Career Warrior Podcast - podcast cover

Career Warrior Podcast

Let's Eat, Grandma Resume Serviceswww.letseatgrandma.com

Chris Villanueva, CEO & Co-Founder of Let's Eat, Grandma resume service, proudly hosts the Career Warrior Podcast for job seekers of all backgrounds. You will hear job-hunting strategies from industry leaders, resume experts, and top coaches to help guide you through your career.


This show retells the stories and struggles of job seekers, industry professionals, and brave startup founders. Hear about their career pitfalls and how they climbed out of them in these episodes.


The Career Warrior Podcast covers the best career-related content by discussing all topics relevant to all entry-level applicants, mid-career candidates, and high-level executives - from the ideal resume page formatting to writing a resignation letter. We want you to become the best professional you can be in your career!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

#370) Reinvent Yourself or Be Left Behind – Here's Why | Nadya Zhexembayeva

Is the career you're building today still going to exist in 6 years? Dr. Nadya joins us to explain why reinvention isn’t optional. It’s your survival skill in a rapidly shifting job market. Follow us: Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletter https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-villanueva-cprw/ Check us out on Instagram / letseatcommagrandma Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/letseatgrandma/posts/?feedView=all Resources Mentioned: Check out this Free Resource from ...

Jul 01, 202531 minSeason 1Ep. 370

#369) The Power (and Danger) of the Word ‘Should | Hilary Constable

How does one small word “should” reshape team dynamics, influence internal narratives rooted in childhood conditioning, transform workplace language when replaced with healthier alternatives, mark pivotal shifts in individuals or teams, challenge leaders to give clear direction without ‘should-ing’ their team into disengagement, and highlight the fine line between constructive accountability and harmful expectation. Resources: Connect with Hilary Constable on LinkedIn Check out The Writers Escap...

Jun 23, 202520 minSeason 1Ep. 369

#368) What to Say in a Cold Message (Without Sounding Awkward)

Today, I’m going to help you stop overthinking it. Because the truth is, if you’re serious about landing a better job, cold outreach is one of the highest ROI moves you can make. And the first message is the hardest—after that, you’re just building muscle. Follow us: Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletter Check us out on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jun 16, 202510 minSeason 1Ep. 368

#367): Your Day Job Needs Your Hobby | Hilary Constable

Hilary Constable is a writer, event host, and HR professional with over 20 years of business experience—and a passion for helping people do the work that truly matters. She brings a rare mix to the table: an MFA in Creative Writing, three Lean Six Sigma certifications, and deep expertise in both process improvement and human-centered HR. As the founder of Constable HR, Hilary has led projects across nonprofits, municipalities, and medical practices—building everything from employee handbooks to ...

Jun 09, 202528 minSeason 1Ep. 367

#366) Write for the Bots or the Human? How to Optimize Your Resume and Still Sound Like You

In today’s episode, we’re going way beyond the basics — no fluff but real strategies that’ll help your resume stand out and get through the system. I’ll walk you through the smart moves that only 1% of job seekers make — like highlighting your unique blend of skills, crafting a catchy career highlight, and matching your resume to the job description like a pro. If your resume isn’t getting callbacks, this episode might be the fix. Let’s get into it. Follow us: Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on Linked...

Jun 03, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 366

#365) The Job Hunt Audit: A Quick Exercise to Find What’s Not Working

Is your job search going nowhere fast? It might be time for a job search audit . In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast , Chris breaks down the 6 essential questions every job seeker needs to ask to fix a stalled job hunt. From updating your resume the right way to targeting roles, you’ll get quick, practical insights that could dramatically change your results. For example, we’ll cover why applying too “easily” can hurt your chances If you're tired of sending out applications with no res...

May 26, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 356

#364) LinkedIn for Busy Professionals

Short on time but know you should be using LinkedIn? This episode is for you. We're cutting the fluff and giving you a fast, effective strategy to actually benefit from the platform—even if your calendar is packed. In this short episode (and yes, we’ll keep it short), you’ll learn how to use LinkedIn purposefully—whether you're job hunting right now or just laying the groundwork for future career growth. Here’s what we cover: ✅ The “5 connections a week” method to reverse your LinkedIn strategy ...

May 19, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 364

#363) State of the Job Market: Prepare, Don’t Panic | Indeed’s Priya Rathod

Welcome to the Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast, where our goal is not only to help you land your dream job but to help you live your best life! It seems like whenever you check the news, there’s mixed headlines, and for American workers, it’s causing uncertainty, confusion, and anxiety. What does it all really mean for job security? Fortunately, we’ll address the news with logic and practical advice that will help you with your career whether you’re applying for jobs now or a little mo...

May 12, 202535 minSeason 1Ep. 363

#362) Struggling to Talk About Yourself on Your Resume? This Episode Will Help

Struggling to Talk About Yourself on Your Resume? This Episode Will Help Do you find it hard to talk about yourself or describe what you actually do? You're not alone. In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast , we’re tackling one of the biggest job search struggles: how to confidently express your value on your resume and in interviews —even if you’re battling imposter syndrome or haven’t updated your resume in over a decade. We’ll show you how to reframe your mindset, treat your resume lik...

May 05, 202513 minSeason 1Ep. 362

#361) Military to Corporate: Resume Tips for a Successful Transition

Transitioning from the military to the civilian job market can be tough—especially when it comes to your resume. In this episode, we’ll show you how to turn your military experience into a clear, compelling story that employers actually understand and care about. You’ll learn: How to highlight leadership, team impact, and real achievements (not just duties) Why you should focus your resume on the job you want—not just your transition story Simple ways to translate military terms into plain Engli...

Apr 28, 202514 minSeason 1Ep. 361

#360) Considering Working With a Professional Resume Writer? Listen to this FIRST.

👉 Ready to see what it’s like to work with a pro? Get a free resume critique or book a call today. Most job seekers have never worked with a resume writer—and if they have, chances are they didn’t fully know how to get the best results. In today’s episode, I pull back the curtain on what it’s actually like to work with a professional resume writing service. As someone who’s reviewed thousands of resumes and led one of the top-rated resume writing companies in the U.S., I’ll walk you through exa...

Apr 21, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 360

#359) 228K Jobs Added — Yet Tariffs and Market Fears Loom Large | April LEGUpdate

The March jobs report is in — and while nonfarm payrolls rose by 228,000, signs of instability are rippling across the economy. With losses in government jobs, volatile stock markets, and recession warnings tied to looming tariffs, many job seekers are left wondering: what’s next? Despite the headlines, now is not the time to retreat. Learn what you must do to stay competitive in a tightening market, why networking is your greatest ally, and how to adapt your strategy before things get tougher. ...

Apr 14, 202511 minSeason 1Ep. 359

#358) Self-Leadership, Creating Your Own Path, & Overcoming Limiting Beliefs | Elizabeth Lotardo

Welcome to the Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast, where our goal is not only to help you land your dream job but to help you live your best life! Elizabeth Lotardo helps organizations drive emotional engagement. She is a consultant, writer, and training creator who has worked with leaders at every level in over 150 organizations including Salesforce, DraftKings, Hilton, and numerous Berkshire Hathaway organizations. She’s designed programs for senior leaders, frontline managers, and entr...

Apr 07, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 358

#357) Job Search Rejection, Ghosting, and Building Confidence | Elvi Caperonis

Today, I brought on Elvi Caperonis, Founder of Reinvent Yourself. Elvi is a distinguished Certified Project Management Professional and Scrum Master with over 15 years of related experience across more than five industries. As a former Technical Program Manager at Amazon and Analyst at Harvard University, Elvi has a wealth of knowledge to share with her audience. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice with over 200,000 followers, Elvi is dedicated to helping job seekers build clarity, gain confidenc...

Mar 31, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 357

#356) 5 Tweaks to Make Your Resume Stand Out in a Competitive Market

In this episode, we’re going to cover 5 changes you can make to your resume to stand out even in a competitive market. Depending on where you’re applying, things are getting competitive out there – perhaps the most it has been in a long time. You’re going to need a resume that not only looks good, but one that does some extra things to stand out. We’ll cover those today. You’ll hear about the resume design tip that matters the most. So much that you could skip the other ones and probably be ok… ...

Mar 24, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 356

#355) The Absolute Best Way to Use LinkedIn | Donna Serdula

In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast , I sit down with Donna Serdula , one of the top LinkedIn experts in the world. Donna is the founder and president of Vision Board Media and the creator of LinkedIn-Makeover.com , where she and her team help professionals craft compelling LinkedIn profiles that open doors. She’s also the author of LinkedIn Profile Optimization For Dummies and the host of the Dream Big with Big Dreamers podcast. Donna shares game-changing strategies to take your Linke...

Mar 17, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 355

#354) How Should Cover Letters Be Used in 2025?

Are cover letters still worth your time in 2025? In this episode, we're diving into the evolving role of cover letters in the hiring process. With AI tools making it faster than ever to generate materials, standing out is more important than ever. We'll explore what hiring managers actually want to see and how you can use your cover letter to rise above the noise. You'll learn: ✅ Why cover letters still matter (even if they matter less than they used to) ✅ How to use your cover letter to genuine...

Mar 10, 202510 minSeason 1Ep. 354

#353) What Does the ATS Really Want? Updates for 2025

Want to get your resume past those darn Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)? You're not alone — and the game is changing in 2025. In this minisode, we're breaking down exactly how ATS software works, what’s changed with AI advancements, and the resume strategies you actually need to stand out. Whether you're a seasoned job seeker or dusting off your resume for the first time in years, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and boost your chances of landing interviews. You'll learn: ✅ How ...

Mar 03, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 353

#352) Navigating Career Shifts: From Finance to UX to Transitioning Out of Non-Profits [Audience Q&A]

Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast – Q&A Edition! In this episode, we dive into a Q&A session where I answer real questions from listeners navigating career changes. From transitioning from tech to UX, overcoming job search rejections, to finding the right roles after a career shift, I’ll share practical tips on how to craft your career story, target the right opportunities, and land that next big job. Whether you're pivoting industries or struggling to articulate your experience,...

Feb 24, 202514 minSeason 1Ep. 352

#351) The Job Market Is Confusing as Hell—What’s Really Going On? | February LEGUpdate

The job market in 2025 is shifting—hiring is softer than expected, job switching is at a low, and some industries are feeling the squeeze. But what does this really mean for you? In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast , we break down the latest job market trends, the surprising revisions to 2024 employment data, and which industries are winning (or losing) right now. We’ll also dive into the evolving role of DEI in the workplace , how AI is impacting IT jobs, and most importantly—where yo...

Feb 17, 202514 minSeason 1Ep. 351

#350) The One Resume Change That Saves You Time and Gets Results

In this episode, we break down a simple yet powerful resume strategy that most job seekers still aren’t using in 2025. This one tweak saves recruiters time, makes your applications more effective, and speeds up your job search. We’ll cover: Why this approach works (and what marketing legends can teach us about resumes) How to craft a compelling first impression that makes hiring managers stop and take notice Real-world examples of what works and what doesn’t A step-by-step guide to writing yours...

Feb 10, 20259 minSeason 1Ep. 350

#349) LinkedIn Tips to Boost Your Profile: The 5 Worst Mistakes Holding You Back

Your LinkedIn profile is the online representation of your professional brand. Are you accidentally driving opportunities away? In this episode, we’re diving into the five biggest LinkedIn mistakes you need to fix today. We’ll cover: Why your photo could be giving off the wrong impression (and how to fix it) The headline mistake that keeps you stuck in the past instead of opening new doors How a bland, AI-generated summary can sabotage your personal brand Why your work experience still isn’t sel...

Feb 03, 202512 minSeason 1Ep. 349

#348) Audience Q&A: Career Gaps, Skills Gaps, and Why You’re Not Getting Interviews

Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast – Q&A Edition! In this special episode, we take questions from our audience to tackle some of the most pressing job search challenges. Whether you’re struggling with resume tweaks, LinkedIn strategies, or how to handle career gaps, we’ve got you covered. Here are the questions we’ll address: Should I add a photo to my resume or LinkedIn profile? Learn when and why it might (or might not) be a good idea. I’m not getting any interviews. One listener fr...

Jan 27, 20258 minSeason 1Ep. 348

#347) 1 in 5 Job Postings Found Fake | Top 5 Fastest Growing Jobs | January LEGUpdate

Are fake job postings sabotaging your job search? A Wall Street Journal report reveals that 1 in 5 job listings are either fake or never filled. In this episode of the Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast , we uncover why companies post fake job listings, how to identify them, and what it means for your search. We also explore the broader hiring landscape, including December's employment trends, layoffs, and unemployment rates, as well as a rise in permanent job losses. Plus, discover Linke...

Jan 20, 202512 minSeason 1Ep. 347

#346: Here Are 5 Ways to Boost Your Resume in 2025

Ready to land your dream job in 2025? This episode of the Career Warrior Podcast dives into 5 surprising ways to improve your resume in 2025 that you can’t afford to miss. Whether it’s updating outdated metrics, leveraging the latest resume strategies, or learning how to stand out in a competitive job market, these tips are designed to help mid-to-senior-level professionals like you take control of their careers. Discover why structure matters more than ever, how to clean up irrelevant experienc...

Jan 13, 202515 minSeason 1Ep. 346

#345) Amazon’s Shocking 5-Day Office Mandate | Slow 2024 Hiring | What's Next in 2025?

Happy New Year! In this episode, we dive into Amazon’s controversial return to office mandate , requiring employees to work in-office five days a week starting January 2, 2025. With 73% of employees considering quitting, we’ll unpack the backlash, the CEO’s stance, and how it could signal a larger shift in the job market. We also explore: ✅ The impact of return-to-office policies on company culture, productivity, and retention. ✅ What these changes mean for remote job seekers, with data from rec...

Dec 30, 202410 minSeason 1Ep. 345

#344) 2024 Job Search Challenges? | 4 Strategies to Turn It Around TODAY

Still struggling to land a job in 2024? Whether you’ve faced layoffs, radio silence from employers, or feelings of professional stagnation, this episode is for you. Join me, Chris Villanueva, Founder and CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma, as I share four powerful strategies to help you turn things around—no matter how tough this year has been. With over a decade of experience working with 10,000+ job seekers and creating career content that’s reached hundreds of thousands, I’ll guide you through actiona...

Dec 16, 202419 minSeason 1Ep. 344

#343: December 2024: Should You WAIT to Apply for Jobs?

Are the holidays really a good time to job hunt? In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, we dive deep into whether applying during the holiday season is worth your effort. Spoiler alert: it is! Here’s what you’ll learn: Key hiring trends, including the 216,000 job growth in December 2023 and the 63% hiring surge in January 2024. Why applying in December gives you a head start for January's new hiring budgets. How reduced competition during the holidays can make you stand out. The rise of ...

Dec 02, 202412 minSeason 1Ep. 343

#342) GHOST JOBS: Why Companies Post Fake Job Listings and How to Avoid Them

Are You Wasting Time Applying to Jobs That Don’t Exist? How to Spot Fake Job Postings and Protect Your Search 🕵️‍♂️ In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a growing problem in the job market: fake job postings. A recent survey by Resume Builder found that nearly 40% of companies posted fake job listings this year. So why, in a year marked by hiring freezes and mass layoffs, do companies continue to list roles they don’t plan to fill? And how can you, as a job seeker, identify which jobs are...

Nov 18, 202414 minSeason 1Ep. 342

#341) Top 5 Resume Challenges for Job Seekers + Expert Tips

In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, we're tackling the top resume challenges that job seekers face today. From getting past the bots to quantifying achievements, I’ll walk you through essential resume tips to help you stand out. I’ll share specific strategies for overcoming each of these common hurdles and making your resume shine. Topics Covered: Getting Past the Bots: Learn how to optimize keywords so your resume makes it through ATS filters and grabs the attention of hiring manager...

Nov 04, 202416 minSeason 1Ep. 341
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android