From Layoff to Offer in 8 Weeks: How Howard Beat the Worst Job Market for CSMs

CLICK PLAY TO HEAR HOW ONE CUSTOMER SUCCESS LEADER LANDED A DREAM ROLE IN THE TOUGHEST JOB MARKET FOR CSMS:

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Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

What if the only thing standing between you and your dream Customer Success job isn’t the market or your skills, but the exact strategy you haven’t heard yet?

Today, you’ll hear exactly how Howard, a CS pro who faced the most brutal job market of our careers, got laid off with a baby on the way, and still landed multiple final-round interviews and his dream role at Zoom faster than most get a single callback. You’ll hear the concrete, behind-the-scenes tactics that got Howard to the top of the resume pile, the real difference coaching made at every stage, and how the tiniest details (like a single thank-you note) directly translated to offers. We’ll break down why traditional job search advice is failing you, why you’re getting lost in the sea of “400+ applicants,” and exactly how to position yourself so recruiters can’t ignore you—even when the market says otherwise.

You’ll walk away knowing the proven, actionable moves that shortcut months of spinning your wheels and reignite your confidence and momentum, no matter how discouraged you feel right now. Wondering what actually gets results in customer success job searches today and what you’re missing? Hit play to find out how Howard flipped the script and how you can, too.

Topics covered on standing out in the job market for CSMs:

• Why jumping straight into solo job hunting in a tough market can slow your success and how a well-timed investment in coaching can shortcut your job search
• The resume rewrites and interview prep strategies that propelled Howard to the front of the line, even in a hyper-competitive field
• How deep self-reflection and interview coaching helped Howard confidently ace every interview
• The “thank you email” tactic that set Howard apart and helped clinch the final offer
•  Why negotiating—even in a challenging market—is not just possible, but essential
• The mindset shift that helps you bounce back from layoffs and use them as a launchpad to your next dream role

Resources Mentioned:

• Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me
• Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews: Watch the FREE Training here
• Learn how to sell yourself as the best candidate and walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence: Watch the FREE Training here
• Learn how to MASTER Behavioral Interviews: Watch the FREE Training here

Connect with Carly:

• Connect with me on LinkedIn 
• Email me at [email protected] 

Related Episodes:

• Episode 80: From Stuck to Hired: 3 Interview Changes This Client Made To Land A Six-Figure Offer
• Episode 71: From Ignored To Interviewed - 4 Real Stories from CS Job Seekers Who Got Results
• Episode 70: The 3 Critical Job Search Shifts You Need To Make to Land CSM Interviews in 2025
• Episode 68: The New Rules of CS Job Hunting: Why Your Experience Isn't Getting You Hired
• Tune in for Tips to Improve Your Resume Playlist
• Tune in to the Customer Success Job Interview Tips Playlist

More about Customer Success Career Coach:

Customer Success Career Coach is the must-listen podcast for current and aspiring Customer Success pros. Join Carly and her guests as they spill the secret strategies and tips for building your Customer Success career. This isn't your typical snooze-fest – they’re diving deep into the world of Customer Success careers. Whether you're starting from scratch (hey career transitioners!) or eyeing that next big promotion, they’ve got the playbook for you. Every Wednesday, join Carly and her amazing guests as they dish out practical advice and real-life steps you can actually use. No fluff, just stuff you can apply ASAP to score that dream job, snag that promotion, or become the team rockstar.