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 messages or unclear intent that might be sending your emails straight to the ignored pile.

Want more support? Grab our communication swipe files and so much more inside of Career Strategy Lab.

00:00 Be clear, concise, and specific in messaging.

05:45 Use strong anchor when reaching out professionally.

09:18 Efficient email communication framework for networking.

10:32 Use GAIN framework for clearer, impactful messages.

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 episode of the Career Strategy Lab, you'll hear from individuals in different stages of their UX careers as they tackle challenges like articulating work, determining the ideal number of bullet points for their resume, and curating a UX portfolio with just the right amount of case studies. The discussions delve into whether it's better to stick to a career path closely or to pivot when unique opportunities arise, even if they don't perfectly align with long-term goals.

Have questions? Join us in Career Strategy Lab to get your questions answered and career materials critiqued!

00:00 Tips to improve your "about me" or what we refer to as a Compass Statement

03:39 Suggest 2-3 bullet points, vary by content and context.

08:47 Portfolios vary, no set limit. Tailor to showcase skills. No one-size-fits-all.

10:33 Submit assets after going through the curriculum to match CSL standards, avoid quadruple work for feedback.

16:07 Discussion about decision-making mindset and past experience parallels.

20:22 People are encouraged to share and listen to others' experiences for support.

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

How do you know what UX career advice is actually worth listening to? If you're searching for your next UX or Product role, it's likely you've been bombarded with advice from blogs, social posts, and well-meaning strangers in Slack groups.

In this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah Doody, a UX Researcher & Product Designer, breaks down how to critically evaluate UX career advice so you can stop spinning in circles and start making real progress in your job search.

This episode is especially for UX, Product Design, and UX Research professionals who are sick of Googling every career question and getting 14 different answers.

Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:45: Intro

00:46 - 02:23: The risk of following UX career advice without vetting the source

02:24 - 04:15: Strategic questions to evaluate the advice you find

04:16 - 06:02: The problem with outdated advice and “LinkedIn experts”

06:03 - 08:17: Why self-doubt makes you trust strangers more than yourself

08:18 - 09:40: How to do a quick “background check” on advice-givers

09:41 - 11:00: A reminder: just because someone posts online doesn’t mean it’s tru

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 Roadmap

00:00 LinkedIn users complain about job search treatment.

03:13 Negativity in posts can affect job prospects.

08:49 Engage and share insights for professional growth.

10:23 Share insights on LinkedIn for positive impression.

13:55 Spots available now, advance your career! 

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

👉 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, this episode delves into the process of evaluating portfolios, the critical skill of storytelling in interviews, and strategies for career transitions. Hear personal anecdotes on maximizing LinkedIn and tips for your first day and the first 90 days in a new role.

Whether you're starting, switching, or advancing your career, this discussion provides practical advice for making the right moves on your professional journey.

05:33 Post-9/11 economy disrupts computer science career.

07:53 Diverse skills: production, writing, UX, game design.

11:30 Transition from Gates Foundation to Riot leadership.

14:40 Focus on strengths, strategize for interview success.

17:23 Incorporating gaming experience into professional interviews.

20:32 Engage with community, share work, mentor.

23:29 LinkedIn as a career tool; use wisely.

28:46 Flipping hiring practices, vetting applicants for interviews.

30:40 Prioritizing criteria and quality in portfolio evaluations.

34:20 Specific criteria for job search impact assessment.

36:31 Celebrating wins and saving companies money is important.

40:38 UX designers must design for others, not themselves.

44:29 Presentation foreshadows potential client meeting behavior.

47:39 Evaluating skills, problem definition, and case studies.

51:15 Start by learning, absorb, set goals, learn rhythm.

54:24 Quick social media post leads to resolution.

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 about shaping a career that truly fits the life you aspire to have. 

Listeners will learn to take command of their career journey by knowing their worth, making strategic decisions like a CEO, and managing their internal team of one with confidence. The discussion also tackles imposter syndrome by calling for a balance of humility and assurance. Erin demystifies the concept of motivation, showing how action breeds the drive to succeed, and underscores the power of self-recognition in your professional progress.

Whether you're navigating uncertainty, wrestling with self-doubt, or simply looking to refine your career strategy, this episode offers practical tips and relatable advice to guide you forward. Tune in for a realistic roadmap to cultivating the mindset you need to design, market, and propel your career—and ultimately, yourself—towards your goals.

00:00 Crafting, marketing, and selling yourself for success.

03:32 Discussion about career development, CEO roles, and support.

09:57 Strategies for self-managing work and decisions.

13:17 Recognize and manage internal and external roles.

14:40 Struggling with progress, seeking recognition and validation.

19:58 Embracing confidence leads to humble self-assurance.

21:27 Boost confidence by owning gifts boldly, acknowledge achievements.

26:22 Reflect on past experiences, consider current capacity.

30:38 Take action to start the motivation cycle.

31:50 Track effort, progress to boost motivation cycle.

35:05 Effective communication through asking and answering questions.

40:04 Navigating self-doubt and growth in career.

41:43 Professional outcomes, powerful storytelling, identity formation, human experience.

46:06 Likability and openness matter in professional interactions.

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 actionable advice and real-world examples, highlighting the importance of proactive career management.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into unlocking exponential success in your professional journey.

00:00 Early investment in time and career important.

03:35 Update LinkedIn profile before starting job search.

07:08 Negotiating is crucial for long-term salary.

10:58 Build authentic, small professional network early.

14:20 Negotiate wisely, network for success, career roadmap.

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 the deeper, emotional side of portfolio creation, offering valuable advice for anyone navigating their career advancement. So, grab a cup of coffee and join us as we explore how to overcome portfolio mindset hurdles and take charge of your career growth.

00:00 Framework benefits all career stages, freelance leverage.

03:42 Erin Lindstrom discusses challenges in creating portfolios.

07:07 Avoiding grief from toxic work experiences.

12:49 Clarity in design leads to marketing success.

16:09 Community support boosts motivation and success.

18:27 Email for help, focus on portfolio storytelling.

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 the secrets to making your career stand out!

00:00 Opportunity to enhance UX portfolio in 3 weeks.

05:23 Companies should focus on benefits, not features.

09:00 Summarize your work with its impact and why.

13:12 Focus on benefits to capture people's interest.

14:17 Closing plea for engagement and feedback. Goodbye.

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.

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 portfolio sprint benefits all career stages.

04:52 Limited VIP spots available for UX portfolio sprint.

09:09 Revive portfolio sprint for improved job readiness.

10:58 Follow framework for year; FAQs about UX.

17:33 Create a timeless portfolio with effective presentation.

19:04 Enrollment closes on March 22, starts March 25.

🎬 Watch Sarah's free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in today's UX job market

👉 Join Sarah Doody's Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.