Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody | UX, Product Design, UX Research

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 your portfolio format. Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on this critical aspect of your career development journey.

00:00 Choose portfolio format strategically for the best reception.

05:34 Portfolio not for learning code, consider costs.

07:58 Customize portfolio to match each job's requirements.

12:07 Use job application portfolio for interview presentation.

16:02 Portfolio on website for job opportunities unlikely.

18:38 Follow Sarah Doody on social media, share.

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✨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 failure to pay attention to crucial details can speak volumes to potential employers.

With actionable advice and thought-provoking insights, this episode offers valuable strategies for job seekers to elevate their approach and stand out in a competitive job market. Tune in as Sarah Doody shares valuable lessons on the power of attention to detail in the job search.

Timestamps

01:15 How to stand out in the job search

03:24 Testing attention to detail with Brown M and M's.

05:35 Secret words in instructions

06:09 Attention to detail is crucial in job search.

08:41 Thanks for listening, see you next time!

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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 and translate the skills gained during your break to potential employers.

➡️ Learn why embracing your career journey, from caregiving to dealing with pandemic waves, is an asset.

➡️ Dive into why it's crucial to align with companies that value your experiences, and how to spot these opportunities.

Ready to reframe your perspective and feel empowered about career breaks? Then this episode is for you.

Share it with someone who might be worried about their breaks too!

00:00 Gaps in resume are not a red flag.

05:10 Value career breaks, don't hide them.

07:07 Pandemic normalized career breaks, shift mindset, share.

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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 personal checklist beyond job title and salary that includes factors like company culture and growth opportunities. Get insight on making intentional choices, tapping into your community for better job leads, and why quality trumps quantity in your applications.

Facing rejection? In this episode you’ll earn how to turn setbacks into growth and recognize when to tweak your approach. Instead of sending out masses of resumes, find out how targeted communication with key people can open doors that job boards can't. And when it comes to interviews, we discuss how presenting your past projects effectively can make all the difference.

Let’s dig in to how creating genuine connections within companies is crucial, not just for the job at hand, but for your career trajectory. If you're feeling bogged down by the job search process, this episode offers fresh perspectives and actionable advice to keep you grounded and moving forward.

Timestamps

00:00 Define career value criteria to guide job search.

09:28 Consider company culture, growth opportunities, and travel.

10:55 Define career value criteria to streamline job search.

20:00 Strategic, clear, concise, and friendly cold emailing.

23:52 Leverage LinkedIn for networking and job opportunities.

30:42 Focus on impactful activities, build relationships, customize.

34:33 Pause, review career materials, focus on quality.

40:36 Companies use social media to attract talent.

48:04 Ensure your application materials create strong first impression.

50:40 Reflect on what's working, focus on improvement.

01:01:08 Find community support to navigate career challenges.

01:02:52 Reflect on job search, grow beyond rejection.

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