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 | InstagramIn 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 experienceResources & Next Steps:💬 Love this episode? Share it and tag @sarahdoody with your favorite insight.⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover Career Strategy Podcast.🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you thrive in your UX career.Timestamps:01:41 Meet the Guest: Fritz's Journey02:52 Challenges in the Job Market03:15 The Role of Career Strategy Lab05:11 Importance of Networking and Feedback06:49 Building Confidence and Storytelling09:19 Holistic Approach to Career Development16:03 Long-Term Career Strategy18:59 Final Thoughts and Advice22:33 Conclusion 🎬 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.

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 | InstagramWould you ever design a product without doing user research first? Of course not. So why do so many UX professionals walk into job interviews without researching their users—the interviewers?In this episode, Sarah Doody shares a simple but powerful strategy that can completely change the tone and outcome of your UX job interviews. You’ll learn how to connect on a human level with interviewers by doing just a bit of thoughtful research—and how those small moments of connection can tip the scales in your favor.This isn’t about manipulation. It’s about building trust, showing empathy, and making your job search more human.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why researching your interviewers is a game-changer✔️ How one candidate at Meta used a single question to create a 5-minute connection✔️ What to look for in someone’s LinkedIn, blog, or social posts✔️ Examples of conversation starters that feel natural—not forced✔️ How to show up as thoughtful, intentional, and memorable in your interviewsWhether you're early in your UX career or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you build stronger relationships—and better results—from every interview.Resources & Next Steps:💬 Love this episode? Share it and tag @sarahdoody with your favorite insight.⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover Career Strategy Podcast.🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you thrive in your UX career.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy00:56 The Power of Human Connection in Interviews01:29 Real-Life Example: Making a Personal Connection02:54 LinkedIn Post Breakdown04:05 Why UX Research Matters in Interviews05:27 Tactical Tips for Interview Research08:18 Creating Conversation Starters09:37 Conclusion and Homework11:04 Final Thoughts and Contact Information🎬 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.

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 | InstagramYou might think soap operas have nothing to do with your UX job search, but in this episode, Sarah Doody shows you why that thinking might be keeping you stuck and invisible.Back in the 1930s, Procter & Gamble created soap operas to sell, well… soap. But what they really created was one of the most effective audience engagement strategies in marketing history. And today, you can apply the same four principles to dramatically improve your visibility and momentum as a UX job seeker.Whether you’re on the job hunt now or preparing for the future, this episode will reframe how you think about visibility, consistency, and strategy—and show you exactly where you might be going wrong.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why visibility, not just talent, gets you hired✔️ The 4 key takeaways from Procter & Gamble’s soap opera strategy✔️ How to show up where your audience (aka recruiters & hiring managers) are already hanging out✔️ Why timing and repetition are critical to your job search success✔️ What most UX portfolios and resumes get totally wrong✔️ The mindset shift that turns your job search from passive to powerfulResources & Links Mentioned:📌Avoid this mistake when writing your LinkedIn profile headline (Podcast)📌How commenting and posting on LinkedIn can land you more interviews and opportunities (Podcast)📌 What to post on LinkedIn to increase your visibility in your job search (Podcast)📌 LinkedIn mistakes to avoid & how to optimize your LinkedIn profile (Podcast)📌Stop Sending Recruiters Cold Emails & Get Them To Reply By Doing This Instead (Podcast)💬 Love this episode? Share it and tag @sarahdoody with your favorite insight.⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover Career Strategy Podcast.🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you thrive in your UX career.Timestamps:00:33 Unlocking Career Success with Strategy00:55 Soap Operas and Your UX Job Search01:24 The Birth of Soap Operas: A Marketing Masterstroke02:13 Applying Soap Opera Strategies to Your Job Search03:49 Lesson 1: Go Where Your Audience Is05:53 Lesson 2: Design for Your Audience08:26 Lesson 3: Repetition Builds Trust10:59 Lesson 4: Timing Matters13:05 Conclusion: Applying the Soap Opera Strategy15:11 Final Thoughts and Contact Information🎬 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.

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 | InstagramIf you’ve applied to 100+ UX jobs and still haven’t landed an interview or offer… this episode is your wake-up call.Sarah Doody shares the tough love and practical insights you need to finally pause, reflect, and strategically pivot your job search. Because applying to more jobs isn’t the answer—strategy is.This episode is part pep talk, part intervention, and fully packed with real talk about what it takes to get hired in today’s competitive UX job market.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why applying to 100+ jobs without results is a sign—not a failure✔️ The difference between a numbers game and a strategy game✔️ Why being great at UX doesn’t mean you’re great at getting hired✔️ How to assess what’s really not working in your job search✔️ The mindset shifts and next steps that will actually move the needleIf you’re feeling discouraged, stuck, or ready to give up—this one’s for you.Resources & Next Steps:💬 Love this episode? Share it and tag @sarahdoody with your favorite insight.⭐ Support the show! Leave a rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover Career Strategy Podcast.🔔 Follow & Subscribe for weekly stories, strategies, and mindset shifts to help you thrive in your UX career.Timestamps00:59 The Job Search Intervention03:13 Identifying the Problem04:01 Real-Life Analogies06:30 The Need for Change08:49 Seeking Expert Help09:28 Facts vs. Emotions17:05 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.

Learn how to supercharge your UX job applications by mastering your resume! Discover why a strategic approach is key to navigating Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). From the importance of a clear, single-column format to avoiding common pitfalls, insightful tips abound. Get the lowdown on crafting tailored resumes that speak directly to job postings and maximizing your chances for interviews. Uncover why using two versions of your resume could be essential and why a one-page format might hinder your 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 | InstagramWelcome to another Open House episode of the Career Strategy Podcast! In this episode, Sarah Doody sits down with Jon Simmons, a seasoned product designer currently navigating the UX job search.Jon shares his experience of revamping his portfolio, refining his job search strategy, and preparing for senior-level interviews after a layoff. He discusses how shifting his portfolio approach from a website to a presentation format significantly improved his job prospects and how structured storytelling and community support made a difference in his confidence and clarity.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The importance of stepping back from just tweaking your portfolio and doing deeper self-reflection✔️ How portfolio presentations (vs. websites) give you more control over your job search narrative✔️ The role of mindset and confidence in positioning yourself for high-level UX roles✔️ Why community and structured frameworks can prevent burnout and job search frustration✔️ Jon’s insights on interviewing for principal product designer roles and adapting to today’s marketTimestamps01:43 Episode Overview and Open House Context03:14 John's Journey in Career Strategy Lab07:12 Portfolio Presentation Insights15:58 The Importance of Self-Reflection18:03 Advice for Prospective Members20:06 Conclusion and Community Highlights21:47 Closing Remarks and Call to Action🎬 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.

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 who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | InstagramIn this special Open House episode, Sarah Doody sits down with Career Strategy Lab (CSL) alum Sarah Page to discuss her journey navigating the UX job market. From being laid off as a creative director to landing a Senior UX Designer role in health tech, Sarah shares the mindset shifts, job search strategies, and portfolio insights that helped her stand out.She also reveals the unexpected format of her interviews, how she positioned her diverse experience to appeal to hiring managers, and why letting go of what’s out of your control is a game-changer in your job search.If you’re struggling with rejection, resume gaps, or feeling “overqualified” and “underqualified” at the same time—this episode is for you!What You’ll Learn:✅ Why job rejections often have nothing to do with you (and how to move forward)✅ The power of a well-structured portfolio—and why Figma slides worked better than a website✅ How to confidently position diverse experience (even across industries!)✅ The mental shift that helped Sarah stay motivated through uncertainty✅ How social proof (from hiring managers, peers, and CSL feedback) builds confidence✅ The real role of interviews (hint: sometimes it’s just a vibe check!)✅ Why finding the right company fit matters more than tweaking your resume endlessly✅ How Sarah strategically approached salary negotiation and total compensationTimestamps01:50 Open House Overview03:22 Success Stories and Strategies05:47 Navigating the Job Market09:15 Interview Experiences13:45 Negotiating Job Offers17:08 Advice for Job Seekers20:45 Conclusion and Farewell🎬 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.

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 who founded the UX job search accelerator, Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | InstagramPromotions don’t just happen—you have to advocate for yourself! In this episode, Sarah breaks down the inspiring story of Marco, a Senior Product Designer who secured a 37% increase in total compensation by leveraging his annual review process, gathering compelling evidence, and using the tools from Career Strategy Lab to make his case.If you’ve ever wondered how to position yourself for a promotion, this episode is a must-listen. Sarah walks through Marco’s exact strategy, from recognizing his value to structuring his performance review, so you can apply the same tactics in your own career.What You’ll Learn:Why promotions don’t happen by chance—you have to make the case for yourself.How Marco used UX case studies from Career Strategy Lab to showcase his impact.The importance of peer reviews and selecting the right colleagues to vouch for you.How to prepare for performance review season all year round—not just weeks before.Why documenting your achievements is crucial for both promotions and job searches.Links & Resources:Join Career Strategy Lab to fast-track your job search or promotionIf this episode resonated with you, tag Sarah on social media or leave a quick review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!🎧 Listen now and start setting yourself up for your next promotion!Timestamps00:38 The Importance of Strategy in Career Growth01:02 Case Study: Marco's Journey to Promotion02:02 Marco's Strategy: Leveraging Career Strategy Lab04:15 Steps Marco Took to Secure His Promotion07:54 Key Takeaways: How to Advocate for Yourself10:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement11:36 Conclusion: Stay Connected and Share Your 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.

Want to get hired in UX faster? Click here.Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast with Sarah Doody, a UX Designer & UX Researcher who also founded the UX job search accelerator Career Strategy Lab. She's been doing UX career coaching since 2017.Follow Sarah on: LinkedIn | YouTube | InstagramIn this episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah Doody breaks down the key steps to getting hired—whether for a full-time job or a freelance contract. Through the story of Emily, a former fashion and beauty marketer turned UX writer, Sarah illustrates how refining your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile can dramatically increase your opportunities and earning potential.Emily’s journey highlights the power of strategic career marketing—starting with a $35/hour contract, she grew her rate to $125/hour in under six months. Sarah shares actionable insights on how you can position yourself as the ideal candidate, attract job offers and freelance clients, and confidently communicate your value to decision-makers.Key TakeawaysWhy the hiring process for full-time and freelance work follows the same fundamental principles.How Emily used Career Strategy Lab to refine her portfolio, LinkedIn, and resume—unlocking new career opportunities.The importance of treating every professional interaction as a potential interview.How to iterate on your resume, portfolio, and LinkedIn profile based on feedback.Why contract work can be a stepping stone to full-time roles (or a lucrative career path on its own).How Career Strategy Lab can help accelerate your job search—and even count as a tax-deductible expense for freelancers.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction to Career Strategy01:01 Meet Emily: A UX Writing Success Story02:34 Emily's Journey to Freelance Success05:23 The Financial Upside of Freelancing08:21 Key Lessons from Emily's Experience11:55 Final Tips and Conclusion14:12 Wrap-Up and Contact Information🎬 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.

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 | InstagramIn this episode, Sarah dives into the hidden costs of navigating your job search alone and why a DIY approach may be holding you back. Many job seekers spend months stuck in a cycle of applying, tweaking resumes, and feeling frustrated—without realizing they’re wasting valuable time, missing opportunities, and facing an unnecessary emotional toll.Sarah breaks down why job searching requires strategy, positioning, and persistence—not just endless applications. She also shares what successful job seekers do differently, including treating their job search like a UX project, getting strategic with LinkedIn, and investing in the right tools and guidance to accelerate results.If you’re tired of going in circles and want to land a job faster and smarter, this episode is for you!What You’ll Learn:✅ The #1 hidden cost of a DIY job search (hint: it’s not just time wasted)✅ Why “busy work” like tweaking your resume daily doesn’t move the needle✅ How to spot FSP activities (False Sense of Progress) and focus on what works✅ The missed opportunities that cost you job leads and interviews✅ The mental and emotional toll of job searching alone—and how to fix it✅ How to structure your job search like a UX project to get hired faster✅ The biggest mistakes job seekers make on LinkedIn (and what to do instead)✅ Why successful job seekers seek feedback early and oftenResources & Links Mentioned:📌 How to Post Strategically on LinkedIn (Podcast📌 Steven’s Success Story – How He Landed a UX Research Role📌 Join Career Strategy Lab & Get Expert GuidanceTimestamps:00:21 Welcome to the Career Strategy Podcast01:04 The Hidden Costs of Navigating Your Job Search Alone02:47 The Real Impact of a DIY Job Search03:18 Time: The Most Expensive Hidden Cost05:59 Missed Opportunities in Your Job Search09:58 Mental and Emotional Toll of a DIY Job Search13:59 What Successful Job Seekers Do Differently14:12 Treating Your Job Search Like a UX Project16:08 Understanding the Users of Your Job Search18:35 Learning from Proven Tools and Guidance20:41 Creating Structure and Accountability25:21 Breaking Free from the DIY Approach27:42 Conclusion: Reflecting on Your Job Search Approach29:05 Career Strategy Lab: Your Next Step30:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell🎬 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.