120: How a Sr UX Researcher got hired at Amazon after a layoff & 2 year job search

Applied to 50+ UX or Product jobs & still no interviews or offers? Get UX job search help.

Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher with 20 years of experience who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.

Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram

In this candid and encouraging open house conversation, Sarah Doody interviews Fritz Boyle, a UX researcher and Career Strategy Lab (CSL) graduate who recently landed a program manager role at Amazon—after nearly two years of job searching.

Fritz shares what changed when he finally stopped spinning his wheels and committed to a strategic process. From rebuilding his portfolio and resume with intention, to regaining confidence through storytelling, community, and reflection, Fritz walks us through the exact mindset and tactical shifts that helped him move from burnout to breakthrough.

Whether you’ve been job searching for months or you’re just starting out, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to get clear, realign your strategy, and step into the next chapter of your career with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why applying to every UX job doesn’t work—and what to do instead

✔️ How creating a portfolio isn’t just about design—it’s about clarity and confidence

✔️ The role of community and coaching in rebuilding after rejection

✔️ How Fritz moved from doubt to a leadership role in AI research at Amazon

✔️ Why following a structured process made all the difference

✔️ What it looks like to think long-term about your UX career (not just your next role)

Where Fritz Works Now:

🎯 Program Manager at Amazon, leading AI-powered UX research initiatives for the shopping experience

Resources & Next Steps:

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Timestamps:

01:41 Meet the Guest: Fritz's Journey

02:52 Challenges in the Job Market

03:15 The Role of Career Strategy Lab

05:11 Importance of Networking and Feedback

06:49 Building Confidence and Storytelling

09:19 Holistic Approach to Career Development

16:03 Long-Term Career Strategy

18:59 Final Thoughts and Advice

22:33 Conclusion 

🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025

👉 Join 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.