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...

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...

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] 📥...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Miss our UX portfolio workshop from Thu, Oct 17? Or, prefer to listen on the go versus watch the video? Listen to the workshop until Wednesday, October 23! 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 e-book, The UX Career Roadmap 👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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...

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...

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...

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 e-book, The UX Career Roadmap 👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...