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Career Warrior Podcast
#236) ATS Myth Busting | Kamara Toffolo
It may come as no surprise that the Applicant Tracking Systems or ATS is one of the most common concerns for job seekers. For that same reason, it’s one of the top topics with surrounding misconceptions being perpetuated by professionals in the resume writing industry. Well we’re here to team up with a LinkedIn Top voice and superstar to start busting some myths.
Kamara Toffolo is a resume writer, LinkedIn consultant, and job search strategist who helps her clients worldwide DARE to do work differently! Kamara has worked with high-achieving professionals from Canada, USA, UK, Australia, Japan, India, UAE, and Brazil, to name a few. Kamara was recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in 2020. She has been featured in major media including Forbes, Business Insider, Inc., The Wharton School Business Radio, and LinkedIn News among others.
So let’s get you the downright truth about the ATS, and by the end of this episode, we’re hoping that all of you will become insiders for how the system really works.
Resources:
Kamara’s Youtube Channel.
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356. #356) 5 Tweaks to Make Your Resume Stand Out in a Competitive Market
18:02||Season 1, Ep. 356In this episode, we’re going to cover 5 changes you can make to your resume to stand out even in a competitive market. Depending on where you’re applying, things are getting competitive out there – perhaps the most it has been in a long time. You’re going to need a resume that not only looks good, but one that does some extra things to stand out. We’ll cover those today. You’ll hear about the resume design tip that matters the most. So much that you could skip the other ones and probably be ok…You’ll hear about how to actually write a good summary.And we’ll cover ways to get past the ATS and what we as resume writers mean when we say to focus on keywords. If you want to land interviews faster and stand out in a competitive job market, this is the episode for you.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 Instagram355. #355) The Absolute Best Way to Use LinkedIn | Donna Serdula
33:00||Season 1, Ep. 355In 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 Instagram354. #354) How Should Cover Letters Be Used in 2025?
09:53||Season 1, Ep. 354Are cover letters still worth your time in 2025? In this episode, we're diving into the evolving role of cover letters in the hiring process. With AI tools making it faster than ever to generate materials, standing out is more important than ever. We'll explore what hiring managers actually want to see and how you can use your cover letter to rise above the noise.You'll learn: ✅ Why cover letters still matter (even if they matter less than they used to) ✅ How to use your cover letter to genuinely stand out — not just check a box ✅ Creative ideas like video cover letters and personalized emails to get noticed ✅ The #1 mistake most candidates make when writing cover lettersIf you're serious about landing your next job, this episode will show you how to turn your cover letter into a secret weapon.🔗 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 Instagram353. #353) What Does the ATS Really Want? Updates for 2025
14:56||Season 1, Ep. 353Want 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 Instagram352. #352) Navigating Career Shifts: From Finance to UX to Transitioning Out of Non-Profits [Audience Q&A]
13:42||Season 1, Ep. 352Let’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 Instagram351. #351) The Job Market Is Confusing as Hell—What’s Really Going On? | February LEGUpdate
14:27||Season 1, Ep. 351The 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 Instagram350. #350) The One Resume Change That Saves You Time and Gets Results
09:00||Season 1, Ep. 350In this episode, we break down a simple yet powerful resume strategy that most job seekers still aren’t using in 2025. This one tweak saves recruiters time, makes your applications more effective, and speeds up your job search. We’ll cover:Why this approach works (and what marketing legends can teach us about resumes)How to craft a compelling first impression that makes hiring managers stop and take noticeReal-world examples of what works and what doesn’tA step-by-step guide to writing yours todayIf you want to land interviews faster and stand out in a competitive job market, this is the episode for you.Follow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInUse Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on Instagram349. #349) LinkedIn Tips to Boost Your Profile: The 5 Worst Mistakes Holding You Back
11:56||Season 1, Ep. 349Your LinkedIn profile is the online representation of your professional brand. Are you accidentally driving opportunities away? In this episode, we’re diving into the five biggest LinkedIn mistakes you need to fix today. We’ll cover:Why your photo could be giving off the wrong impression (and how to fix it)The headline mistake that keeps you stuck in the past instead of opening new doorsHow a bland, AI-generated summary can sabotage your personal brandWhy your work experience still isn’t selling you the way it shouldThe hidden power of LinkedIn engagement (and why ignoring it costs you visibility)Even if you’re not job hunting now, your LinkedIn presence shapes your future opportunities. Tune in to make sure your profile is working for you—not against you.Follow us:Follow Let's Eat, Grandma on LinkedInUse Chris' LinkedIn for the newsletterCheck us out on Instagram348. #348) Audience Q&A: Career Gaps, Skills Gaps, and Why You’re Not Getting Interviews
07:38||Season 1, Ep. 348Let’s Eat, Grandma Career Warrior Podcast – Q&A Edition!In this special episode, we take questions from our audience to tackle some of the most pressing job search challenges. Whether you’re struggling with resume tweaks, LinkedIn strategies, or how to handle career gaps, we’ve got you covered.Here are the questions we’ll address:Should I add a photo to my resume or LinkedIn profile? Learn when and why it might (or might not) be a good idea.I’m not getting any interviews. One listener from Pakistan shares their strategy of listing New York as their location to attract visa-sponsored jobs. We’ll break down how to navigate this scenario effectively.Why am I not getting interviews? For another listener, the solution might lie in targeting and trimming their resume. Hear why less is often more.How do I address a career gap? We’ll walk through the best ways to explain time away from the workforce while keeping your application strong.How do I list skills and computer proficiency when it’s my weak area? Learn how to position yourself confidently while improving in areas where you may feel lacking.This episode is packed with actionable advice to help mid-to-senior-level professionals tackle their job search hurdles with clarity and confidence.🔗 Need more help? Check out our resume services at Let’s Eat, Grandma to land your next big role.