. 36:04 What happens when we build self-trust? Your confidence goes up because you trust yourself to do your best in this situation. 40:18 “Enoughness” and ageism. 44:06 Rejection and the job search. 49:41 Rejection is excellent data, and it can be hard on our feelings.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

Sometimes we can get overwhelmed trying to make our careers into what we want them to be over night. Breathe and remember that your career is a marathon, a journey, and that takes time! This week’s episode was recorded during a long car ride, that helped inspire this episode’s message. During this episode, Sarah recounts her experiences with marathon running, injuries, and the struggles of accomplishing long term goals. She explains how community helps you get where you need to be without the stresses that come with doing it alone. 00:47 If you can't tell, I am not in my regular home studio. I am actually driving in my car across Nevada 02:06  I wanna tell you the story of training and running my first marathon because your career, it's very similar to running a marathon 04:25 I was at the doctor's one day, just like a normal doctor's visit, but I'd always had this weird little bump kind of on my hip. 08:45 I was super proud of my 4 hour and 13 minute debut into marathons, I also thought, man, I think I can do better. 10:18 Between the New York City Marathon and that Toronto Marathon. The difference was for that Toronto Marathon, I followed the pacer and I kept them in my sight for most of the time. 12:05  Having these goals for me in my case running, help me really develop a lot of resilience, a lot of confidence, and have a support system. So that I don't fall into the trap of trying to do it on my own. 14:05 When you try and do things on your own, that's when negativity can creep in. 17:56 If you're struggling in your career right now, I would ask yourself, have I identified the big goal? And is it specific enough? 18:55 Are you trying to be your own coach or could you maybe benefit from a coach?🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

LinkedIn profiles are often not optimized for visibility. They should be treated like web pages, keeping search engine optimization in mind. The right key words can elevate your profile tremendously! Your LinkedIn is its own search engine for recruiters to find out if you fit the position. If your profile is not optimized it will be harder for them to find you. In this episode, Sarah guides you on how to optimize your profile and shares some examples of what not to do. 01:00 LinkedIn is a search engine that recruiters and hiring managers use to find candidates 01:51 The other day I was on LinkedIn and I saw a profile that stopped me in my tracks 04:02 What can we do to help this person write a headline that has more relevant keywords and highlights, unique traits, skills and experience, and help them stand out from other candidates? 05:16 UX researcher with 10 years of experience doing mixed methods research in finance and healthcare with a focus on usability testing and ethnographic interviews. So let's break that down. 07:19 What words, what skills, what phrases would you type into the search box in LinkedIn? 07:49 Recap🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

It can feel difficult to break into the tech field, or any industry, when you reach a certain age. You may feel like you’re being overlooked for simply your age. Let’s talk about that! This week Sarah discusses the topic of ageism in the tech industry and some misconceptions people have about it. You can’t control your age, so instead you should concentrate on things you can change. Leverage the extensive experience you have. Soft skills learned through a lifetime of work are some of the hardest to obtain. Timestamps: 00:38 Am I too old to get hired in tech or user experience or really any field for that matter? 02:20 So how old you are is not within your control. You can't change that, right? what you can change is how you talk about experience 03:37 If you are a little older and worried about how your age might be perceived by a potential employer, et cetera, I want you to know that with more experience comes more skills and more knowledge. 04:39 Resilience, work ethic and other factors that might make someone a good team member, employee, manager, et cetera. These are skills that someone who might be just starting out in their career might not have developed as much as someone like you. 06:37 I thought it would be just interesting to highlight two people from my career coaching program, career strategy lab who were older and did get hired. 07:04 Ashley was in her sixties when she joined Career Strategy Lab. 08:36 David  was in his fifties when he joined Career Strategy Lab 09:58 It costs companies a lot of money to hire employees, and the average cost in the United States is about $4,500 to hire a new employee 11:24 So the three things that I want you to think about concerning ageism in getting hired and in the tech and UX or frankly any industry🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

Do you feel like you’re stuck in your career? Maybe you’re bored, or you feel like your skills have plateaued or heck, even your salary has plateaued. Do you see current and former colleagues getting promoted or doing work that you wish you were doing? If so, these might be signs that you’re stuck in your career. So, the big question is, how do you get unstuck? In this episode, Sarah gives you 3 questions to ponder to help you get unstuck in your career. And sidenote, these questions can really apply to ANY situation – both work and personal. Timestamps: 00:55 Introduction 02:39  We're gonna look towards the future to help you create an action plan for how you can get unstuck 03:25 So here are the three questions you can ask yourself to get unstuck in your career 03:54 First Question “Where am I now?” 05:06 How am I feeling? Are you excited every day? Do you dread every day? Do you live for the weekends? 06:00 Second Question “Where do I want to be?” 08:08 Third Question “What is stopping me?” 09:42 Now, this is where the magic kind of happens. After you've made this list of the things that are stopping you, I want you to read back through it and ask yourself, which of these things are truly within your control and which are not within your control? 11:01 “What's stopping me” list in the middle, get shorter and focus on things that you can control and influence. 12:13 And it's important to remember you can't do everything at once. You can't build every skill at once. You can't learn every software at once or get every degree at once. 14:08 Recap 14:32 Outro🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

For many people, maybe even you, job search burnout is real. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that half of adult job seekers in the USA are pessimistic about their prospects for a new job. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that about half of US adults looking for a job are pessimistic about their prospects for future employment. In this episode, Sarah talks about factors that contribute to job search burnout and some practical tips you can put into practice right now to help you manage and minimize this in your life. Timestamps 2:07: The Pew Research Center survey said that 53% of people said they felt like they almost lost a piece of their identity during their job hunt. And 56% of people said that they've experienced more anxiety and depression and other mental health issues during a job search. 2:48: Burnout has a ripple effect. 3:31: It's really important to get clear about the things that you can control and the things that you know you can't control. 5:20: You have the control to either apply to multiple jobs every single day, which can add up to hundreds over the course of a job search. Or you cannot play the numbers game and take that approach. 5:44: You can control the quality of relationships and interactions that you're having on LinkedIn and social media and elsewhere. 6:36: Who you listen to for advice and wisdom that's within your control. 7:11:  You can't control the quality of job descriptions that are out there. 9:54: There might be some truth to this whole law of attraction thing about how positive thoughts bring positive results to your life and negative thoughts bring negative things to your life. 11:06: Edit who you listen to and who you let influence you. 13:44: Put it on your calendar so you're more intentional about it so that there is a specific time frame around it. 14:20: Have a plan for why you're using social media in your job search. 16:58: Before you jump to conclusions, you have to consider the context. 20:33: A lot of times candidates fixate on this idea of ghosting in the job search. 22:28: Recap our tips for job search burnout.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah goes over some of the common mistakes people make with their LinkedIn profiles and guides you towards creating a more dynamic and memorable profile. Sarah shares Creating posts of value, that would create conversation and interaction How to optimize your profile with strategic language The two hidden features of LinkedIn that help with visibility Timestamps 00:21 The problem that I've noticed is that many people don't understand how to really effectively use LinkedIn 01:33 The name of the game here is we need to focus on quality and not quantity. 03:12 Tip #1: the four parts of your LinkedIn profile you must optimize 04:18 The headline is super important because this is heavily factored into the algorithm 08:08 The importance of the about section 10:23 Optimizing your work history 12:28 Five or more skills listed on their skills section are 27% more likely to be contacted by recruiters and hiring managers and talent acquisition specialists. 14:02 Tip number two, two hidden features in LinkedIn to help you be more visible to hiring managers and recruiters. 18:08  Tip number three is you need to strategically increase your visibility with the people and the companies 21:21 Recap🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah does a deep dive into the UX mistakes commonly made with resumes and how to correct them to stand out from other candidates. Sarah shares: Why you need 2 versions of your resume How to use a strategic summary effectively at the top of your resume Using verbs to amp up your bullet points and catch the attention of hiring managers Timestamps: 00:29 Your resume is a big factor in your job search, mainly regarding whether you get an interview or not 01:07 Okay, so let's get into the UX of your resume and some of those myths, and then we will dive into some of those tips as well. 01:42 So at a really high level, there's kind of three users of your resume 02:18 They want to know more than just you tick all the boxes of the job description. 05:41 So let's dive into the UX mistakes that some people are making on their resume 06:49 We need a human friendly version of your resume, and we need one that I call the applicant tracking system 8:51 Your resume, it has to be formatted correctly and it needs to have the right keywords 11:42 The second kind of UX mistake that some of you might be making on your resume is that you do not have what I call a strategic summary sentence at the top of your resume. 13:59  If you do not have a summary statement at the top of your resume, this would be something you could do really quickly today to improve the user experience of your resume 14:37  The third thing that a lot of people get wrong with their resume is that the bullet points in the work experience section sound, frankly, really weak and boring to the reader. 15:43  So how do you stand out? You do it by replacing “what I was responsible for” with specific action verbs. 19:26   If you've been applying to a lot of jobs and maybe not getting interviews, Start with your resume🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

Although a job offer is an exciting accomplishment, don't let your judgment be clouded by the salary or other shiny objects. In this episode Sarah shares reflection questions to ask yourself when you get an offer to determine if it’s the next best step for you as well as steps to follow when you determine it’s not. Timestamps: 0:09: Don’t let your judgment be clouded by the salary or other shiny objects. 0:49: The goal today is for me to share how to decide a job is right for you or not so you can reduce the risk that you accept a job and then realize a few weeks or months later that it's actually not right for you. 1:30: Many people who work in tech are obsessed with working at a FAANG company. 2:13: Q1: Does the offer set you up for the role you want? 2:52: Q2: does the job align with your values and deal breakers? 3:51: Q3: What would my day-to-day look like and does that work with my lifestyle? 4:45: If you know the role is not right, let someone know and do this sooner than later. 4:53: Keep it brief and don't feel compelled to give extensive reasons about why you no longer wanna proceed with the interviews or the offer. 5:11: A simple note to the effect of, I've decided to pursue other opportunities is completely fine. 5:22: You never have to feel guilty about declining a job offer or removing yourself from the interview. 5:55: A job offer should boost your confidence and signal that together, your resume, your LinkedIn and your interview skills did a great job at communicating your skills and experience. 6:10: Take time to reflect on your job search and interview process that got you to this point. Write down anything you think that went well or that you do differently next time. 6:31: If you don't write it down, you will most likely forget when the next time comes around for job interviews or a job search.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

What would change if you treated your resume and portfolio as products? What would an MVP look like? In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares how to beat perfectionism and get solid versions of your resume and portfolio out into the world. Timestamps: 0:30: Is it possible that your resume portfolio isn't ready because of the bar you've set for yourself? 0:55: In this quest for perfect, it's easy to pass on applying to lots of awesome job opportunities. 1:40: I want you to think of your resume and portfolio as products. 2:19: The bar to stand out is low. 2:59 There’s a good chance you’re focused on the wrong details. 3:31 You should have two versions of your resume, one for people and one for the ATS. 3:40: Resume Tip 1: don’t try to make your resume 1 page. 4:07 Resume Tip 2: Don't start the bullet points in the work experience section with vague statements. 5:18: Resume Tip 3: Don't over-design or under-design your resume. 5:34: You don't want the design of your resume to literally distract the reader from the content. 6:01: You need to be consistent with font sizes and use headings to draw attention to different sections of your resume. 6:13: Put space between each bullet. 6:55: Portfolio Tip 1: Number one, don't skip context. I cannot emphasize this enough. 7:36: Portfolio Tip 2: Don’t just skip screenshots. 8:34: In addition to annotating the screens, you should label them so that people know what screen this. 8:51: Portfolio Tip 3: Don't write your portfolio like you're writing answers to a UX exam. 10:30: Get someone who knows what they're talking about to give you feedback. 11:54: Don't just say, “what do you think of my resume?” Instead, be more specific with your questions. 13:27: Set aside time to re-listen to this episode. 13:40: After you do that, then identify two quality people who you could ask to review your resume or portfolio.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

Many candidates obsess over job titles, salaries, or having a certain company on their resume, and as a result, they often turn a blind eye to other things that can have a bigger impact in their career in the long term. In this episode, Sarah shares 3 things to consider that many people miss. Timestamps 1:02: When thinking about their next career. Most candidates aren't thinking long-term enough. 2:04: If you know you wanna get into management or get more specialized, that should inform your next career move 2:22: Some roles help you build a foundation to help you get to where you wanna be in the future. 2:37: Strategy isn’t always linear 3:14:: The phrase “there’s a time to learn and a time to earn.” 3:51: Consider the skills you need to gain or experience gap to fill in order to be the best possible candidate after this next job. 4:02: It is not enough to know what job you hypothetically want five years from now. You have to think about the specific skills and experience that you'll need to actually acquire between now and then. 4:07: Spend more time searching for job descriptions that describe jobs you want in the future.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

"Playing the numbers game isn't a strategy; it's a recipe for burnout." In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah debunks the popular advice to apply to as many jobs as possible and shares a more effective way to land the career of your dreams. Timestamps: 0:19 Congrats on getting hired, Tessa! 1:42: Why would you keep applying if you haven't received an interview after 30, 50, 100 or more roles applied to it? 2:16: You should not play the numbers game in your career. 2:34: The numbers game is not a strategy. It's a recipe for burnout. 3:39: Another problem with applying to tons of jobs is that you probably won't have time to customize your resume and cover letter for each job you apply to. 4:50: Cover letters are not dead. 4:57: Stop focusing on the quantity of jobs applied to, and instead focus on applying to fewer jobs, but more of the right jobs for you. 6:06: Write these down! I will not play the numbers game in my job search and I will not gamble with my career. 🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

Career Switchers are incredibly well positioned for jobs in tech but so many of them don’t realize it. In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares 3 common mistakes career switchers make and how to avoid them. Timestamps: 0:31: Today I'll share some tips for career switchers to stand out by avoiding some common mistakes and mindset traps. 0:50: I want you to know that as a career switcher, you are not starting from scratch. You don't need to start from the bottom. So stop assuming you'll get hired into a junior role and need to work your way up or take a pay cut. 1:12: Skills like communication, critical thinking, writing, teamwork, and dealing with conflict are TIMELESS. 1:30: Companies who are hiring don't just look for candidates who know all the right software or methodologies, because these things can be taught much faster than soft skills. 1:58: Number one, stop hiding your experience because you don't think it applies and is connected. 2:05: As a career switcher, you have a major advantage over many candidates. 2:28: How to leverage your previous experience on your resume and LinkedIn profile. 4:07: Number two, stop waiting for the perfect job and strategically apply. Rejection is okay. 4:35: Launch early and launch often. This applies to your job search too. 5:48: Applying to jobs is a test. It's an experiment to see if your resume, LinkedIn, et cetera, can get you an interview. Rejection in your job search is feedback. 6:04: Rejection is not a definition of your self worth or a signal that you're doomed in your career or your life. 8:43: Number 3, Three, don't skip the portfolio because you don't think you have anything to put in it, and don't go spend weeks or months making fake projects. 6:44: Remember, just because you have not held a job with the literal word UX in the job title (or whatever job title you want in the future) does not mean you haven't been doing these things already. 7:36: A portfolio is not just meant to showcase the hard skills involved in the job you want next. 7:53: Software changes and can easily be taught, but skills like these are timeless and take much longer to learn. So highlighting these skills might give you an edge over other candidates.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

If you’ve ever considered joining CSL (or any career development program, really) you’ve likely wondered if it’s for YOU. In this episode, Sarah shares reflection questions to ask yourself to help discern if investing in a program is right for you. Timestamps 1:20: Today I want to invite you to consider three questions to ask yourself instead of this common question 2:14: In design, we rely on research to make decisions all the time, and it's smart. 2:44: There is probably no perfect case study. No perfect example I could give you that is going to fully convince you that this will work for you. 3:45: Everyone has different circumstances and skills and variables and strengths that. Impact how they got to their end result. 4:38: The 3 types of people we support in CSL. 5:38: How to get access to the 4C Training. 6:20 Imagine we're in a workshop together and I want this to be very interactive. So grab a piece of paper, pause this if you need to. 6:50 I want to invite you to take a moment and do a quick little career assessment, if you will, and think about your career story so far. 6:58: How did you get to where you are today? 7:45: Notice what comes up as you start to think and reflect on your career story so far. 9:18: Question number one is, what are other times in your life or career when you've taken on some type of challenge and come out successful on the other side? 9:56: Question two is what other projects have you started and actually gotten your desired result? 10:41: Think back and imagine how you felt when you actually did those things right? That's gonna give you some confidence that you can do hard and challenging things in the future. 10:54: The third question I want you to ask yourself is, what is an example of something else you've learned? 12:21: When you have evidence from yourself about you, that you have the right character traits to do stuff, and you combine that with the testimonials of people similar to you then I can say with confidence that Career Strategy Lab, or frankly any other program or thing you do in the future, it will likely work for you.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

Getting chosen for an interview means you're doing something right. But, if you’re not getting callbacks or offers, then there are likely specific things that you can tweak when it comes to what you’re sharing and how you’re sharing it. In this episode, Sarah talks through her Job Search Checkpoint Methodology to help show you how to analyze what may need to change and put the shifts into practice. Timestamps 0:41: In 2021, Pew Research Center did a study with 715 US adults and found one third said they felt more stress than usual, and 56% said they experienced more emotional or mental health issues while unemployed. 1:23: A directionless job search where you simply play the numbers game sets you up for rejection and self-sabotage. 1:51: Today I want to share something I created, my Job Search Checkpoint Methodology. It's helped countless clients of mine get hired at top companies without applying to hundreds of jobs. 2:05 Imagine your job search has four steps, just for the sake of simplicity and discussion. Step number one is applying to jobs. Step two is the initial screening calls or interview. Step three is a series of more interviews, more in depth, and four is actually getting hired. 2:28 Between those three steps, there are three checkpoints. One, applying to jobs and not getting interviews. Two, not proceeding past the initial screenings. And three, Not getting job offers. 4:36: While your resume gets you in the door, your interview is what often helps get you hired. 4:46: Consider the content you're sharing and how you deliver it. 5:05: It can be really helpful to have examples of work or a case study presentation to highlight during your interviews. 5:43: It's important to examine how you speak, your confidence and your body language in interviews. 6:00: Record yourself doing a mock interview. 6:07: Try using Google's interview warmup tool or a screen recording tool like Loom. 7:04: Rejection is not always a reflection of your skills and your experience. 7:35: Ask thoughtful questions about the position or company during your interviews. 7:55: Spend 15 minutes before your next interview preparing some questions you could ask about the team product, or even the company culture. This will help you come across as a more prepared, thoughtful, and mature candidate.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah talks to hiring managers from Gusto, Meta, Shopify, IBM, and a recruiter who works in the field of user experience to share some of their top advice to avoid making major mistakes and increase the chances that you stand out in the sea of candidates. 1:20 You have to think of the users or stakeholders involved in the hiring process and just like users and stakeholders of projects you work on. 1:47 The three stakeholders in the hiring process. 1:54 Stakeholder 1: Human resources and recruiters 3:06 Stakeholder 2: Hiring Managers 3:53 It's crucial that your cover letter, resume, and LinkedIn are filled with rich examples of what you've already done. 4:04 Stakeholder 3: Interviewer 4:57 People who are from other teams are less focused on your qualifications and more focused on your character. 5:34  Tip 1: Cover letters make a difference. 5:40 Amy Thibodeau, Head of Creative at Gusto on the power of cover letters. 7:14 Tip 2: Customize your materials and connect the dots. 7:32 McClean Donnely, Professor of UX Design at SCAD, on the principle of, "don't make me think" and how that principle applies to your job search. 8:49  The value of adding video to your career materials. 11:20:  Tip 3: Sweat the details of layout and design. 12:21 Tyler King, Senior UX Researcher on being cognizant of font, typeface, weights, etc. 12:57 Tip 4: Job descriptions are a wishlist. 13:04 Alec Brundrett, a product manager at Meta, on how job descriptions are written, why sometimes they aren't written very well, and why candidates need to see job descriptions as a wishlist and not a hard set of requirements. 15:09 Tip 5: Your career materials and interview skills are a preview of how you'll perform on the job. 16:40 Your portfolio is another deisgn asset with Lois Siegal, Director of Recruiting at UX Hires. 17:03 Your portfolio is just never done, you're always tweaking it, but get it to a point where you're proud of it. 18:40 Regardless of what you're interviewing for, you have to think about the steps that you're taking through the process and be able to articulate it.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

Is it time to redefine what it means to "work in tech"? In this episode, Sarah shares how to find excellent jobs outside of the typical FAANG companies tech professionals tend to set their sights on. Timestamps 1:11 Layoffs can be scary whether you have a job or not. 1:58 Regardless of your role at a tech company, your skills and expertise are valuable and can transfer to many other industries. 2:10 Just because your last job was at a tech company, that doesn't mean you can't get hired in another sector and honestly, maybe even with a salary increase. 2:25 It might be time to redefine what it means to “work in tech”. 2:58 Candidates often have a really narrow-minded aspiration of working at well-known tech companies. 3:35 Hiring has been a challenge for smaller, less well-known companies for years. 4:17 According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, over the next decade, the healthcare industry alone will add 2 million new jobs to the economy. 4:48 Finding tech opportunties in other industries may be easier than you originally thought. 4:54 And if you can check your ego at the door and be open to working at companies that you hadn't considered before or maybe have never even heard of, you'll be applying sooner than you think. 5:09 Grab a piece of paper because here are the three practical things you can do to find tech jobs outside the tech industry. 5:30: Tip 1: Expand your job search beyond tech companies. 5:57: Tip 2: Leverage your previous experience. 6:23: If you had prior experience before switching to tech, you wanna consider looking for a tech job in your previous industry. 7:04: Tip 3: Use job boards that give you more control. 7:26 Check out Built In. They allow you to filter by industry or category. 7:46 Your skills as a tech professional are in demand at companies outside of the big tech giants. 8:04: You may even find these companies have a better work-life balance and offer higher salaries to retain their talent that for them is really hard to find. 8:20 Recap time! 🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah breaks down the 3 questions to ask yourself to discern whether or not an investment in career development is right for you. Timestamps: 1:03 Today we have 3 questions for you to ponder to help gain clarity around whether or not you're ready to invest your time and energy to grow yourself and your career. 1:12 It's normal to have big feelings when it comes to career. 1:59 Instead of trying to overcome the thoughts and feelings, consider embracing them. They might be shining a spotlight on things that are important to you. 2:22 Get clear on where you are now before asking yourself these questions. 3:03 Career switchers, climbers, and launchers. 4:11 Many people go through their careers and never invest in themselves, and that is completely fine. 4:55 Are you willing to show up and do the work? 6:46 You get to define what career growth means to you. 6:53 Career growth is not for everyone and that's ok. 7:48 This isn't about career growth at any expense. It's about career growth that makes you feel seen, expressed, heard, valued, and really purposeful in your work. 8:42 Career development is  a long-term investment. 8:56 Are you truly open to feedback? 10:24 Asking for feedback requires vulnerability 11:08 Be strategic about who you ask for feedback. 11:36 Sometimes you have to let go of ego in order to get where you're trying to go. 12:31 You are your ultimate asset. 13:27 When you're willing, open, and committed it's very hard to fail.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah talks about the REAL reason most candidates get overlooked when applying for jobs and what to do about it. Time Stamps: 1:17: If you didn't get an interview, you need to understand the root problem and not just the symptom. 2:30: Standing out when you apply and during interviews goes way beyond wordsmithing, bullet points, and massaging pixels. 3:12: If what you're talking about only scratches the surface, then you're gonna sell yourself short. 4:13: No amount of rewriting or redesigning can help if your story isn't solid. 5:19: What you need to do is, number one, review the job description for the jobs you are applying. 5:27: Second, you need to identify the skills and experience the companies are looking for. 5:34: Number three, you need to thoughtfully consider your previous experience and identify examples. 5:51: Step four is working those examples into your resume, portfolio, and interview answers. 6:14: Don't be afraid if your process had twists and turns and didn't follow the traditional way that you think something should have been done. 6:44: The perfect UX process does not exist, and you do not have to strive to represent that if it didn't actually happen. 6:56: This is your permission slip to showcase the messiness. 6:59: Go beyond just the 'what' of your work experience and let people in on the process.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares 3 tips to help let go of self doubt and increase confidence for the job search. Timestamps: 0:15: If you've ever felt like you'd lacked confidence in the job search, this is for you. 2:00: The key to building confidence is getting clear on what you can and cannot control. 2:48: Are you a switcher, launcher, or climber? 3:55: Stop playing the numbers game. 4:32: Stop sending your resume all over the internet clicking apply to every job that has the word UX or design in it, and instead take the time to get  crystal clear on who you are and what you want in your future. 5:03:  Just like in the world of dating to meet your match, you might have to work on yourself a little bit too. 5:22: To help reduce that self-doubt and build more confidence is to improve your career materials. 5:43: Improving your career materials does not mean throwing your resume in a template that you got from Etsy or Canva or elsewhere. 6:15 The effort it takes to reflect on your career and pull out all those meaningful stories is also the process that builds confidence. 7:37 To minimize that self-doubt and increase your confidence, get support. Stop doing it alone. 8:08: Being in a community of people who are on a similar path is so valuable because it fosters accountability, momentum, and knowledge sharing. 9:42: Get support and surround yourself with people who provide you with inspiration and insight as you go.🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.

🤓 Interested in learning more about Career Strategy Lab? Click here to apply! Once you're accepted we'll send an exclusive training with actionable job search tips and with details about what Career Strategy Lab is all about. ➡️ Get your FREE copy of the Career Strategy Podcast Workbook and Episode Guide. ⭐️ If you're enjoying the podcast, please rate and review it to help us reach more folks! 👋 Say hi and follow along on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and/or YouTube.