Career Contessa

LinkedIn isn’t just an online résumé anymore—it’s your personal brand, positioning tool, and one of the most powerful ways to attract opportunities in 2026. In this episode, Lauren sits down with career strategist Michelle Perchuk to break down what recruiters actually look for, the biggest profile mistakes holding professionals back, and how to position yourself as the solution companies are actively searching for.
You’ll learn:
How to optimize your LinkedIn profile so recruiters immediately see your value
The biggest mistakes high-achievers make—and how to fix them fast
The one high-impact change you can make in 30 minutes to get better results from your profile

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
LinkedIn Lab: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-linkedin-lab

Guest Resources:
Michelle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfuryaka/
Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleperchuk/
Michelle YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgXBW9Jfh_0sCwH95_CbIA

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:
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Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code [CAREER] at huel.com/[CAREER]. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!
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AI can make resume writing faster—but only if you know how to use it strategically. In this listener-favorite episode, learn how to use ChatGPT to write, tailor, and improve your resume so it actually stands out (not sound generic).
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to use ChatGPT to write stronger, more results-driven resume bullet points
How to tailor your resume to a specific job description in minutes
How to create a compelling professional summary and cover letter using AI

Show Notes:
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
24-Hour Resume Makeover: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/resume-makeover-template/
ChatGPT Cheat Sheet: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/chatgpt-cheat-sheet

Sponsors:
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Why do some people build wealth and financial stability—while others feel stuck or constantly starting over? It’s not just about income—it’s about habits, mindset, and behavior. In this listener-favorite episode, financial expert Jean Chatzky shares what financially successful people do differently, including the key habits, mindset shifts, and practical strategies you can use to build long-term stability and feel more in control of your financial future.

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP
HerMoney website: https://hermoney.com/
HerMoney podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hermoney-with-jean-chatzky/id1098802558

Sponsors
Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code CONTESSA at irestore.com/CONTESSA! #irestorepod
Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code CAREER at huel.com/CAREER. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today 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.

What if the problem isn’t your productivity—but the way you’ve been taught to work?
Most of us are still operating with outdated, industrial-era habits… even though today’s work requires focus, creativity, and deep thinking.
In this listener-favorite episode, neuroscientist Dr. Mithu Storoni, author of Hyperefficient, shares how to work with your brain instead of against it—so you can think more clearly, avoid burnout, and perform at a higher level.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to align your work with your brain’s natural rhythms for better focus and efficiency
The “3 gears” of your brain—and how to shift between them depending on the task
Simple ways to reduce decision fatigue and create an environment that supports deep work

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP

Guest Resources
Dr. Mithu Storoni: https://www.mithustoroni.com/
Hyperefficent Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hyperefficient-Optimize-Your-Brain-Transform-ebook/dp/B0CDWJR44T
Dr. Mithu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mithu-storoni/

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/
Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/

Sponsors
Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/f010o9zo #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
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Your reputation isn’t just what you do—it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. And whether you’re intentional about it or not, you already have a personal brand at work.
In this listener-favorite episode, branding expert Dorie Clark breaks down how to understand, shape, and strengthen your reputation so it actually supports your career growth.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to identify your current reputation—and whether it’s helping or holding you back
Practical ways to shift and communicate your personal brand (without feeling inauthentic)
The 3 key strategies to build expertise, credibility, and long-term visibility

Show Notes:
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP
Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/

Guest Resources:
Dorie Clark website: https://dorieclark.com/
Free Assessment: https://dorieclark.com/join/

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/
Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/

Sponsors:
Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code CAREER at huel.com/CAREER. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!
Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod
Here's what you get when you go to http://bioptimizers.com/contessa and use code CONTESSA: 15% off your entire order and a free travel size bottle of Masszymes - BiOptimizers' best-selling digestive enzyme
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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.