Career Composer

What does a New York courtroom have to do with your next job interview? More than you think!!I recently spent 2 weeks at jury duty, so I sat down with Kerrie Muhammad, JD to learn how interviewing for a job is just like arguing a case in court. Kerrie is a recruiter, Certified Interview Coach, founder of Command the Interview™, and former New York prosecutor with 20 years of experience interviewing victims and witnesses. Kerrie has seen the interview process from every angle, and after listening to this episode, you'll never interview the same way again.Remember, you're not the candidate. You're the prosecutor!We cover:How Kerrie went from New York prosecutor to helping candidates land jobs with confidenceWhat interviewing victims and witnesses taught her about successful communicationThe hidden factors interviewers consider that most candidates never think aboutWhat qualities make a candidate a top contender, straight from a recruiter who has pushed applications through to hiring committeesThe art of persuasion in interviews: how to get into the room and get into their headsGet in touch with Kerrie:Website: https://www.commandtheinterview.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerriemuhammad/Want More from Career Composer?Follow @CareerComposer on Instagram, and follow Erin on LinkedIn for even more advice!Interested in 1:1 career coaching with Erin? DM me on LinkedIn to get started, or email [email protected]. Let me know how I can help!

Recruiters, headhunters, talent acquisition specialists... Who are they? What do they do? What's the difference? And most of all, how can they HELP YOU in your job search?!Working with a recruiter can be an incredibly helpful strategy to supplement your job search! After listening to today's episode, you'll know exactly how YOU can utilize recruiters and staffing agencies to help secure your next role.Thanks for listening!Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

How do I get more LinkedIn connections? How do I hit 500+ ? What should I post? What's the point of this whole online networking thing, anyway?LinkedIn Top Voice Ang Richard returns to the podcast to answer ALL your burning questions! This is YOUR YEAR to grow on LinkedIn, and HOW you do it is completely up to you.We talk about...How to get more LinkedIn connectionsContent options for posting on LinkedIn more consistentlyEmployer perspectives on LinkedIn profile contentHow to build your LinkedIn presence without making it your whole personality (OR, go full force into LinkedIn!)How to send the perfect LinkedIn connection messageWhy online networking is critical to long-term career success!We hope you enjoy!Ang's Socials:IG / TikTok: @earlycareercornerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-richard/Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

This week on Career Composer we're talking about how to make work your favorite! (Elf, anyone?) If you're just not loving your job lately, you have options. You can quit, quiet quit, quiet crack, or JOB CRAFT. You already know which option I'm choosing!Job crafting is all about tweaking your role to make it work FOR YOU and your goals. Think of your job as a TOOL that can help you get to where you want to be! In this episode, we discuss:What is job crafting, anyway?How to job craft in a corporate setting, or in a traditional 9 - 5.How to job craft in a part-time role, or in customer service or hands-on roles.And what to do if job crafting doesn't seem possible (Hint: there are opportunities to work towards your goals EVERYWHERE you look!)If you're not loving your job right now, this is your sign to TAKE ACTION and change your situation for the better. It will not only be impressive to your future employer, but will make all of your hard work worth it in the end.Thanks for listening!Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

If you're wondering if you should negotiate your salary ...Let me guess, is anxiety trying to talk you out of it? ...The answer is YES, you absolutely 1,000% SHOULD negotiate your salary!I wish someone had given me this advice before I entered the job market. In this episode, we address EVERY fear, and answer the most common questions Gen Z professionals ask related to salary negotiation.This crucial step is all part of YOU achieving YOUR career goals! Don't let the opportunity pass you by. We cover:Why salary negotiation is a normal and EXPECTED part of the hiring processWhat to do if you don't have a competing offerWhat to do if you work in a low-paying industry or fieldNavigating the decision to negotiate in your first full-time jobWhy you should get multiple opinions to determine your market rateThe gender wage gap - it WIDENED in 2025!Happy job hunting :)Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

The Gen Z experience in the world of work today is nothing short of... Chaotic? Contradictory? Overwhelming? Way too difficult for no reason? Fill in the blank.Gen Z career coach, entrepreneur, TedX speaker, and LinkedIn Top Voice Ang Richard joins Career Composer for a candid conversation about the challenges we face in the world of work today and how to navigate them. And, how our unique strengths make us best equipped to handle whatever's thrown at us!We cover:The transition from school to work and why it's so difficultAng's tips for success in your first 90 days on the jobHow to make a great first impression in your first full-time job (and in any new role!)How to cultivate harmony and collaboration in intergenerational workplaces (Hint: it's all about communication!)Why Gen Z is so amazing!!!Let us know if you resonate with this episode in the comments! We see you, we hear you, and we're sending you all good vibes on your career journey.Ang's Socials:IG / TikTok: @earlycareercornerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-richard/Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Happy Monday! I can't tell you the amount of times I've been asked: "How do I follow up after applying for a job?" Today, I'm answering ALL of your questions and sharing why the traditional career guidance is no longer relevant in today's job market. We cover:When you should follow upHow to know who to contact (and whether you should email or LinkedIn message)What to SAY!!!Don't worry about sending the "perfect" email - the important thing is that you put yourself out there and take the necessary step to stand out in a competitive market. Follow @CareerComposer on Instagram to get my FREE email template for following up with employers! Thanks for listening!Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Happy Monday! If you desperately need to get your job applications out there, or even if it's your first time job searching -- this episode is FOR YOU! Erin explains the Top 5 steps job seekers need to take to properly apply for jobs, AND how to apply faster than ever before.Don't miss this episode if you're job searching in today's competitive market! Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Welcome back to Career Composer for our first episode of 2026! In this episode, we talk about how to set and achieve career goals for the year. This episode is 2 parts -- getting in the right mindset (creating your career vision board) and mapping out realistic, achievable goals. Anything can happen this year!In this episode:Getting in the right mindset for a fresh startCreating a conceptual vision board for your life and careerSetting actionable, realistic career goalsStaying motivated and avoiding burnoutThings to remember (and avoid) as you work towards your goalsQuote to remember: “The world is an opportunity to validate your greatness.” -- Alex Toussaint (my favorite Peloton instructor!)Wishing you an amazing year!Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Special guest and human resources professional Abby Weaver shares her experience navigating not 1, but 2 (!!!) layoffs in her early twenties! What DON'T we cover in today's episode?Should you search for jobs when you're anticipating a layoff?What can you expect from a severance package? What is severance?How to address a gap on your resume due to a layoffThe difference between getting laid off vs. getting firedHow to navigate changing work friendships when you no longer work for the same companyNavigating low self-esteem and confidence after a layoff, plus how to deal with anxiety when you're anticipating a layoffWhat to do with your time when you don't have a job!Applying for full-time vs. part-time roles and the different types of employmentTraveling abroad to refresh your job search motivation! YOU ONLY LIVE ONCEYour job does not define you. Remember, work is only one part of who you are!If you're currently navigating a layoff or expecting one, we're here for you and hope this episode offers some level of comfort and reassurance that you're not alone. You will get through this, and you will be okay. <3Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Erin shares her advice for how to navigate a quarter-life crisis (or multiple) and the career comparisons that happen so often in our 20s. When we're all at different places in our lives and careers, it is way too easy to get stuck in a comparison spiral. You're not alone!We cover:Erin's most recent quarter-life crisis at Ocean City Maryland (and why Lana Del Rey is the best medicine)Why there is so much pressure to be perfect in our 20s!!!Advice for navigating friendships when we're all in different placesHow money, status, and job title play into career comparisons. Hint: Your career does not equal your worth!Why it's totally normal to feel this way (and how to use career comparisons to motivate you to make a change)Check out The Prelude to hear song recs from Erin's Summertime Sadness playlist on YouTube, plus Erin's take on Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" announcement on New Heights podcast!Enjoy :)Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Welcome back to another interview prep episode! Today, we’re breaking down (yet another) one of the most common questions you’ll get in an interview: “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”It's easier than you think, there is an EXACT formula you can use to answer this question, and you can PREPARE YOUR ANSWER ahead of time! We cover:The exact format you can follow to answer both parts of this questionHow to choose the right strengths and weaknesses to mentionWhen to list more than one strength or weaknessWhat not to say when talking about weaknessesExample responses for early-career professionals!Don’t forget to check out The Prelude for a music tie-in and more ideas for strengths you can mention in your answer!Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Overnight sensations exist because one day, no one knew about them. And the next day? They blew up. That doesn't mean there weren't YEARS of hard work and challenges they had to overcome to FINALLY make it in their industry!You might not get your dream job overnight, but IT IS TOTALLY POSSIBLE to change industries! Erin shares EXACTLY how to do it in this episode of Career Composer.We Cover:Knowing your WHY: Why are you making a career shift?How to brainstorm job titles and discover hidden roles by task using LinkedIn and Boolean searchesResume and cover letter strategies that make your experience (and your WHY) stand out in a new industryThe importance of talking to people in your new industry. Hint: Prioritize in-person networking for stronger connections!Why making a lateral move (or even a step back) should be your goal when making an industry shiftHow to identify your BRIDGE. What makes you stand out?What “overnight sensations” in music can teach us about hard work, dedication, and preparationGood luck!Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Career Composer is back with another jam-packed episode, inspired by the NACE 2025 conference in Philly! Trust me—you’re going to want to take notes.Today, we’re diving into what every job seeker needs to know in the age of AI:AI, The Future of Work, and Erin's message to employers who hold the power in the current job marketErin's advice for how job seekers can stand out in the age of AIHow recruiters and hiring managers use AI, and what that means for you!We also cover...Why the job market feels so competitive right nowThe skills AI can't replace (Hint: Figure out what you an offer that AI can't!)Why targeting areas where there is scarcity in the market can give you a HUGE advantageGen Z EntrepreneurshipAs Mark Cuban says, "Learn AI like your life depends on it!!!"Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Welcome back to another episode of Career Composer! It's finally yours - the BEST interviewing technique out there, made simple! Ready, set, let's talk about THE STARR METHOD.The STAR (R) Method is a behavioral interviewing technique that ensures you make the most of your answers and have the biggest possible impact on your interviewer(s). Once you get the hang of it, it is SO EASY! (I promise!)In this episode:What are behavioral interviews and why do hiring managers use them? Erin breaks down the STAR(R) method acronym and what each letter means.A simple way to remember all parts of the STARR method without memorizing each letter in the acronym.Erin's REAL examples of how she has used the STARR method to answer behavioral interview questions!Make sure you listen to The Prelude, too! If you feel like you tend to do worse in real interviews than when you practice, Erin has a helpful tip you don't want to miss! Enjoy :)Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Arianna Risilia joins Career Composer for our new GUEST EPISODE discussing how to be more creative at work! Arianna is an Elementary General Music Teacher and an AMAZING singer and musician who also loves nature and trying new things. She approaches life with optimism and curiosity and has a LOT to say about why creativity is key to our success as young professionals!We talk about:Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell, and all things jazz!Why creativity is key to our success, both at work and in life.HOW to tap into your creativity at work, even if you don't have a "creative" job or don't view yourself as a naturally creative person. HINT: You have it in you!Why Gen Z is so special! We are creative, adventurous, and highly influential in the workplace and beyond.Enjoy!Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Nathalye Chona joins Career Composer for a conversation about work, travel, and building a life you love! Nathalye is the Director of Finance and Accounting at Ziflow, has a dual master’s degree in International Business and Finance from Hult International Business School, and is the founder of Boston Girls Who Walk. Nathalye has done it all, from moving to the U.S. from Venezuela and achieving enormous success early in her career, to traveling to 15 different countries in 2023! This episode is what Career Composer is all about - figuring out who we are, growing in our careers, and taking steps in our 20s towards living our best lives. Also in this episode:The importance of mentorship in Nathalye’s career success storyBoston Girls Who Walk, the power of friendship, and making connections!Nathalye’s financial advice for building the life you wantYou can do ANYTHING if you know what you want and are willing to work hard to get there!Learn more about Boston Girls Who Walk!Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Finally!!! Everything you need to prepare for your upcoming interview, all in one place! Erin Ahart shares how to prepare for an interview like you're packing for vacation, and provides listeners with an interview prep checklist that applies for all interviews across all industries. She covers: What you physically need to bring with you if you’re interviewing in-personWhat to wear and traveling to your interviewErin's favorite interviewing tricks to keep in your back pocketHow to mentally prepare, including how to do your research, what you need to know going in, and how to change your mindset so you feel your bestVirtual interview tips and preparation...and so much more! Enjoy!Namjooning in the era of burnout, Article by Ana Clara RibieroPurdue Global - How to Dress for a Job InterviewTimestamps: career content - 10:00Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

In this episode of Career Composer, Erin dives into how to answer the question 'Tell me about yourself' in an interview!Erin shares:How to use the present, past, future model to craft the perfect response.The importance of making a great first impression and setting the stage for the rest of the interview. (And by the way, we can learn a LOT from Opening Acts in music when answering 'Tell me about yourself' and opening up the interview.) Special guest Matt Norawong shares his answer to this question, providing listeners with a real-world example from a different industry. Timestamps: career content - 7:52Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Grad school can be an important step towards achieving your career goals, but is it always necessary? Erin shares what she's learned from coaching master's and PhD students in her full-time job, as well as from pursuing her own master's degree. We discuss: The importance of doing industry researchTHE COST (including potential long-term benefits and financial implications)Balancing grad school and personal life (Hint: it's not easy!)The importance of liking what you learn vs. just going to school for the degreeWork experience and soft skills are equally as important! How to make informed career decisions & alternatives to grad school: obtaining certifications, joining professional associations, and gaining relevant experience through jobs and internshipsDon’t miss this episode if you’re contemplating whether or not to go to grad school!Timestamps: Career content - 7:51Billboard ArticleFlowers x When I Was Your Man - Miley Cyrus ft. Bruno Mars (Mashup)cupofbeer YouTube ChannelGet my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

In this episode of Career Composer, Erin Ahart chats with Sarah Marsan about her journey deciding whether or not to go to grad school. Sarah shares her story from undergrad to her current role, the challenges she's faced, and what helped her make her decision. Erin also gives a sneak peek into the next episode, where she shares her career coach's perspective on every factor you should consider before going to grad school. Timestamp: Career content - 6:33Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.

Welcome to the VERY FIRST EPISODE of Career Composer with Erin Ahart! In this episode, Erin explains how writing a cover letter is similar to writing a love letter and shares a simple, three-step process to make sure your cover letters stand out. Erin introduces her music and professional background, and also shares the unique music-themed approach of this podcast. Don't miss Erin's story about the spicy love letters between Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms!Timestamps: Career content - 6:41Get my FREE Job Application Tracker! Socials:Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, Threads: @careercomposerYouTube: @careercomposerEmail: [email protected] ERIN (FREE!): Email Erin at [email protected] to get started. Use "ASK ERIN" in the subject line! 1:1 Career Coaching Services: Email Erin at [email protected] for information about her coaching services! Use "1:1 Career Coaching" in the subject line.