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

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 $15,000A UX Designer from Washington DC got hired at a digital strategy company with a salary increase of $25,000A Senior UX Researcher from San Francisco got hired at a real estate company with a salary increase of $75,000A Senior Product Designer from Seattle got hired at an e-commerce company with a salary increase of $19,000Career 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🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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.Timestamps00:30 Meet Your Hosts01:08 Episode Overview and Audience Context02:03 Steven's Career Journey02:55 Navigating Career Challenges07:57 Building Confidence and Community12:30 Applying Career Strategy to Business16:19 Final Thoughts and Advice18:50 Conclusion and FarewellResources 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.🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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.Timestamps01:01 Meet the Coaches01:12 Open House Insights03:14 Career Roadmap Creation06:43 The Importance of Community09:31 Tactical Resume and Portfolio Tips16:33 Navigating the Job Market20:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsWhat 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.Connect with Sarah: LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter.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. 🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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.Timestamps00:44 Understanding the Recruiter's Perspective02:41 Key Elements to Highlight in Your Portfolio03:00 Showcasing Your Decision-Making Process03:49 The Importance of Iteration and Trade-offs06:42 Collaboration and Learning from Projects08:40 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesKey Takeaways:Sell Yourself, Not Just the ProductYour 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 PitfallsReusing 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 jobE85: Q&A about UX portfolio formats, case studies, tailoring your portfolio, & moreE60: Create a portfolio that stands out by focusing on your benefits, not features as a candidateBlog: 8 UX Portfolio Website Mistakes To AvoidCareer 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: @SarahDoodyEnjoyed 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. 🎙️🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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 HighlightsCareer 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 ListenersA 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 MembersEmbrace 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.”Timestamps02:11 Kristin's Current Role and Background03:54 Creating a Career Roadmap07:30 The Importance of Community and Accountability11:28 Tactical Advice for Job Seekers14:03 Final Thoughts and Advice18:02 Conclusion and FarewellResources MentionedCareer Strategy LabConnect with Sarah DoodyFollow Sarah on Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn for more career insights. Tag Sarah with your takeaways from this episode or send her a DM!🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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 2024Insights from UX professionals on career satisfaction and challenges.Exploring opportunities beyond traditional tech companies.Impact of Layoffs and AI on UX CareersHow tech layoffs and the rise of AI are reshaping career trajectories.Leveraging AI as a tool rather than a threat.Building a Career RoadmapThe importance of long-term planning and acquiring transferable skills.Timeless skills like communication and critical thinking as career accelerators.Opportunities in Non-Tech IndustriesHigh-impact roles in healthcare, government, and education sectors.The growing value of research-first mindsets in non-tech companies.Practical Advice for Career GrowthKeeping your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile updated.Building business acumen and aligning research with organizational strategy.The Role of AI in ResearchAI’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 Insights03:41 Navigating Layoffs and Economic Challenges05:21 Exploring Opportunities Beyond Big Tech09:49 The Role of AI in UX Research14:30 Building a Resilient Career Strategy18:54 Opportunities and Challenges in UX26:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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.🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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 10001:37 Listener Engagement and Support03:01 Case Study: Landing a UX Job03:18 Introduction to Career Strategy Lab03:39 Jaden's Career Journey07:37 The Importance of Owning Your Story09:18 Key Sprints in Career Strategy Lab14:31 Advice for New and Prospective Members17:10 Final Thoughts and Encouragement17:38 Closing Remarks🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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." – SarahHelpful related episodesE88: Troubleshoot your resume with these 11 questionsE80: How to include numbers on your resume even if you think you don’t have themE64: Interview with Cheryl Platz: UX Portfolios, Storytelling, & Hiring Process InsightsE42: Do hiring managers and recruiters spend six seconds on your resume?E05: 5 tips from hiring managers and recruiters about your job search and moreTimestamps00:33 The Importance of Strategy01:16 Understanding the UX Job Search Funnel01:24 Challenges of Average Candidates02:22 What is the UX Job Search Funnel?03:16 Steps in the UX Job Search Funnel04:26 Using Your UX Superpower05:10 Avoiding Average: How to Stand Out07:52 Quick Tips for Each Funnel Step09:52 Preparing for Screener Calls11:51 Nailing the Hiring Manager Interview13:30 Panel Interviews: What to Expect15:27 The Offer Stage: Final Steps20:48 Building Visibility on LinkedIn25:37 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts27:10 Upcoming Workshop and Closing Remarks🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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.LinksSarah mentions another Career Strategy Podcast Episode about including numbers in your resume - check that out here! Timestamps00:00 Introduction: Understanding Job Market Demands00:18 Meet Your Host: Sarah Duty00:56 The Freelancer Mindset for Career Success02:56 Avoiding Complacency in Full-Time Roles04:50 Adopting Effective Freelance Habits08:56 Documenting Wins and Building Relationships12:55 Staying Updated with Market Trends15:51 Always Be Open to New Opportunities19:43 Conclusion: Implementing the Freelancer Mindset20:59 Stay Connected and Share Your Thoughts🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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.Timestamps00:00 Introduction01:00 Why Cold Messages Get Ignored01:41 The Solution: Leveraging LinkedIn02:35 Five Strategies to Warm Up Your Connections05:16 Strategy 1: Follow Key People05:56 Strategy 2: React to Their Content06:23 Strategy 3: Leave Thoughtful Comments07:10 Strategy 4: Be Authentic, Not Robotic08:15 Strategy 5: Move Conversations to DMs10:05 Real-Life Success Story: Danielle11:38 Final Tips and Action Items13:06 Conclusion🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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.Timestamps01:00 Special Episode Announcement01:50 Meet Jamie: A Career Journey03:50 The Power of Community in Career Strategy Lab05:41 Mindset Shifts and Career Roadmaps11:25 The Impact of Detailed Case Studies13:33 Global Relevance of Career Strategy Lab14:33 Final Advice and Encouragement16:45 Closing Remarks🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 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 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.Timestamps00:00 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.🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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.🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter

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. Timestamps00:00 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.🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter