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

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.

00:00 Dealing with ghosting in the job search.

03:49 Ghosting may not always be intentional in hiring.

07:54 Follow up for information, keep it concise.

12:34 Control negative thoughts, focus on what's manageable.

13:45 Reframing ghosting in the job search.

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To follow up or not follow up after a UX job interview? Most people send a cookie cutter “thank you” and hope for the best. But in today’s competitive UX and Product job market, that’s not enough.

Your job interview follow-up message isn’t just a formality, it’s an opportunity to stand out from the sea of other candidates who disappear after the call.

A thoughtful UX job interview follow-up email can keep you top of mind, reinforce your value, and even spark a second conversation that moves you closer to an offer.

In this episode, Sarah Doody, shares a simple, strategic way to follow up after UX job interviews that doesn’t feel forced or generic, and takes less than 5 minutes to do.

Topics discussed in this episode:

- Why visibility after a UX job interview is just as important as before

- What most people get wrong about thank-you notes

- How to avoid sounding generic (or like ChatGPT wrote it for you)

- A powerful way to personalize your follow-up

- How to “extend the life” of the job interview

- What to listen for during the job interview to use later

- Why follow-up emails can lead to asynchronous conversations

- A 2-minute post job-interview habit to set yourself up for success

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - 00:45: Intro

00:46 - 02:10: Why visibility doesn’t stop after the job interview

02:11 - 03:40: Why generic job interview follow-up messages don’t work

03:41 - 05:00: A better way to follow up (with real examples)

05:01 - 06:10: Post job interview habits that boost your follow-up game

06:11 - 07:15: How this applies to your UX job search and beyond

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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 choose who to listen to, minimizing information overload.

00:40 Tips to make clearer, intentional decisions in career.

04:31 Focus on what's within your control.

10:34 Balance information gathering with taking actionable steps.

11:51 Share and discuss to help get unstuck.

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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 conclusions you reached, you'll gain clarity on your short and long-term goals.

Click here to get Sarah’s annual review workshop for just $29!

The episode also offers a valuable resource to dive deeper into the annual review process, providing practical tools for strategic career and life planning. Whether you're seeking career growth, work-life balance, or simply a clearer focus, this episode will equip you with actionable steps to steer your career in the right direction.

Tune in to kickstart a mindful and intentional year ahead!

02:02 The 5 review questions to ask yourself this year

03:07 Reflect on past year experiences, assign emojis.

08:16 Identify valuable conclusions, visualize 2025, align decisions.

10:29 Reflect on past year to improve 2025.

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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 advice for individuals at different career stages, such as climbers, switchers, and launchers, and emphasizes the significance of collaborative action and leveraging personal experiences.

Erin invites listeners to reflect on their own confidence spectrum and challenges them to explore the boundaries of humble confidence. A message of empowerment and personal growth resonates throughout the episode, providing valuable takeaways for individuals seeking to overcome imposter syndrome in their careers.

00:00 Addressing systemic barriers to leadership, overcoming doubt.

05:19 Overcoming imposter syndrome and self doubt.

09:02 Approach with humble confidence for success.

10:51 Coping mechanisms and building humble confidence.

14:18 Free masterclass on CEO mindset shifts.

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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 Doody lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

05:08 Workshop and portfolio for experienced UX professionals.

09:40 Imposter syndrome in different career transitions.

12:45 Discussion about a book on neuroscience concepts.

13:46 Positive thought is powerful but requires effort.

19:27 Important decision-making requires thoughtful contemplation despite busyness.

23:39 Self-reflection on growth and learning opportunities.

25:28 Career Strategy Lab: Career as a product.

29:25 Boot camp feels like yesterday, time flies.

31:45 Interview process remains consistent, adapt to remote.

35:09 Spoke at the Front Conference in Zurich.

38:01 Community involvement can give false sense of progress.

41:38 Being vocal in communities, extroverted vs. introverted.

45:03 Social media's impact on career strategies.

49:45 Focus on fixing company hiring and UX.

53:40 Advocate for mindset and enforcing it.

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This episode originally aired on the Honest UX Talks Podcast.

This conversation ranges from learning how to position oneself strategically in the competitive job landscape to the art of finessing career materials such as resumes and portfolios.

Sarah shares innovative strategies for treating your job hunt as you would a UX project, emphasizing tailored applications, meaningful networking, and the human touch in technology-driven processes. With real-world examples and actionable advice, Sarah addresses common pitfalls and how to craft your narrative beyond checkbox portfolios.

Whether you're an aspiring designer eager to break into the industry or a seasoned pro looking to pivot your approach to job applications, today's conversation promises to arm you with the tools you need for success.

Tune in as we dissect the fundamentals of creating standout UX portfolios, crafting personalized cover letters, and navigating hiring practices that truly resonate with employers in diverse industries and geography.

01:01 Accidental journey into UX careers, coaching, portfolio.

05:33 Companies hired more despite pandemic; user experience.

09:17 Post-program challenges: job search, self-marketing, competition.

13:15 Focused on career education and personal branding.

17:29 Candidates should consider opportunities beyond fang companies.

21:19 Understanding and empathy for companies in hiring.

24:39 User research portfolio: demonstrate, not just state.

27:56 Portfolio doesn't need every UX process tick.

29:10 Boot camp presentations aren't suitable for portfolios.

32:18 Apply to fewer jobs with more care.

35:21 Customize cover letter, resume, and portfolio strategically.

39:06 Personalize experiences, prioritize people over platforms.

43:03 Effective communication: question, connection, and relevance.

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This show was originally aired on the NN/g UX Podcast  hosted and produced by Therese Festenden.

In this episode we dived into the heart of what makes a truly rewarding career – it's not the flashy title or the next paycheck, but the fulfillment you get from the impact you create and the skills you bring to the table.

Therese and I talked about curating a portfolio that reflects real-world problem-solving, not just textbook processes, and the value of strategic thinking for career advancement.

If you're chasing job satisfaction and meaningful projects in your UX journey, tap into your inner problem spotter and embrace every opportunity to learn and adapt. Remember, it's about making your role work for you, building a career that resonates with your passion, and planning ahead.

Learn more about NN/g here: nngroup.com

047: Crafting a Fulfilling UX Career Beyond Titles and Salaries

00:50 Sarah is self-taught in information architecture, focused on research.

03:46 Multiple self-administered titles, significant impact on career.

09:21 Transitioning careers requires self-education and confidence.

10:55 Acknowledging undervalued experiences in transitioning professionals.

14:06 Reassess goals and expectations when seeking UX work.

20:02 Encouraging individual research and skill development.

22:51 Regret over past portfolio choices, advice valuable.

23:56 Portfolio must reflect perfect UX process requirement.

27:26 Prioritizing efforts based on experience and need.

32:47 Focus on fulfillment beyond title and salary.

34:34 Reflect on key experiences to reach goals.

36:29 Embrace strengths, find gaps, present solutions diplomatically.

42:23 Fulfillment comes from meaningful work and impact.

45:14 Listen to podcast, follow Sarah on socials. Share.

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This week’s episode is an interview with product designer and Career Strategy Lab alumni, Melody.

The job search can be a whirlwind of ups and downs. Melody shares how she kept a level head and used what she learned in our career coaching program to land a job with a company she had already applied to and been rejected from!

Listen to hear the real experiences, obstacles, and victories of a CSL Alumni!

00:38 A quick intro with Erin

02:21 Let’s meet Melody!

04:28 Interaction design is the future of design

08:31 The CSL crossover of art and business

11:15 The frustrating job search before joining CSL

15:07 Well made career materials can carry you a long way

19:43 The job search roller coaster

23:12 Keep applying, it can work out!

26:36 Melody’s tips for keeping a healthy mindset!

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In this "Open House" episode, we're joined by Career Strategy Lab alumni, Laura, Malavika , and Carlos, who each have their unique stories of transformation and success to share with you.

Laura, a product designer at Cisco in Miami, shares her journey through the lab and the remarkable turnaround from nearly 60 job applications to landing interviews and a coveted job offer. Carlos talks about his career aspirations, the battle with rejection, and the momentous shift he accomplished with the help of CSL, now finding his groove at Covenant Eyes. And Malavika, whose persistence and newfound confidence through CSL led her to stand out among over 800 applicants to join Health Equity as a senior UX designer.

We discuss the value of experience, the importance of maintaining consistency, and the courage to confidently wait for the right job opportunity.

05:32 Deciding to switch jobs, facing role mismatches.

08:02 Job search frustration transformed by mentor program.

11:39 Gained confidence, stood out in designer career.

13:05 Rejection letter led to self-confidence and clarity.

19:03 Contract to full-time transition at Cisco.

22:58 Structured, relevant case study impressed interviewers.

24:55 Preparing to document for future case studies.

29:40 Fear of not landing job or mentorship.

30:57 Facing hesitation but achieved good investment outcomes.

36:19 Challenges for career switchers in framing experience.

39:57 Excitement for career strategy lab and alumni feedback.

42:53 Hiring doesn't slow down during holidays. Be ready to apply for jobs at any time.

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