
Career Warrior Podcast
Chris Villanueva, CEO & Co-Founder of Let's Eat, Grandma resume service, proudly hosts the Career Warrior Podcast for job seekers of all backgrounds. You will hear job-hunting strategies from industry leaders, resume experts, and top coaches to help guide you through your career.This show retells the stories and struggles of job seekers, industry professionals, and brave startup founders. Hear about their career pitfalls and how they climbed out of them in these episodes.The Career Warrior Podcast covers the best career-related content by discussing all topics relevant to all entry-level applicants, mid-career candidates, and high-level executives - from the ideal resume page formatting to writing a resignation letter. We want you to become the best professional you can be in your career! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Apr 14, 2025 • 11min
#359) 228K Jobs Added — Yet Tariffs and Market Fears Loom Large | April LEGUpdate
The March jobs report is in — and while nonfarm payrolls rose by 228,000, signs of instability are rippling across the economy. With losses in government jobs, volatile stock markets, and recession warnings tied to looming tariffs, many job seekers are left wondering: what’s next?Despite the headlines, now is not the time to retreat. Learn what you must do to stay competitive in a tightening market, why networking is your greatest ally, and how to adapt your strategy before things get tougher.This is your career wake-up call — don’t miss it.For your free resume critique, head on over to www.letseatgrandma.com and submit yours today.Follow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInUse Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 7, 2025 • 33min
#358) Self-Leadership, Creating Your Own Path, & Overcoming Limiting Beliefs | Elizabeth Lotardo
Welcome to 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!Elizabeth Lotardo helps organizations drive emotional engagement. She is a consultant, writer, and training creator who has worked with leaders at every level in over 150 organizations including Salesforce, DraftKings, Hilton, and numerous Berkshire Hathaway organizations. She’s designed programs for senior leaders, frontline managers, and entry-level teammates that enable everyone to create more purpose-driven work experiences.Elizabeth is a wildly popular LinkedIn Learning Instructor, with millions of views on her courses like Leading without Formal Authority, Finding Your Purpose at Work, and Leading Yourself. She has a bachelor’s degree in advertising from Boston University and a master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and is a contributor for Harvard Business Review. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and on NPR.Elizabeth’s newest book, Leading Yourself, is about creating meaning, joy, and opportunities at work, even when your job is far from perfect. She’s also the co-author of Selling with Noble Purpose.Today’s episode is about forging your own path and leading yourself to the career you deserve. Don’t wait for someone else to direct your career. Take control today!Resources:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Elizabeth's book, Leading YourselfConnect with Elizabeth on LinkedInFollow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInUse Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 31, 2025 • 30min
#357) Job Search Rejection, Ghosting, and Building Confidence | Elvi Caperonis
Elvi Caperonis, Founder of Reinvent Yourself, brings 15+ years of experience from Amazon and Harvard University as a Project Management Professional and Scrum Master. In this discussion, Elvi emphasizes the importance of confidence in overcoming job search rejections and shares strategies to navigate emotional challenges. Personal branding takes center stage as they explore effective self-marketing techniques. Listeners gain insights on mastering interviews through preparation and the STAR method while addressing the impact of ghosting and building resilience.

Mar 24, 2025 • 18min
#356) 5 Tweaks to Make Your Resume Stand Out in a Competitive Market
Discover five game-changing tweaks to make your resume shine in a crowded job market. Learn the one design tip that could be more impactful than all the rest. Understand the art of writing a compelling summary that captures attention. Dive into strategies for navigating applicant tracking systems by focusing on relevant keywords. Perfect for job seekers eager to land interviews more quickly!

Mar 17, 2025 • 33min
#355) The Absolute Best Way to Use LinkedIn | Donna Serdula
In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, I sit down with Donna Serdula, one of the top LinkedIn experts in the world. Donna is the founder and president of Vision Board Media and the creator of LinkedIn-Makeover.com, where she and her team help professionals craft compelling LinkedIn profiles that open doors. She’s also the author of LinkedIn Profile Optimization For Dummies and the host of the Dream Big with Big Dreamers podcast.Donna shares game-changing strategies to take your LinkedIn presence to the next level—whether you’re job searching, growing your network, or just trying to stay top of mind in your industry. You’ll learn:✅ The biggest misconceptions about LinkedIn (and how to avoid them) ✅ How to network effectively—without being self-promotional ✅ The secret to writing comments that actually spark engagement ✅ The two most critical profile optimizations you can’t afford to ignorePlus, Donna shares an inspiring Dream Big success story about someone who transformed their career using LinkedIn the right way.If you’re ready to stop lurking and start leveraging LinkedIn, this is the episode for you. Let’s launch right into it! 🚀Resources:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out LinkedIn-MakeoverConnect with Donna on LinkedInFollow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInUse Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 10min
#354) How Should Cover Letters Be Used in 2025?
In 2025, cover letters are still relevant, but their role is evolving. Discover how to craft compelling cover letters that truly stand out. Explore creative formats like video cover letters and personalized emails that make a lasting impression. Learn the common mistakes candidates make and why avoiding them is key. This engaging discussion will equip you with strategies to leverage your cover letter as a powerful asset in your job search.

Mar 3, 2025 • 15min
#353) What Does the ATS Really Want? Updates for 2025
Want to get your resume past those darn Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)? You're not alone — and the game is changing in 2025.In this minisode, we're breaking down exactly how ATS software works, what’s changed with AI advancements, and the resume strategies you actually need to stand out. Whether you're a seasoned job seeker or dusting off your resume for the first time in years, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and boost your chances of landing interviews.You'll learn: ✅ How ATS software filters and ranks applications (with a fun food analogy to make it click) ✅ Why keyword stuffing doesn't work anymore — and what to do instead ✅ What AI is doing behind the scenes to predict candidate success ✅ Actionable tips to craft a resume that speaks to both the robots and the humans reading itIf you're applying online and not hearing back, this episode is for you.🔗 Need more help? Check out our resume services at Let’s Eat, Grandma to land your next big role. Request your free resume critique today.Follow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInUse Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 24, 2025 • 14min
#352) Navigating Career Shifts: From Finance to UX to Transitioning Out of Non-Profits [Audience Q&A]
Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast – Q&A Edition!In this episode, we dive into a Q&A session where I answer real questions from listeners navigating career changes. From transitioning from tech to UX, overcoming job search rejections, to finding the right roles after a career shift, I’ll share practical tips on how to craft your career story, target the right opportunities, and land that next big job. Whether you're pivoting industries or struggling to articulate your experience, this episode is packed with actionable advice for your career journey.To submit your own resume for review, head on over to letseatgrandma.comFollow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInUse Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 17, 2025 • 14min
#351) The Job Market Is Confusing as Hell—What’s Really Going On? | February LEGUpdate
The job market in 2025 is shifting—hiring is softer than expected, job switching is at a low, and some industries are feeling the squeeze. But what does this really mean for you? In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, we break down the latest job market trends, the surprising revisions to 2024 employment data, and which industries are winning (or losing) right now.We’ll also dive into the evolving role of DEI in the workplace, how AI is impacting IT jobs, and most importantly—where you can pivot next if your industry is shrinking. Whether you're a mid-to-senior-level professional looking for a job or just keeping an eye on market trends, this episode will give you the insights you need to stay ahead.Don’t navigate your job search alone! Visit Let’s Eat, Grandma for expert resume help and get the edge you need.🎧 Tune in now and get the LEGUP on your career in 2025!Follow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInUse Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 10, 2025 • 9min
#350) The One Resume Change That Saves You Time and Gets Results
Discover a transformative resume strategy that many job seekers overlook. This approach not only captures recruiters' attention but also streamlines your application process. Learn how to craft an impactful first impression with techniques drawn from marketing legends. Real-world examples and a step-by-step guide will equip you to create a standout resume. Optimize your job search in today’s competitive market by implementing this powerful tweak!