Episodes
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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 [email protected]
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👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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 [email protected]
📥 Join 46,000 people who read our free UX career tips newsletter
🎁 Get your free UX Career Roadmap
👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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Missing episodes?
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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
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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 [email protected]
📥 Join 46,000 people who read our free UX career tips newsletter
🎁 Get your free UX Career Roadmap
👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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 [email protected]
📥 Join 46,000 people who read our free UX career tips newsletter
🎁 Get your free UX Career Roadmap
👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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 [email protected]
📥 Join 46,000 people who read our free UX career tips newsletter
🎁 Get your free UX Career Roadmap
👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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Missed our UX Portfolio Workshop from Thu, Nov 14? Or, prefer to listen on the go versus watch the video? Listen to the workshop until Wed, Nov 20th! If you want to watch the video or have questions about Career Strategy Lab or want to enroll, just email us at [email protected]
📥 Join 46,000 people who read our free UX career tips newsletter
🎁 Get your free UX Career Roadmap
👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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.
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🎁 Get your free UX Career Roadmap
👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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.
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👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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.
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👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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.
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👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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.
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👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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.
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👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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.
📥 Join 46,000 people who read our free UX career tips newsletter
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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 [email protected]
📥 Join 46,000 people who read our free UX career tips newsletter
🎁 Get your free UX Career Roadmap
👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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 backWhy 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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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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.
📥 Join 46,000 people who read our free UX career tips newsletter
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👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter
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