In this interview, Career Strategy Lab Coach, Erin Lindstrom, sits down with Katie Miller, an incredible Senior Researcher who was laid off who generously shares her path to finding her next role. Katie’s story is an amazing one that exemplifies everything that we teach. She shares how she got into UX, how she dealt with the mindset challenges of the job search, and how CSL has helped her land her new role. 03:51 How Katie first got into UX 10:37 The “pedigree” of working at a FAANG company 17:1...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode Sarah discusses the common misconception that your resume should only be one page long If you have a long and accomplished career history, why would you limit your ability to sell your experience? There are many reasons to expand your resume, take a listen and see if you could improve how you sell yourself. 01:17 A one page resume isn’t enough most of the time 03:49 Recruiters and hiring managers want to see receipts of our abilities 06:01 When your resume reads like just a...
Aug 21, 2023•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode Sarah discusses how to treat yourself and what you can offer to an employer like it’s a product. Do you know your core features? How are you marketing yourself? Are relationships important to “selling” myself? All these questions and more are answered! 01:16 I really believe that your career has a lot in common with a product and that the reason so many products fail is the same reason 05:23 Products can fail for three reasons:the design, the marketing, and the ...
Aug 14, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast The episode of the Career Strategy podcast features clips from a live Q+A with Sarah. On it, she answers questions about differences in job titles, having a say in product strategy, transitioning from internship to positions, and so much more! 01:01 What is the difference between a UX Designer and Product Designer? 03:58 Should UX designers have a say in the overall product strategy and decision making process? 05:11 UX designers should always be operating from a place of...
Aug 11, 2023•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, Sarah discusses the number one thing holding you back in your career, the benefits of a community, honing in on your goals, and so much more. 01:30 What does advancing your career mean to you? 05:34 What plans do you have in place to get you to your goals? 08:03 Every goal needs a why, a purpose, a motivation 10:00 Set aside some time to map out a plan. What do you need to do to achieve your goal? 11:45 You need a community of like-minded people to help stay motivated 17:28 You ...
Jul 31, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to part 5 of the 5 part series on the Job Search. In this episode, Sarah discusses what it means when you’re rejected at different points of the hiring process, reflecting on what is working and what isn’t, sparking relationships with employees, and accepting that sometimes rejection is a good thing. 01:35 Let’s jump right into how to deal with rejection in your job search 03:12 You’re not getting interviews, but who is rejecting you? An automatic system or a human being? 05:55 Now...
Jul 24, 2023•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to part 4 of the 5 part series on the Job Search! In this episode, Sarah discusses the importance of researching what kind of work environment a company has LONG before you apply by using social media to your advantage. She covers covers how to discern which sources to trust, how to learn about a company's culture, and how to vet reviews and comments you might find online. In your job search, you do not have time to waste. By researching companies in advance, you'll avoid applying ...
Jul 17, 2023•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to part 3 of the 5 part series on the Job Search. In this episode, Sarah discusses why playing the numbers game is not in your best interest as well as how to recognize red flags in your job search, the value of your time and energy, and how to maximize each application you send. 01:34 Multiple times a week people message me, email me and say, Sarah, I've applied to a TON of jobs and not had a single interview. 02:47 A lot of people just simply don't know what to do if they'r...
Jul 10, 2023•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to part 2 of the 5 part series on the Job Search. In this episode, Sarah discusses prioritizing making connections with people, following and engaging with people who work at companies you want to work for (without coming off as a creeper!), cold emailing hiring managers, and how to keep your messaging short and sweet. 01:27 Why you need to prioritize people over platforms in your job search. 03:03 How a lot of people successfully find and apply to jobs through the portal 04:38 Focus on ...
Jul 03, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome to Part 1 of a 5 episode series about the job search! In this series, we'll cover what to do before you apply for a job, why relationships are crucial, why you should NOT play the numbers game, how to research a company before you apply for a job, and how to deal with rejection. In today's episode, Sarah discusses creating your career value criteria so that instead of panicking and taking the first offer you get, you can feel confident that you’re making the right choice. 01:49 The numbe...
Jun 26, 2023•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, Sarah shares a mindset coaching call that the CSL Coaching Team hosted for people interested in CSL to give them a taste of the kind of calls we host on a weekly basis. Each week (and on this call) our coaches discuss a myriad of topics including; your relationship with your past work, confidence in yourself and your materials, and many other challenges you may face while developing your career strategy. Tune in and let us know what you think! 02:00 Introduction 05:42 Sarah s...
Jun 19, 2023•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sometimes we can get overwhelmed trying to make our careers into what we want them to be over night. Breathe and remember that your career is a marathon, a journey, and that takes time! This week’s episode was recorded during a long car ride, that helped inspire this episode’s message. During this episode, Sarah recounts her experiences with marathon running, injuries, and the struggles of accomplishing long term goals. She explains how community helps you get where you need to be without the st...
Jun 12, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast LinkedIn profiles are often not optimized for visibility. They should be treated like web pages, keeping search engine optimization in mind. The right key words can elevate your profile tremendously! Your LinkedIn is its own search engine for recruiters to find out if you fit the position. If your profile is not optimized it will be harder for them to find you. In this episode, Sarah guides you on how to optimize your profile and shares some examples of what not to do. 01:00 LinkedIn is a search...
Jun 05, 2023•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast It can feel difficult to break into the tech field, or any industry, when you reach a certain age. You may feel like you’re being overlooked for simply your age. Let’s talk about that! This week Sarah discusses the topic of ageism in the tech industry and some misconceptions people have about it. You can’t control your age, so instead you should concentrate on things you can change. Leverage the extensive experience you have. Soft skills learned through a lifetime of work are some of the hardest...
May 29, 2023•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast Do you feel like you’re stuck in your career? Maybe you’re bored, or you feel like your skills have plateaued or heck, even your salary has plateaued. Do you see current and former colleagues getting promoted or doing work that you wish you were doing? If so, these might be signs that you’re stuck in your career. So, the big question is, how do you get unstuck? In this episode, Sarah gives you 3 questions to ponder to help you get unstuck in your career. And sidenote, these questions can really ...
May 22, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast For many people, maybe even you, job search burnout is real. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that half of adult job seekers in the USA are pessimistic about their prospects for a new job. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that about half of US adults looking for a job are pessimistic about their prospects for future employment. In this episode, Sarah talks about factors that contribute to job search burnout and some practical tips you can put into practice right now to he...
May 16, 2023•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah goes over some of the common mistakes people make with their LinkedIn profiles and guides you towards creating a more dynamic and memorable profile. Sarah shares: - Creating posts of value, that would create conversation and interaction - How to optimize your profile with strategic language - The two hidden features of LinkedIn that help with visibility 00:21 The problem that I've noticed is that many people don't understand how to really eff...
May 03, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah does a deep dive into the UX mistakes commonly made with resumes and how to correct them to stand out from other candidates. Sarah shares: Why you need 2 versions of your resume How to use a strategic summary effectively at the top of your resume Using verbs to amp up your bullet points and catch the attention of hiring managers 00:29 Your resume is a big factor in your job search, mainly regarding whether you get an interview or not 01:07 Ok...
Apr 26, 2023•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Although a job offer is an exciting accomplishment, don't let your judgment be clouded by the salary or other shiny objects. In this episode Sarah shares reflection questions to ask yourself when you get an offer to determine if it’s the next best step for you as well as steps to follow when you determine it’s not. Timestamps: 0:09: Don’t let your judgment be clouded by the salary or other shiny objects. 0:49: The goal today is for me to share how to decide a job is right for you or not so you c...
Mar 21, 2023•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast What would change if you treated your resume and portfolio as products? What would an MVP look like? In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares how to beat perfectionism and get solid versions of your resume and portfolio out into the world. 0:30: Is it possible that your resume portfolio isn't ready because of the bar you've set for yourself? 0:55: In this quest for perfect, it's easy to pass on applying to lots of awesome job opportunities. 1:40: I want you to think of your r...
Mar 21, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Many candidates obsess over job titles, salaries, or having a certain company on their resume, and as a result, they often turn a blind eye to other things that can have a bigger impact in their career in the long term. In this episode, Sarah shares 3 things to consider that many people miss. 1:02: When thinking about their next career. Most candidates aren't thinking long-term enough. 2:04: If you know you wanna get into management or get more specialized, that should inform your next career mo...
Mar 21, 2023•7 min•Transcript available on Metacast "Playing the numbers game isn't a strategy; it's a recipe for burnout." In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah debunks the popular advice to apply to as many jobs as possible and shares a more effective way to land the career of your dreams. Timestamps: 0:19 Congrats on getting hired, Tessa! 1:42: Why would you keep applying if you haven't received an interview after 30, 50, 100 or more roles applied to it? 2:16: You should not play the numbers game in your career. 2:34: The numbe...
Mar 21, 2023•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast Career Switchers are incredibly well positioned for jobs in tech but so many of them don’t realize it. In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares 3 common mistakes career switchers make and how to avoid them. 0:31: Today I'll share some tips for career switchers to stand out by avoiding some common mistakes and mindset traps. 0:50: I want you to know that as a career switcher, you are not starting from scratch. You don't need to start from the bottom. So stop assuming you'll ge...
Mar 21, 2023•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you’ve ever considered joining CSL (or any career development program, really) you’ve likely wondered if it’s for YOU. In this episode, Sarah shares reflection questions to ask yourself to help discern if investing in a program is right for you. 1:20: Today I want to invite you to consider three questions to ask yourself instead of this common question 2:14: In design, we rely on research to make decisions all the time, and it's smart. 2:44: There is probably no perfect case study. No perfect...
Mar 21, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Getting chosen for an interview means you're doing something right. But, if you’re not getting callbacks or offers, then there are likely specific things that you can tweak when it comes to what you’re sharing and how you’re sharing it. In this episode, Sarah talks through her Job Search Checkpoint Methodology to help show you how to analyze what may need to change and put the shifts into practice. 0:41: In 2021, Pew Research Center did a study with 715 US adults and found one third said they fe...
Mar 21, 2023•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah talks to hiring managers from Gusto, Meta, Shopify, IBM, and a recruiter who works in the field of user experience to share some of their top advice to avoid making major mistakes and increase the chances that you stand out in the sea of candidates. 1:20 You have to think of the users or stakeholders involved in the hiring process and just like users and stakeholders of projects you work on. 1:47 The three stakeholders in the hiring process. ...
Mar 21, 2023•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is it time to redefine what it means to "work in tech"? In this episode, Sarah shares how to find excellent jobs outside of the typical FAANG companies tech professionals tend to set their sights on. 1:11 Layoffs can be scary whether you have a job or not. 1:58 Regardless of your role at a tech company, your skills and expertise are valuable and can transfer to many other industries. 2:10 Just because your last job was at a tech company, that doesn't mean you can't get hired in another sector an...
Mar 21, 2023•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah breaks down the 3 questions to ask yourself to discern whether or not an investment in career development is right for you. 1:03 Today we have 3 questions for you to ponder to help gain clarity around whether or not you're ready to invest your time and energy to grow yourself and your career. 1:12 It's normal to have big feelings when it comes to career. 1:59 Instead of trying to overcome the thoughts and feelings, consider embracing them. Th...
Mar 21, 2023•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah talks about the REAL reason most candidates get overlooked when applying for jobs and what to do about it. 1:17: If you didn't get an interview, you need to understand the root problem and not just the symptom. 2:30: Standing out when you apply and during interviews goes way beyond wordsmithing, bullet points, and massaging pixels. 3:12: If what you're talking about only scratches the surface, then you're gonna sell yourself short. 4:13: No a...
Mar 21, 2023•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares 3 tips to help let go of self doubt and increase confidence for the job search. 0:15: If you've ever felt like you'd lacked confidence in the job search, this is for you. 2:00: The key to building confidence is getting clear on what you can and cannot control. 2:48: Are you a switcher, launcher, or climber? 3:55: Stop playing the numbers game. 4:32: Stop sending your resume all over the internet clicking apply to every job that has the...
Mar 21, 2023•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
