Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody

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 | InstagramNancy 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 everythingTimestamps:00:58 Episode Overview and Special Format01:42 Introducing Nancy: A UX Veteran02:10 Nancy's Journey in UX03:16 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab04:47 Mindset Shifts and Career Growth12:04 The Role of Community and Coaching15:56 Final Thoughts and Advice17:20 Conclusion and Podcast Outro18:04 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.

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 | InstagramStill 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 careerTimestamps:00:00 Introduction: Troubleshooting Formulas and Business Insights01:47 Starting My First Business: The Journey Begins02:13 The Importance of Working On Your Business03:22 Examples of Working In vs. On Your Business09:40 Applying Business Strategies to Your Career17:43 Actionable Tips for Career Growth21:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 roleTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy Podcast00:40 Meet Duncan Abel: Career Journey and Challenges04:29 The Impact of Career Strategy Lab10:30 Mentorship and Career Roadmap Insights14:09 Global Relevance of Career Strategy Lab16:45 Final Advice and Encouragement19:58 Conclusion and Social Media Call-to-ActionApplied 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.⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

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 Becca01:25 First Impressions of Sarah Duty05:05 What Sarah Gets Right in Career Coaching09:47 Behind the Scenes of Career Strategy Lab15:14 Client Success Stories and Transformations17:32 Why We Choose to Stay with CSL24:33 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsApplied 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

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 | InstagramIn 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 todayTimestamps:00:15 Sarah Doody's Career Journey00:57 Struggles and Strategies in UX Job Search01:26 Transforming the Portfolio01:57 Early Career and Freelance Work04:11 Portfolio Evolution and Lessons Learned06:36 Modern Portfolio Strategies13:35 The Importance of Timeless Principles20:04 Common Portfolio Mistakes24:55 Final Thoughts⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

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 | InstagramIn 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 searchTimestamps:00:20 Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast00:58 Episode Overview and Listener Engagement01:43 Meet Josh Vaughn: UX Design Leader02:33 Josh's Career Journey and Challenges04:53 The Importance of Storytelling in Portfolios06:45 Building Confidence and Career Strategy11:55 Reflecting on Career Strategy Lab13:23 Final Thoughts and Advice14:51 Conclusion and Farewell16:05 Podcast Outro⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.

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 | InstagramIn 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 searchResources & Next Steps:

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 | InstagramYou 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 three 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.Whether you're just starting your job search or you've been at it for months, this episode will help you stop making emotionally driven decisions and start using data to drive your next move.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The hidden financial and emotional cost of a prolonged job search✔️ How many hours and dollars you're actually spending applying to jobs✔️ Why rejection often triggers unnecessary upskilling and overlearning✔️ The ROI of getting strategic job search help (with real numbers)✔️ Why clarity and confidence—not more courses—are what actually get you hiredResources & Next Steps:

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 | InstagramIn 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:

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 | InstagramWould 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 interviewsWhether 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.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy00:56 The Power of Human Connection in Interviews01:29 Real-Life Example: Making a Personal Connection02:54 LinkedIn Post Breakdown04:05 Why UX Research Matters in Interviews05:27 Tactical Tips for Interview Research08:18 Creating Conversation Starters09:37 Conclusion and Homework11:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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 | InstagramYou 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 powerfulResources & Links Mentioned:

Enrollment is OPEN for my UX job search accelerator and will close on Friday, April 11 at 8pm PT. Join by Friday and get 1 extra month in the program for free. You can learn more, watch success stories, or enroll here.And you can watch to the recording of my UX job search workshop, until deadline Friday.If you have questions about the UX job search accelerator program (aka Career Strategy Lab) you can book a 1:1 call here or use the chat widget on the websites linked above to send us a message.

Want to get hired in UX faster? Click here.Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher with 20 years of experience 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 | InstagramIf 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 needleIf you're feeling discouraged, stuck, or ready to give up—this one's for you.Timestamps00:59 The Job Search Intervention03:13 Identifying the Problem04:01 Real-Life Analogies06:30 The Need for Change08:49 Seeking Expert Help09:28 Facts vs. Emotions17:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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 | InstagramThis 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 searchTimestamps01:04 The Importance of a Strategic Resume03:08 Understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)06:24 How ATS Parses Your Resume08:19 Formatting Your Resume for ATS16:23 Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid24:01 Recap and Final Tips25:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

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 | InstagramWelcome 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 marketTimestamps01:43 Episode Overview and Open House Context03:14 John's Journey in Career Strategy Lab07:12 Portfolio Presentation Insights15:58 The Importance of Self-Reflection18:03 Advice for Prospective Members20:06 Conclusion and Community Highlights21:47 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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 compensationTimestamps01:50 Open House Overview03:22 Success Stories and Strategies05:47 Navigating the Job Market09:15 Interview Experiences13:45 Negotiating Job Offers17:08 Advice for Job Seekers20:45 Conclusion and Farewell

Until Friday, you can listen to the audio of my free workshop about the UX job search and Q&A about "The 4C Framework To Get Hired In UX" ... list by Saturday, March 15 at 9am PT.

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 promotionIf this episode resonated with you, tag Sarah on social media or leave a quick review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

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 TakeawaysWhy 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 Stamps00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy01:01 Meet Emily: A UX Writing Success Story02:34 Emily's Journey to Freelance Success05:23 The Financial Upside of Freelancing08:21 Key Lessons from Emily's Experience11:55 Final Tips and Conclusion14:12 Wrap-Up and Contact Information

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast,, 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 oftenResources & Links Mentioned:

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.

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:

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 worksJoin 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.

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.

Available until Fri, Jan 31 at 8pm PT, listen to my UX Portfolio Workshop. If you want to watch the video and see the slides, please email or have questions about Career Strategy Lab, email me at hello@sarahdoody.com and mention this podcast episode.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 hello@sarahdoody.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 hello@sarahdoody.com

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 portfolioTune in to unlock strategies to boost your career and ensure your portfolio stands out to recruiters and hiring managers.Timestamps00:49 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.

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. Timestamps00:39 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.

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.