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

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 | InstagramTransitioning from academia to UX can be daunting, but Ellen’s story proves it’s possible. After 17 years as a professor, Ellen pivoted to a Senior Content Designer role at TD Bank, with Career Strategy Lab providing the strategy, clarity, and confidence she needed to make the leap.In this episode, Ellen shares how CSL helped her reframe her experience, confidently communicate her transferable skills, and land her UX role—all while navigating the challenges of switching careers.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Ellen navigated the shift from academia to UX✔️ Why confidence was her biggest challenge and how CSL helped her overcome it✔️ The importance of understanding how to communicate transferable skills✔️ How she used the Compass Statement to connect her past experience to her new career✔️ The value of having a portfolio and LinkedIn that clearly reflect your skills✔️ Ellen’s tips on standing out during the job search with an authentic, tailored approachTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context01:25 Sarah Doody's UX Career Coaching Journey02:29 Alan's Career Transition Story03:39 Building Confidence and Skills with CSL08:33 Mindset Shifts and Life Lessons10:47 Practical Tips for Job Seekers12:40 Final Thoughts and Encouragement14:04 Podcast Outro and Additional Resources14:44 Special Message for Job Seekers ⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help more UX professionals find this podcast.🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly strategies and stories to help you grow in your UX career—without the burnout.🎬 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.

Welcome to the final part of our three-episode series designed to help you diagnose what's not working in your UX job search, so you can finally fix it. In this episode, Sarah breaks down the third and final symptom of a stalled search: Stranger Syndrome.If you’ve ever felt like you’re being ghosted, not getting referrals, or struggling to build meaningful connections with hiring managers or colleagues, this one’s for you.Sarah explains how to identify the five signs of Stranger Syndrome and why treating your career like a product can help you design, market, and sell yourself with more confidence and clarity.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ What “Stranger Syndrome” is, and why it’s stalling your UX job search✔️ 5 specific symptoms to watch for in your networking and interview process✔️ Why relationship-building is more important than cold outreach✔️ How to “microwave” cold relationships and reconnect with old contacts✔️ The power of the Product of You framework (Design. Market. Sell.)✔️ Why skipping clarity work keeps you stuck in a cycle of job search rejectionRelated Episodes:142: How Laura Landed a Principal UX Design Role Without Applying (and With Only 1 Project in her UX Portfolio)145: [Part 1/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Escaping UX Career Identity Fog & Why Your Identity Is Your Superpower147: [Part 2/3: Diagnose Your UX Job Search] Are you an invisible genius in your UX career?Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Purpose00:38 Diagnosing UX Job Search Problems01:56 The Product of You Philosophy07:36 Understanding Stranger Syndrome08:49 Symptoms of Stranger Syndrome16:08 Overcoming Stranger Syndrome18:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts24:10 Career Strategy Lab Invitation🎬 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, Sarah sits down with Phoenix, a Career Strategy Lab (CSL) member who shares what it's like to be in the middle of their UX job search transformation.Phoenix opens up about the identity crisis that came from trying to be what companies wanted and how shifting toward a product-thinking approach—treating their career like a system—led to clarity, confidence, and traction. This is a must-listen for any UX or product professional feeling stuck, unfocused, or uncertain about how to move forward in today’s job market.You’ll hear Phoenix share the exact moment things started to click, the biggest mindset shifts since joining CSL, and how things like a simple resume rewrite not only clarified their value—but also unlocked a potential $20K salary bump.Whether you’re pivoting into UX, climbing toward leadership, or simply tired of second-guessing yourself, Phoenix’s story will help you see what’s possible when you stop trying to be someone you’re not and start owning what you bring to the table.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Phoenix went from feeling irrelevant to in control of their UX career✔️ Why “conforming” to what employers want actually backfires—and what to do instead✔️ The power of the compass statement and how it transforms resumes, portfolios, and interviews✔️ How systems thinking applies to both UX and job search strategy✔️ The emotional journey of building a personal brand that reflects your true strengths✔️ Why clarity is more powerful than pep talks when it comes to confidenceTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy Lab00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context01:22 Q&A with Phoenix: UX Job Search Insights03:59 Phoenix's Journey: From Uncertainty to Clarity07:33 The Power of a Strong Resume and Compass Statement20:04 Emotional Impact and Personal Growth24:19 Advice for Job Seekers and Final Thoughts🎬 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.

Feeling overlooked in your UX job search? You might be experiencing Invisible Genius Mode. Discover the four signs that signal this frustrating phase, and learn why it’s all about marketing yourself, not just your skills. Sarah introduces her 'Product of You' framework, emphasizing the importance of aligning your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn to tell a consistent story. Get tips on enhancing your case studies to showcase your thinking and learn how to stand out to hiring teams.

After a UX layoff left him uncertain about his next step, Jonathan, a UX leader with 20+ years of experience, turned to Career Strategy Lab to rebuild his confidence, reposition his experience, and take control of his job search. In this open house conversation, Jonathan shares what made the biggest difference: creating a tailored UX portfolio, clarifying his story, and rethinking how he showed up on LinkedIn.Jonathan went from unsure and out of practice to landing multiple interviews, gaining recruiter attention, and receiving an offer—all while feeling more empowered about his future than ever before.If you’re feeling stuck, scattered, or unsure about how to sell yourself in the UX job market, Jonathan’s story will show you what’s possible when you stop guessing and get strategic.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Jonathan reframed his UX career story after 20 years in the industry✔️ Why he downsized his portfolio and tailored it to each job✔️ The mindset shift that helped him stop underselling himself✔️ Why confidence is built through action, not perfection✔️ What helped him go from job seeker to in-demand candidate✔️ Advice for anyone considering joining Career Strategy Lab's UX job search acceleratorTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doody and Career Strategy Lab00:38 Episode Overview and Open House Context02:10 Jonathan's Career Journey and UX Strategy05:48 Tailoring Your Portfolio for Success09:22 The Importance of Confidence and Community Feedback16:45 Final Advice and Encouragement20:10 Conclusion and Podcast Information20:49 Special Message for Job Seekers🎬 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.

Are you a UX professional struggling to explain who you are or what you want next? You’re not alone. Here’s how to clear the fog and move forward with clarity.If you’ve been feeling stuck in your UX career, unsure of your strengths, hesitant to apply for jobs, or wondering if you still belong in the industry, then this episode is for you.Sarah introduces the concept of Career Identity Fog, a feeling of misalignment that can erode your confidence and sabotage your job search.But there’s good news: You can use UX research and strategy tools on yourself to lift the fog and reposition your career with clarity and conviction.This is Part 1 of a special 3 part series on diagnosing your UX job search challenges, so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss the other episodes in this series.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ What Career Identity Fog is—and why so many UX professionals are feeling it✔️ 5 signs you’re stuck in identity fog (and how it’s slowing down your job search)✔️ A 3-part framework to rediscover who you are and what you want in your UX career✔️ Why confidence doesn’t come from trends—it comes from clarity✔️ How one woman got hired by clearly articulating her ideal role on LinkedInTimestamps:00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Career Identity Fog00:31 Understanding Career Identity Fog01:21 Diagnosing Your UX Job Search03:40 Symptoms of Identity Fog in Your Career11:33 Job Search Diagnosis Checklist17:21 Clearing the Identity Fog: Steps to Take23:55 Real-Life Success Stories28:02 Conclusion and Next Steps29:46 Career Strategy Lab: Your Path to Success31:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement🎬 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.

After being laid off and earning a Master’s degree in UX, Melp still wasn’t landing UX job interviews. What changed? She stopped applying to everything and started thinking strategically.In this Q&A from a Career Strategy Lab Open House, Sarah Doody talks with Melp, a UX researcher turned product manager, about the ups and downs of her UX job search journey. Despite years of experience, a Masters degree in UX from the University of Michigan, and hundreds of UX job applications, Melp wasn’t getting traction, until she joined Career Strategy Lab.You’ll hear how she slowed down to get clear, challenged the narrative that she was “difficult to work with,” and started positioning herself as a strategic asset (not a liability). Her confidence began to rebuild, not because of a new certification, but because she finally saw her work for what it was: valuable.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why Melp chose strategy over hustle in her UX job search✔️ How the Career Compass Sprint helped her identify what she really wanted✔️ The mindset shift from “I’m difficult” to “I’m a high-impact team member”✔️ Why she stopped over-preparing and started owning her story✔️ How CSL’s “minimum viable portfolio” mindset freed her up to move forward faster✔️ The difference between traditional career support and CSL’s strategic, in-depth processTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy Lab02:14 Melp's Career Journey and Challenges03:39 The Importance of Finding the Right Job05:25 Deep Dive into Career Compass Sprint07:02 Confidence and Self-Discovery09:02 The Diva Mindset and Environment Fit17:02 CSL's Unique Approach and In-Depth Process22:18 Final Thoughts and Advice for Job Seekers24:13 Conclusion and Podcast Outro24:53 Special Message for Job Seekers🎬 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.

If you’re in a UX job search and wondering, “Is it just me, or is UX hiring slower than ever?” you’re not imagining it. In this episode, we chat with Heather Cassar, VP of People at Narmie (a fintech startup) who brings 15+ years of experience leading hiring, people strategy, and global team growth at companies like Cash App, Uber, Block, and more. Heather brings first hand experience about what's actually happening in UX and Product hiring, on both the startup and enterprise side.In our conversation, we dig into why companies may take longer to hire, what’s changing in how hiring decisions are made, and what UX candidates can do to stand out, even when it feels like you’re sending resumes into a void.Whether you’re actively applying or quietly watching the market, this episode will give you perspective and relief. Heather breaks down what’s happening behind the scenes of hiring pipelines right now and reminds us: just because it’s taking longer doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. There are still ways to stand out, you just need a UX job search strategy that reflects the reality of today’s job market.Check out Narmi's careers page here to see if they're hiring for UX roles!Topics discussed:Why it now takes 12+ weeks (or more) to hire for UX rolesWhat’s causing hesitation on both sides of the hiring tableHow candidate caution is slowing down the top of the funnelWhy Heather says contract roles are NOT a red flag, and can lead to full-timeWhat hiring managers actually look for in resumes and portfoliosTips for standing out even when the job market feels saturatedThe value of clarity, connection, and showing real outcomesHow to tell your story without overselling or downplaying your experienceTimestamps:00:00 – Intro & about Heather’s background00:45 – Why UX hiring feels “wild” right now04:00 – What’s slowing down the hiring process from the company side06:30 – The return of more rigorous headcount approval07:15 – Why candidates are hesitant to even take recruiter calls08:30 – The emotional risk of leaving one “meh” job for another09:15 – Are contract roles bad? Heather’s surprising take10:30 – Why contract roles aren’t a red flag to hiring managers11:30 – What companies actually want to see on a resume12:30 – The importance of storytelling over perfection13:45 – How Heather screens for “intentionality” in candidates15:00 – The challenge of employer branding at smaller companies16:10 – Why “unicorn” job descriptions confuse candidates17:20 – Heather’s thoughts on AI-generated portfolios and resumes18:30 – Referrals vs. cold applications: which one matters more?19:45 – Heather’s take on design exercises and case studies22:30 – Why clarity + connection beats overly polished language25:15 – Common mistakes candidates make in storytelling28:45 – How to stay confident during a slow job search34:10 – Heather’s advice to mid-career UX pros feeling stuck40:25 – Closing thoughts & where to connect with Heather🎬 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.

Think you need a perfect UX portfolio and hundreds of job applications to land a senior UX role? Think again.In this episode, UX career coach Sarah Doody talks with Laura, a former physician turned UX designer, about how she landed a Principal Product Design role, without even applying.Laura shares how she turned a contract job into a 2.5-year role at Cisco, why she joined Sarah Doody's UX career coaching program, Career Strategy Lab, twice. Laura also shares how staying ready (not scrambling) made all the difference when her UX contract ended. Spoiler: she was hired again within two weeks, and her new VP of Product found her on LinkedIn.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Laura pivoted from medicine to UX and built her confidence along the way✔️ Why having just one solid case study was enough to land multiple interviews✔️ The key mindset shift that helped her stand out—even in a competitive market✔️ How staying visible on LinkedIn led to a job offer without applying✔️ Why portfolio perfectionism keeps talented UXers stuck✔️ The benefit of specializing in a niche like cybersecurity or networking✔️ How CSL’s frameworks helped her lead, mentor, and present more confidentlyTimestamps:02:06 Laura's Career Journey and Success with Career Strategy Lab05:23 Importance of Testing and Networking09:06 Specialization and Job Search Strategy12:53 Applying Career Strategy Lab Skills in the Workplace17:39 Final Thoughts and Advice for Job Seekers19:29 Conclusion and Podcast Information20:09 Special Message for Job Seekers🎬 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.

If you've ever wondered why your UX or product design portfolio isn't getting attention, this episode is your answer.In this mini workshop, Sarah walks you through the most critical and overlooked fix you can make to your portfolio right now. It’s simple, strategic, and backed by nearly a decade of hiring results.Spoiler: This isn’t about adding more screens or showing more visuals. It’s about how you tell the story of your work—and it all starts with how you use headlines.Whether you’re mid-job search or quietly preparing for your next move, this portfolio tip will make your work easier to read, more memorable, and more effective for all 3 types of portfolio users: recruiters, hiring managers, and future colleagues.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The 3 users of your portfolio—and what they actually need✔️ Why most portfolios fail the “headline” test (and how to fix yours today)✔️ How to use the inverted pyramid framework from journalism to structure your slides✔️ Why a single, sentence-style headline can change how long someone spends with your work✔️ The easiest way to assess and upgrade your portfolio in under 30 minutesTimestamps:00:00 Introduction to Sarah Doty and Career Strategy Lab00:43 Starting the UX Portfolio Mini Workshop03:23 Understanding the Users of Your Portfolio06:57 The Inverted Pyramid Framework10:59 Practical Portfolio Tips and Examples17:33 The Importance of Headlines in Your Portfolio30:03 Q&A and Additional Advice33:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🎬 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.