AI is everywhere in the job search—and it’s being marketed like crazy. But if you’ve tried using it, you know the truth: it’s confusing, overwhelming, and easy to misuse.

In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, Chris Villanueva—Founder & CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma—pulls back the curtain on how to use AI responsibly and strategically in your job search without losing your voice, your sanity, or your results.

Chris breaks down where AI is powerful, where it’s dangerous, and how job seekers should actually be using tools like ChatGPT across their resume, cover letters, and outreach—especially as ATS systems continue to evolve.

You’ll hear real, practical examples, including:

• How to use AI for job search lead generation
• How AI fits into a smart job search strategy (and where it absolutely doesn’t)
• A breakdown of advanced search tactics (including sourcing decision-makers) and how to ethically use that data
• How to ask AI where you should apply if you’re feeling unclear or stuck
• Using AI to check spelling, expose keyword gaps, and identify the right titles and nouns recruiters look for
• How to tailor resume summaries and cover letters for specific roles without sounding robotic
• When AI helps creativity—and when it quietly sabotages your chances

Chris also shares updates on how ATS systems are changing, what job seekers need to do differently in 2026, and why relying too heavily on AI can actually reduce intent and callbacks.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

👉 Get a free resume critique at letseatgrandma.com—reviewed by real experts, not AI. (You’ll also be subscribed to our newsletter for ongoing job search insights.)

AI isn’t the enemy. But using it blindly might be.

GOOGLE QUERY EXAMPLE IN THE EPISODE: site:Linkedin.com/in "VP of Operations" "Austin" "@gmail.com" OR "@yahoo.com” OR “@hotmail.com” OR “@outlook.com” OR “@aol.com” OR “@icloud.com"

CHATGPT QUERY EXAMPLE FROM THE EPISODE: Format the data below into a table with these columns: Full name, Company name, Website URL, Email, Phone Number

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Most leaders strive for this praise but are thrown into the deep end - responsible for up to 260 meetings a year and expected to know how to motivate teams, navigate tough conversations, and drive results with little guidance. 

This episode is all about becoming leadership. So if you’re trying to step into a new role or even just become a better boss, this episode is for you. 

Today’s guest is Ashley Herd, former Head of HR North America at McKinsey, national keynote speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice who has trained over 250,000 managers.

She has a new book coming out tomorrow, February 6th entitled, The Manager Method: A Practical Framework to Lead, Support, and Get Results (February 10, 2026 // Hay House), she helps managers at every level lead with confidence, navigate challenges, build strong teams, and avoid burnout.

Topics we explore in this episode:

•  Major challenges that managers face
• Why you should challenge yourself to become a better leader. Shouldn’t real world experience be enough?
• How a career quilt, a collection of career experiences, can shape you as a leader.
• How the “Pause–Consider–Act” framework helps managers lead with confidence
• Why leaders NEED to take time off
• Ways a manager can stop micromanaging while keeping accountability high
• How AI can make leaders more human by improving communication, time management, and connection

Resources Mentioned

• ORDER ASHLEY’S BOOK, THE MANAGER METHOD: Managermethod.com/book
• Connect on LinkedIn with Ashley Herd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyherd/
• Connect with Chris, the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-villanueva-cprw/
• Let’s Eat, Grandma — Resume writing services to help you stand out with clarity and confidence.

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AI tools are everywhere. Resume templates are getting longer. Applications are easier than ever to submit. And yet—fewer people are getting interviews.

In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, we break down what’s quietly going wrong on modern resumes—and why “doing what everyone else is doing” is now working against you.

You’ll hear how well-intentioned strategies are backfiring, why more effort doesn’t always mean better results, and how the job search has shifted in ways most professionals haven’t fully adjusted to yet. We’ll also talk about where candidates are losing credibility without realizing it and what actually cuts through the noise in today’s crowded market.

If you’re a mid-to-senior level professional applying for roles and wondering why your resume isn’t opening doors like it used to, this episode will help you recalibrate before you waste another month applying the same way.

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As we kick off a new year, it’s not enough to hope things get better at work—you need a plan.

In this episode, we break down 5 practical ways to hit the ground running, whether you’re staying put, eyeing a promotion, or quietly preparing for your next move. The job market has shifted, managers are stretched thin, and “business as usual” career advice no longer cuts it. This is about being intentional, strategic, and realistic.

You’ll learn how to:

• Have a clear, adult conversation with your boss about intent—without making it awkward or risky
• Revisit your accomplishments (even the messy ones) and turn last year into leverage
• Use a simple Start / Stop / Continue exercise to create momentum fast
• Set income goals that don’t rely solely on your current job
• Identify roles you actually want—and talk to insiders who can help you get there

If you’re job seeking, we’ll also cover one of the most powerful (and underused) networking questions you can ask—and how to set the intention so people actually help you.

Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, Grandma

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Are you feeling stuck, overworked, or like your career is moving without intention? In this episode, I sit down with George Appling, author of Don’t Settle: A Pick-Your-Path Guide to Intentional Work, to explore how you can design a career that actually fits your values, strengths, and goals.

We dive into questions like:

• How do you know if you’re settling in your career—and what to do about it?
• What are the five paths most people overlook when choosing work?
• Can “following your passion” actually be bad advice?
• How can you make intentional career choices without burning out or overthinking?

George shares actionable insights, real-life stories, and the framework he used to build a meaningful career on his own terms. By the end, you’ll walk away inspired to take control of your work, rethink your options, and pick the path that’s right for you.

Learn more about George Appling and his book here:

George Appling – Website

Don’t Settle – Pick-Your-Path Guide to Intentional Work

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This is the Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast, where our goal is not only to help you land your dream job but to help you live your best life! Today we’re going to talk about why the End of the Year Is One of the Best Times to Get Hired.

But today we’re not just here to talk about December and timing. This episode will cover ways to get competitive in a time when you think there are no opportunities. We’ll cover AI, the current job market, and common mistakes people are making at this time. 

My next podcast guest is a gem and his mission is to knock down stories that are holding people back. 

Dr. Eric Woodard is a career and leadership strategist who has helped more than 10,000 professionals across 70 countries build confidence and clarity in their job search.

He is the founder of Win at Work, a Washington, DC–based coaching firm that helps professionals land better jobs, faster. Eric also has a fascinating background, having served in roles at the White House, the U.S. Senate, the State Department, and the Smithsonian Institution. He is recognized as a Master Certified Coach (MCC) by the International Coaching Federation.

Questions we explore in this episode:

• How can professionals stay confident when the job market feels uncertain or discouraging?
• What are the most common blind spots holding high-achievers back in their careers?
• What mindset shifts matter most when transitioning industries, leveling up, or reinventing yourself?
• How can candidates manage stress and self-doubt during interviews?
• What does effective career strategy actually look like today?
• What are Eric’s “Win at Work” principles—and how can you apply them immediately?
• 
  

Resources Mentioned

• Let’s Eat, Grandma — Resume writing services to help you stand out with clarity and confidence.
• Dr. Eric Woodard — Learn more about his coaching work, free consultations, and career development resources at WinAtWork.io.
• Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwoodard/

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Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are evolving fast — and job seekers need to keep up. In this episode, Chris Villanueva, CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma Resume Service, breaks down how AI is reshaping the way resumes are read, ranked, and filtered before they ever reach human eyes.

You’ll learn how to write a resume for ATS that actually gets noticed — from using the right keywords and phrasing to emphasizing measurable results that align with modern AI algorithms. Chris also reveals how tools like Workday and Greenhouse are changing the hiring process and what this means for your job search strategy moving forward.

Don’t let outdated advice cost you interviews.

Tune in to learn the new rules of resume writing in the age of AI — and if you’re ready to see how your resume stacks up, get a free expert critique at letseatgrandma.com.

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AI is changing the job search game — fast. Layoffs are making headlines, recruiters are turning to automation, and job seekers are using ChatGPT to generate resumes and cover letters at lightning speed. But in a world of less personalization and more noise, how do you stand out?

In this episode, Chris Villanueva, CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma, breaks down how artificial intelligence is reshaping both sides of the hiring process — from AI recruiters scanning thousands of candidates in seconds to job seekers relying on generative tools for applications. He dives into the real implications of these changes, the fears behind recent layoffs at companies like Amazon and Meta, and what it all means for your career.

Chris also shares practical advice for adapting to this new landscape without losing your human edge. You’ll learn why now is the time to diversify your skills, when to hold steady in your current role, and how to make your resume uniquely you in an increasingly automated world.

Your career story shouldn’t sound like everyone else’s — and it doesn’t have to. Listen in for a realistic and encouraging take on how to thrive when AI is changing the job search faster than ever.

👉 Want to see how your resume stacks up? Visit letseatgrandma.com to submit your resume for a free, human critique from one of our expert writers.

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In this rebooted episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, we’re revisiting one of our most inspiring conversations — with international career strategist Sonal Bahl.

Sonal isn’t your average career coach. With nearly two decades of global HR leadership experience at companies like GE and PwC — and over 250,000 resumes reviewed — she’s seen firsthand what it takes to stand out in any job market. But what makes her story powerful is that she’s been exactly where many job seekers are today: struggling to land opportunities in the middle of a recession.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Sonal went from rejection after rejection to landing five job offers — and the exact steps, mindset shifts, and storytelling techniques that got her there. This is perfect for you if you feel like the current job search landscape is stacked against you.

We’ll cover:

• How to bounce back from rejection and turn setbacks into strategy
• Why focusing on your strengths can completely transform your job search
• The evolving role of LinkedIn and how to use it to attract opportunities
• Whether an MBA is worth it in today’s market
• Sonal’s favorite interview advice that most people overlook

If you’re feeling stuck, overlooked, or just ready to land the job you deserve, this episode will reignite your confidence and give you the tools to make it happen.

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We have a special episode replay that deserves special attention today. We’ll discuss how to adapt to rapid changes in the world, which can save your career.

Today I brought on Fawn Germer, a four-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and best-selling author of nine books including an Oprah book.

Fawn is a global keynote speaker who has presented to more than 80 Fortune 500 companies. For her new book, Coming Back!, this four-time, Pulitzer-nominated journalist interviewed more than 300 CEOs, senior executives, professors, workplace consultants and professionals to find out why so many professionals sputter out mid-career and how to keep their careers alive.

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