Career Contessa

Landing a job in today's market takes more than submitting applications and hoping for the best. Recruiter, career coach, and content creator Emily Durham ("Emily the Recruiter") shares what hiring managers are actually looking for in 2026, the biggest mistakes candidates make, and the practical strategies that lead to more interviews and better offers. If you're job searching, considering a career pivot, or simply want to stay competitive, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
You'll learn:
What recruiters actually look for first on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and application.
How to network, interview, and negotiate salary with confidence in today's hiring market.
The three actions to take this week if you want to land a new job within the next 90 days.

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily.the.recruiter/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emily.the.recruiter
Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQTM8RQR?lv=shuf&redirect=true&tag=randohouseinc47720-20&channelId=1&plpRedirect=mhFallback
Podcast: https://pod.link/1505520809?fbclid=PAAaaxnLRkpCu19e-HFhhvwjmTjzZkHMXRsFhpw_1zChmw5dM144xiv-_OeXU
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/d58604ea1659/newsletter

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:
Granola is an AI-powered notepad that makes your meeting notes useful. You can try it totally free—head to granola.ai/CONTESSA.
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Shopify handles all facets of business so that you don’t have to use 10 different systems. Start your free trial at shopify.com/careercontessa.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling the pressure to make a big career move before the year ends? You're not alone. In this episode, licensed clinical psychologist Anne Josephson explains why ambitious professionals often mistake burnout for clarity during the "Fall Crunch"—and shares practical, evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety, quiet overthinking, and make career decisions with confidence instead of urgency.
You'll learn:
How to tell the difference between burnout-driven impulsivity and a genuine desire for career change.
Why tying your self-worth to productivity fuels anxiety—and how to break the cycle.
Practical CBT and DBT techniques to reduce overwhelm, improve focus, and feel more grounded during high-pressure seasons.

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
https://uptownpsychologyny.com/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:
Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at tumbleliving.com/CONTESSA #Tumble #ad
Visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA to take an additional 10% off your next purchase.This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA or use code CONTESSA at checkout.
Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feel busy all day but still behind? It’s not your time—it’s your mental overload.
In this episode, Lauren talks with Liane Davey, author of Thoughtload, about how to reduce overwhelm and work more effectively.
You’ll learn:
Why being busy doesn’t equal being productive
How to protect your focus and reduce distractions
One simple shift to get more done this week

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
https://lianedavey.com/books/thoughtload/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:
Go to granola.ai/CONTESSA and try Granola on your next call.
Ready to make it part of your routine? Go to Timeline.com/CONTESSA20 to shop the full-size Timeline Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator and save up to 20%
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your 40s are supposed to feel like you’ve “made it.” So why does it often feel like a reset?
In this episode, Lauren talks with Stacey Lindsay, author of Being 40, about why midlife can spark a major career shift—and how to navigate it with clarity and confidence.
You’ll learn:
Why your 40s can trigger a career reset
How to know when it’s time to pivot
What success can look like next

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
https://www.amazon.com/Being-40-Letting-Go-Embracing/dp/0593831195
https://www.staceylindsay.com/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:
Head to Superpower.com and use code CONTESSA at checkout for $20 off your membership. Get 100+ biomarkers tested every year, plus a personalized health plan and on-demand care team. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod
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Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod
Start your free trial at shopify.com/careercontessa.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI is everywhere right now—and so is the pressure to “figure it out.” If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or behind, you’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren sits down with Jill Ozovek to unpack what’s really driving AI anxiety—especially for knowledge workers—and why it’s less about technology and more about identity. They break down the biggest misconceptions about “learning AI,” and how to start experimenting in a way that actually feels manageable.
You’ll learn:
Why AI anxiety is really about identity—not just new technology
The difference between using AI vs. building AI (and why it matters)
Simple, realistic ways to start using AI without feeling overwhelmed

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Website: www.mvpclub.ai
Join the community: https://mvp-club.mn.co/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:
Use code CONTESSA at oakessentials.com to get 15% off your first purchase! #OakEssentials #ad
Visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA to take an additional 10% off your next purchase
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.