In today’s episode Sarah addresses a topic that affects nearly every job seeker: the Applicant Tracking System, or ATS. With so much misinformation and myths swirling around about how ATS works, Sarah spends intentional time cutting through the noise to give you the real story. She’ll break down what an ATS is, how it processes your resume, and why it's crucial to optimize your document for these systems. Sarah also shares actionable tips to increase your visibility to recruiters and hiring mana...
Jul 15, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode Sarah shares valuable strategies for analyzing job descriptions in detail, so you understand how to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences. You’ll learn practical tips for tailoring resumes and portfolios to catch a hiring manager's eye by emphasizing specific examples that match job requirements. Sarah also addresses the challenge of being perceived as overqualified and offers insights on presenting yourself effectively regardless of extensive experience.&n...
Jul 08, 2024•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Struggling to know what to post on LinkedIn during your job search? You're not alone, and this episode has you covered. From sharing your expertise to engaging with people at companies you admire, you'll learn how to boost your visibility and create a strong first impression. In this episode, Sarah shares why posting regularly and thoughtfully can make a difference when potential employers scroll through LinkedIn profiles and gives practical tips on how to curate content, start meaningful conver...
Jul 01, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode Sarah addresses this question head-on! Tune in to learn what Career Strategy Lab offers and how the unique group coaching program and community designed for UX, design, and tech professionals helps clients increase their confidence and achieve their career goals. Sarah also addresses the lack of negative reviews and discusses why some people choose not to publicly share their experiences. If you’ve ever been skeptical or simply curious, this fully transparent episode provides ...
Jun 24, 2024•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Are you stuck trying to wrap up your UX portfolio because your massive project is taking forever to complete? Today we've got an insightful episode for all the UX designers out there grappling with how to present large projects in your portfolio. In this episode, Sarah discusses the strategy of breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable pieces, making your portfolio not only easier to complete but also more appealing to recruiters and hiring managers. Tune in to disco...
Jun 17, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Get ready to transform your approach to feedback! This episode delves into the art of giving and receiving critiques on career materials. Career Strategy Lab Coaches Erin Lindstrom, Becca Santilli, and Steph Knox share their extensive experience from reviewing thousands of resumes, portfolios, and LinkedIn profiles. They discuss the importance of being specific when asking for feedback and how staying mindful of your goals can make the process more effective. Learn how different meth...
Jun 10, 2024•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Want to stand out in your job search? In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah breaks down the AIDA framework, a four-part methodology used by top companies to capture your attention and spark action. In this episode, you’ll learn how AIDA can be applied to your resume, LinkedIn profile, and even cold emails to potential employers and discover how small changes in how you present your skills and experience can make a big difference in holding a recruiter’s interest and getting...
Jun 03, 2024•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Eager to boost your professional growth but struggling to find the time and right flow for your life? Figuring out how to best use your time is a regular topic inside of Career Strategy Lab as we help clients navigate how to focus on progress over perfection while juggling the realities of life. In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares practical strategies to fit professional development into your life regardless of what your calendar looks like. From tips on scheduling...
May 28, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast A few times a year we open the doors to Career Strategy Lab and host an Open House so prospective clients can learn about the program and get to know some of our clients. In this episode, we’re sharing the audio from our last Open House (it’s an imperfect podcast episode but we think the stories are worth sharing!) During this episode, you’ll hear from three Career Strategy Lab clients (two Product Designers and a Senior UX Designer) on how to tackle mindset issues like imposter syndrome a...
May 20, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Navigating a layoff can leave you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, and scared. In this episode, Sarah will walk you through how everything from feeling your feelings to updating your career materials. This episode offers 9 practical things you can to do feel more in control and to save time as you navigate the journey to finding your next role. And, if you're happily employed, these tips can help you prepare just in case you ever face an unexpected layoff. If you've recently experienced a lay of...
May 13, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast Struggling with getting responses to your cold messages? Discover a straightforward approach to crafting communication that's more likely to get you a reply. This episode dives into a four-part structure called the GAIN framework, designed to hone your messages to be concise, clear, and effective. Learn why keeping things short is critical and how specificity in your queries can significantly up your chances of receiving the response you need. Plus, avoid common mistakes like overly long message...
May 06, 2024•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Unlocking potential in your career can often feel like a maze with no clear exit. This episode takes you inside one of our weekly Q&A calls that we do with our Career Strategy Lab clients. These calls allow our Career Strategy Lab members to come together in real-time to talk through their wins, struggles, and questions. Forget edited scenarios; you’re getting the raw and real questions that our clients grapple with, and the practical advice provided by our expert coaching team. In this epis...
Apr 29, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast 🎁 Get your free e-book, The Career Strategy Roadmap Tired of the usual hustle of trying to make more connections without truly connecting? This episode of The Career Strategy Podcast cuts through the networking noise, offering a breath of fresh air with simple, down-to-earth strategies for building meaningful career relationships. In this ep, Sarah shares a quarterly plan for deepening ties with professionals who align with your goals and interests. By establishing clear career objectives, crea...
Apr 22, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, we explore the impact of first impressions on LinkedIn and why complaining on the platform during a job search may not be the best approach. Sarah discusses the downside of posting negative content and offers practical tips for job seekers to make a positive first impression. Tune in to gain insights into alternative ways to express frustrations and job-related interests on LinkedIn. 🎁 Get our free e-book, The Career Strategy Roa...
Apr 15, 2024•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast 👉 Get your free UX Career Roadmap Navigating the job market can feel like a maze. In this episode, Cheryl Platz, a seasoned UX professional, lays out a map for job seekers to present themselves effectively. Cheryl shares with Sarah her own job search experiences, sharing insights on how to adapt to feedback and connect with interviewers. She stresses the importance of engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, and how sharing genuine content can open unexpected doors in your career. Additionally, t...
Apr 08, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast You are the leader of your career. In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Erin Lindstrom, a seasoned CEO and CSL coach, reveals the strategies for becoming the leader of your own career. Diving into the idea that waiting for motivation is a trap, she stresses the importance of creating routines and structures tailored to your personal life. Erin challenges listeners to rethink their approach by stepping into the CEO role of "The Product of You." It's not just about job performance; it's...
Apr 01, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah delves into the intriguing concept of career compound interest. She draws parallels between smart financial decisions and strategic career moves, emphasizing how small investments in your career today can yield significant results over time. Sarah discusses three key areas for creating a compound interest effect in your career: investing early, negotiating wisely, and building authentic relationships before they are needed. She offers actiona...
Mar 25, 2024•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today's episode, CSL Coach, Erin Lindstrom, takes over the podcast to dive into the common mindset challenges that arise when professionals start working on their portfolios. Erin discusses the emotional and psychological barriers that can make the process feel overwhelming, and she provides practical guidance on how to move through these challenges. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, a structured process, and being part of a supportive community. Erin's insights shed light on t...
Mar 20, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares actionable advice on how to stand out in your career by applying a sales strategy to your portfolio. By understanding the difference between features and benefits, you'll learn how to make a lasting impression through your portfolio, resume, or LinkedIn profile. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to level up their career and leave a lasting impact in the professional world. So grab your headphones and get ready to unlock ...
Mar 18, 2024•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah discusses how sprints can serve professionals regardless of whether they're just starting out or seasoned leaders. She addresses frequently asked questions and invites listeners to enhance their presentation skills and make a meaningful impact in their careers by developing their portfolios. If you're looking to elevate your career and master the art of storytelling through an effective portfolio, this episode is a must-listen. 00:00 UX portf...
Mar 13, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Let’s dive into the hotly debated topic of portfolio formats. In this episode, Sarah provides valuable insights into the strategic considerations that professionals should keep in mind when considering how to put together their UX Portfolio. Sarah discusses the pros and cons of website portfolios versus presentations and explores crucial factors to consider, such as time, cost, customization, user experience, and accessibility. This episode is a valuable guide in making informed decisions about ...
Mar 11, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast ✨ Reminder → Enrollment's open for our 3-week UX Portfolio Sprint . Doors close on March 22 or when seats are sold out! In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah explores a crucial aspect of the job search process: attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from a surprising source—the band Van Halen's infamous "no brown M and M's" contract clause—Sarah highlights the importance of demonstrating attentiveness in the job search. Through anecdotes and examples, she illustrates how failur...
Mar 04, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Reminder → Enrollment's open for our 3-week UX Portfolio Sprint . Doors close on March 22 or when seats are sold out! Feeling worried about explaining career breaks in your resume? You're not alone. In this episode, we debunk the myth that work history gaps are a red flag to hiring managers. With insights from LinkedIn's research, we show how normalizing these breaks is increasingly accepted. In this episode: ➡️ Discover how LinkedIn's career break feature can help you openly represent time off ...
Feb 26, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Reminder → Enrollment's open for our 3-week UX Portfolio Sprint . Doors close on March 22 or when seats are sold out! Welcome to episode 55 of the Career Strategy Podcast which is a compilation of Sarah’s Job Search Series! Navigating a job search can feel like a lonely journey, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we unpack practical strategies to refine your job hunt and stand out to employers. We start by exploring the importance of defining your "career value criteria" (CVC)—a persona...
Feb 19, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today's episode of The Career Strategy Podcast delves into the topic of ghosting in the job search, shedding light on why it happens and how to cope with it. In this episode, Sarah shares a story from a restaurant manager's perspective, emphasizing that ghosting isn't a one-sided issue and is often not intentional. This episode offers practical advice, encouraging listeners not to take ghosting personally, and to take proactive steps to gather context and follow up with potential employers. 00:0...
Feb 12, 2024•15 min•Transcript available on Metacast Looking to stand out in job interviews and extend your visibility after the meeting? In this episode of The Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah shares practical tips for making a lasting impression post-interview. ➡️ Learn how to craft follow-up messages that are personal and specific, ensuring that you stand out among other candidates. ➡️ Find out why creative follow-ups not only make you memorable but also prompt asynchronous interviews, elevating your chances of getting noticed. ➡️ Understand the ...
Feb 05, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Feeling stuck in your career or job search? Overwhelmed by the unknowns? This episode of The Career Strategy Podcast offers a practical tip to help you regain control and make intentional decisions. By focusing on what you can control rather than fixating on outside factors, you can move forward with clearer direction. Learn how to strategically apply to jobs, improve the quality of your application materials, and leverage your network for a competitive edge. Take charge of your attitude and cho...
Jan 29, 2024•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast Get ready to take control of your career with a 15-minute annual review! This episode is designed to help you reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. The questions shared in the episode will guide you through a simple yet impactful review of your accomplishments and aspirations. Sarah suggests sharing this exercise with a friend for accountability and fresh perspectives. By focusing on what you did last year, what went well, what to stop and start doing, and the conclusio...
Jan 22, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, guest host Erin Lindstrom takes over to tackle the topic of imposter syndrome. Erin delves into the origins of imposter syndrome and acknowledges the societal constructs that have contributed to its prevalence, particularly for women and people of color. Erin provides insights into overcoming imposter syndrome from a mindset perspective and highlights the importance of building humble confidence to navigate career challenges. She offers practical a...
Jan 15, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast This episode origninally aired on the Ironhacks Podcast! Check out Ironhack's awesome resources here! In this episode, we discuss building a robust UX portfolio, mastering personal growth, and overcoming imposter syndrome in the tech industry. Join us as we explore the power of positive thinking and the significance of planning your career roadmap. Don't miss our expert insights into the evolving digital landscape and the impact of human connections in today's virtual world. 0:00 Sarah Doo...
Jan 08, 2024•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast