Career Warrior Podcast

Happy New Year! In this episode, we dive into Amazon’s controversial return to office mandate, requiring employees to work in-office five days a week starting January 2, 2025. With 73% of employees considering quitting, we’ll unpack the backlash, the CEO’s stance, and how it could signal a larger shift in the job market.We also explore:✅ The impact of return-to-office policies on company culture, productivity, and retention.✅ What these changes mean for remote job seekers, with data from recent studies and labor reports.✅ Why cracks are forming in a once-hot labor market and how it affects your career strategy.Plus, we’re thrilled to announce a rebrand for 2025! Expect even more tactical advice for landing higher-paying jobs, advancing your career, and improving your health and wealth. Tune in for exciting updates about the show, including more guest episodes, deeper dives into company culture and mental health, and direct answers to your burning career questions.Listen now to prepare for what’s ahead in your career journey!👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube for exclusive content! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Still struggling to land a job in 2024? Whether you’ve faced layoffs, radio silence from employers, or feelings of professional stagnation, this episode is for you.Join me, Chris Villanueva, Founder and CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma, as I share four powerful strategies to help you turn things around—no matter how tough this year has been. With over a decade of experience working with 10,000+ job seekers and creating career content that’s reached hundreds of thousands, I’ll guide you through actionable ideas that could make a difference by the end of this episode.Ready to take the next step in your job search? Let’s dive in.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.

Are the holidays really a good time to job hunt? In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, we dive deep into whether applying during the holiday season is worth your effort. Spoiler alert: it is!Here’s what you’ll learn:Key hiring trends, including the 216,000 job growth in December 2023 and the 63% hiring surge in January 2024.Why applying in December gives you a head start for January's new hiring budgets.How reduced competition during the holidays can make you stand out.The rise of hybrid and remote roles—reflecting the preferences of 90% of job seekers.Holiday networking strategies to build connections that last.From targeting high-demand industries like tech and healthcare to leveraging festive gatherings for career growth, this episode is packed with actionable advice to keep your job search momentum strong.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.

Are You Wasting Time Applying to Jobs That Don’t Exist? How to Spot Fake Job Postings and Protect Your Search 🕵️‍♂️In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a growing problem in the job market: fake job postings. A recent survey by Resume Builder found that nearly 40% of companies posted fake job listings this year. So why, in a year marked by hiring freezes and mass layoffs, do companies continue to list roles they don’t plan to fill? And how can you, as a job seeker, identify which jobs are real and which are just digital ‘ghosts’?We'll look at the surprising reasons behind fake job listings, including 'pipeline building,' where companies stockpile résumés for future roles, and how some use these postings to inflate their public image, signaling to investors or clients that they’re thriving. Other companies may post ghost jobs to gauge the talent pool, check market salaries, or even secure their budget, regardless of any real hiring intent. Some reasons are relatively harmless, while others feel outright deceptive.More importantly, we’ll break down actionable steps you can take to avoid wasting time on these listings. Chris will share how to conduct a '360° company check,' spot red flags like vague job descriptions, outdated posting dates, or too-good-to-be-true roles, and even leverage your network to verify job openings.Whether you're just starting your job search or have been at it for months, learning how to avoid fake job postings can keep your momentum up and help you focus on the real opportunities. Tune in for a complete guide to navigating ghost jobs so you can save time, avoid scams, and land a genuine role faster!Follow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, we're tackling the top resume challenges that job seekers face today. From getting past the bots to quantifying achievements, I’ll walk you through essential resume tips to help you stand out. I’ll share specific strategies for overcoming each of these common hurdles and making your resume shine.Topics Covered:Getting Past the Bots: Learn how to optimize keywords so your resume makes it through ATS filters and grabs the attention of hiring managers.Being Concise: Discover effective ways to showcase your most relevant experiences while keeping your resume impactful and to the point.Perfecting Formatting: Tips on choosing an ATS-friendly format that looks polished, professional, and easy to read.Switching Careers: Explore strategies for highlighting transferable skills to make a strong case for career pivots or industry changes.Quantifying Achievements: Understand how to showcase your accomplishments—even if you don’t have hard metrics—by emphasizing key contributions.Tune in to get actionable resume advice that will help you navigate these top resume challenges and improve your job search in 2024 and beyond!Follow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you using the top LinkedIn keywords to boost your profile in 2024? In this episode, we’ll explore how the right LinkedIn keywords can help you stand out to recruiters. With 87% of recruiters relying on LinkedIn, it’s essential to optimize your profile with the best top keywords for LinkedIn to attract attention in a crowded job market.We’ll cover the key categories to focus on, like position titles, location, and skills. Whether you’re in marketing, engineering, or HR, knowing how to leverage these LinkedIn keywords is crucial. For example, adding five or more skills to your profile can increase recruiter messages by up to 33x!LinkedIn functions like an applicant tracking system, so it’s vital to know where to place your top LinkedIn keywords—from your headline to your experience section. Learn how to make your profile visible to the right recruiters and land more interviews.I’m Chris, founder of Let’s Eat, Grandma, and we help mid to senior-level professionals get noticed. Tune in for practical advice to help you take control of your LinkedIn presence.Follow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re diving deep into the story and strategies of someone who chased success relentlessly, only to find that it wasn’t the key to a balanced, meaningful life. My next guest is Mike Gardon, Founder of Rejoin Coaching where he helps achievement-oriented professionals Break corporate dependence and build self-directed lives Mike is a former trader turned entrepreneur, who also holds an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship. He has built a career in online media previously holding roles at Money.com, Reviews.com, was Managing Editor at The Simple Dollar. Mike is widely quoted in media including The Huffington Post, Forbes, Business Insider, Yahoo News. Right now, Mike resides in the beautiful Midwest with his wife and 3 young boys, and the family is building their side hustle, Quote Book.We’ll explore the journey of breaking free from the corporate grind – and learning how to craft a self-directed, holistic approach to work and life. If you’ve ever wondered how to map out your strengths, run life experiments, or take control of your career on your own terms—this episode is for you.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Rejoin MediaListen to Career Cloud RadioConnect with Michael on LinkedInFollow us:Follow Chris on LinkedInCheck us out on InstagramSubscribe to Let’s Eat, Grandma’s YouTube channel for video podcast highlights Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I brought on Kerri Twigg, the founder, and operator of Career Stories.Through courses and coaching, Kerri helps people use their stories to grow their careers, whether they aim for a “job-job” or running their own business. And, if they’re not sure what kind of work, she helps with that too. She has been helping people find and share their stories with confidence for nearly 20 years, seven in the career management sector. She also supports businesses as they restructure or downsize, and helps support their employees who experience change or job loss. So as you can see, Kerri is going to be just awesome, and this episode is going to really help you out if you’re struggling with integrating personal narratives in your job-hunting strategy!Resources:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaGrab your own copy of Kerri’s latest book, “The Career Stories Method”Reach out to Kerri directly at kerri@career-stories.comFollow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaConnect with us, Schedule a call hereCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we dive into the controversial question: should you lie on your resume? Joined by Jonaed Iqbal, founder of NoDegree.com, we explore the tough decisions job seekers face, especially those without a degree.While lying may seem tempting, we discuss smarter ways to highlight your strengths. You’ll also hear insights on AI in resumes, whether your LinkedIn should differ from your resume and more. Tune in for honest resume advice that will help you stay true to yourself while standing out in the job market.ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaJonaed’s social media handles are below:Connect with Jonaed on LinkedinCheck out NoDegreeCareers on InstagramFollow Jonaed on FacebookFollow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaConnect with us, Schedule a call hereCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We dive into the hot topic of AI resume builders and the critical warnings job seekers need to know before using them. With AI tools becoming increasingly popular, nearly 45% of job seekers are now turning to generative AI to craft their résumés. But is this the best move for your career? I'm Chris Villanueva, CEO and Co-Founder of Let’s Eat, Grandma, I'll unpack the risks associated with AI resume builders and how they might impact your job search. From misleading formats to content inaccuracies, I'll share why your resume still needs a human touch and how to use AI strategically instead of relying on it as a crutch. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how AI is shaping the future of resume writing and what you need to know to stay ahead.Follow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re diving into the secrets of networking success that anyone can use, regardless of their educational background.We have a special guest who has cracked the code on building a world-class network without a degree. Jonaed Iqbal is the Founder of NoDegree.com and host of The NoDegree Podcast (200+ episodes) where he interviews people without college degrees and has them share their stories so others can follow in their path. Jonaed is a career coach and professional resume writer has helped over 700 candidates. He has over 300 recommendations at the bottom of his LinkedIn profile and his clients have gotten jobs/interviews at places like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Spotify, Tesla, TikTok, Disney, and more. He is committed to shattering the stigma that college is the only path to success.Get ready to uncover practical tips and real-life stories that will transform your approach to networking and job searching. If you're eager to boost your career and learn strategies that can help you stand out, you won't want to miss this episode. Let's get started!ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaJonaed’s social media handles are below:Connect with Jonaed on LinkedinCheck out NoDegreeCareers on InstagramFollow Jonaed on FacebookFollow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaConnect with us, Schedule a call hereCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I brought on legendary CWP repeat guest, Maya Grossman. Maya is a Career Coach, 2x VP of marketing, and a best-selling author.She spent 15 years in the corporate world growing from an individual contributor to a VP, achieving 10 promotions in 15 years, and working for some of the best companies in the world (Microsoft and Google). Now Maya teaches ambitious professionals how to level up into executive roles, make quantum leaps in their careers and earn high 6 figures, without working harder. Whether you're just starting your professional journey or you've been in the career “matrix” for years, understanding these truths can be a game-changer.In 2024: At least 57,172 workers at U.S.-based tech companies have lost their jobs so far in the year.Out of our last clients at Let’s Eat, Grandma: 27.3% of our last 200 clients have been laid off.To read a quote from a top executive in the hiring space “The labor market is 100% changed from two years ago. Employers are holding the cards now.”But our message today is the total opposite. It’s to tell you that you do have negotiating leverage. Employers don’t have all the cards. And whatever struggles you’re going through now – is only temporary! This event (recorded live in Austin, TX) was a transformative session designed to help job seekers push past barriers, overcome setbacks, and break into top leadership roles, even if they have been laid off.ResourcesConnect with Maya on LinkedInCheck out Maya's WebsiteGet promoted fast and often, Get this course nowConnect with Chris on LinkedIn Follow us:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaConnect with us, Schedule a call hereCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we’ll cover some essential and practical tips for senior job seekers or those applying for upper management positions. We'll discuss:How Senior-Level Resumes Are Different: Understand the unique elements that make senior-level resumes stand out.Landing Interviews: Strategies to ensure your resume gets noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.Beyond Experience and Accomplishments: Why solid experience alone isn't enough to secure the job.Overqualification Issues: Why being overqualified can be as detrimental as being underqualified and how to navigate this trap.Follow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast, where our mission is not just to help you land your dream job but to empower you to live your best professional life!I’m Chris Villanueva, CEO and Co-Founder of Let’s Eat, Grandma. In this episode, we dive into the pressing issues of today’s job market and provide actionable tips to help you stand out. Whether you’re currently job hunting or preparing for future opportunities, this episode is packed with valuable insights.In this episode, we’ll cover:1. What’s Going On in the Competitive Job Market? Current layoff trends and job market saturation.2. How to Stand Out and Land More Interviews and optimize your resume.3. Navigating the Economic Landscape4. Building a Strong Professional NetworkFollow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Matt Villanueva, Co-Founder of Let's Eat, Grandma, as he attempts to demystify aspects of the job market, one by one, in his second installment of "Matt's Coffee Thoughts." Grab your Chai Latte or Red Bull and prepare to learn:Fact vs. Fiction: Separating what's really going on with professionals vs. the folklore being perpetuated online.The Reality of Career Changes: Explore why career pivots are increasingly common and how to navigate them effectively with insights from career coaching expert Dr. Ben Ritter and the team at Let's Eat, Grandma.Embracing Your Career Path: Understand the value of being a generalist versus a specialist and how to leverage your unique skills and experiences across various industries.Advice for Career Changers: How to successfully make the leap through a career change.Follow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInResources Mentioned: Ikagai - https://medium.com/@marenkate/ikigai-and-the-four-ps-how-to-get-paid-enjoy-your-work-solve-problems-and-find-purpose-8c9dc615648fLoyalty Tax - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/some-employees-paying-loyalty-tax-heres-why-/Dr. Ritter LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter-leadershipdevelopment/Dr. Ritter Website - https://benjamin-ritter.com/Austin Meetup - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3-destructive-job-search-mistakes-to-avoid-free-linkedin-headshots-tickets-869222988357?utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reminder_attendees_48hour_email&utm_term=eventname&ref=eemaileventremindTalk to Matt here - https://meetings.hubspot.com/matthew-villanueva?uuid=ce53d8a9-238c-45db-976d-64749426d7d5Career Clarity - https://www.amazon.com/Turn-Steps-Clarity-your-Career/dp/0997596104 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In my opinion, job seekers are far too confident when it comes to their ability to interview. The reality is that most folks are just average at interviewing. However, for you, the career warriors aiming for the top positions, I’m calling you to be the best interviewee you can be.Just to start out some things, here are some fun facts about the job interview process: According to Forbes, you only have seven seconds to make a strong first impression.67% of recruiters believe that maintaining eye contact is essential for making a positive impression (Jobspin).82% of hiring managers employ virtual interviews (Indeed).So, consider this episode an opportunity to pick up a thing or two about those interviews you may or may not hate.This may be the thing…Today I brought on the amazing Sam Owens who is a veteran guest here on the podcast.sam is the founder of Sam’s Career Talk where he provides career coaching services and helps people land their dream jobs and thrive in them. He is also a chief marketing officer who has worked for three multi-billion dollar companies in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, and now runs marketing for Freezing Point, the makers of Frazil. He is the author of I HATE JOB INTERVIEWS, an exciting book that will be released by HarperCollins on June 4 of 2024....and let’s launch right into it with the Career Warrior Podcast! ResourcesGet more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaCheck out Sam’s Career TalkConnect with Sam on LinkedInFollow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast, where our mission is not just to help you land your dream job but to empower you to live your best professional life! In this episode, Chris, the founder and CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma, shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you revolutionize your resume and stand out in today’s competitive job market.We will discusses five creative ways to make your resume shine. From crafting attention-grabbing titles at the top to highlighting key accomplishments using the SPAR technique, you’ll learn how to captivate hiring managers and showcase your unique value proposition.Plus, find out why incorporating a powerful quote or testimonial at the top of your resume can set you apart from the competition. And don’t overlook the significance of subtle yet bold design choices to make your resume visually appealing and memorable.Whether you’re a struggling job seeker or a seasoned professional looking to level up your career, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you craft a standout resume that gets noticed.Join us on the Career Warrior Podcast and unlock the secrets to making your resume a powerful tool in your job search arsenal. Head over to letseatgrandma.com for a free resume critique and exclusive giveaways for our listeners.Tune in now and take the first step towards securing your dream job!Resources:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaList of Questions Asked on a Job ApplicationLinkedIn Members Can Now Spotlight Career Breaks on Their ProfilesShould You Use the LinkedIn Career Break Feature?Yes, You Need to Re-Enter Your Resume Info on Those Darn Job Applications — Here’s Why.Why an Interview Portfolio Will Land You the Job Follow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Matt Villanueva, Co-Founder of Let's Eat, Grandma, as he demystifies the job market in "Matt's Coffee Thoughts." Grab your favorite mug of *energizing beverage* and listen along as you join Matt on a journey of discovery and growth as job seekers. In this inaugural episode, Matt delves into:The Pitfalls of Job Statistics: Learn why stats can be overwhelming and how to navigate through them effectively. Starting with recent news highlights, from fluctuations in jobless claims, GDP growth, and even current application response rates.Practical Strategies for Job Seekers: Get started TODAY with a few actionable tips, using the principles of Kaizen, from resume refinement to strategic networking and building your elevator pitch, in order to enhance your job search.Join Matt for expert insights tailored to today's competitive job landscape, and take the first step towards understanding trends in the labor force and responding appropriately.Citations/Resources:US Weekly Jobless Claims Fall to 207KUS Weekly Jobless Claims: 211KFollow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterConnect with Matt and Chris Villanueva on LinkedInCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are you ready to revolutionize your job search? In this episode, we're delving into some of the most pressing questions from job seekers, tackling topics from LinkedIn career breaks to crafting impressive interview portfolios. Join us as we uncover the strategies that will set you apart in today's competitive job market.🔍 Question 1: Should You Use the LinkedIn Career Break Feature?Navigate the complexities of career gaps with insights from Reem Abouemera and Chris. Discover the potential benefits and pitfalls of utilizing LinkedIn's Career Break feature and learn how it can impact your job search strategy.📝 Question 2: Yes, You Need to Re-Enter Your Resume Info on Those Darn Job Applications — Here’s Why.Unravel the mysteries of applicant tracking systems (ATS) with expert advice from Chris. Explore why re-entering your resume information on job applications is crucial for maximizing your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.💼 Question 3: How can I use a sample portfolio for a job interview?Unlock the power of interview portfolios with a step-by-step guide from letseatgrandma.com. From cover pages to work samples, discover how to create a compelling portfolio that showcases your skills, experience, and suitability for the job.Join us as we delve into these key questions and equip you with the tools you need to ace your next job interview. Don't miss out on this essential advice for standing out in today's competitive job market!Resources:Get more help on your applications from Let’s Eat, GrandmaList of Questions Asked on a Job ApplicationLinkedIn Members Can Now Spotlight Career Breaks on Their ProfilesShould You Use the LinkedIn Career Break Feature?Yes, You Need to Re-Enter Your Resume Info on Those Darn Job Applications — Here’s Why.Why an Interview Portfolio Will Land You the Job Follow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are You Using the Top Keywords for Your LinkedIn in 2024?Do You Need to Include the Company’s Address (or Yours) on a Cover Letter?How should I phrase my professional experiences on my resume? For this episode and next episode, I’m focusing on some very specific and great questions from our blog. This is such valuable data because these questions certainly surprised us as top questions that were being asked. ResourcesDo You Need to Include the Company’s Address (or Yours) on a Cover Letter?Are You Using the Top Keywords for Your LinkedIn in 2024?Synonyms to Use for “Responsible For”Follow us:Use Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on InstagramFollow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.