Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody | UX, Product Design, UX Research

169 - 3 ways to stop wasting time in your UX job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:21:23 GMT

Every month your job search goes on is a month of lost salary. And the thing is, most UX and product people who are stuck aren't lazy. They're working hard, spending hours a week on their search. But they're also spending a lot of that time just waiting: waiting for a response after they apply, waiting after an interview, waiting for the right job to show up. In this episode, Sarah Doody breaks down 3 common ways you waste time in your UX job search and what to do instead so you can start getting interviews, and hired, faster!

Topics discussed in this episode:

✅ Why waiting around after applying or interviewing is costing you opportunities

✅ How to follow up without seeming desperate

✅ Why the "numbers game" approach to job applications backfires

✅ How tailoring your resume and UX portfolio helps you apply to fewer jobs but get more interviews

✅ Why cold messaging on LinkedIn almost never works

✅ How to build warm relationships before you need them so people actually reply

Timestamps:

00:00 Every month your job search continues is a month of lost salary

01:08 Time waster #1: Not following up after you apply or interview

03:15 Why following up isn't desperate, it's proactive

04:30 Follow up or be forgotten

05:20 Time waster #2: Sending the same resume and portfolio for every job

07:00 Why applying to fewer jobs with tailored materials gets you hired faster

08:45 How to quickly tailor your resume and portfolio for each role

10:15 Time waster #3: Waiting to build relationships until you need them

11:30 Cold messaging vs. warm messaging

12:45 How to invest in relationships before your job search

14:00 Who to prioritize building relationships with

15:15 Recap: 3 ways to stop wasting time

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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168 - UX Hiring Insights: Steph McDonald UX Design Recruiter at HubSpot on AI in Hiring, Portfolios & What Gets You Hired

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:48:29 GMT

What does it actually take to get hired in UX Design and stand out to UX recruiters? Steph McDonald, a UX Recruiter from HubSpot is here to share how she approaches UX hiring.

With 300+ applications often coming in for a single UX design role, the competition is intense. And behind every application is a recruiter making real decisions about who moves forward and who doesn't.

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah Doody sits down with Steph McDonald, a lead UX design recruiter at HubSpot who has spent over 25 years in recruiting. Steph is refreshingly honest about what's happening on the other side of your application.

She breaks down exactly how candidates are evaluated, how AI is being used in hiring right now, and the resume and portfolio mistakes that get you skipped. She also shares what she actually wants to see in a portfolio (spoiler: the messy stuff), why one-page resumes drive her crazy, and why those AI-powered bots that apply to jobs on your behalf are doing more harm than good.

Whether you're actively applying to UX roles, this conversation will change how you think about showing up as a candidate.

Timestamps:

00:00 Meet Steph McDonald, UX Design Recruiter at HubSpot

01:55 How Steph got into recruiting by accident

03:39 How the job market has shifted post-COVID

05:28 Why companies are hiring fewer people at higher levels

06:35 How long it actually takes to get hired at HubSpot

07:51 How HubSpot tweaks its hiring process like a product

08:41 Trauma-informed recruiting and candidate empathy

10:03 How HubSpot gives candidates real feedback after interviews

13:53 How AI is used inside HubSpot's hiring process

16:23 Auto-reject questions and how they work

18:04 Why AI application bots are hurting candidates

21:49 How recruiters feel when they spot AI-generated answers

24:58 Resume hot takes: font size, page length, and impact

29:22 What Steph looks for in a UX portfolio

33:46 Portfolio format: website vs. presentation vs. Google folder

34:49 Diversity and inclusion in HubSpot's hiring process

38:45 How many people actually get interviewed per role

41:21 Can you reach out to a recruiter after getting rejected?

45:15 Using video in your portfolio: supplement, not replacement

46:02 What "experience with ambiguity" really means

50:03 Is HubSpot hiring right now?

51:29 Lightning round: first job, dream career, interview pump-up song

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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167 - Stop Asking How: Speed Up Your UX Job Search With This One Question

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:04:48 GMT

If your first move when updating your resume, building your UX portfolio, or preparing for an interview is to Google "how do I…" — you're falling into a trap that's slowing down your entire UX job search. In this episode, Sarah Doody breaks down the "Who Not How" framework and explains why the question you should be asking isn't how — it's who. You'll learn why DIYing your job search with Google searches and Reddit threads is costing you time, money, and momentum, and how to start thinking like a high performer instead.

Topics discussed in this episode:

✅ The "Who Not How" framework from Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy

✅ Why Googling "how to get a UX job" keeps you spinning your wheels

✅ The hidden time and money cost of DIYing your job search

✅ How high performers think differently about getting help

✅ A 3-step exercise to identify where you're stuck and what to do about it

✅ Why this concept applies to your career, business, and life

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Are you stuck in the "how" trap?

01:43 The concept I can't stop thinking about

02:11 The "Who Not How" book explained

03:30 The physical therapist analogy

04:36 How this applies to your UX job search

05:30 The how trap costs you time, money, and momentum

07:04 Why asking for help is not a weakness

08:15 The "how trap" with your resume

09:29 The "how trap" with your portfolio

10:15 The "how trap" with job interviews

11:44 Takeaway 1: Audit where you've been stuck

14:09 Takeaway 2: Match your "how" list to a "who"

16:36 Takeaway 3: The real cost of staying stuck

17:30 How I took 20 minutes off my marathon with a coach

18:54 This applies way beyond your job search

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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166 - UX Hiring Insights Dan Maccarone on Thinking Over Tools & UX Career Reinvention

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:02:00 GMT

UX hiring insights from a UX veteran with 25+ years in UX and product. In this episode, Sarah Doody interviews Dan Maccarone, co-founder of Hard Candy Shell and Charming Robot, fractional Chief Product Officer, and a UX expert who's worked on products for Hulu, Rent the Runway, Foursquare, and the Wall Street Journal. In the episode Dan shares about what he actually looks for when hiring UX people (spoiler: it's not your Figma skills).

Dan shares why he doesn't care about tools, why he conducts interviews over drinks instead of in conference rooms, and how he evaluates candidates based on curiosity, empathy, and how they think, not what software they know. He also gets into career reinvention, the rise of fractional leadership roles, and why your hobbies outside of UX might matter more than your case studies.

If you're a UX or Product professional navigating your next career move, this conversation will challenge what you think hiring managers care about.

What's discussed in this episode:

Why Dan has hired people who didn't know Figma — and doesn't care
What curiosity and a humanities background signal to a hiring manager
Why Dan prefers to conducts interviews with candidates over coffee or drinks, not in conference rooms
How he uses observation and empathy cues to evaluate candidates (the same way you'd do user research)
Why he hates design assignments and considers them insulting
What "career reinvention" looks like after 25 years in UX and how to know when it's time
The real requirements for going fractional (and why it's not for everyone)
Why your identity and hobbies outside of work actually make you better at your job\
How he's re-invented his own UX career multiple times

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

165 - 5 practical time-saving tips for your UX job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:49:08 GMT

Feel like your UX job search is full time job? Here are 5 things you can start using today to save time, reduce overthinking, and make real progress in your UX or Product job search. These are tips that Sarah sees working for people inside her UX career coaching program, Career Strategy Lab, and some she uses in her own work every day.

Topics discussed in this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast:

How to create a plug-and-play script document so you never start from scratch on emails again
How text replacement tools like TextExpander can automate repetitive job search messages
Why using a Pomodoro timer can dramatically increase your job search productivity
Why committing to following up three times eliminates the worry spiral of being ghosted
How to run a weekly "Job Search CEO Hour" to track what's working and course correct fast

RESOURCES

Text Expander https://textexpander.com/
Pomodoro Timer https://pomofocus.io/
Flow Timer https://www.flow.app/

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

164 - What is Career Maximalism and Why Caring Too Much About Your Job Can Backfire

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:44:32 GMT

Career maximalism is a mistake that many high achieving professionals make. When you care too much about your job, you can actually become worse at it. In this video, learn what Career Maximalism is, and why this behavior is everywhere, often rewarded, and quietly working against you.

Career maximalism is when your job becomes a major source of your identity and your emotional state rises and falls based on how work is going.

It often looks like being a great employee, but there's a tipping point where it clouds your judgment, slows your decisions, and makes everything heavier than it needs to be. Sarah Doody discusses the difference between commitment and emotional over-identification, shares a Reddit thread about treating UX as a job instead of an identity, and gives three practical tips for caring deeply without making work who you are.

3 tips for avoiding the trap of Career Maximalism:

1) Build proof of your self-worth outside your job with physical challenges, creative projects, community, etc.

2) Practice emotional detachment without disengagement. Detachment isn't apathy, it's clarity.

3) Set clear standards and boundaries. When expectations are vague, everything becomes emotional.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

Reddit thread about treating UX as a job instead of an identity
🎙️ Ep 163: What is Career Minimalism and How It Can Quietly Weaken Your Career

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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163 - What is Career Minimalism and How It Can Quietly Weaken Your Career

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:03:21 GMT

The idea of career minimalism sounds healthy. But this trending philosophy of your job being a tool, not your identity (especially popular with Gen Z) could be quietly weakening your career if you're not careful.

In this episode, Sarah Doody breaks down what career minimalism actually is, why it's gained so much momentum (spoiler: burnout, broken loyalty, and unpredictable layoffs), and the hidden risk most career minimalists never talk about. The real danger isn't doing less at work — it's what you're building (or not building) while you're there.

Sarah also discusses the concept of "Portable Equity" and shares three practical tips so you can protect your work-life balance without accidentally making yourself less employable.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

0:58 What is career minimalism?

3:24 How did we get here? Burnout, hustle culture, and broken loyalty

4:41 Where career minimalism starts to get tricky

6:51 The hidden assumption of career minimalists

7:50 Why career minimalists often end up job hopping

10:16 The reframe: building portable equity

11:24 Three practical tips for career minimalists

11:45 Tip 1: Optimize for portability, not just balance

12:34 Tip 2: Know the difference between being useful and being valuable

13:59 Tip 3: Treat every role as temporary

16:35 Always be seeking — the career version of "always be closing"

17:36 Wrap up

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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162 - How Erica Got Hired as a UX Officer at WK Kellogg Foundation After a CDC Layoff

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:03:06 GMT

Erica Jiminez went from facing a potential layoff at the CDC to landing her dream role as the first-ever User Experience Officer at WK Kellogg Foundation. In this episode, Sarah Doody chats with Erica about her experience in Sarah's UX job search coaching program, Career Strategy Lab.

Erica shares how she got clear on what she wanted, made sense of a non-linear career path, and landed a mission-driven UX role.

Erica talks about how the Career Roadmap and Compass Statement in Career Strategy Lab helped her shift from a fear mindset to clarity, why her "messy" career path across social work, public health, and UX research actually became her biggest strength, and how she got hired using a whiteboard and Mural board instead of a polished portfolio. She also shares why she negotiated her salary and got what she asked for, and what hiring managers actually look for when multiple candidates are equally qualified.

Erica's 3 lessons from her UX job search:

1) Follow what you're passionate about

2) Go for it even if you're not ready

3) Know your worth and advocate for yourself — the worst they can say is no

Timestamps

0:00 Introduction

1:00 Meet Erica, the first UX Officer at WK Kellogg Foundation

3:00 The career roadmap: realizing how unintentional her career had been

4:30 From social worker to UX researcher — a 12-year non-linear path

5:00 Seeing the story in a "messy" resume

7:00 The Product of You: Design yourself before marketing yourself

8:00 Getting clarity vs. jumping straight to tactics

10:00 The Gumby mindset & reframing your experiences

12:00 Lesson 1: Follow what you're passionate about

13:00 Lesson 2: Go for it even if you're not ready 15:00

Lesson 3: Know your worth & salary negotiation

17:00 The heroes exercise & discovering what matters beyond UX

19:30 Applying UX skills beyond big tech

20:00 Advice for anyone on the fence about Career Strategy Lab

22:00 Why the human element matters most in hiring

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

161 - UX Hiring Insights with Design Recruiter Jared Tredly from Shopify

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah Doody talks with Jared Tredly, a design recruiter at Shopify, about what really happens behind the scenes when UX and Product Design candidates apply for roles.

Jared shares an honest look at how generalist recruiters interpret design briefs, what they scan for in the first few seconds of reviewing a portfolio, and why so many designers accidentally bury the most important information. He also breaks down what senior-level designers must show, why overly long case studies backfire, and how to get visibility for design roles at Shopify through their general “design pool” application.

If you’ve ever wondered what recruiters are actually thinking as they review your portfolio, this episode takes you inside the process.

What you’ll learn:

How recruiters evaluate portfolios when reviewing hundreds per day
Why clarity, hierarchy, and intuitive navigation matter more than visuals
The difference between junior and senior-level UX signals
Why “micro” case studies are often more effective than showing your entire process
How Shopify screens applications and why complete applications are critical
How to get into Shopify’s internal design candidate pool

Links from this episode:

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

160: Why This UX Designer Walked Away After 5 Interview Rounds (And Doesn't Regret It)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:33:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah Doody chats with Faith, a Product Designer who successfully transitioned from a layoff to a Product Design role, all while navigating UX career uncertainty. Faith shares how she used Career Strategy Lab’s intentional UX job search framework to slow down, get clear on what she wanted, and create a UX portfolio and application strategy that aligned with her career goals.

In this episode, Faith shares how Career Strategy Lab helped her prioritize the “why” behind her career choices, overcome imposter syndrome, and set clear boundaries to avoid ending up in the wrong role. From networking on LinkedIn to being picky about where she applied, Faith’s story will inspire anyone going through a career transition or navigating a tough job search.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why being intentional about your job search makes all the difference

✔️ How to avoid the trap of applying to jobs just for the sake of it

✔️ How Faith used Career Strategy Lab to design her job search strategy

✔️ The importance of knowing your “Compass Statement” to guide decisions

✔️ Why Faith turned down a “perfectly good” offer in favor of the right fit

✔️ How CSL’s support and community made her more confident in interviews

✔️ Tips for networking and finding job opportunities that align with your values

✔️ Why staying true to your career goals led to better offers and more options

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context

01:46 Faith's Career Journey and UX Experience

03:09 Navigating Job Search Challenges

05:05 The Importance of Intentionality in Job Applications

07:43 The Role of Career Strategy Lab in Job Search

09:21 Finding Job Opportunities and Networking

14:38 Impact of Career Strategy Lab on Personal and Professional Growth

17:11 Advice for Prospective Career Strategy Lab Members

25:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

159: 3 Skills UX Professionals Need Most in the Age of AI

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 05:00:47 GMT

In this episode, Sarah talks about how AI is reshaping the UX landscape and why three key skills are more important than ever for professionals looking to stand out in the evolving job market.

Despite the rise of AI tools, it’s not about being replaced—it’s about evolving your mindset and skills to stay relevant. In this episode, Sarah explains why UX professionals need to stop thinking like "doers" and start thinking like "drivers." You’ll also hear why the critical skills of speed, quality thinking, and impact are necessary to stay valuable in your career.

This episode is for anyone feeling uncertain about how AI fits into your skillset or wondering how to stay relevant in an AI-powered UX job market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why shifting from being a “doer” to a “driver” is essential for staying valuable in UX

✔️ The 3 most important skills for UX professionals in the age of AI: speed, quality thinking, and impact

✔️ How to leverage speed without sacrificing quality in your UX work

✔️ Why quality thinking (and not relying on AI) is crucial to uncovering nuances and insights

✔️ How to make sure your work has true impact—going beyond just delivering information

✔️ The danger of de-skilling and how to stay sharp while using AI as a tool

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Future of UX Jobs in the Age of AI

00:39 Meet Sarah Doody: Your UX Career Guide

01:19 The Value of Strategic Thinking Over Task Execution

02:05 Three Critical Skills for UX Professionals

05:39 Skill 1: Speed with Strategy

09:42 Skill 2: Quality Thinking

14:52 Skill 3: Impact and Influence

19:44 The Risk of De-Skilling in the Age of AI

24:50 Conclusion: Be a Driver, Not a Doer

25:54 Call to Action: Support the Podcast

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

158: From UX Internship to Amazon UX Designer: How Vasudha Got Hired With a Master's in HCI

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 05:00:32 GMT

In this episode, Sarah interviews Vasudha, a UX Designer at Amazon AWS Applied AI, to talk about what it really looks like to invest in your career early, and how the impact compounds for years.

Vasudha joined Career Strategy Lab's UX job search accelerator in late 2023 while finishing her master’s degree, navigating the uncertainty of the job market as an international student, and waiting to see whether her AWS internship would convert to a full-time role. Today, she’s thriving at Amazon, and still actively uses CSL frameworks for LinkedIn updates, internal promotions, and long-term career growth.

This episode is a powerful reminder that Career Strategy Lab isn’t just about landing one job. It’s about building a career operating system you can reuse, refine, and rely on over time.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why Vasudha decided to invest in CSL while still in grad school

✔️ How talking to an alumni helped her decide to join

✔️ Why CSL skills extend far beyond the job search

✔️ How the portfolio sprint changed how she approaches real projects at Amazon

✔️ Why answering “why” matters just as much as showing artifacts

✔️ How CSL frameworks support promotions—not just hiring

✔️ The confidence shift that comes from understanding your blind spots

✔️ Why embracing being a UX generalist unlocked clarity and growth

✔️ How CSL helps you tell the right story about yourself (not the wrong one)

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context

01:21 Vasudha's Journey: From Master's to Amazon

05:38 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab

10:56 Portfolio Development and Career Growth

16:37 The Importance of Storytelling in UX Careers

21:54 Advice for Joining Career Strategy Lab

23:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

157: UX Hiring Insights: Ben Peck on UX Generalists, Soft Skills, & Standout Portfolios

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:11 GMT

In this episode, Sarah chats with Ben Peck, Director of Product Design & Global Strategy at nCino and a longtime community builder in the UX and product world, to demystify how UX hiring really works, from the perspective of someone who’s hired again and again.

Ben brings over 20 years of experience across agencies, tech, leadership, and community building. As the co-founder of Front Conference and former Executive Director of Product Hive, he’s reviewed hundreds of portfolios, partnered closely with recruiters, and built high-performing design teams across industries.

Together, Sarah and Ben unpack what actually happens after you click “apply,” how hiring managers scan portfolios, why storytelling matters more than polish, and how community and relationships quietly shape most UX careers.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on behind the scenes of UX hiring, or how to stand out without burning yourself out, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What hiring managers actually look for in UX portfolios

✔️ Why your portfolio needs a hook—and what that hook should be

✔️ How recruiters and hiring managers split screening responsibilities

✔️ The biggest mistakes candidates make when telling case study stories

✔️ Why generalists are thriving in today’s UX job market

✔️ How to make industry or role pivots without starting over

✔️ The smartest way to reach out to companies (and who not to DM)

✔️ Why community—not cold applications—is the real career accelerant

✔️ How hiring managers evaluate experience beyond “years on paper”

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast

00:38 Guest Introduction: Ben Peck

03:25 Ben Peck's Career Journey

05:31 The Value of Being a Generalist

10:22 Hiring Insights and Job Market Trends

20:59 Portfolio Tips for Job Seekers

28:57 The Importance of Storytelling in Portfolios

30:42 Balancing Content and Design

32:21 Effective Use of Prototypes and Videos

40:00 Transitioning to a UX Career

43:22 The Role of Community in Career Growth

48:37 Advice for Job Seekers

49:33 Lightning Round: Fun and Personal Insights

53:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

156: From Market Research to UX: How Kellyn Got Hired as a Lead UX Researcher with a 40% Salary Increase

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:10 GMT

In this episode, Sarah chats with Kellyn, a market researcher who successfully pivoted into a Lead UX Researcher role at Weedmaps, with a 40% salary increase, after feeling stuck, overlooked, and unsure how to position herself for UX roles.

Despite 13+ years of research experience (and a partner who is a career coach) Kellyn wasn’t getting traction when applying to UX research jobs. She knew she had the skills, but lacked the clarity, confidence, and story to prove it. Through Career Strategy Lab, she rebuilt her confidence, clarified her direction, transformed her LinkedIn, and created a portfolio that focused on thinking and storytelling, not flashy visuals.

This episode is a powerful reminder that career pivots don’t require starting over—they require structure, strategy, and the confidence to own your experience.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Kellyn reframed market research experience for UX research roles

✔️ Why the Compass Statement was the turning point in her job search

✔️ How narrowing focus saved her time, energy, and burnout

✔️ Why LinkedIn optimization led to real recruiter interest

✔️ How storytelling, not a portfolio website, landed her UX job interviews

✔️ The role of community, coaching, and feedback in rebuilding confidence

✔️ Why CSL is an investment with long-term, compounding career impact

✔️ How clarity led to better interviews, better offers, and better pay

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context

02:10 Kellyn's Career Journey and Success Story

05:00 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab on Confidence and Job Search

13:55 The Importance of LinkedIn Optimization

16:11 Crafting Compelling Case Studies and Portfolios

23:44 Final Thoughts and Advice for Career Strategy Lab Participants

27:08 Conclusion and Additional Resources

27:49 Special Message for Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

155: UX Hiring Insights: Patrick Neeman on Soft Skills, Strategy & Hiring Red Flags

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:00 GMT

In this expert interview, Sarah Doody is joined by Patrick Neeman, Director of UX & AI Experiences at Workday, to pull back the curtain on how UX hiring actually works today—and where candidates are getting tripped up.

Patrick brings a rare perspective: he’s led UX teams, taught UX at General Assembly, worked inside applicant tracking systems, and now hires designers in an AI-driven product environment. Together, Sarah and Patrick unpack the biggest misconceptions about ATS systems, why portfolios often fail the six-second test, how soft skills influence hiring decisions, and what senior designers really need to focus on to stand out in today’s market.

This episode is especially valuable if you’re making it to interviews but not offers, feeling unsure how AI fits into your skillset, or questioning whether your resume and portfolio are helping—or hurting—you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why companies are often bad at hiring—and how that impacts candidates

✔️ The truth about ATS filters, knockout questions, and resume formatting

✔️ Why two-column resumes fail ATS systems (and what to do instead)

✔️ What hiring managers notice in the first 6 seconds of reviewing a resume

✔️ How soft skills like alignment, collaboration, and communication influence hiring

✔️ Why decks often outperform portfolio websites in UX interviews

✔️ How AI tools like Lovable are changing expectations for prototyping

✔️ The role of “weak ties” in landing jobs—and why relationships matter more than applications

✔️ Red flags candidates should avoid during interviews and outreach

✔️ Why being “nice to work with” is a real career advantage

Links From This Episode:

Patrick's Book: uxGPT: Mastering AI Assistants for User Experience Designers and Product Management Professionals

Patrick's Article: What’s makes an effective UX professional

Patrick's Article: What’s your Ideal Designer Profile?

The Strength of Weak Ties: A Network Theory Revisited

The ADP Checklist: Resources about Resumes, Portfolios and Interviews for UX Professionals

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Welcoming Patrick Neiman: Insights into UX Hiring

01:19 Patrick's Background and Experience

04:19 The State of the UX Job Market

07:21 The Importance of Writing Skills in UX

08:49 Applicant Tracking Systems and AI in Hiring

13:28 Contract Roles in UX: Myths and Realities

14:42 Standing Out as a UX Candidate

17:48 Soft Skills: The Superpower of UX Professionals

22:05 Tips for Early Career UX Designers

24:15 Prototyping vs. Figma: The Future of Design

24:28 The Value of Personal Projects in Portfolios

24:57 Challenges in Redesigning Complex Systems

26:10 Misconceptions About Hiring Software

27:23 The Six-Second Resume Test

29:16 Networking and the Power of Weak Ties

33:10 Tips for Advancing in Your UX Career

41:46 Balancing Figma and AI-Assisted Design Tools

43:21 Final Thoughts and Advice for Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

154: How This Senior UX Designer Got Hired After Losing Her Mojo And Confidence

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:00:32 GMT

In this episode, Sarah talks with Allie, a Senior UX Designer with over a decade of experience, about what it really looks like to lose your confidence mid-career, and how to rebuild it without rushing, panicking, or burning yourself out.

After navigating years of instability, repeated layoffs around her, and slowly losing her sense of confidence at work, Allie joined Career Strategy Lab feeling disconnected from her own value. Through foundational work like career inventory, 360° feedback, and the Compass Statement, she rebuilt clarity around her strengths, rediscovered her story, and landed a new role at PepsiCo with confidence restored.

This episode is a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t something you “should already have.” It’s something you rebuild through clarity, structure, and self-trust.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What it actually feels like to “lose your mojo” after years in UX

✔️ Why giving yourself grace is a strategic career move—not a weakness

✔️ How taking inventory of your work restores confidence fast

✔️ The role of external feedback in uncovering hidden strengths

✔️ Why trying to rush ahead in your job search often backfires

✔️ How watching others’ critiques can improve your own portfolio and storytelling

✔️ Why treating your job search like a real project changes everything

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context

02:29 Meet Allie: A UX Journey

03:59 Confidence and Career Strategy Lab

08:19 Mindset Shifts and Lessons Learned

11:18 Impactful Feedback and Storytelling

13:40 Final Thoughts and Advice

16:58 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

17:38 Special Message for Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

153: 5 Things Hired UX People Do That Work in Today's UX Job Market

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 05:00:54 GMT

Still applying to dozens, or hundreds, of UX roles and not hearing back? It’s not the number of applications that gets you hired. It’s the strategy behind how you position yourself.

In this rapid-fire episode, Sarah breaks down the five things she consistently sees among UX candidates who are getting hired right now. Whether you’ve applied to 50, 100, or 200+ jobs without results, these are the shifts that will change your job search immediately.

This episode is your wake-up call: Stop applying to more roles and start fixing these five root issues.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why applying to more jobs won’t fix your job search

✔️ How to optimize your LinkedIn so recruiters find you

✔️ Why most candidates dramatically undervalue their skills

✔️ The danger of getting feedback from people who aren't involved in hiring

✔️ The truth about UX portfolios—and why yours should not be a website

✔️ Why clarity about what you want is the real job search shortcut

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:38 Common Job Search Mistakes

02:07 Leveraging LinkedIn for Job Search

04:18 Valuing Your Skills and Experience

07:22 Overcoming the Unhirable Mindset

10:46 Creating Effective Portfolios

14:18 Clarity in Career Goals

17:57 Recap and Final Thoughts

19:28 Career Strategy Lab and Workshops

20:56 Podcast Reviews and Closing

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

152: How Steven Built a UX Consultancy After Being Laid Off After 17 Years At The Same Company

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 05:00:42 GMT

In this interview, Sarah sits down with Steven, a longtime UX leader who spent 17 years at the same digital agency before an unexpected layoff forced him to re-evaluate everything. With no portfolio, no updated resume, and low confidence, Steven joined Career Strategy Lab, and everything changed.

Today, Steven is thriving as a fractional product design director, long-term contractor, and consultant helping companies elevate their UX teams and integrate AI into their workflows. In this conversation, he shares how Career Stratgegy Lab's UX job search accelerator helped him rebuild his confidence, tell a clear story about 20+ years of experience, streamline his job search, and even reinvent himself as a business owner.

Whether you're mid-career, coming out of a layoff, or curious about consulting, Steven’s story is a grounding reminder that clarity, strategy, and community can completely change your UX career trajectory.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Steven went from 25% confidence to 80% confidence in his job search

✔️ The myth he had to unlearn: your portfolio is not the first step

✔️ Why clarity + foundational work = faster, less stressful job search

✔️ How CSL’s community accelerated his progress and kept him motivated

✔️ The mindset shift that helped him stop applying blindly to jobs

✔️ How he now uses CSL’s frameworks to land consulting and contract roles

✔️ Why your “career operating system” needs ongoing updates

✔️ How knowing your values helps you choose the right opportunities

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context

01:26 Sarah Doody's Background and UX Career Coaching

02:31 Steven's Journey and Career Strategy Lab Experience

04:13 Building Confidence and Telling Your Story

06:25 The Power of Community and Networking

09:55 Mindset Shifts and Career Value Criteria

13:03 Freelance and Consulting Success Tips

16:01 Final Thoughts and Advice

18:53 Conclusion and Next Steps

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

151: Want to get hired in UX in Q1 2026? Start with these Q4 UX career essentials

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

In this special coach takeover episode Erin, one of the coaches inside Career Strategy Lab's UX job search accelerator, breaks down the three most important things UX and product professionals should focus on in Q4 to set themselves up to get hired in Q1 of 2026.

Whether you're feeling stuck, doubting your materials, overwhelmed by your portfolio, or unsure what support you actually need, this episode gives you a strategic and human approach to moving your job search forward.

Erin shares what she and the CSL team are seeing every week while reviewing resumes, portfolios, and LinkedIn profiles—and the biggest patterns that determine whether someone gains traction or stays stuck in place.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why you must rethink who you’re getting job search feedback from

✔️ How inaccurate feedback erodes confidence—and what to do instead

✔️ The “back to basics” portfolio reset that outperforms flashy trends

✔️ Why hiring managers want clarity over cleverness (and no, you don’t need animations)

✔️ How to build trust through your case study storytelling

✔️ How to determine what level of support you actually need—structure, community, coaching, or therapy

✔️ Why Q4 is the perfect time to prepare for Q1 hiring surges

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Three Key Strategies for Getting Hired in Q1 2026

01:11 Assessing Feedback on Your Career Materials

05:50 Back to Basics: Improving Your Portfolio

09:19 Getting the Support You Need

16:04 Recap and Final Thoughts

18:49 Conclusion and Additional Resources

19:32 Special Message for Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

150: From Academia to UX: How Ellen Got Hired As A Content Designer at TD Bank

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 05:00:33 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher with 20 years of experience who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Transitioning from academia to UX can be daunting, but Ellen’s story proves it’s possible. After 17 years as a professor, Ellen pivoted to a Senior Content Designer role at TD Bank, with Career Strategy Lab providing the strategy, clarity, and confidence she needed to make the leap.

In this episode, Ellen shares how CSL helped her reframe her experience, confidently communicate her transferable skills, and land her UX role—all while navigating the challenges of switching careers.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Ellen navigated the shift from academia to UX

✔️ Why confidence was her biggest challenge and how CSL helped her overcome it

✔️ The importance of understanding how to communicate transferable skills

✔️ How she used the Compass Statement to connect her past experience to her new career

✔️ The value of having a portfolio and LinkedIn that clearly reflect your skills

✔️ Ellen’s tips on standing out during the job search with an authentic, tailored approach

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context

01:25 Sarah Doody's UX Career Coaching Journey

02:29 Alan's Career Transition Story

03:39 Building Confidence and Skills with CSL

08:33 Mindset Shifts and Life Lessons

10:47 Practical Tips for Job Seekers

12:40 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

14:04 Podcast Outro and Additional Resources

14:44 Special Message for Job Seekers

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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149: [Part 3/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Are You Suffering From Stranger Syndrome?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:36 GMT

Welcome to the final part of our three-episode series designed to help you diagnose what's not working in your UX job search, so you can finally fix it. In this episode, Sarah breaks down the third and final symptom of a stalled search: Stranger Syndrome.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re being ghosted, not getting referrals, or struggling to build meaningful connections with hiring managers or colleagues, this one’s for you.

Sarah explains how to identify the five signs of Stranger Syndrome and why treating your career like a product can help you design, market, and sell yourself with more confidence and clarity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What “Stranger Syndrome” is, and why it’s stalling your UX job search

✔️ 5 specific symptoms to watch for in your networking and interview process

✔️ Why relationship-building is more important than cold outreach

✔️ How to “microwave” cold relationships and reconnect with old contacts

✔️ The power of the Product of You framework (Design. Market. Sell.)

✔️ Why skipping clarity work keeps you stuck in a cycle of job search rejection

Related Episodes:

142: How Laura Landed a Principal UX Design Role Without Applying (and With Only 1 Project in her UX Portfolio)

145: [Part 1/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Escaping UX Career Identity Fog & Why Your Identity Is Your Superpower

147: [Part 2/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Are you an invisible genius in your UX career?

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:38 Diagnosing UX Job Search Problems

01:56 The Product of You Philosophy

07:36 Understanding Stranger Syndrome

08:49 Symptoms of Stranger Syndrome

16:08 Overcoming Stranger Syndrome

18:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

24:10 Career Strategy Lab Invitation

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

148: From Lost in UX to Confident Systems Designer: How Phoenix Reclaimed His UX Career Identity

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 05:00:04 GMT

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Phoenix, a Career Strategy Lab (CSL) member who shares what it's like to be in the middle of their UX job search transformation.

Phoenix opens up about the identity crisis that came from trying to be what companies wanted and how shifting toward a product-thinking approach—treating their career like a system—led to clarity, confidence, and traction. This is a must-listen for any UX or product professional feeling stuck, unfocused, or uncertain about how to move forward in today’s job market.

You’ll hear Phoenix share the exact moment things started to click, the biggest mindset shifts since joining CSL, and how things like a simple resume rewrite not only clarified their value—but also unlocked a potential $20K salary bump.

Whether you’re pivoting into UX, climbing toward leadership, or simply tired of second-guessing yourself, Phoenix’s story will help you see what’s possible when you stop trying to be someone you’re not and start owning what you bring to the table.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Phoenix went from feeling irrelevant to in control of their UX career

✔️ Why “conforming” to what employers want actually backfires—and what to do instead

✔️ The power of the compass statement and how it transforms resumes, portfolios, and interviews

✔️ How systems thinking applies to both UX and job search strategy

✔️ The emotional journey of building a personal brand that reflects your true strengths

✔️ Why clarity is more powerful than pep talks when it comes to confidence

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context

01:22 Q&A with Phoenix: UX Job Search Insights

03:59 Phoenix's Journey: From Uncertainty to Clarity

07:33 The Power of a Strong Resume and Compass Statement

20:04 Emotional Impact and Personal Growth

24:19 Advice for Job Seekers and Final Thoughts

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

147: [Part 2/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Are You An Invisible Genius In Your UX Career?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:00:08 GMT

Think you’re great at what you do but still not landing interviews? You might be stuck in Invisible Genius Mode—and it’s costing you opportunities.

In this episode, Sarah introduces the second major UX job search roadblock in her diagnostic series: Invisible Genius Mode. It’s the frustrating space where you know you're qualified—and so do your colleagues—but your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn aren’t making it clear to hiring teams.

Sarah walks through 4 key symptoms of Invisible Genius Mode, explains why it’s a marketing problem (not a skills problem), and gives you a simple framework to reposition yourself as an in-demand candidate.

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series on diagnosing your UX job search struggles.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The 4 signs you’re stuck in Invisible Genius Mode

✔️ Why strong skills don’t matter if your materials don’t communicate them

✔️ How to use Sarah’s “Product of You” philosophy to stand out

✔️ Why your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn must all tell the same story

✔️ What to change if you keep hearing “you’re a perfect fit” but still don’t get hired

Related Episodes:

145: [Part 1/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Escaping UX Career Identity Fog & Why Your Identity Is Your Superpower

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to UX Job Search Series

00:48 The Product of You Philosophy

06:01 Understanding Invisible Genius

08:10 Symptoms of Invisible Genius

10:37 Overcoming Invisible Genius

14:59 Conclusion and Next Steps

17:06 Final Thoughts and Resources

17:47 Special Message for Struggling Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

146: How Jonathan Stopped Redesigning His UX Portfolio and Started Getting Interviews

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:00:26 GMT

After a UX layoff left him uncertain about his next step, Jonathan, a UX leader with 20+ years of experience, turned to Career Strategy Lab to rebuild his confidence, reposition his experience, and take control of his job search. In this open house conversation, Jonathan shares what made the biggest difference: creating a tailored UX portfolio, clarifying his story, and rethinking how he showed up on LinkedIn.

Jonathan went from unsure and out of practice to landing multiple interviews, gaining recruiter attention, and receiving an offer—all while feeling more empowered about his future than ever before.

If you’re feeling stuck, scattered, or unsure about how to sell yourself in the UX job market, Jonathan’s story will show you what’s possible when you stop guessing and get strategic.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Jonathan reframed his UX career story after 20 years in the industry

✔️ Why he downsized his portfolio and tailored it to each job

✔️ The mindset shift that helped him stop underselling himself

✔️ Why confidence is built through action, not perfection

✔️ What helped him go from job seeker to in-demand candidate

✔️ Advice for anyone considering joining Career Strategy Lab's UX job search accelerator

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context

02:10 Jonathan's Career Journey and UX Strategy

05:48 Tailoring Your Portfolio for Success

09:22 The Importance of Confidence and Community Feedback

16:45 Final Advice and Encouragement

20:10 Conclusion and Podcast Information

20:49 Special Message for Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

145: [Part 1/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Escaping UX Career Identity Fog & Why Your Identity Is Your Superpower

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 04:00:29 GMT

Are you a UX professional struggling to explain who you are or what you want next? You’re not alone. Here’s how to clear the fog and move forward with clarity.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in your UX career, unsure of your strengths, hesitant to apply for jobs, or wondering if you still belong in the industry, then this episode is for you.

Sarah introduces the concept of Career Identity Fog, a feeling of misalignment that can erode your confidence and sabotage your job search.

But there’s good news: You can use UX research and strategy tools on yourself to lift the fog and reposition your career with clarity and conviction.

This is Part 1 of a special 3 part series on diagnosing your UX job search challenges, so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss the other episodes in this series.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What Career Identity Fog is—and why so many UX professionals are feeling it

✔️ 5 signs you’re stuck in identity fog (and how it’s slowing down your job search)

✔️ A 3-part framework to rediscover who you are and what you want in your UX career

✔️ Why confidence doesn’t come from trends—it comes from clarity

✔️ How one woman got hired by clearly articulating her ideal role on LinkedIn

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Career Identity Fog

00:31 Understanding Career Identity Fog

01:21 Diagnosing Your UX Job Search

03:40 Symptoms of Identity Fog in Your Career

11:33 Job Search Diagnosis Checklist

17:21 Clearing the Identity Fog: Steps to Take

23:55 Real-Life Success Stories

28:02 Conclusion and Next Steps

29:46 Career Strategy Lab: Your Path to Success

31:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

144: Finding & Owning Your UX Voice, How Melp Did With Career Strategy Lab

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT

After being laid off and earning a Master’s degree in UX, Melp still wasn’t landing UX job interviews. What changed? She stopped applying to everything and started thinking strategically.

In this Q&A from a Career Strategy Lab Open House, Sarah Doody talks with Melp, a UX researcher turned product manager, about the ups and downs of her UX job search journey. Despite years of experience, a Masters degree in UX from the University of Michigan, and hundreds of UX job applications, Melp wasn’t getting traction, until she joined Career Strategy Lab.

You’ll hear how she slowed down to get clear, challenged the narrative that she was “difficult to work with,” and started positioning herself as a strategic asset (not a liability). Her confidence began to rebuild, not because of a new certification, but because she finally saw her work for what it was: valuable.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why Melp chose strategy over hustle in her UX job search

✔️ How the Career Compass Sprint helped her identify what she really wanted

✔️ The mindset shift from “I’m difficult” to “I’m a high-impact team member”

✔️ Why she stopped over-preparing and started owning her story

✔️ How CSL’s “minimum viable portfolio” mindset freed her up to move forward faster

✔️ The difference between traditional career support and CSL’s strategic, in-depth process

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy Lab

02:14 Melp's Career Journey and Challenges

03:39 The Importance of Finding the Right Job

05:25 Deep Dive into Career Compass Sprint

07:02 Confidence and Self-Discovery

09:02 The Diva Mindset and Environment Fit

17:02 CSL's Unique Approach and In-Depth Process

22:18 Final Thoughts and Advice for Job Seekers

24:13 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

24:53 Special Message for Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

143: UX Hiring Insights: Why It Can Take 12 Weeks to Fill UX Roles with Heather Cassar, VP of People)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:00:33 GMT

If you’re in a UX job search and wondering, “Is it just me, or is UX hiring slower than ever?” you’re not imagining it. In this episode, we chat with Heather Cassar, VP of People at Narmie (a fintech startup) who brings 15+ years of experience leading hiring, people strategy, and global team growth at companies like Cash App, Uber, Block, and more.

Heather brings first hand experience about what's actually happening in UX and Product hiring, on both the startup and enterprise side.

In our conversation, we dig into why companies may take longer to hire, what’s changing in how hiring decisions are made, and what UX candidates can do to stand out, even when it feels like you’re sending resumes into a void.

Whether you’re actively applying or quietly watching the market, this episode will give you perspective and relief. Heather breaks down what’s happening behind the scenes of hiring pipelines right now and reminds us: just because it’s taking longer doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. There are still ways to stand out, you just need a UX job search strategy that reflects the reality of today’s job market.

Check out Narmi's careers page here to see if they're hiring for UX roles!

Topics discussed:

Why it now takes 12+ weeks (or more) to hire for UX roles
What’s causing hesitation on both sides of the hiring table
How candidate caution is slowing down the top of the funnel
Why Heather says contract roles are NOT a red flag, and can lead to full-time
What hiring managers actually look for in resumes and portfolios
Tips for standing out even when the job market feels saturated
The value of clarity, connection, and showing real outcomes
How to tell your story without overselling or downplaying your experience

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & about Heather’s background

00:45 – Why UX hiring feels “wild” right now

04:00 – What’s slowing down the hiring process from the company side

06:30 – The return of more rigorous headcount approval

07:15 – Why candidates are hesitant to even take recruiter calls

08:30 – The emotional risk of leaving one “meh” job for another

09:15 – Are contract roles bad? Heather’s surprising take

10:30 – Why contract roles aren’t a red flag to hiring managers

11:30 – What companies actually want to see on a resume

12:30 – The importance of storytelling over perfection

13:45 – How Heather screens for “intentionality” in candidates

15:00 – The challenge of employer branding at smaller companies

16:10 – Why “unicorn” job descriptions confuse candidates

17:20 – Heather’s thoughts on AI-generated portfolios and resumes

18:30 – Referrals vs. cold applications: which one matters more?

19:45 – Heather’s take on design exercises and case studies

22:30 – Why clarity + connection beats overly polished language

25:15 – Common mistakes candidates make in storytelling

28:45 – How to stay confident during a slow job search

34:10 – Heather’s advice to mid-career UX pros feeling stuck

40:25 – Closing thoughts & where to connect with Heather

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

142: How Laura Landed a Principal UX Design Role Without Applying (and With Only 1 Project in her UX Portfolio)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:00:58 GMT

Think you need a perfect UX portfolio and hundreds of job applications to land a senior UX role? Think again.

In this episode, UX career coach Sarah Doody talks with Laura, a former physician turned UX designer, about how she landed a Principal Product Design role, without even applying.

Laura shares how she turned a contract job into a 2.5-year role at Cisco, why she joined Sarah Doody's UX career coaching program, Career Strategy Lab, twice. Laura also shares how staying ready (not scrambling) made all the difference when her UX contract ended. Spoiler: she was hired again within two weeks, and her new VP of Product found her on LinkedIn.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Laura pivoted from medicine to UX and built her confidence along the way

✔️ Why having just one solid case study was enough to land multiple interviews

✔️ The key mindset shift that helped her stand out—even in a competitive market

✔️ How staying visible on LinkedIn led to a job offer without applying

✔️ Why portfolio perfectionism keeps talented UXers stuck

✔️ The benefit of specializing in a niche like cybersecurity or networking

✔️ How CSL’s frameworks helped her lead, mentor, and present more confidently

Timestamps:

02:06 Laura's Career Journey and Success with Career Strategy Lab

05:23 Importance of Testing and Networking

09:06 Specialization and Job Search Strategy

12:53 Applying Career Strategy Lab Skills in the Workplace

17:39 Final Thoughts and Advice for Job Seekers

19:29 Conclusion and Podcast Information

20:09 Special Message for Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

141: Design a UX Portfolio Recruiters Read for More Than 1 Minute

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:45 GMT

If you've ever wondered why your UX or product design portfolio isn't getting attention, this episode is your answer.

In this mini workshop, Sarah walks you through the most critical and overlooked fix you can make to your portfolio right now. It’s simple, strategic, and backed by nearly a decade of hiring results.

Spoiler: This isn’t about adding more screens or showing more visuals. It’s about how you tell the story of your work—and it all starts with how you use headlines.

Whether you’re mid-job search or quietly preparing for your next move, this portfolio tip will make your work easier to read, more memorable, and more effective for all 3 types of portfolio users: recruiters, hiring managers, and future colleagues.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The 3 users of your portfolio—and what they actually need

✔️ Why most portfolios fail the “headline” test (and how to fix yours today)

✔️ How to use the inverted pyramid framework from journalism to structure your slides

✔️ Why a single, sentence-style headline can change how long someone spends with your work

✔️ The easiest way to assess and upgrade your portfolio in under 30 minutes

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doty and Career Strategy Lab

00:43 Starting the UX Portfolio Mini Workshop

03:23 Understanding the Users of Your Portfolio

06:57 The Inverted Pyramid Framework

10:59 Practical Portfolio Tips and Examples

17:33 The Importance of Headlines in Your Portfolio

30:03 Q&A and Additional Advice

33:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

140: How a UX Researcher & CX Strategist is navigating an international job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:00:28 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

After 18 months of job searching with no results, Mariah was out of steam and questioning everything—until she joined Career Strategy Lab.

In this Open House conversation, Sarah talks with Mariah, a UX researcher and experience strategist with a background in customer support and consulting. Mariah came to CSL after burning out from a year and a half of job searching while trying to relocate to Copenhagen. In this honest episode, she shares what finally helped her stop spinning, reconnect with herself, and gain the clarity, confidence, and support she’d been missing.

Whether you’re new to UX or deep in burnout, Mariah’s story will remind you that it’s not too late—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What job searching for 18+ months taught Mariah about burnout and boundaries

✔️ Why trying to “game the system” kept her stuck and exhausted

✔️ How the Compass Sprint reconnected her to her voice, identity, and strengths

✔️ Why the mindset calls inside CSL helped her finally feel like herself again

✔️ How to balance personal and professional identity in your job search

✔️ Her advice for perfectionists and overthinkers: take action, even when it’s messy

Timestamps:

02:27 Mariah's Background and Career Journey

04:21 Joining Career Strategy Lab: Initial Experiences

08:09 Impact of Mindset Calls

11:50 Tangible Actions and Career Roadmap

18:43 Final Advice and Closing Remarks

21:22 Podcast Outro and Additional Resources

22:03 Special Message for Job Seekers

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

139: Position yourself as the ideal candidate with this Steve Jobs marketing tip

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 23:00:08 GMT

Apple's iconic marketing helps it stand out because it emphasizes it's benefits, not just features. Instead of just listing every feature of it's products, Apple leans into the benefits. And this tactic, is also how you can stand out as a candidate in your job search.

In this episode, we'll use resume examples to show how you can highlight your benefits, and not just your responsibilities and features. .

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why listing responsibilities makes your resume blend in (not stand out)

✔️ How to turn “feature” statements into compelling benefit-driven bullets

✔️ The marketing lesson Sarah borrowed from Steve Jobs

✔️ Real before-and-after examples from UX candidates

✔️ Why identifying and believing your own value is step #1

✔️ How to infuse your unique benefits across every career “touchpoint”

Timestamps:

00:40 The Importance of Focusing Beyond Responsibilities

02:35 Understanding the Product of You

04:32 Communicating Benefits Over Features

05:43 Real-World Examples of Benefit-Focused Statements

09:10 Becoming a Benefit-Focused Candidate

18:52 Recap and Final Thoughts

21:16 Conclusion and Additional Resources

22:04 Special Message for Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

138: From Recruiter to Product Designer: How Ellie's taking control of her career

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 04:00:54 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Wondering how to stand out in UX without burning out? Former technical recruiter Ellie shares her story of switching into product design—and how Career Strategy Lab helped her get her confidence back.

In this episode, Sarah interviews Ellie, a former technical recruiter turned UX designer, who joined Career Strategy Lab while navigating new motherhood, burnout, and the unpredictable job market. Despite landing interviews, Ellie felt stuck—and knew she needed a structured, supportive way to rebuild confidence and stand out.

You’ll hear how she overcame perfectionism, reframed her job search, and built career habits that now extend beyond her portfolio and into her life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why Ellie left tech recruiting to pursue UX—and doesn’t regret it

✔️ What made her say “yes” to CSL (and why she wishes she joined sooner)

✔️ How the Compass Statement gave her clarity and saved her time

✔️ The unexpected life shifts that came from doing the work with intention

✔️ Tips for breaking perfectionism and building habits that stick

✔️ What it’s like to join CSL while navigating new parenthood and burnout

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy Lab

00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context

02:23 Meet Ellie: From Technical Recruiter to Product Designer

05:19 Ellie's Career Journey and CSL Experience

09:16 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab

18:47 Advice and Final Thoughts

21:32 Conclusion and Next Steps

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

137: One LinkedIn change that landed this UX Designer 5 solid recruiter leads in 24 hours

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 04:00:26 GMT

Still waiting for recruiters to notice you? One small change to your LinkedIn profile could change everything.

In this episode, Sarah shares a real story from a workshop attendee who updated just one line of their LinkedIn profile and got five solid recruiter leads within 24 hours. You’ll learn what part of your profile to focus on (hint: it’s the headline), how to write it in a way that stands out, and why clarity and positioning matter more than lofty statements like “designing for impact.”

Plus, Sarah breaks down the three-part UX job search strategy you need to attract the right opportunities, without burning out, second-guessing, or rewriting your portfolio 100 times.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The one LinkedIn section that has the biggest impact on recruiter outreach

✔️ Why most UX job seekers get their headlines totally wrong

✔️ How to apply product strategy thinking to your career

✔️ The 3 essential UX job search strategies: Design, Marketing, and Sales

✔️ What happens when you’re missing even one of those strategies

✔️ How to stand out in a sea of qualified candidates (without starting from scratch)

Additional Resources:

Episode 18: Avoid This Mistake When Writing Your LinkedIn Profile headline

UX Job Search Workshop

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

00:38 The Power of LinkedIn Optimization

01:27 Understanding the UX Hiring Process

02:45 Crafting a Standout LinkedIn Headline

05:33 Three Key Strategies for UX Job Search

07:27 Invitation to the Workshop

08:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

09:29 Conclusion and Additional Resources

10:09 Special Message for Struggling Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

136: How Manny got hired as a Senior UX Designer at Fidelity in 77 days

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:00:52 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Laid off and wondering if you’ve “missed your shot”? This story will change how you think about career momentum.

In this Open House conversation, Sarah sits down with Manny, a senior UX designer who transitioned into UX after a decade in graphic design and just landed a role at Fidelity. After getting laid off and spending weeks spinning his wheels, Manny joined Career Strategy Lab to bring clarity, structure, and confidence back to his job search.

In this honest and insightful conversation, Manny shares what helped him rebuild momentum, how the Compass Sprint shaped everything from his resume to interviews, and why he wishes he’d joined sooner.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Manny landed a UX role at Fidelity after being laid off

✔️ The single most valuable CSL exercise (that he didn’t expect)

✔️ Why clarity leads to faster progress across your materials

✔️ How the Compass Statement helped him shape his story and stand out

✔️ Why applying early in your job search saves you time, money, and confidence

✔️ How to make the most of CSL—whether you’re employed or not

Timestamps:

02:28 Meet Manny: A UX Designer's Journey

03:51 Navigating Job Search Challenges

06:16 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab

12:27 Advice for UX Job Seekers

14:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

15:07 Podcast Outro and Additional Resources

15:47 Special Message for Job Seekers

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

135: How a 30-Year UX veteran is navigating a UX layoff without burnout

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:46 GMT

Feeling overwhelmed by how much UX experience you have, or unsure how to translate it in today’s UX job market? This episode is for you.

In this episode, Sarah talks with Chris Griffith, a UX professional with over 30 years of experience, about what it really takes to re-enter the job market after a long stretch at one company. Chris shares how he used Career Strategy Lab to reframe his story, create momentum, and build a complete suite of job search materials—from resume to portfolio—without burning out.

From tending his “career garden” to turning hikes into problem-solving sessions, Chris offers powerful reminders that progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention, space, and support.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Chris navigated a layoff after 9 years at the same company

✔️ What helped him stay focused and finish his portfolio without burnout

✔️ Why the LinkedIn sprint was a game-changer for getting found

✔️ The mental shift that helped him stop over-explaining and start storytelling

✔️ How nature and structure kept his confidence high and mindset grounded

✔️ His top tip for anyone thinking about joining Career Strategy Lab

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:16 Meet Sarah Doty: Your Career Guide

00:54 Episode Overview and Open House Context

01:38 Chris's UX Journey: From CD-ROMs to Career Strategy Lab

04:05 Navigating Job Search Challenges

06:49 The Importance of Diligence and Balance

07:21 The Healing Power of Nature

08:39 Career Strategy Lab Sprints: A Deep Dive

11:54 Final Tips and Encouragement

13:03 Conclusion and Farewell

13:19 Podcast Outro and Additional Resources

13:59 Special Message for Job Seekers

🎯Want to learn more about the critiques, community, coaching calls, and everything inside Career Strategy Lab? Apply or learn more.

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

134: A career break has NOT ruined your career, here's why...

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:01 GMT

Worried your career break in UX has made you unemployable? Let’s talk about what’s actually holding you back.

In this episode, Sarah tackles a concern she hears constantly: “Did my career break ruin my chances of getting hired in UX?” Whether you took time off for caregiving, burnout, travel, or health, this episode will help you stop spiraling and start focusing on what really matters, your story.

You’ll learn the 3 strategies every UX job seeker needs (Design, Marketing, Sales), how to tell if you’re missing one, and why the story you're telling about your break matters more than the break itself.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why your break isn’t the problem—but your story might be

✔️ What “terminal uniqueness” is and how it keeps you stuck

✔️ The 3-part strategy you need to get hired (and how to know what’s missing)

✔️ How to shift from self-doubt to clarity in your job search

✔️ Why visibility and connection matter more than perfection

✔️ How to rebuild your momentum with intention—not burnout

Timestamps:

00:38 The Impact of Career Breaks on UX Careers

00:56 The Importance of Your Personal Story in Job Searches

01:22 Addressing Career Break Concerns

03:37 LinkedIn's Career Break Feature

05:28 Three Essential Strategies for UX Candidates

09:53 Identifying Gaps in Your Job Search Strategies

12:23 Building and Leveraging Professional Relationships

16:51 Final Thoughts and Workshop Invitation

18:35 Conclusion and Additional Resources

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

133: How terminal uniqueness keeps you stuck in your job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 04:00:14 GMT

Think your UX background is too different to get hired? That mindset might be the real problem. In this episode, Sarah discusses the concept of terminal uniqueness, the belief that your career path is so unusual or messy that none of the strategies that work for others could possibly work for you. Whether you’ve been freelancing, pivoting careers, or have decades of experience, this mindset could be holding you back far more than your resume.

You’ll hear real-world examples of how terminal uniqueness shows up, why it's so common (especially in UX), and what to focus on instead so you can finally move forward with clarity and confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What terminal uniqueness is—and how it sabotages your job search

✔️ Why your unconventional path is not the problem (your mindset might be)

✔️ How to reframe your “messy” UX story into your biggest asset

✔️ Why recruiters and hiring managers aren’t looking for a perfect path

✔️ The role of strategy, structure, and storytelling in getting hired

✔️ How Career Strategy Lab helps you own your story and communicate it clearly

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:38 Understanding Terminal Uniqueness

03:12 Examples of Terminal Uniqueness

04:50 Overcoming Terminal Uniqueness

06:54 Communicating Your Unique Story

08:11 Career Strategy Lab Overview

14:49 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

16:58 Podcast Outro and Additional Resources

17:37 Special Message for Job Seekers

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

132: How Career Strategy Lab's AI Tools Help Mid & Senior UXers Get Hired Faster

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 04:00:49 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Tired of vague AI tools that spit out generic resume rewrites and surface-level portfolio tips? Meet the smarter alternative.

In this episode, Sarah shares the behind-the-scenes strategy behind Sage—the AI agent exclusively available inside Career Strategy Lab—and why it’s already helping job seekers finish their resumes, portfolios, and LinkedIn profiles faster without sacrificing clarity or confidence.

You’ll learn why this tool is more than just a shortcut—it’s a UX-informed, coach-trained experience designed to get you unstuck and back into momentum, 24/7.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The two problems most UX job seekers face: info overload + execution overwhelm

✔️ Why most AI job search tools fail (and how Sage is different)

✔️ How Sage is trained on CSL’s proven curriculum and thousands of real conversations

✔️ Why context-specific feedback beats ChatGPT every time

✔️ How CSL members are using Sage to move faster and stop second-guessing

✔️ The one mindset shift that will help you use AI effectively in your career

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Common Job Search Struggles

00:46 Introducing Career Strategy Lab's AI Tools

02:01 Why UX Professionals Struggle in Job Searches

02:39 The Problems Our AI Tools Aim to Solve

06:53 How Our AI Tools Work

13:58 Demo of Sage, Our AI Agent

27:51 Benefits of Using Sage

29:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

🎯Want to learn more about the critiques, community, coaching calls, and everything inside Career Strategy Lab? Apply or learn more.

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

131: Why I don't teach every UX topic (and why my focus is your superpower)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 04:00:42 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Feel like you’re doing everything “right” and still not getting anywhere? You might be saying yes to too much—and it’s slowing you down.

In this episode, Sarah shares how one of Steve Jobs’ greatest strengths—his ability to say no—has shaped the design of Career Strategy Lab and her own career choices. You’ll hear how saying no to shiny objects, distractions, and opportunities that seem exciting on the surface actually leads to deeper results, more momentum, and a better UX for job seekers inside CSL.

Whether you’re applying to every job that pops up, overcommitting to upskilling, or trying to be everything to everyone, this episode is a reminder that focus is a strategy—and saying no is a skill.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What Steve Jobs’ product philosophy can teach you about your UX career

✔️ How Sarah decides what to say no to in her business—and why it matters

✔️ Why not doing “all the things” actually creates better outcomes for clients

✔️ The trade-offs you’re making every time you say yes

✔️ How saying no led to CSL’s newest AI tool + all-in-one experience

✔️ 3 reflection questions to help you narrow your focus and move forward

Timestamps:

01:50 Steve Jobs' Focus Strategy

03:55 Applying Focus in My Career

08:01 The Importance of Specialization

11:47 Real-Life Examples of Saying No

13:28 The Ripple Effect of Focus

17:50 Final Thoughts and Career Advice

20:07 Conclusion and How to Connect

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

130: From UX Portfolio Rewrites to Hired as a Principal Product Designer: How Steve Owned His Career Story

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:00:38 GMT

Feel like your UX experience is too complex to explain—or too chaotic to package into a clear story? In this open house interview, Steve Sanshwe shares how he went from a chaotic job search and overwhelming case studies to landing a Principal Product Designer role—faster than he expected and at a higher level than he applied for.

Steve explains how he used the Career Strategy Lab to reframe his experience, clarify his story, and attract the right roles (without redesigning his resume 10 times or burning out in the process). Whether you’re drowning in too much experience or unsure how to stand out, Steve’s journey offers practical takeaways and proof that progress—not perfection—is what moves the needle.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why Steve finally stopped rewriting the same case study and joined CSL

✔️ The mindset shift that helped him clarify his story and build confidence

✔️ How reframing your portfolio can attract better-fit opportunities

✔️ Why he landed a higher-level role than he applied for

✔️ How he used his Compass Statement to own the interview

✔️ Why saying “no” to the wrong roles helped him find the right one—fast

Timestamps:

01:00 Episode Context and Audience

02:09 Steve's Career Journey and UX Experience

05:26 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab

11:32 Iterative Process and Sprints

16:52 Final Tips and Conclusion

19:02 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

129: Get Hired in UX Faster With Peloton Inspired UX Career Coaching

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:00:50 GMT

What does your UX job search have in common with Peloton? A lot more than you think. In this episode, Sarah shares the behind-the-scenes story of how a treadmill class in NYC and a Peloton bike helped her design Career Strategy Lab. You’ll learn how the principles of group fitness at scale inspired the structure, energy, and effectiveness of this UX job search accelerator—and how applying those same principles to your career can help you get out of your own head, stop procrastinating, and finally make progress.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The UX behind Sarah’s early inspiration for Career Strategy Lab

✔️ How “perceived effort” can help job seekers at every level thrive in the same space

✔️ Why group coaching helps beat procrastination and self-doubt

✔️ What Peloton and portfolio reviews have in common (hint: shared energy)

✔️ The power of community, cognitive offloading, and normalization in your job search

✔️ Why DIYing your career might be the thing keeping you stuck

Timestamps:

00:56 The Inspiration Behind Career Strategy Lab

01:29 The Concept of Group Fitness at Scale

04:51 Applying Group Fitness Principles to Career Coaching

06:50 Benefits of Group Coaching

10:20 Normalization in Group Settings

13:40 Cognitive Offloading in Group Coaching

16:10 Community, Accountability, and Belonging

17:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

23:32 Call to Action and Additional Resources

24:47 Encouragement for Job Seekers

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

128: How this 30 year UX veteran went from feeling irrelevant to in control of her career

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:12 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Nancy Leslie has over 30 years of UX experience—and yet, before joining Career Strategy Lab, she felt irrelevant, overlooked, and unsure of how to position herself in today’s market. In this honest and uplifting open house conversation, Nancy shares how she moved from self-doubt to spaciousness, and why she finally feels like herself again—professionally and personally.

Whether you're later in your career or just feeling disconnected from your value, Nancy’s story will remind you that it’s never too late to rewrite your narrative and re-energize your future.

What You'll Learn This Episode:

✔️ Why years of experience can make job searching harder, not easier

✔️ The emotional toll of being a runner-up again and again

✔️ How Nancy reframed “aged out” into “experienced pioneer”

✔️ The surprising career impact of mindset and community

✔️ Why CSL didn’t box her in—but actually set her free

✔️ How showing up, experimenting, and getting feedback changed everything

Timestamps:

00:58 Episode Overview and Special Format

01:42 Introducing Nancy: A UX Veteran

02:10 Nancy's Journey in UX

03:16 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab

04:47 Mindset Shifts and Career Growth

12:04 The Role of Community and Coaching

15:56 Final Thoughts and Advice

17:20 Conclusion and Podcast Outro

18:04 Special Message for Job Seekers

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

127: The $100K Shift: Why Working 'ON' Your Career (vs 'IN' it) Changes Everything

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Still stuck in job search mode even though you’re “doing all the right things”? This episode might explain why.

What if the problem isn’t how hard you’re working—but what you’re working on?

In this episode, Sarah unpacks one of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make in your career: moving from working in your career (busywork, perfectionism, burnout) to working on it (strategy, clarity, confidence). Drawing from her own business experience and the journeys of UX professionals she’s coached, Sarah shows you how to stop spinning your wheels and start making high-leverage decisions that move your career forward.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️The difference between working in vs. on your career or job search

✔️ Why busy doesn’t equal progress—and what to do instead

✔️ The costly habits that keep you stuck (like redesigning your resume for the 10th time)

✔️ How to zoom out and make more strategic, long-term career decisions

✔️ What cupcake bakers, physical therapists, and UX designers have in common

✔️ 3 reflection questions to help you shift into CEO mode for your career

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: Troubleshooting Formulas and Business Insights

01:47 Starting My First Business: The Journey Begins

02:13 The Importance of Working On Your Business

03:22 Examples of Working In vs. On Your Business

09:40 Applying Business Strategies to Your Career

17:43 Actionable Tips for Career Growth

21:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🔍 Mid-Year UX Career Audit – Free Live Workshop

Feeling scattered or stuck in your UX career? Join Sarah Doody for a free, live UX Career Audit Workshop to help you pause, reflect, and plan your next move with intention.

✔️ Why you need to audit your career like a product roadmap

✔️ How to identify what’s working (and what’s not)

✔️ Why you need Career Performance Indicators (CPIs)

🎯 Register here → maven.com/sarahdoody

🗺️ Free UX Career Roadmap

Not sure what stage you're in—or what to focus on next in your UX career?

Download Sarah Doody’s free UX Career Roadmap to get clarity on where you are and what matters most right now, whether you're job searching, pivoting, or planning ahead.

✔️ Identify your current stage in the UX career journey

✔️ Prioritize what to work on (and what to ignore)

✔️ Avoid wasting time on the wrong things

🎯 Download the roadmap → Here

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

126: From UX Layoff to Leadership: How Duncan got hired as a Global Head of UX after a restructure

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 07:00:00 GMT

After being laid off from his UX position, Duncan Abel wasn’t sure how to package his 20+ years of UX experience—or if he even wanted to stay in the field. In this candid conversation, Duncan shares how Career Strategy Lab gave him the structure, community, and confidence to move forward and land a global UX leadership role at the British Standards Institute.

Whether you're a senior leader navigating change or just unsure how to communicate your value, Duncan’s story will inspire you to stop doubting your experience and start owning your career path.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why being experienced doesn’t always make job searching easier

✔️ How Duncan rebuilt his confidence after a layoff

✔️ The surprising value of self-reflection in a job search

✔️ What made interviews feel radically different this time

✔️ Why your “mentor model” and “compass statement” matter more than you think

✔️ How Career Strategy Lab helped him clarify, focus, and land a high-level role

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy Podcast

00:40 Meet Duncan Abel: Career Journey and Challenges

04:29 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab

10:30 Mentorship and Career Roadmap Insights

14:09 Global Relevance of Career Strategy Lab

16:45 Final Advice and Encouragement

19:58 Conclusion and Social Media Call-to-Action

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

125: Career Strategy Lab Coaches Unfiltered: What you don’t see on sales pages or social media

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:00:35 GMT

In this special “coaches takeover” episode, Career Strategy Lab coaches Erin, Steph, and Becca go behind the scenes to talk candidly about what actually happens inside Career Strategy Lab. From client wins and transformations to what makes CSL different from other career programs, you’ll hear their real talk on what works, who thrives, and why this job search container is unlike anything else.

Whether you're skeptical of coaching, burnt out from DIYing your job search, or just curious about how CSL works, this episode gives you an inside look from the people who live and breathe it every day.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ What makes CSL truly different (hint: it’s not just the curriculum)

✔️ The #1 thing clients think is their problem—and what it actually is

✔️ What happens when people stop doom-scrolling and start taking action

✔️ The unexpected power of community, mindset support, and critique feedback

✔️ How CSL helps you tell a better story—not just land a job

✔️ Why the coaches choose to stay (and why that matters)

Timestamps:

00:53 Meet the Coaches: Erin, Steph, and Becca

01:25 First Impressions of Sarah Duty

05:05 What Sarah Gets Right in Career Coaching

09:47 Behind the Scenes of Career Strategy Lab

15:14 Client Success Stories and Transformations

17:32 Why We Choose to Stay with CSL

24:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

124: Why Sarah Doody's UX portfolio framework still works after 20 years

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 26 May 2025 12:00:42 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

In this special solo episode, Sarah Doody shares the real story behind her first UX portfolio—and the costly mistakes she made that kept her stuck in interview limbo. From printing screenshots into a binder to learning how to treat her portfolio like a product, Sarah walks you through what finally changed the game and led to job offers, consulting gigs, and even interviews at Google.

This episode isn’t just a walk down memory lane—it’s a powerful reminder that timeless UX principles always outperform trends, and that your portfolio is more than a set of case studies—it’s your career’s most important product.

Whether you're reworking your portfolio, struggling to get offers, or feeling burnt out by conflicting advice, this episode will give you clarity, focus, and a fresh way forward.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why Sarah's first UX portfolio got interviews—but not offers

✔️ The mistake that kept her stuck (and how she fixed it with UX strategy)

✔️ Why your portfolio isn’t just a website—it’s a storytelling tool

✔️ The five most common portfolio mistakes—and how to avoid them

✔️ Why timeless principles beat trendy templates or AI-generated case studies

✔️ How Sarah’s 2006 portfolio framework still helps people get hired today

Timestamps:

00:15 Sarah Doody's Career Journey

00:57 Struggles and Strategies in UX Job Search

01:26 Transforming the Portfolio

01:57 Early Career and Freelance Work

04:11 Portfolio Evolution and Lessons Learned

06:36 Modern Portfolio Strategies

13:35 The Importance of Timeless Principles

20:04 Common Portfolio Mistakes

24:55 Final Thoughts

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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123: How a 25-Year UX veteran rewrote his career story & reclaimed his confidence

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 19 May 2025 12:00:18 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

In this special open house episode, Sarah Doody chats with Joshua, a UX design leader with over 20 years of experience, about the reality of navigating a job search after a long career in enterprise environments. Josh opens up about the challenges of staying relevant in a shifting industry, rebuilding his confidence after burnout, and reframing what it means to craft a compelling portfolio—even without flashy Figma work.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Josh is positioning himself for a new chapter after 20+ years in UX

✔️ Why your portfolio doesn’t need to be visual to be powerful

✔️ The mindset shift that helped Josh regain clarity and momentum

✔️ How asking former colleagues for feedback transformed his self-perception

✔️ What it looks like to find leadership roles that align with your values

✔️ Tips on managing your time, energy, and expectations in the job search

Timestamps:

00:20 Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast

00:58 Episode Overview and Listener Engagement

01:43 Meet Josh Vaughn: UX Design Leader

02:33 Josh's Career Journey and Challenges

04:53 The Importance of Storytelling in Portfolios

06:45 Building Confidence and Career Strategy

11:55 Reflecting on Career Strategy Lab

13:23 Final Thoughts and Advice

14:51 Conclusion and Farewell

16:05 Podcast Outro

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

122: How Marcus Got Hired as a UX Researcher After Six Months of Rejection

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 12 May 2025 12:00:04 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

In this special open house episode, Sarah sits down with Marcus, a UX designer and recent graduate of Career Strategy Lab (CSL), to share his powerful journey from long-term unemployment to landing a meaningful role in government design.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How Marcus turned a cold job market into an opportunity for clarity and growth

✔️ Why relationships—not cold DMs—led to the referral that got him hired

✔️ How CSL’s portfolio process gave him the tools and confidence to own his value

✔️ What mindset shifts helped him stay grounded during an uncertain season

✔️ The power of community in navigating the emotional rollercoaster of a UX job search

Timestamps:

00:18 Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast

00:56 Episode Overview and Listener Engagement

01:41 Guest Introduction: Marcus' Career Journey

03:15 Marcus' Experience with Career Strategy Lab

05:13 The Importance of Relationships and Networking

06:20 Building Confidence Through Portfolio and Mindset

10:07 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Community

11:48 Advice for New Career Strategy Lab Members

13:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

14:20 Outro and Listener Call to Action

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

121: Your UX Job Search Has Cost You 5-Figures. What To Do About It

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 05 May 2025 12:00:44 GMT

In this episode, UX Researcher & Product Designer, Sarah Doody, shares a tool she created to calculate the ROI of your UX job search. You can watch the episode here and if you wish, get your own personalized UX job search calculator.

You might think your DIY job search is saving you money, but the truth is, it’s likely costing you tens of thousands in lost income, time, and emotional energy. In this eye-opening episode, Sarah Doody breaks down the real cost of an inefficient UX job search using her custom-built UX Job Search ROI Calculator. You’ll follow 3 real-world scenarios, a mid-level designer, a career switcher, and a junior designer, and see how seemingly small inefficiencies (like endless applications and resume rewrites) quickly add up to five-figure losses.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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120: How a Sr UX Researcher got hired at Amazon after a layoff & 2 year job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:57:00 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

In this candid and encouraging open house conversation, Sarah Doody interviews Fritz Boyle, a UX researcher and Career Strategy Lab (CSL) graduate who recently landed a program manager role at Amazon—after nearly two years of job searching.

Fritz shares what changed when he finally stopped spinning his wheels and committed to a strategic process. From rebuilding his portfolio and resume with intention, to regaining confidence through storytelling, community, and reflection, Fritz walks us through the exact mindset and tactical shifts that helped him move from burnout to breakthrough.

Whether you’ve been job searching for months or you’re just starting out, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to get clear, realign your strategy, and step into the next chapter of your career with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why applying to every UX job doesn’t work—and what to do instead

✔️ How creating a portfolio isn’t just about design—it’s about clarity and confidence

✔️ The role of community and coaching in rebuilding after rejection

✔️ How Fritz moved from doubt to a leadership role in AI research at Amazon

✔️ Why following a structured process made all the difference

✔️ What it looks like to think long-term about your UX career (not just your next role)

Where Fritz Works Now:

🎯 Program Manager at Amazon, leading AI-powered UX research initiatives for the shopping experience

Resources & Next Steps:

💬 Love this episode? Share it and tag @sarahdoody with your favorite insight.

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover Career Strategy Podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you thrive in your UX career.

Timestamps:

01:41 Meet the Guest: Fritz's Journey

02:52 Challenges in the Job Market

03:15 The Role of Career Strategy Lab

05:11 Importance of Networking and Feedback

06:49 Building Confidence and Storytelling

09:19 Holistic Approach to Career Development

16:03 Long-Term Career Strategy

18:59 Final Thoughts and Advice

22:33 Conclusion

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

119: Why you should research the interviewers before a job interview

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:00:58 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Would you ever design a product without doing user research first? Of course not. So why do so many UX professionals walk into job interviews without researching their users—the interviewers?

In this episode, Sarah Doody shares a simple but powerful strategy that can completely change the tone and outcome of your UX job interviews. You’ll learn how to connect on a human level with interviewers by doing just a bit of thoughtful research—and how those small moments of connection can tip the scales in your favor.

This isn’t about manipulation. It’s about building trust, showing empathy, and making your job search more human.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why researching your interviewers is a game-changer

✔️ How one candidate at Meta used a single question to create a 5-minute connection

✔️ What to look for in someone’s LinkedIn, blog, or social posts

✔️ Examples of conversation starters that feel natural—not forced

✔️ How to show up as thoughtful, intentional, and memorable in your interviews

Whether you're early in your UX career or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you build stronger relationships—and better results—from every interview.

Resources & Next Steps:

💬 Love this episode? Share it and tag @sarahdoody with your favorite insight.

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover Career Strategy Podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you thrive in your UX career.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy

00:56 The Power of Human Connection in Interviews

01:29 Real-Life Example: Making a Personal Connection

02:54 LinkedIn Post Breakdown

04:05 Why UX Research Matters in Interviews

05:27 Tactical Tips for Interview Research

08:18 Creating Conversation Starters

09:37 Conclusion and Homework

11:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

118: 3 things your UX job search has in common with soap operas

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

You might think soap operas have nothing to do with your UX job search, but in this episode, Sarah Doody shows you why that thinking might be keeping you stuck and invisible.

Back in the 1930s, Procter & Gamble created soap operas to sell, well… soap. But what they really created was one of the most effective audience engagement strategies in marketing history. And today, you can apply the same four principles to dramatically improve your visibility and momentum as a UX job seeker.

Whether you’re on the job hunt now or preparing for the future, this episode will reframe how you think about visibility, consistency, and strategy—and show you exactly where you might be going wrong.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why visibility, not just talent, gets you hired

✔️ The 4 key takeaways from Procter & Gamble’s soap opera strategy

✔️ How to show up where your audience (aka recruiters & hiring managers) are already hanging out

✔️ Why timing and repetition are critical to your job search success

✔️ What most UX portfolios and resumes get totally wrong

✔️ The mindset shift that turns your job search from passive to powerful

Resources & Links Mentioned:

📌Avoid this mistake when writing your LinkedIn profile headline (Podcast)

📌How commenting and posting on LinkedIn can land you more interviews and opportunities (Podcast)

📌 What to post on LinkedIn to increase your visibility in your job search (Podcast)

📌 LinkedIn mistakes to avoid & how to optimize your LinkedIn profile (Podcast)

📌Stop Sending Recruiters Cold Emails & Get Them To Reply By Doing This Instead (Podcast)

💬 Love this episode? Share it and tag @sarahdoody with your favorite insight.

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover Career Strategy Podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you thrive in your UX career.

Timestamps:

00:33 Unlocking Career Success with Strategy

00:55 Soap Operas and Your UX Job Search

01:24 The Birth of Soap Operas: A Marketing Masterstroke

02:13 Applying Soap Opera Strategies to Your Job Search

03:49 Lesson 1: Go Where Your Audience Is

05:53 Lesson 2: Design for Your Audience

08:26 Lesson 3: Repetition Builds Trust

10:59 Lesson 4: Timing Matters

13:05 Conclusion: Applying the Soap Opera Strategy

15:11 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

117: Applied to 100s of UX jobs? Consider this your intervention

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 12:00:39 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

If you’ve applied to 100+ UX jobs and still haven’t landed an interview or offer… this episode is your wake-up call.

Sarah Doody shares the tough love and practical insights you need to finally pause, reflect, and strategically pivot your job search. Because applying to more jobs isn’t the answer—strategy is.

This episode is part pep talk, part intervention, and fully packed with real talk about what it takes to get hired in today’s competitive UX job market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why applying to 100+ jobs without results is a sign—not a failure

✔️ The difference between a numbers game and a strategy game

✔️ Why being great at UX doesn’t mean you’re great at getting hired

✔️ How to assess what’s really not working in your job search

✔️ The mindset shifts and next steps that will actually move the needle

If you’re feeling discouraged, stuck, or ready to give up—this one’s for you.

Resources & Next Steps:

💬 Love this episode? Share it and tag @sarahdoody with your favorite insight.

⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover Career Strategy Podcast.

🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you thrive in your UX career.

Timestamps

00:59 The Job Search Intervention

03:13 Identifying the Problem

04:01 Real-Life Analogies

06:30 The Need for Change

08:49 Seeking Expert Help

09:28 Facts vs. Emotions

17:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

116: How to optimize your resume for the ATS so you can get more UX job interviews

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 12:00:33 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

This episode was from a session on Maven! Click here to watch the replay.

If you’re applying to UX jobs and not getting interviews, your resume might be the problem—specifically, how it interacts with the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

In this episode, Sarah Doody breaks down exactly how to format your resume so it gets past ATS filters and lands in front of recruiters and hiring managers.

You'll learn why you need TWO versions of your resume, what formatting mistakes to avoid, and how to tailor your resume for each job posting—without spending hours on every application.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why ATS matters and how it scans and ranks resumes

✔️ The difference between an ATS-friendly and a human-friendly resume

✔️ Why two-column resumes can sabotage your chances

✔️ How to use job descriptions to tailor your resume for better results

✔️ Three common resume mistakes that could be costing you interviews

✔️ Why a one-page resume could be hurting your job search

Timestamps

01:04 The Importance of a Strategic Resume

03:08 Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

06:24 How ATS Parses Your Resume

08:19 Formatting Your Resume for ATS

16:23 Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

24:01 Recap and Final Tips

25:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

115: How this UX Designer escaped UX portfolio burnout and rebuilt his entire UX job search strategy

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:00:26 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Welcome to another Open House episode of the Career Strategy Podcast! In this episode, Sarah Doody sits down with Jon Simmons, a seasoned product designer currently navigating the UX job search.

Jon shares his experience of revamping his portfolio, refining his job search strategy, and preparing for senior-level interviews after a layoff. He discusses how shifting his portfolio approach from a website to a presentation format significantly improved his job prospects and how structured storytelling and community support made a difference in his confidence and clarity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The importance of stepping back from just tweaking your portfolio and doing deeper self-reflection

✔️ How portfolio presentations (vs. websites) give you more control over your job search narrative

✔️ The role of mindset and confidence in positioning yourself for high-level UX roles

✔️ Why community and structured frameworks can prevent burnout and job search frustration

✔️ Jon’s insights on interviewing for principal product designer roles and adapting to today’s market

Timestamps

01:43 Episode Overview and Open House Context

03:14 John's Journey in Career Strategy Lab

07:12 Portfolio Presentation Insights

15:58 The Importance of Self-Reflection

18:03 Advice for Prospective Members

20:06 Conclusion and Community Highlights

21:47 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

114: From Laid Off to Senior UX Designer: How Sarah Landed Her Dream Role

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 12:00:10 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

In this special Open House episode, Sarah Doody sits down with Career Strategy Lab (CSL) alum Sarah Page to discuss her journey navigating the UX job market. From being laid off as a creative director to landing a Senior UX Designer role in health tech, Sarah shares the mindset shifts, job search strategies, and portfolio insights that helped her stand out.

She also reveals the unexpected format of her interviews, how she positioned her diverse experience to appeal to hiring managers, and why letting go of what’s out of your control is a game-changer in your job search.

If you’re struggling with rejection, resume gaps, or feeling “overqualified” and “underqualified” at the same time—this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why job rejections often have nothing to do with you (and how to move forward)

✅ The power of a well-structured portfolio—and why Figma slides worked better than a website

✅ How to confidently position diverse experience (even across industries!)

✅ The mental shift that helped Sarah stay motivated through uncertainty

✅ How social proof (from hiring managers, peers, and CSL feedback) builds confidence

✅ The real role of interviews (hint: sometimes it’s just a vibe check!)

✅ Why finding the right company fit matters more than tweaking your resume endlessly

✅ How Sarah strategically approached salary negotiation and total compensation

Timestamps

01:50 Open House Overview

03:22 Success Stories and Strategies

05:47 Navigating the Job Market

09:15 Interview Experiences

13:45 Negotiating Job Offers

17:08 Advice for Job Seekers

20:45 Conclusion and Farewell

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

113: How a Senior Product Designer got promoted with a 37% increase in total compensation

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

Promotions don’t just happen—you have to advocate for yourself!

In this episode, Sarah breaks down the inspiring story of Marco, a Senior Product Designer who secured a 37% increase in total compensation by leveraging his annual review process, gathering compelling evidence, and using the tools from Career Strategy Lab to make his case.

If you’ve ever wondered how to position yourself for a promotion, this episode is a must-listen. Sarah walks through Marco’s exact strategy, from recognizing his value to structuring his performance review, so you can apply the same tactics in your own career.

What You’ll Learn:

Why promotions don’t happen by chance—you have to make the case for yourself.
How Marco used UX case studies from Career Strategy Lab to showcase his impact.
The importance of peer reviews and selecting the right colleagues to vouch for you.
How to prepare for performance review season all year round—not just weeks before.
Why documenting your achievements is crucial for both promotions and job searches.

Links & Resources:

Join Career Strategy Lab to fast-track your job search or promotion

If this episode resonated with you, tag Sarah on social media or leave a quick review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

🎧 Listen now and start setting yourself up for your next promotion!

Timestamps

00:38 The Importance of Strategy in Career Growth

01:02 Case Study: Marco's Journey to Promotion

02:02 Marco's Strategy: Leveraging Career Strategy Lab

04:15 Steps Marco Took to Secure His Promotion

07:54 Key Takeaways: How to Advocate for Yourself

10:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

11:36 Conclusion: Stay Connected and Share Your Thoughts

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

112: How Emily tripled her UX freelance rate from $35 to $125 / hour (and got a full time job too)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:00:58 GMT

Want to get hired in UX faster? Click here.

Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher who also founded the UX job search accelerator Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah Doody breaks down the key steps to getting hired—whether for a full-time job or a freelance contract. Through the story of Emily, a former fashion and beauty marketer turned UX writer, Sarah illustrates how refining your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile can dramatically increase your opportunities and earning potential.

Emily’s journey highlights the power of strategic career marketing—starting with a $35/hour contract, she grew her rate to $125/hour in under six months. Sarah shares actionable insights on how you can position yourself as the ideal candidate, attract job offers and freelance clients, and confidently communicate your value to decision-makers.

Key Takeaways

Why the hiring process for full-time and freelance work follows the same fundamental principles.
How Emily used Career Strategy Lab to refine her portfolio, LinkedIn, and resume—unlocking new career opportunities.
The importance of treating every professional interaction as a potential interview.
How to iterate on your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile based on feedback.
Why contract work can be a stepping stone to full-time roles (or a lucrative career path on its own).
How Career Strategy Lab can help accelerate your job search—and even count as a tax-deductible expense for freelancers.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy

01:01 Meet Emily: A UX Writing Success Story

02:34 Emily's Journey to Freelance Success

05:23 The Financial Upside of Freelancing

08:21 Key Lessons from Emily's Experience

11:55 Final Tips and Conclusion

14:12 Wrap-Up and Contact Information

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

111: Hidden costs of navigating your UX job search alone

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 13:00:49 GMT

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

In this episode, Sarah dives into the hidden costs of navigating your job search alone and why a DIY approach may be holding you back. Many job seekers spend months stuck in a cycle of applying, tweaking resumes, and feeling frustrated—without realizing they’re wasting valuable time, missing opportunities, and facing an unnecessary emotional toll.

Sarah breaks down why job searching requires strategy, positioning, and persistence—not just endless applications. She also shares what successful job seekers do differently, including treating their job search like a UX project, getting strategic with LinkedIn, and investing in the right tools and guidance to accelerate results.

If you’re tired of going in circles and want to land a job faster and smarter, this episode is for you!

What You’ll Learn:

✅ The #1 hidden cost of a DIY job search (hint: it’s not just time wasted)

✅ Why “busy work” like tweaking your resume daily doesn’t move the needle

✅ How to spot FSP activities (False Sense of Progress) and focus on what works

✅ The missed opportunities that cost you job leads and interviews

✅ The mental and emotional toll of job searching alone—and how to fix it

✅ How to structure your job search like a UX project to get hired faster

✅ The biggest mistakes job seekers make on LinkedIn (and what to do instead)

✅ Why successful job seekers seek feedback early and often

Resources & Links Mentioned:

📌 How to Post Strategically on LinkedIn (Podcast

📌 Steven’s Success Story – How He Landed a UX Research Role

📌 Join Career Strategy Lab & Get Expert Guidance

Timestamps:

00:21 Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast

01:04 The Hidden Costs of Navigating Your Job Search Alone

02:47 The Real Impact of a DIY Job Search

03:18 Time: The Most Expensive Hidden Cost

05:59 Missed Opportunities in Your Job Search

09:58 Mental and Emotional Toll of a DIY Job Search

13:59 What Successful Job Seekers Do Differently

14:12 Treating Your Job Search Like a UX Project

16:08 Understanding the Users of Your Job Search

18:35 Learning from Proven Tools and Guidance

20:41 Creating Structure and Accountability

25:21 Breaking Free from the DIY Approach

27:42 Conclusion: Reflecting on Your Job Search Approach

29:05 Career Strategy Lab: Your Next Step

30:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

110: How Jane Got Hired As A Principal Product Researcher After Emigrating To The USA With No Professional Network

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 13:00:43 GMT

In this episode, we’re taking you inside a Career Strategy Lab Open House, where we chat with Jane, a UX researcher who landed a Principal UX Researcher role at Whole Foods—despite having no prior U.S. work experience or connections!

Jane’s story is an incredible example of what’s possible when you shift from a scarcity mindset to a strategic approach in your job search.

🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why treating your career like a product roadmap leads to better opportunities

✔️ How Jane overcame imposter syndrome and job search doubts

✔️ The biggest mistakes she made before joining Career Strategy Lab

✔️ The power of clarity in choosing the right roles and companies

✔️ How she landed a job above the level she applied for

✔️ Why negotiation isn’t just about salary—it’s about strategy

Whether you're feeling stuck in your job search or just need some motivation, Jane’s experience will inspire you to take action and own your career strategy.

✨ Considering Career Strategy Lab? Jane shares why she believes it’s a priceless investment in your future.

🎧 Tune in now and get ready to rethink how you approach your job search!

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

109: How cohorts can hold you back and why Career Strategy Lab takes a different approach

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:00:52 GMT

Many career coaching programs use cohort-based models to keep participants accountable. But do they really work? In today’s episode, we’re tackling a common question: Is Career Strategy Lab’s UX Job Search Accelerator run in cohorts? Spoiler alert—it's not! And there’s a very good reason why.

Host Sarah Doody breaks down why strict cohort schedules can be limiting, how Career Strategy Lab takes a different approach, and why focusing on outcomes over rigid timelines creates a better job search experience. Whether you’re treating your job search like a full-time job or balancing it alongside a 9-to-5, this episode will help you stay accountable without the stress of falling behind.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why traditional cohort-based courses can actually slow you down or leave you behind.

✅ How Career Strategy Lab builds daily and weekly habits to keep you accountable.

✅ The power of sprint check-ins, deadlines, and structured flexibility for job seekers.

✅ Why focusing on outcomes over schedules is key to success.

✅ The "Three E’s" method: Execute, Engage, Encourage—and how it keeps you on track.

Links & Resources:

🔗 Learn more & apply: careerstrategylab.com/apply

📩 Questions? Send a message on LinkedIn to Sarah Doody

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

108: Why you're stuck redesigning your UX resume & how to get out of a career rut

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:00:00 GMT

If you’ve been stuck in an endless cycle of tweaking, redesigning, and overanalyzing your UX resume, this episode is for you. Sarah breaks down why perfectionism keeps you from landing interviews, how to shift your mindset, and what you should focus on instead. She also shares why conflicting resume advice from too many sources slows you down and how Career Strategy Lab can help you streamline your job search with a clear, strategic approach.

Plus, Sarah announces the 1-Week Resume Sprint happening February 10-14, 2025, where you’ll create a recruiter-ready, ATS-optimized resume in just five days. Save 35% with the code RESUMELASTCALL.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why endlessly tweaking your resume is delaying your job search

✅ The dangers of Frankensteining feedback from multiple sources

✅ How to create a minimum viable resume and start applying now

✅ The biggest resume myths that might be holding you back

✅ Why clarity in your resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio is crucial for landing interviews

✅ How Career Strategy Lab can help you build a job search strategy that works

Join the 1-Week Resume Sprint (Feb 10-14, 2025):

If you’re ready to stop overthinking your resume and start getting interviews, join Sarah for a 5-day Resume Sprint inside Career Strategy Lab. You’ll get step-by-step lessons, feedback, and expert guidance to create a recruiter-friendly resume that actually works.

👉 Sign up now at careerstrategylab.com/maven

Timestamps:

01:08 The Resume Sprint Announcement

02:45 The Resume Rut: Why Perfection is the Enemy

04:09 Breaking Down the Resume Rut

09:20 The Importance of a Clear Career Strategy

12:07 How Career Strategy Lab Can Help

15:53 Community Support and Feedback

20:32 Conclusion: Get Out of the Resume Rut

Resources & Links:

🔹 Sign up for the 1-Week Resume Sprint

🔹 Related Episode: Why One-Page Resumes Are Overrated

🔹 Learn more about Career Strategy Lab → careerstrategylab.com

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

107: Your UX Career Is a Product (Sarah Doody's interview on the Awkward Silences podcast by User Interviews)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 13:00:00 GMT

This episode of the Career Strategy Podcast features Sarah's interview on the Awkward Silences Podcast by User Interviews. In this episode, Sarah Doody is interviewed by Erin May, the CMO of User Interviews, and John-Henry Forster, who at the time of recording was the SVP of Product at User Interviews. Join them as they dive deep into treating your UX research career like a product and the pivotal strategies to become a UX research manager.

🧠 6 Key takeaways

1) Treating Your Career as a Product

Your career should be managed like a product, focusing on continuous improvement, setting goals, and building a road map. Consider the skills, experiences, and networks you want to develop for your future roles.

2) Creating a Career Road Map

Just like products have roadmaps, your career should have one too. Create a timeline of your career, noting your happiness, satisfaction, work-life balance, and other personal values.

3) Do some UX Research on Yourself

Conduct a self-assessment to map out where you’ve been in your career. Seek feedback from past colleagues to identify your strengths and areas of improvement.

4) Minimum Viable Resume and Portfolio

Focus on creating a "minimum viable" resume and portfolio to quickly test their effectiveness. This involves starting with a good enough version to see if it generates interviews, and then iterating based on feedback.

5) Relevance in Applications

Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight experiences and skills relevant to the job you’re applying for. Avoid creating generic applications that don’t adequately showcase your suitability for the role.

6) Job Market Insights

Despite recent layoffs in tech companies, the long-term demand for UX roles is expected to grow as businesses continue to prioritize digital transformation.

⏰ Timestamps

Discussing treating your career like a product: 00:00:59
Identifying the importance of creating a career road map: 00:04:35
How to do user research on yourself: 00:07:23
Creating a minimum viable resume and portfolio: 00:16:21
Insights on the current job market: 00:10:45
Treating your application strategy as a marketing effort: 00:04:23
The importance of having questions for your potential employer: 00:38:35
Statements on learning vs. earning: 00:44:00
Parting advice for listeners: 00:48:43

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

NOW OPEN: We have 20 spots in our UX Job Search Accelerator (doors close Jan 31 at 8pm PT)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 14:24:46 GMT

This is a reminder that enrollment opens TODAY (Jan 29) at 4pm ET Career Strategy Lab's 3-month UX Job Search Accelerator. Here is the page to learn more or join: www.careerstrategylab.com/sprint ... enrollment will close on Fri, Jan 31 at 8pm PT.

Career Strategy Lab helps you optimize and finish your resume, portfolio, LinkedIn, etc and position yourself for a 5-figure salary increase, just like these people did:

A Senior UX Researcher from Denver got hired at an insurance company with a salary increase of $15,000
A UX Designer from Washington DC got hired at a digital strategy company with a salary increase of $25,000
A Senior UX Researcher from San Francisco got hired at a real estate company with a salary increase of $75,000
A Senior Product Designer from Seattle got hired at an e-commerce company with a salary increase of $19,000

Career Strategy Lab is the ONLY program that addresses everything in the UX job search and helps you look at it holistically ... so you can stop having one-off calls, getting conflicting advice on Reddit and LinkedIn, and finally stop the second-guessing that's caused you to re-do your resume, portfolio, etc 15 times (or more?!)

Here is the page to learn more or join: www.careerstrategylab.com/sprint ... enrollment will close on Fri, Jan 31 at 8pm PT.

Questions? Send me a DM on LinkedIn or email me at hello@sarahdoody.com

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

106: How Steven Navigated ADD In His UX Job Search & Got Hired As a Design Researcher

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:00:51 GMT

In this inspiring episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah sits down with Steven, a Career Strategy Lab (CSL) alum who transitioned from uncertainty to launching his own UX research agency. Steven reflects on his journey, from overcoming self-doubt as a career switcher to building confidence, leveraging mentorship, and creating a sustainable business model. Sarah and Steven explore the role of community, structured career tools, and storytelling in navigating the job search and scaling an agency.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How to balance career switching and climbing in your professional narrative.
The power of mentorship and community in building confidence and finding opportunities.
How CSL’s structured resources and critiques accelerate career progress.
Tips for marketing and storytelling as a freelancer or agency owner.
Why action, not perfection, is key to career success.

Key Takeaways:

Mentorship Creates Opportunities: Proactively seeking mentorship can open doors to projects and collaborations you may not have anticipated.
Community Matters: A supportive environment accelerates learning, boosts confidence, and helps you see new possibilities for growth.
Storytelling Sells: Strong communication and storytelling skills, honed through CSL, are vital for job seekers and agency owners alike.
Action Over Perfection: A bias toward action—leveraging critiques and taking small steps—yields measurable results in the job market and beyond.
Structure is Transformational: Tools like the career roadmap and portfolio critiques help organize thoughts and focus efforts for maximum impact.

Timestamps

00:30 Meet Your Hosts

01:08 Episode Overview and Audience Context

02:03 Steven's Career Journey

02:55 Navigating Career Challenges

07:57 Building Confidence and Community

12:30 Applying Career Strategy to Business

16:19 Final Thoughts and Advice

18:50 Conclusion and Farewell

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Career Strategy Lab – Transform your job search with step-by-step support and actionable insights.
Connect with Sarah: LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter.

Share Your Feedback:

Did you enjoy this episode? Let Sarah know! Email her at hello@sarahdoody.com or tag her on social media. Don’t forget to rate us on Spotify or review us on Apple Podcasts if you found this episode helpful.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

105: How a UX Specialist With 20+ Years Experience Got Hired After A Layoff With Only 1 Project In His UX Portfolio

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, host Sarah Doody dives into the transformative journey of Leon, a Career Strategy Lab (CSL) participant who navigated the ux jobs search after an unexpected layoff. Leon shares insights into how creating a career roadmap, leveraging a standout resume and portfolio, and embracing community support helped him secure a role in UX design at a government contractor. Sarah and Leon discuss actionable strategies, including the importance of aligning your job search with a clear vision, the value of mindset work, and breaking the myth of needing multiple projects in your portfolio.

Timestamps

01:01 Meet the Coaches

01:12 Open House Insights

03:14 Career Roadmap Creation

06:43 The Importance of Community

09:31 Tactical Resume and Portfolio Tips

16:33 Navigating the Job Market

20:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How a career roadmap can serve as your "North Star" in the job search.
The impact of combining tactical elements (resume, portfolio) with mindset and confidence-building.
Why one excellent portfolio project can trump multiple mediocre ones.
The importance of persistence and deliberate job applications.
How community support and structure can keep you motivated during challenging times.

Key Takeaways:

Focus on Vision: Start with a career roadmap to clarify your direction before tackling resumes or LinkedIn profiles.
Quality Over Quantity: A single well-crafted portfolio project can land you your dream job if it clearly highlights your skills and fit.
Stay Structured: Treat your job search like a job or school to maintain routine and productivity.
No Shortcuts: Success comes from following proven, structured approaches rather than chasing hacks.
Community Counts: Sharing struggles and wins within a supportive group builds confidence and accountability.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Career Strategy Lab – Learn more about Sarah’s program that helps professionals level up their job search.

Share Your Feedback:

Did this episode resonate with you? Tag Sarah on social media or email at hello@sarahdoody.com. If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to rate us on Spotify or review us on Apple Podcasts.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

104: Your UX portfolio isn't about selling the product you worked on, it's about selling YOU

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:00:10 GMT

In this episode, Sarah Doody delivers a hot take on a common mistake in UX portfolios: focusing too much on showcasing the product and not enough on showcasing the designer. Drawing on her experience reviewing thousands of portfolios since 2017, Sarah explains why it's critical to highlight your decision-making process, iterations, and problem-solving skills to stand out to recruiters and hiring managers.

Timestamps

00:44 Understanding the Recruiter's Perspective

02:41 Key Elements to Highlight in Your Portfolio

03:00 Showcasing Your Decision-Making Process

03:49 The Importance of Iteration and Trade-offs

06:42 Collaboration and Learning from Projects

08:40 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Key Takeaways:

Sell Yourself, Not Just the Product

Your portfolio should showcase how you think, not just the shiny end results.
Recruiters and hiring managers are the users of your portfolio, and their needs differ from internal stakeholders.

Common Portfolio Pitfalls

Reusing slides and presentations designed for team meetings or stakeholder updates.
Treating your portfolio like an investor pitch deck, focusing on visuals rather than process.

What Recruiters and Hiring Managers Want to See:

Decision-Making Process: Explain why you chose specific methods or solutions.
Iterations and Evolution: Show how your designs evolved and improved.
Trade-offs: Highlight how you handled constraints like budget, time, or team capacity.
Challenges: Share how you navigated setbacks or unexpected problems.
Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with peers or across departments.
Lessons Learned: Reflect on what you gained from the project and how it informs your future work.

Reframe Your Portfolio:

Treat it as a showcase of your thinking and not just your output.
Avoid the temptation to make it a "Shark Tank" pitch for your project.

Resources Mentioned:

E91: No, you don’t need 3-5 projects in your UX Potfolio to apply for a job
E85: Q&A about UX portfolio formats, case studies, tailoring your portfolio, & more
E60: Create a portfolio that stands out by focusing on your benefits, not features as a candidate
Blog: 8 UX Portfolio Website Mistakes To Avoid
Career Strategy Lab: A 3-month UX career coaching program to help mid and senior-level professionals navigate their job search and secure roles with five-figure salary increases.

Connect with Sarah:

Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn: @SarahDoody

Enjoyed the Episode?

Share it with a friend or colleague!
Rate us on Spotify or review us on Apple Podcasts.

Thanks for listening! Catch you next week. 🎙️

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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103: How Kristin Landed Her Dream Role with Two Portfolio Projects and a Clear Roadmap

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:00:00 GMT

In this special "Open House" episode, Sarah sits down with Career Strategy Lab alum, Kristin, a former graphic design professor turned UX professional, who joined Career Strategy Lab (CSL) as a “switcher”—someone transitioning to a new role or industry. Despite her extensive experience, Kristin found herself stuck in a role where her creative skills were underutilized. After 165 days in the program, Kristin successfully landed a government contract position with the Department of Energy, achieving a 25% salary increase and a significant shift in her responsibilities. In this conversation, Kristin shares insights on how she leveraged CSL’s structured approach, community support, and resources to transform her career trajectory.

Key Highlights

Career Roadmap: Kristin explains how creating a detailed career roadmap helped her clarify her goals, target her job search, and develop a focused strategy for her resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio.
Community Support: The importance of accountability, shared experiences, and inspiration from the CSL community in staying motivated and improving her work.
Portfolio Design: Why you don’t need five projects in your portfolio to land a job—quality and clarity trump quantity every time. Kristin shares how she successfully showcased her skills with just two solid case studies and a smaller management-focused project.
Mindset Shift: How CSL's mindset coaching calls provided support through the ups and downs of her job search, transforming feelings of inadequacy into confidence and resilience.
Lessons Learned: Kristin’s advice for future CSL participants: embrace structure, take feedback, and focus on progress over perfection.

Takeaways for Listeners

A career roadmap is essential for clarity and strategic job searching.
Community and accountability can boost confidence and help you refine your work.
Tailoring portfolios and resumes to hiring managers’ needs leads to better results.
Mindset work is as critical as tactical execution in a successful job search.

Kristin's Advice for future CSL Members

Embrace the Process: “The structure and critiques were key for me. Any little bit of progress is progress, so take advantage of the feedback and focus on moving forward.”
Leverage the Templates: “The templates provided a foundation that made my work more focused and impactful.”
Join the Community: “The mindset calls and peer feedback were game-changers for staying motivated and refining my approach.”
Be Open to Growth: “It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay if it’s not perfect. Focus on progress over perfection.”

Timestamps

02:11 Kristin's Current Role and Background

03:54 Creating a Career Roadmap

07:30 The Importance of Community and Accountability

11:28 Tactical Advice for Job Seekers

14:03 Final Thoughts and Advice

18:02 Conclusion and Farewell

Resources Mentioned

Career Strategy Lab

Connect with Sarah Doody

Follow Sarah on Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn for more career insights. Tag Sarah with your takeaways from this episode or send her a DM!

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

102: Navigating Your UX Career in Challenging Times (Sarah Doody's episode on the Insights Unlocked Podcast)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 13:00:50 GMT

This special episode of the Career Strategy Podcast features an episode of the Insights Unlocked Podcast powered by UserTesting.

In this episode, Sarah Doody is interviewed by UserTesting’s CEO, Andy McMillan. They discuss navigating your UX career over the next one to two years and dive into crucial themes that resonate with UX researchers, designers, and product managers from coping with tech layoffs to understanding the impact of AI.

Key Topics Covered:

The State of UX Careers in 2024
Insights from UX professionals on career satisfaction and challenges.
Exploring opportunities beyond traditional tech companies.
Impact of Layoffs and AI on UX Careers
How tech layoffs and the rise of AI are reshaping career trajectories.
Leveraging AI as a tool rather than a threat.
Building a Career Roadmap
The importance of long-term planning and acquiring transferable skills.
Timeless skills like communication and critical thinking as career accelerators.
Opportunities in Non-Tech Industries
High-impact roles in healthcare, government, and education sectors.
The growing value of research-first mindsets in non-tech companies.
Practical Advice for Career Growth
Keeping your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile updated.
Building business acumen and aligning research with organizational strategy.
The Role of AI in Research
AI’s potential in idea generation and data synthesis.
Why human context and critical analysis remain irreplaceable.

Actionable Takeaways:

Create a career roadmap to strategically build skills for long-term growth.
Regularly update your career materials to be ready for new opportunities.
Expand your impact by developing business acumen and aligning UX practices with company strategies.
View AI as a tool to enhance efficiency, not as a replacement for human expertise.

Time Stamps:

01:36 UX Professionals Share Their Career Insights

03:41 Navigating Layoffs and Economic Challenges

05:21 Exploring Opportunities Beyond Big Tech

09:49 The Role of AI in UX Research

14:30 Building a Resilient Career Strategy

18:54 Opportunities and Challenges in UX

26:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

101: Creating a UX Career Roadmap: Sarah Doody's Episode on the AIGA Design Podcast

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:00:59 GMT

This is a special episode of the Career Strategy Podcast that features an interview with Sarah on the AIGA Design Podcast with host Lee-Sean Huang.

In this episode, Sarah and Lee-Sean dive deep into the innovative concept of treating your career as a product. Sarah shares practical strategies for creating a "career roadmap" and "compass statement" to align short-term goals with long-term ambitions while balancing professional growth and personal life priorities.

Sarah reveals how applying design principles like research, iteration, and systems thinking can help job seekers and professionals stand out, avoid career plateaus, and make meaningful, intentional choices. Whether you're navigating a career transition or striving for your dream role, Sarah's actionable advice on continuous research, leveraging unique skills, and fostering authentic professional relationships is sure to inspire.

Key Takeaways:

Why your career is the most important "product" you'll ever work on.
How to use a "career roadmap" for strategic goal setting.
The role of a "compass statement" in attracting the right opportunities and filtering out the wrong ones.
The value of continuous research in recalibrating your career vision.
Building genuine professional relationships without the stress of traditional networking.

Timestamps

01:00 Treat career as a product for success.

03:58 "Treat careers like a strategic product roadmap."

08:12 Journey map visualizes experiences and emotions.

10:46 Continuous research is crucial for informed decisions.

16:25 Domain experience stands out in career switches.

19:32 Prioritize life's needs for career planning.

20:47 Vision clarifies goals; compass guides decisions.

25:44 Optimize LinkedIn headline for relevant searches.

28:00 Transitioning to product design from art direction.

32:44 Schedule regular engagement and post interested content.

37:32 Cover letters help capture recruiter's attention.

38:28 Use specific examples in your cover letter.

More about Lee-Sean

Lee-Sean Huang is a designer, educator, and storyteller who brings engaging conversations to the forefront of the design world on the AIGA Design Podcast.

Stay Connected:

Follow the AIGA Design Podcast for more thought-provoking episodes exploring the intersections of design, creativity, and professional development.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

100: How Jaden got hired as a Sr Product Designer after a 1-year employment gap

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:30:00 GMT

In this milestone 100th episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, we sit down with Jaden, a Career Strategy Lab alumni, who shares their transformative journey from apparel design to landing a senior product designer role at Zipline as a Senior Product Designer with a 15% pay increase from her previous role.

Sarah and Jaden discuss the struggles of job searching, the importance of a strong LinkedIn presence, navigating a career gap, and the power of storytelling in portfolios. Jaden emphasizes the value of investing in oneself and the benefits of the Career Strategy Lab curriculum, which helped shift their mindset and secure a job quickly.

01:04 Celebrating Episode 100

01:37 Listener Engagement and Support

03:01 Case Study: Landing a UX Job

03:18 Introduction to Career Strategy Lab

03:39 Jaden's Career Journey

07:37 The Importance of Owning Your Story

09:18 Key Sprints in Career Strategy Lab

14:31 Advice for New and Prospective Members

17:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

17:38 Closing Remarks

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

099: How to stand out in the UX Job Search Funnel

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 13:00:24 GMT

Don’t forget! Don't miss Sarah's upcoming workshop on December 11, where she'll share detailed strategies for standing out in the UX job search funnel. Visit careerstrategylab.com/events to register.

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah dives into the art of standing out in a competitive job market, especially when it comes to UX roles. With practical insights drawn from her experience coaching thousands of candidates and hiring across various industries, Sarah breaks down the "UX job search funnel"—a step-by-step process from applications to job offers. She explains how thinking like a UX designer can transform your approach to job searching, helping you tailor your materials, impress recruiters, and leave a lasting impact at every stage of the hiring process.

Sarah emphasizes the importance of specificity, strategy, and user-focused thinking in your job search. She shares actionable tips on crafting resumes that grab attention, acing screener calls, and preparing for panel interviews. By treating recruiters and hiring managers as "users" of your job search funnel, you can strategically design each interaction to showcase your unique value. This episode is packed with advice that will empower you to move from being one of hundreds of applicants to the one who lands the offer.

Quotables

"When you are average, you blend in. You need to stop talking about your skills and experience in vague, generic terms and start selling the unique product of you." – Sarah

"Think of your job search like a UX problem: design for the recruiters and hiring managers by understanding their journey and pain points." – Sarah

Helpful related episodes

E88: Troubleshoot your resume with these 11 questions

E80: How to include numbers on your resume even if you think you don’t have them

E64: Interview with Cheryl Platz: UX Portfolios, Storytelling, & Hiring Process Insights

E42: Do hiring managers and recruiters spend six seconds on your resume?

E05: 5 tips from hiring managers and recruiters about your job search and more

Timestamps

00:33 The Importance of Strategy

01:16 Understanding the UX Job Search Funnel

01:24 Challenges of Average Candidates

02:22 What is the UX Job Search Funnel?

03:16 Steps in the UX Job Search Funnel

04:26 Using Your UX Superpower

05:10 Avoiding Average: How to Stand Out

07:52 Quick Tips for Each Funnel Step

09:52 Preparing for Screener Calls

11:51 Nailing the Hiring Manager Interview

13:30 Panel Interviews: What to Expect

15:27 The Offer Stage: Final Steps

20:48 Building Visibility on LinkedIn

25:37 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

27:10 Upcoming Workshop and Closing Remarks

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

098: Why In-Demand UX Professionals Treat Full-Time Roles Like Freelance Gigs

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 13:00:20 GMT

Imagine treating your job like a freelance gig—always ready for what’s next. This episode dives deep into why adopting a freelancer mindset can boost your career, even if you love your full-time job.

Join Sarah to explore real strategies that freelancers use to stay in demand: documenting wins and projects, nurturing relationships, keeping up with industry trends, and treating each project like a portfolio piece. You’ll hear practical tips on timeboxing tasks to fit career-building activities into your busy schedule.

Whether you're eyeing a promotion, preparing for possible layoffs, or just curious about staying market-ready, this episode is packed with actionable advice you won't want to miss. Ready to rethink your career game plan? Tune in to learn how to stay ahead in today’s ever-changing job market.

Links

Sarah mentions another Career Strategy Podcast Episode about including numbers in your resume - check that out here!

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction: Understanding Job Market Demands

00:18 Meet Your Host: Sarah Duty

00:56 The Freelancer Mindset for Career Success

02:56 Avoiding Complacency in Full-Time Roles

04:50 Adopting Effective Freelance Habits

08:56 Documenting Wins and Building Relationships

12:55 Staying Updated with Market Trends

15:51 Always Be Open to New Opportunities

19:43 Conclusion: Implementing the Freelancer Mindset

20:59 Stay Connected and Share Your Thoughts

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

097: Stop Sending Recruiters Cold Emails & Get Them To Reply By Doing This Instead

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 13:00:14 GMT

Why do your cold messages to recruiters go unanswered? In today's episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, we dive into the reasons why your emails and DMs might be getting ignored by recruiters and hiring managers.

This episode discusses the importance of shifting from being a cold contact to a lukewarm one, making you more recognizable and increasing the chances of getting replies. You’ll learn five simple LinkedIn strategies to help you warm up your connections.

Find out how to leave thoughtful comments, avoid robotic replies, and move valuable conversations to direct messages. Plus, hear a real-life success story about how these strategies worked for a senior UX researcher. If you’re ready to transform your networking approach and boost your job search outcomes, hit play and take the first step today.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Why Cold Messages Get Ignored

01:41 The Solution: Leveraging LinkedIn

02:35 Five Strategies to Warm Up Your Connections

05:16 Strategy 1: Follow Key People

05:56 Strategy 2: React to Their Content

06:23 Strategy 3: Leave Thoughtful Comments

07:10 Strategy 4: Be Authentic, Not Robotic

08:15 Strategy 5: Move Conversations to DMs

10:05 Real-Life Success Story: Danielle

11:38 Final Tips and Action Items

13:06 Conclusion

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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How do the CRITIQUES in Career Strategy Lab work?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:41:28 GMT

In this episode, Sarah explains how the critiques in Career Strategy Lab work, including how many critiques you can submit, what you can submit, how you'll receive feedback, and more. Enrollment is OPEN until Wed, Nov 20. Visit www.careerstrategylab.com/sprint to learn more or join.

Career Strategy Lab helps mid and senior UX and Product people be ready to apply in 3 months or less and get hired with a 5-figure salary increases without applying to hundreds of jobs.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at hello@sarahdoody.com

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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How do the CALLS in Career Strategy Lab work?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:07:59 GMT

In this episode, Sarah explains the 2 types of weekly calls in Career Strategy Lab and shares examples of questions we've answered. Enrollment is OPEN until Wed, Nov 20. Visit www.careerstrategylab.com/sprint to learn more or join.

Career Strategy Lab helps mid and senior UX and Product people be ready to apply in 3 months or less and get hired with a 5-figure salary increases without applying to hundreds of jobs.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at hello@sarahdoody.com

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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096: How Jamie overcame UX job search struggles and got hired as a Senior Product Designer

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 12:56:00 GMT

Ever wondered how to finally break through in your career when things seem tough? In this episode, Jamie, a senior product designer from Ottawa, shares his journey of navigating job loss and finding success. Jamie recounts his struggles with imposter syndrome and unemployment, sharing how he applied for hundreds of jobs without landing one.

Jamie found his turning point by joining Career Strategy Lab, where the community and structured guidance helped him rebuild confidence. He talks about the importance of reflecting on past experiences, both good and bad, and how this self-assessment improved his job interviews.

The conversation touches on the importance of analyzing past experiences, building confidence, and leveraging community support. This episode includes insights and actionable advice for anyone looking to take charge of their career strategy.

Tune in to hear Jamie's honest account and actionable tips for career growth.

Timestamps

01:00 Special Episode Announcement

01:50 Meet Jamie: A Career Journey

03:50 The Power of Community in Career Strategy Lab

05:41 Mindset Shifts and Career Roadmaps

11:25 The Impact of Detailed Case Studies

13:33 Global Relevance of Career Strategy Lab

14:33 Final Advice and Encouragement

16:45 Closing Remarks

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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How a Lead Designer Researcher got a 35% salary increase

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 13:12:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah shares the story of a Lead Design Researcher who got hired with a 35% salary increase. This person, an alumni of Career Strategy Lab, said a that major factor in securing the role was relationships. In the episode, you'll learn the role of relationships in this person's job search and interviews.

Career Strategy Lab helps mid and senior UX and Product people be ready to apply in 3 months or less and get hired with a 5-figure salary increases without applying to hundreds of jobs.

Enrollment is OPEN for Career Strategy Lab until Wed, Nov 20. Visit www.careerstrategylab.com/sprint to learn more or join.

If you have any questions feel free to email us at hello@sarahdoody.com

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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How a Lead UX Designer got hired in 56 days

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 13:50:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah shares the story of Dan, a Lead UX Designer who got hired in 56 days. In Dec 2023, he was laid off and joined Career Strategy Lab. A few weeks later, he saw a role and applied despite his UX portfolio not being finished and being "far from perfect." To his surprise, he moved along in the interview process and was offered a job in February 2024 as a Lead UX Designer at a large healthcare company.

THIS is what can happen when you stop trying to make a "perfect" portfolio and instead focus on "good enough" ... because if you don't stop perfecting, you won't start applying. And it is possible to get hired with a "good enough" portfolio.

Career Strategy Lab helps mid and senior UX and Product people be ready to apply in 3 months or less and get hired with a 5-figure salary increases without applying to hundreds of jobs.

Enrollment is OPEN for Career Strategy Lab until Wed, Nov 20. Visit www.careerstrategylab.com/sprint to learn more or join.

If you have any questions feel free to email us at hello@sarahdoody.com

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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Is Career Strategy Lab Right For You?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah details the extra traits of who Career Strategy Lab was designed for. Enrollment is OPEN until Wed, Nov 20. Visit www.careerstrategylab.com/sprint to learn more or join.

Career Strategy Lab helps mid and senior UX and Product people be ready to apply in 3 months or less and get hired with a 5-figure salary increases without applying to hundreds of jobs.

If you have any questions feel free to email us at hello@sarahdoody.com

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

095: Beyond Big Tech UX Jobs: Industries hiring for UX and Product roles in 2025 and beyond

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 13:00:28 GMT

Tired of endless applications to big tech companies without any luck? This episode of The Career Strategy Podcast dives into industries outside of tech that are actively hiring for UX, product design, and tech roles. From health care to finance, education to retail, discover real data showing where job seekers are finding success.

Sarah talks through why these industries are ramping up their hiring and how your existing skills can transfer seamlessly. Plus, you’ll get tips on how to refine your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn to stand out.

Listen in to get to know powerful strategies for tailoring your job search and hear exact companies that have hired within these fields. If you're a career switcher, this episode even covers how to leverage your past experience to gain an edge. Stop spinning your wheels and uncover new opportunities in growing fields.

Timestamps

00:00 Translate experiences; leverage resume, portfolio, LinkedIn.

04:49 Consider branching out from tech industry careers.

07:23 Diverse growth in health tech and fintech.

11:12 Ecommerce growth fuels demand for UX talent.

14:05 Fora Travel offers convenient travel planning services.

19:02 Explore niche job boards like BuiltIn, LinkedIn.

21:01 Follow, engage, and share the podcast.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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094: Why the Career Strategy Lab coaches aren’t UX experts (and why that’s a good thing)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 13:00:03 GMT

Ever wondered why a coach without UX experience might be the secret to your job search success? This episode dives into just that, answering a common question: why are the Career Strategy Lab (CSL) coaches not UX experts?

Discover how the CSL program helps people in user experience, product design, and tech fields navigate their job searches. The episode explains the importance of thinking of yourself as "the product of you” and why great job search coaching involves more than just industry-specific advice.

The episode uses a wedding planner analogy to explain why hiring someone with broad coaching experience is often more valuable than someone with deep but narrow expertise. Listeners will learn that the CSL team is carefully chosen to cover three crucial elements: design, marketing, and sales. Each coach brings a unique set of skills, from sales and storytelling to higher education and hiring experience. The team approach helps candidates market themselves effectively and build strong, authentic relationships. If you're stuck in your job search, this episode provides a fresh perspective on the diverse skills needed to succeed.

Timestamps

00:00 Career Strategy Lab guides tech job searches.

03:52 Think of yourself as a marketable product.

07:31 Experienced planners can better fulfill your needs.

12:35 Steph helps personalize marketing for job seekers.

15:52 Holistic coaching goes beyond traditional UX feedback.

19:36 Contact us for job search guidance and support.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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093: How 2 senior UX professionals got hired (& preview the UX portfolio "Inverted Pyramid Framework"))

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:00:25 GMT

Navigating a career change or climbing the job ladder can be daunting, but guidance and support make all the difference. In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast we take you behind the scenes into an Open House for CSL where you’ll meet 2 professionals, a Senior User Researcher and a Lead UX Designer, who worked with Sarah and her team directly to improve their career materials and stand out in the crowded job market.

In this episode we’ll dive into the unique structure of the Career Strategy Lab, the proven program that breaks down job searching into manageable sprints, from creating a career roadmap to showcasing your portfolio. Sarah also leads a detailed discussion on the "inverted pyramid" approach for creating impactful portfolios that grab the attention of recruiters and hiring managers.

You’ll hear firsthand from CSL alumni, Meg and Craig, as they share their breakthrough moments and mindset shifts that propelled their careers forward.

Tune in to this episode to learn strategies for crafting compelling resumes, portfolio headlines, and maintaining progress without striving for perfection.

Timestamps

00:00 Exciting alumni experiences, portfolio workshop, Career Strategy Lab.

08:16 Program guides career path through structured process.

11:38 CSL program helps build materials, provides support.

16:39 Career Strategy Lab: Community-focused career development support.

21:50 Mindset calls tackle career-related emotional barriers.

26:58 Experienced in process; not alone finding work.

35:37 Focus on communication strategies for career advancement.

42:20 Inverted pyramid structure delivers info strategically.

47:54 Craft headlines, supporting content, and proof carefully.

50:55 Inverted pyramid structure for effective storytelling and presentations.

57:11 Break down tasks; use templates; weekly support calls.

01:03:18 Career Strategy Lab benefits all career stages.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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092: How piecemeal career advice holds you back (and what to do instead)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:00:25 GMT

Are you falling into the trap of getting career advice from too many sources?

In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah explores why a piecemeal approach to job searches and career advancement can lead to confusion and wasted time.

Join Sarah to discuss the common mistake of piecing together advice from various sources, such as resume reviews, LinkedIn critiques, and one-off coaching sessions, and how this often results in disconnected and conflicting feedback.

After listening, we hope you consider a more holistic approach, where your unique goals and situation are taken into account.

Key Takeaways:

Avoid Conflicting Advice:

Gathering input from multiple sources can lead to a lot of conflicting opinions and suggestions, leaving you more confused than when you started. A consistent approach can streamline your path.

Tailored Strategy Matters:

Just like in physical therapy, personalized plans are crucial. A piecemeal approach may leave you with disconnected advice that doesn’t take your specific goals and situation into account.

Long-Term Cost Efficiency:

While piecemeal services might seem cost-effective initially, the time and money you spend in the long run—without achieving your goals—can outweigh the benefits. A holistic, personalized approach can provide better ROI.

Timestamps

00:00 Piecemeal approaches lead to disconnected and conflicting advice, causing confusion.

03:34 Why individualized professional help yields better results.

09:20 Sending your resume for reviews without providing context leads to conflicting feedback, causes costly rework and delays in job applications prolonging unemployment.

11:14 A piecemeal approach to job searching can be stressful and inefficient.

14:26 Career Strategy Labs' job search accelerator for its holistic approach.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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091: No, you don't need 3 - 5 projects in your UX portfolio before you apply

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 12:00:56 GMT

Do you really need 3 to 5 projects in your portfolio before applying for jobs? Could focusing on quantity be a mistake? In today’s episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah explores why the quality of how you discuss your projects outweighs the sheer number of them.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

- Why “3 to 5 projects” is a myth

- Importance of storytelling in your portfolio

- How to highlight your thought process and impact

- Applying with just one strong project

- Actionable steps to strengthen your portfolio

Tune in to unlock strategies to boost your career and ensure your portfolio stands out to recruiters and hiring managers.

Timestamps

00:49 Quality over quantity matters in portfolios greatly.

05:20 Demonstrate your detailed thought process and decisions clearly.

09:09 Frame your portfolio as an engaging narrative.

10:44 Emphasize storytelling in your portfolio to stand out.

14:21 Prioritize quality over quantity; resources and templates available.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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090: How Career Strategy Lab can pay for itself

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:00:50 GMT

Are you stuck in a never-ending job search and unsure if investing in a career program is worth it? In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah breaks down the real cost of DIY-ing your job hunt and how a 3-month job search accelerator can actually pay for itself.

In this episode, you’ll discover three crucial ways to rethink investing in your career. First, learn how the time spent job hunting affects your potential earning and find out why landing a job faster can mean extra cash in your pocket. Second, see how programs like the Career Strategy Lab can lead to significant salary bumps—enough to cover the program’s cost. Finally, explore flexible payment options to make career investments more manageable.

Tune in to understand how smart investments can shorten your job search and boost your income. Don't miss the chance to turn strategic career thinking into real financial gains.

"If you get hired faster, like in 3 months instead of 6 or 9 or 12, that means you are now earning a salary, which then you can use to do a variety of things. Right? Obviously, you know, pay for your living expenses and such. But you might be able to pay down debt or invest in your retirement portfolio and things like that. And the sooner you can start doing those things, the more time that you have to leverage that principle of compound interest." - Sarah Doody, Host of the Career Strategy Podcast.

Timestamps

00:39 Exploring Career Strategy Lab investment vs. DIY job search costs.

03:38 Invest time in career growth for faster, more effective job placements.

06:49 Evaluate job search costs; consider investing in Career Strategy Lab for significant benefits.

12:17 Flexible, interest-free payment plans enable affordable career advancement programs.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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089: Should you pause your job search until after the election?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:00:28 GMT

Thinking about pausing your job search until after the election? You might want to think again.

This episode of The Career Strategy Podcast tackles the common question: Should you wait until political uncertainty settles to move forward in your job search?

Get ready to learn why holding off could actually set you back and why companies aren't hitting pause on hiring. The key is to stay proactive and not fall into the "election waiting game” because job markets don't stop for elections and continuing your job search now can give you a competitive edge.

Sarah shares actionable tips like updating your resume, enhancing your portfolio, and reconnecting with your network, all of which can set you up for success even during uncertain times.

Why wait for a job rush post-election when you can get ahead now?

Timestamps

00:45 Businesses are hiring now to meet goals for 2025, independent of political outcomes. Delaying job applications until after elections increases competition.

07:05 Focus on what you can control: prepare your resume, update your portfolio, optimize LinkedIn, build relationships, and start applying for jobs now, regardless of external uncertainties like the election.

08:30 Despite uncertainty in the job market, people are still being hired, especially in UX and product roles, even outside the tech industry. The Career Strategy Lab program helps job seekers build resilience and stand out regardless of external circumstances.

11:41 Job search shouldn't stop for elections; starting now is strategic.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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BONUS: Recording of UX careers workshop on Sep 26 (listen until Oct 2)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:57:14 GMT

Miss our UX careers workshop from Thu, Sep 26, about how to advance your career with UX and product principles? Or, prefer to listen on the go versus watch the video? Listen to the workshop until Wednesday, October 2! If you want to watch the video or have questions about Career Strategy Lab, just email us at hello@sarahdoody.com

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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088: Troubleshoot your resume with this 11-point resume checklist

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 12:00:33 GMT

Ready to make your resume stand out? In this episode, Sarah walks through a 11-question checklist to transform your resume and boost your chances of landing that dream job. From making sure your bullet points start with engaging action verbs to tailoring your resume for each job application, these tips are straightforward and actionable.

You’ll learn:

Why columns might hurt your resume's chances in applicant tracking systems, and learn the importance of quantifying your achievements, even if the numbers aren’t huge.
Why a one-page resume could be holding you back
Why adding space between bullet points is important and so much more…

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to polish their resume and make a strong first impression with recruiters and hiring managers.

Whether you're actively job hunting or preparing for future opportunities, this episode is packed with actionable advice to ensure your resume stands out.

Timestamps

00:49 Optimize your resume with these 11 questions.

04:31 Start resume bullet points with unique action verbs.

08:00 Quantify achievements with specific numbers on resumes.

10:11 Use job description titles for better matching.

15:11 Use action verbs and numbers; tailor resume.

17:30 Avoid columns; they confuse applicant tracking systems.

23:23 Avoid "final," AI-related terms in resume filenames.

24:41 Ensure resume readiness using this detailed checklist.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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087: Reduce job search overwhelm with a task batching schedule

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:00:03 GMT

In today's episode Sarah shares an incredibly practical and efficient tip that's going to revolutionize your job search strategy: batching.

Sarah discusses actionable advice on how to group similar tasks to stay focused and save time, from updating your resume to networking on LinkedIn.

She walks you through different approaches and schedules for organizing these tasks & staying accountable through completion, whether on a weekly or monthly basis.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your job search, this might be the game-changer you need to take control and reduce stress in your job search.

Timestamps

00:05 Unlocking career success, seeking impact, flexibility, growth, and fair pay.

01:51 Streamline your job search with batching; grouping similar tasks together.

04:05 Effective job search strategies.

06:22 Maximizing job application efficiency by batching cover letters and resumes.

07:18 Protect your calendar, schedule and stick to your job search plan.

08:10 Importance of planning & taking ownership of your calendar for accountability.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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086: No, LinkedIn's Open To Work feature doesn't make you seem desperate

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Ever wondered if LinkedIn's "open to work" feature makes you look desperate? In this episode Sarah tackles that question head-on.

You’ll learn why professionals using the green "open to work" banner receive more recruiter messages and have higher chances of engaging with hiring managers.

Sarah also debunks some myths, explaining why being visible and proactive on LinkedIn can outweigh any potential downsides.

Whether you’re considering turning on the green banner or looking for more efficient ways to connect with recruiters, this episode offers valuable insights you won't want to miss.

Timestamps

00:22 LinkedIn's open-to-work feature debated; consider intentions.

04:38 "Open to work" boosts LinkedIn engagement significantly.

08:00 "Open to work” boosts LinkedIn job visibility.

12:22 Be cautious of LinkedIn advice, consider benefits.

Resources Mentioned

3 Tips To Announce You're 'Open For Work' On LinkedIn

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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085: UX portfolio Q&A about portfolio formats, tailoring, your portfolio, & more

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 12:00:35 GMT

Struggling with updating your UX portfolio? This episode of the Career Strategy Podcast dives deep into UX portfolios and offers practical tips for both seasoned professionals and those switching careers.

In this episode, you’ll discover the benefits of customizing your portfolio for each job application and why creating a presentation format might be your secret weapon. Sarah shares advice on aligning your projects with job descriptions, maintaining visibility, and dealing with company policies restricting showcasing your work.

Tune in to get strategies for breaking down large projects and understand the significance of making your work easy to digest for recruiters.

Whether you're a freelancer or job seeker, learn why making yourself visible on platforms like LinkedIn is crucial.

Timestamps

00:00 Updating resumes with years of experience challenges.

06:24 Customize your portfolio to match job description.

09:29 Tailor portfolio to recruiters, case study length.

11:21 Consider UX in all career-related materials.

14:33 Portfolio content: Quality over showing every step.

19:38 Increase visibility for job and freelance opportunities.

22:34 Adding work to your portfolio despite restrictions.

25:10 Conceal sensitive info when discussing healthcare projects.

27:34 Enhance portfolio, career coaching for UX professionals.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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084: 4 ways to get people to reply to emails by following up

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Struggling to get responses to your cold emails and messages? This episode of the Career Strategy Podcast dives into practical tips for improving your follow-up game.

In this episode Sarah explores why people might not reply and how you can increase your chances of a response without being annoying.

Sarah also breaks down a 5-day follow-up cadence and suggests experimenting with specific days and shares a simple and effective template for your follow-ups, ensuring you stay clear and direct.

Plus, Sarah shares a handy hack involving TextExpander to make your follow-up process quicker and less stressful.

Tune in to learn why you should stick to one communication channel and avoid bombarding your contacts across multiple platforms.

Timestamps

01:40 Set expectations, use GAIN framework for replies.

05:55 Limit follow-up to original communication method.

07:07 Create reusable email templates to expedite communication.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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083: Hear hired stories from 3 mid & senior UX people recently hired in USA, Canada, and England

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMT

In today's special episode, we dive into the raw, unfiltered experiences of alumni from the Career Strategy Lab who have recently secured new roles and transformed their careers.

Our guests share their personal journeys and the pivotal moments that propelled their career success. From overcoming the fear of posting on LinkedIn to mastering the art of storytelling in portfolios and resumes, this episode highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and structured support.

Listen as Senior Product Designer at Contact Monkey, Jamie, Global Head of Product Design & Experience at DSI, Duncan, and Product Designer at Zipline Retail, Jaden, discuss how Career Strategy Lab's curated curriculum and 5-sprint program helped them gain confidence, clarity, and authentic self-presentation in interviews.

Whether you're looking to switch careers, enhance your job search strategies, or build a standout portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-life insights. Stay tuned as we uncover the transformative power of investing in oneself and the invaluable role of a supportive community in achieving career success.

Timestamps

03:20 Left previous job, struggled, found new role.

09:00 Laid off while pregnant, found new job.

15:39 Mindset shift in job search for designers.

17:16 Emphasizing self-recognition and value in past work.

22:58 Support and connection in overcoming career challenges.

30:37 Owning your story is important in career.

37:04 Impactful case study sprint improved job prospects.

43:33 Choose best option for best results.

46:28 Investing in career advice paid off well.

55:48 Join strategylab.com/applyv2 for info and updates.

58:30 Course is primarily self-paced with weekly Q&A.

01:03:37 Portfolio important for interviews and confidence boost.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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082: The ABA rule for your job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 12:00:51 GMT

Are you doing enough to stay ahead in your career?

In this episode Sarah discusses why you should always be applying, even if you're happy with your job.

You’ll learn the two main scenarios where this practice can make a difference and why it's important to apply for jobs right up until you start a new role.

Even if you’re comfortably employed, Sarah also shares the benefits of keeping your resume, LinkedIn profile, and interview skills sharp.

Tune in for actionable advice on how to take charge of your career and always be prepared for whatever comes next.

Quotables

“If you're in a job and you really have no plans on leaving, I think it's a very healthy exercise to explore other roles at different companies from time to time."

"It's not until you look outside of the confines of your current job that you realize: wait a sec, I really like the structure of this company's teams or these benefits or their salary or their job title or who knows what."

Timestamps

00:32 Always apply for job opportunities to grow.

04:45 Applying while employed helps gauge worth, reduces anxiety.

08:06 Use job search tools, set up alerts. Apply.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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081: In your job search, communication > qualifications

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 12:00:03 GMT

In today's episode, Sarah addresses a crucial mindset shift for your job search: how your ability to communicate can be more important than your qualifications.

Often times professionals hyperfocus on their credentials but struggle to convey their value effectively.

Sarah explores common pitfalls in resumes and interviews, and actionable tips on improving your communication to boost your job search success.

Quotables

"Your qualifications don't matter unless you can communicate them, right?"

"If you're applying to jobs and not getting interviews it's more than likely a communication problem not a qualification problem."

Timestamps

00:15 Resume should have a clear elevator pitch.

03:15 Effective resume tips.

04:10 Self-audits and communication improvement on resumes and job search.

06:57 Aligned messaging during your job search.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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080: How to include numbers on your resume even if you think you don't have any

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:00:23 GMT

In today’s episode, Sarah shares how to include numbers on your resume, even if you think you don't have any.

Many people believe that only monumental achievements, like saving or making a million dollars, are worthy of metrics on a resume. But that's far from the truth!

This episode will walk you through a simple mindset shift from focusing on outcomes to showcasing your processes.

Sarah explores practical examples for various roles like user researchers and designers, illustrating how to quantify your work and make your resume stand out.

Ready to boost your career strategy and grab that dream job? Tune in.

Quotables

“When it comes to job applications, change your focus from outcomes to processes."

"Many designers say, for example, I created a design system. Well, great! But let's highlight the scope by telling people more about that design system."

Timestamps

00:53 Elevate your resume with relevant metrics.

01:39 Examples of process metrics for different roles.

04:34 Including numbers enhances the power of resumes.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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079: Advance your UX career as a mid or senior level professional

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMT

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."

Timestamps

00:42 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.

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078: How to optimize your resume for the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 12:00:56 GMT

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."

Timestamps

00:28 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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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077: The truth about years of experience in your job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:00:45 GMT

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."

Timestamps

00:38 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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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076: What to post on LinkedIn when you're in a job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 12:00:56 GMT

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

Timestamps

00:45 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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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075: Is Career Strategy Lab a scam?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:00:14 GMT

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."

Timestamps

00:39 Addressing the Scam Question

00:58 Understanding Career Strategy Lab

02:36 Handling Negative Feedback

05:58 Marketing Insights and Transparency

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074: How to handle large projects in your UX portfolio

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 12:00:36 GMT

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."

Timestamps

00:32 Introduction to Career Strategy Podcast

00:38 Handling Large Projects in Your UX Portfolio

01:40 Breaking Down Large Projects into Smaller Sections

04:33 Tailoring Your Portfolio for Job Applications

07:38 Conclusion and Final Tips

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073: Demystifying Career Feedback: Inside the Critique Process with CSL Coaches

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:00:13 GMT

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 Questions

1. 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 Guests

00:11 Understanding Feedback in Career Strategy Lab

00:42 Demystifying the Critique Process

01:30 Meet the CSL Coaches

03:17 The Critique Process Explained

04:50 Personal Critiquing Processes

06:07 Importance of Compass Statement

09:45 Live Calls and Community Support

11:36 Tips for Asking Feedback

16:12 Your Next Steps

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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072: How to stand out as a candidate with the AIDA framework

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 12:00:23 GMT

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,

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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071: How to make time for professional development

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 28 May 2024 12:00:00 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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070: How these 3 CSL alumni landed UX jobs

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 20 May 2024 12:00:27 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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069: Nine actionable steps to take after being laid off

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 13 May 2024 12:00:14 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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068: How to write emails people respond to using the GAIN framework

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 06 May 2024 12:00:22 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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067: Listen to a career coaching call from inside Career Strategy Lab

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:00:17 GMT

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 Statement

03:39 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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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066: How to build authentic professional relationships with a quarterly engagement plan

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 12:00:33 GMT

How do you know what UX career advice is actually worth listening to? If you're searching for your next UX or Product role, it's likely you've been bombarded with advice from blogs, social posts, and well-meaning strangers in Slack groups.

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah Doody, a UX Researcher & Product Designer, breaks down how to critically evaluate UX career advice so you can stop spinning in circles and start making real progress in your job search.

This episode is especially for UX, Product Design, and UX Research professionals who are sick of Googling every career question and getting 14 different answers.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:45: Intro

00:46 - 02:23: The risk of following UX career advice without vetting the source

02:24 - 04:15: Strategic questions to evaluate the advice you find

04:16 - 06:02: The problem with outdated advice and “LinkedIn experts”

06:03 - 08:17: Why self-doubt makes you trust strangers more than yourself

08:18 - 09:40: How to do a quick “background check” on advice-givers

09:41 - 11:00: A reminder: just because someone posts online doesn’t mean it’s tru

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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065: Why you should stop complaining on LinkedIn and what to do instead

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 12:00:21 GMT

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.

Tune in to gain insights into alternative ways to express frustrations and job-related interests on LinkedIn.

🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap

00:00 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!

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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064: Interview with Cheryl Platz about the UX hiring process, portfolios, & storytelling

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT

👉 Get your free UX Career Roadmap

Navigating 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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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063: Harnessing a CEO Mindset for Career Success

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 12:00:46 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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062: Career Compound Interest: Strategic moves for exponential success

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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061: How to break through portfolio mindset barriers with CSL Coach, Erin Lindstrom

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 12:00:39 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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060: How to make your portfolio stand out by focusing on benefits over features

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:00:04 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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059: Could you benefit from our upcoming UX Portfolio Sprint?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:00:29 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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058: The Optimal UX Portfolio Format: 6 things to consider when decided between a website and presentation

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT

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 keep 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 is 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 the 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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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057: A lesson on attention to detail involving Van Halen and M&M candies

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

✨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 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!

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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056: How to describe a career break on your resume & why they're normalized

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 13:00:33 GMT

Reminder → Enrollment's open for our 3-week UX Portfolio Sprint. Doors close on March 22 or when seats are sold out!

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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055: How to conduct a successful job search, a 5 part framework

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 13:00:57 GMT

Reminder → Enrollment's open for our 3-week UX Portfolio Sprint. Doors close on March 22 or when seats are sold out!

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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054: How to deal with ghosting in the job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:00:47 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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053: How to follow up after a job interview so you can stand out

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 13:00:09 GMT

To follow up or not follow up after a UX job interview? Most people send a cookie cutter “thank you” and hope for the best. But in today’s competitive UX and Product job market, that’s not enough.

Your job interview follow-up message isn’t just a formality, it’s an opportunity to stand out from the sea of other candidates who disappear after the call.

A thoughtful UX job interview follow-up email can keep you top of mind, reinforce your value, and even spark a second conversation that moves you closer to an offer.

In this episode, Sarah Doody, shares a simple, strategic way to follow up after UX job interviews that doesn’t feel forced or generic, and takes less than 5 minutes to do.

Topics discussed in this episode:

- Why visibility after a UX job interview is just as important as before

- What most people get wrong about thank-you notes

- How to avoid sounding generic (or like ChatGPT wrote it for you)

- A powerful way to personalize your follow-up

- How to “extend the life” of the job interview

- What to listen for during the job interview to use later

- Why follow-up emails can lead to asynchronous conversations

- A 2-minute post job-interview habit to set yourself up for success

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:45: Intro

00:46 - 02:10: Why visibility doesn’t stop after the job interview

02:11 - 03:40: Why generic job interview follow-up messages don’t work

03:41 - 05:00: A better way to follow up (with real examples)

05:01 - 06:10: Post job interview habits that boost your follow-up game

06:11 - 07:15: How this applies to your UX job search and beyond

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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052: 2 questions to overcome career overwhelm by focusing on what you can control

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 13:00:43 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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051: 15-minute annual review with Sarah Doody

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 23:00:25 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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050: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with CSL Coach, Erin Lindstrom

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 13:00:24 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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049: Building a UX portfolio to get hired

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 13:00:00 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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048: How to stop applying to hundreds of jobs

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 13:00:19 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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047: Design a fulfilling UX career (and start thinking beyond job titles and salaries)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 13:00:00 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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046: How Melody learned to articulate her career story and landed her dream job

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 13:00:56 GMT

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!

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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045: How three CSL alumni leveraged what they learned for career impact and growth

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 13:00:37 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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044: From start up, to laid off, to dream job. Meet CSL Alum, Malavika Oak

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:00:41 GMT

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?

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

043: How commenting on LinkedIn can land you job interviews and opportunities

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 13:00:36 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

042: Do recruiters and hiring managers only spend 6 seconds on your resume?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 13:00:04 GMT

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?

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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041: A job search hack for career switchers and changers

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 13:00:35 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

040: How to vet career advice and know who to trust

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:00:40 GMT

This episode is especially for UX, Product Design, and UX Research professionals who are sick of Googling every career question and getting 14 different answers.

Topics discussed in this episode

- Why blindly following career advice can cost you time and traction

- Strategic questions to ask before trusting someone’s advice

- What “advice credibility” really looks like (and red flags to watch for)

- How to assess if someone’s results are relevant to your goals

- Why advice from 10 years ago may not apply to today’s job market

- How hiring location, role, and level affect the advice that works

- The sneaky habit of doubting yourself and trusting strangers instead

- A simple due diligence process that can save you weeks of rework

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:45: Intro

00:46 - 02:23: The risk of following advice without vetting the source

02:24 - 04:15: Strategic questions to evaluate the advice you find

04:16 - 06:02: The problem with outdated advice and “LinkedIn experts”

06:03 - 08:17: Why self-doubt makes you trust strangers more than yourself

08:18 - 09:40: How to do a quick “background check” on advice-givers

09:41 - 11:00: A reminder: just because someone posts online doesn’t mean it’s true

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

039: Q&A with Sarah on where to start when you’re new to UX, getting promoted, and portfolio transformation

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 12:00:42 GMT

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?

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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038: To advance your career, you don't need more information, you need more action

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 12:00:43 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

037: How to manage and regulate your emotions in your job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:00:21 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

036: Can I put projects that didn't launch in my resume and portfolio or talk about them in job interviews?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 09:00:37 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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035: Q+A with Sarah: UX bootcamp portfolio projects, presenting case studies during an interview, 1-page resumes & more!

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 09:00:22 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

👋 Follow me, on LinkedIn, Instagram, & YouTube.

034: Was your job offer rescinded or withdrawn? Here's what to do ...

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:00:17 GMT

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 job offer is rescinded or withdrawn 😱 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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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033: What to think about and say in a screener interview with HR

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 09:00:23 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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032: Q+A with Sarah: Navigating saturated job markets, creating case studies when you signed an NDA, AI and more

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 09:00:20 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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031: What is an informational interview and how to ask someone to do one

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 09:00:51 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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030: From laid off to landed a new role; interview with Senior UX Researcher, Katie Miller

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:00:31 GMT

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!

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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029: Career Myth: Your resume must be 1 page

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 09:00:58 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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028: How and why you should treat your career like it's a product

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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027: Career Strategy Q+A with Sarah: UX job titles, portfolio tips, and hiring outlook

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 23:48:46 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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026: The #1 thing holding you back in your career

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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025: [Job Search, Pt. 5 / 5] How to deal with rejection in your job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 18:48:29 GMT

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 ever 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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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024: [Job Search, Pt. 4 / 5] How to research a company before you apply

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Welcome to part 4 of the 5 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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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023: [Job Search, Pt. 3 / 5] Why you should NOT play the numbers game in your job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Welcome to part 3 of the 5 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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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022: [Job Search, Pt. 2 / 5] Why you should prioritize people over platforms in your job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Welcome to part 2 of the 5 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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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021: [Job Search, Pt. 1 / 5] The #1 thing to do before you apply for a job

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Part 1 of a 5 episode series about the job search! In this series, we'll cover what to do before you apply for a job, why relationships are crucial, why you should NOT play the numbers game, how to research a company before you apply for a job, and how to deal with rejection.

In today's episode, Sarah discusses creating your career value criteria so that 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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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020: Listen in on a Career Strategy Lab Mindset Call

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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!

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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019: Career tips from running the NYC marathon

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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?

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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018: Avoid this mistake when writing your headline on LinkedIn

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 09:00:00 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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017: Ageism in tech and user experience

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 29 May 2023 11:00:00 GMT

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.

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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016: 3 Questions to get unstuck in your career

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Mon, 22 May 2023 11:00:00 GMT

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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015: 3 Ways to deal with job search burnout

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 16 May 2023 13:06:28 GMT

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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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014: LinkedIn mistakes job seekers make & how to optimize your LinkedIn profile

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Wed, 03 May 2023 11:00:00 GMT

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

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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013: Create a resume that stands out with these 3 user experience (UX) tips

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 11:00:00 GMT

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

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

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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012: You got the offer! How to determine if it's the right fit and what to do if not

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:55:58 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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011: How to stop doubting your resume and portfolio

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:50:04 GMT

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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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010: The 3 considerations most people miss when it comes to the job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:45:17 GMT

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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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009: Don't take this popular career advice

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:40:00 GMT

"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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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008: 3 Common mistakes career switchers make and how to avoid them

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:35:00 GMT

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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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007: Will Career Strategy Lab work for you?

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:30:00 GMT

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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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006: How to make it past the second job interview

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:25:00 GMT

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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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005: 5 Lessons from hiring managers

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:20:00 GMT

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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004: How to find a tech job outside of the tech industry

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:15:46 GMT

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.

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!

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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003: Thinking differently about career development (+3 questions to ask yourself)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:10:44 GMT

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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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002: The REAL reason you're overlooked for job opportunities (and what to do)

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:05:00 GMT

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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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001: How to build confidence for the job search

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT

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.

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.

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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Welcome to The Career Strategy Podcast

Sarah Doody from Career Strategy Lab — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 02:51:55 GMT

💸 See how I help UX & Product people get 5-figure salary increases in my UX job search coaching program

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Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody | UX, Product Design, UX Research

169 - 3 ways to stop wasting time in your UX job search

168 - UX Hiring Insights: Steph McDonald UX Design Recruiter at HubSpot on AI in Hiring, Portfolios & What Gets You Hired

167 - Stop Asking How: Speed Up Your UX Job Search With This One Question

166 - UX Hiring Insights Dan Maccarone on Thinking Over Tools & UX Career Reinvention

165 - 5 practical time-saving tips for your UX job search

164 - What is Career Maximalism and Why Caring Too Much About Your Job Can Backfire

163 - What is Career Minimalism and How It Can Quietly Weaken Your Career

162 - How Erica Got Hired as a UX Officer at WK Kellogg Foundation After a CDC Layoff

161 - UX Hiring Insights with Design Recruiter Jared Tredly from Shopify

160: Why This UX Designer Walked Away After 5 Interview Rounds (And Doesn't Regret It)

159: 3 Skills UX Professionals Need Most in the Age of AI

158: From UX Internship to Amazon UX Designer: How Vasudha Got Hired With a Master's in HCI

157: UX Hiring Insights: Ben Peck on UX Generalists, Soft Skills, & Standout Portfolios

156: From Market Research to UX: How Kellyn Got Hired as a Lead UX Researcher with a 40% Salary Increase

155: UX Hiring Insights: Patrick Neeman on Soft Skills, Strategy & Hiring Red Flags

154: How This Senior UX Designer Got Hired After Losing Her Mojo And Confidence

153: 5 Things Hired UX People Do That Work in Today's UX Job Market

152: How Steven Built a UX Consultancy After Being Laid Off After 17 Years At The Same Company

151: Want to get hired in UX in Q1 2026? Start with these Q4 UX career essentials

150: From Academia to UX: How Ellen Got Hired As A Content Designer at TD Bank

149: [Part 3/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Are You Suffering From Stranger Syndrome?

148: From Lost in UX to Confident Systems Designer: How Phoenix Reclaimed His UX Career Identity

147: [Part 2/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Are You An Invisible Genius In Your UX Career?

146: How Jonathan Stopped Redesigning His UX Portfolio and Started Getting Interviews

145: [Part 1/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Escaping UX Career Identity Fog & Why Your Identity Is Your Superpower

144: Finding & Owning Your UX Voice, How Melp Did With Career Strategy Lab

143: UX Hiring Insights: Why It Can Take 12 Weeks to Fill UX Roles with Heather Cassar, VP of People)

142: How Laura Landed a Principal UX Design Role Without Applying (and With Only 1 Project in her UX Portfolio)

141: Design a UX Portfolio Recruiters Read for More Than 1 Minute

140: How a UX Researcher & CX Strategist is navigating an international job search

139: Position yourself as the ideal candidate with this Steve Jobs marketing tip

138: From Recruiter to Product Designer: How Ellie's taking control of her career

137: One LinkedIn change that landed this UX Designer 5 solid recruiter leads in 24 hours

136: How Manny got hired as a Senior UX Designer at Fidelity in 77 days

135: How a 30-Year UX veteran is navigating a UX layoff without burnout

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Timestamps:

134: A career break has NOT ruined your career, here's why...

Timestamps:

133: How terminal uniqueness keeps you stuck in your job search

Timestamps:

132: How Career Strategy Lab's AI Tools Help Mid & Senior UXers Get Hired Faster

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Timestamps:

131: Why I don't teach every UX topic (and why my focus is *your* superpower)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Timestamps:

130: From UX Portfolio Rewrites to Hired as a Principal Product Designer: How Steve Owned His Career Story

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Timestamps:

129: Get Hired in UX Faster With Peloton Inspired UX Career Coaching

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Timestamps:

128: How this 30 year UX veteran went from feeling irrelevant to in control of her career

What You'll Learn This Episode:

Timestamps:

127: The $100K Shift: Why Working 'ON' Your Career (vs 'IN' it) Changes Everything

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Timestamps:

🔍 Mid-Year UX Career Audit – Free Live Workshop

🗺️ Free UX Career Roadmap

126: From UX Layoff to Leadership: How Duncan got hired as a Global Head of UX after a restructure

Timestamps:

125: Career Strategy Lab Coaches Unfiltered: What you don’t see on sales pages or social media

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Timestamps:

124: Why Sarah Doody's UX portfolio framework still works after 20 years

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

123: How a 25-Year UX veteran rewrote his career story & reclaimed his confidence

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Timestamps:

122: How Marcus Got Hired as a UX Researcher After Six Months of Rejection

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Timestamps:

121: Your UX Job Search Has Cost You 5-Figures. What To Do About It

120: How a Sr UX Researcher got hired at Amazon after a layoff & 2 year job search

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Where Fritz Works Now:

Resources & Next Steps:

131: Why I don't teach every UX topic (and why my focus is your superpower)