Emily Talks Tech Jobs

In this episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I’m joined by Gabriel Espinosa Ramos, a California immigration and employment attorney who’s become a trusted voice for breaking down complicated immigration issues with clarity and compassion.With recent H-1B changes, massive layoffs across tech, and confusion about what options still exist, Gabe walks us through what job seekers really need to understand—and why so much more is possible than most people realize.⸻We explore:💼 What the new H-1B fees actually mean for tech workers and employers📉 How layoffs impact your 60-day grace period 🧭 The alternative visas most job seekers don’t know about 🧾 How self-sponsorship works and who realistically qualifies⚠️ What to do immediately if you’re laid off on an H-1B🥇 Why having had an H-1B already signals “extraordinary ability” in the eyes of USCIS📱 The USCIS social-media review policy every immigrant needs to know🚀 How some laid-off tech workers turned their skills into self-sponsored visas and even green cardsWhether you’re navigating a layoff, worried about your status, or trying to understand your real immigration options, this conversation will give you a good starting point to move forward in your process.Connect with Gabe:👉 LinkedIn:   / gespin  👉 Instagram: @espinosaramoslaw👉 Website: https://www.espinosaramoslaw.comConnect with Emily:👉 LinkedIn:   / emily-ndv  👉 Website: https://www.emilycareerservices.com/👉 Free Newsletter: https://emily-talks-tech-jobs.beehiiv...

Why do so many talented job seekers still struggle to get interviews, even when they’re doing everything “right”?In this episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I sit down with Vrijen Attawar, founder and CEO of CareerSpan, to discuss what’s actually happening inside today’s hiring ecosystem and what job seekers can do to navigate it more effectively.We explore:💡 Why traditional resumes often fail to tell your real story🧠 How self-reflection gives you a competitive advantage in your job search🤖 Why most AI resume tools miss the mark📉 The disconnect between hiring managers, recruiters, and candidates🎯 The three-stage job search framework every job seeker should follow🔍 How to uncover your unique strengths and communicate them clearly📈 Why “career hygiene” can add thousands (or millions) to your lifetime earningsWhether you're early in your tech career or deep into a frustrating job search, this episode will give you the clarity, structure, and confidence to approach the process more intentionally and stand out for who you really are.👉 Vrijen on LinkedIn:   / vrijenattawar  👉 CareerSpan: https://mycareerspan.com/👉 My LinkedIn:   / emily-ndv  👉 My site: https://www.emilycareerservices.com/👉 My free newsletter: https://emily-talks-tech-jobs.beehiiv...

In this episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I sit down with Cory Kelly, The Bald Tech Coach, to explore what clarity, calmness, and storytelling can do for your tech career.Cory and I talk about how to:Create thinking spaces that lead to better decisionsTell a story recruiters actually want to readUse AI without sounding genericBring calm confidence into every interviewIf you’ve ever felt unseen or uncertain in your job search, this one’s for you.👉 Cory on LinkedIn:   / corykelly1  👉 Cory's website: https://baldtechcoach.com/ 👉 My LinkedIn:   / emily-ndv  👉 My site: https://www.emilycareerservices.com/👉 My free newsletter: https://emily-talks-tech-jobs.beehiiv...

What if leadership wasn’t about working harder, but about leading with more humanity?In this episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I sit down with Keith Anderson, former Meta and DoorDash leader and founder of Career Alchemy Lab, to explore how AI is redefining what great leadership looks like.Keith shares his journey from teaching to tech to executive coaching and the powerful lessons he’s learned about authenticity, communication, and leading in a rapidly changing world.💬 In this episode, we discuss: • Why “working harder” doesn’t guarantee promotions • The biggest mindset shifts tech leaders need in the AI era • How language can make or break your leadership presence • Why authentic connection is the new competitive edge • What leadership will look like by 2030🎧 About Keith AndersonKeith is an ex-Meta and DoorDash leader who’s hired over 100 people and now helps tech professionals land next-level leadership roles. He’s the author of 30-Day Career Reboot and the founder of Career Alchemy Lab, where he teaches leaders to blend empathy and AI for stronger results.👉 Keith on LinkedIn:   / keithand  👉 Keith's Website: https://www.skool.com/undeniableleade... 👉 My LinkedIn:   / emily-ndv  👉 My site: https://www.emilycareerservices.com/👉 My free newsletter: https://emily-talks-tech-jobs.beehiiv...

How can job seekers and tech professionals stay employable in a world where AI is constantly changing everything?In this episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I sit down with Fadi Hindi, CEO of The Consulting Lab and AI educator at NC State, to unpack what it really takes to stay ahead of the curve in today’s job market.We explore:💡 Why we won’t be replaced by AI if we learn how to use it⚙️ How to build “AI literacy” even if you’re not technical🧠 The new must-have skill for every professional (📈 What the next generation of tech jobs will look like, and how to prepare🌍 How to balance human intelligence with artificial intelligence to future-proof your careerWhether you’re early in your tech career or navigating a mid-career pivot, this episode will help you understand how to use AI as a competitive advantage.👉 Fadi on LinkedIn:   / fadihindi  👉 TCLi Academy: https://tcliacademy.com/👉 TCLi on YouTube:    / @theconsultinglabinc   👉 My LinkedIn:   / emily-ndv  👉 My site: https://www.emilycareerservices.com/👉 My free newsletter: https://emily-talks-tech-jobs.beehiiv...

In this episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I sit down with Billie Cavallaro: a designer and entrepreneur who went from a creative arts background to leading AI-first product design initiatives for a fortune 100 company.Billie shares how he turned an unconventional path into a thriving design career, what it really takes to land in corporate as a creative, and why AI is not the end of design jobs. It’s the next frontier.If you’re a designer, creative, or career changer wondering how to break into tech, this episode is packed with the insights, mindset shifts, and inspiration for you.🎧 Listen and subscribe for more real stories, job search strategies, and insider advice from industry pros.My LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ndvMy site: www.emilycareerservices.comMy free newsletter: www.emily-talks-tech-jobs.beehiiv.com

In this episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I sit down with Holly Heath, an analytics consultant and data-driven leader who made a bold mid-career pivot from entrepreneurship to tech.Holly shares how she went from co-founding Space Shake and landing on Shark Tank to building a thriving career in data analytics.We dig into:How to reframe 20 years of experience into a data-focused careerWhy transferable skills matter more than a degreeHow to overcome imposter syndrome when pivoting careersWhy it’s never too late to break into techThe one piece of career advice you should ignoreIf you’ve ever wondered how to transition into data or tech, or how to connect the dots in your own career, this episode is a must watch.🎧 Listen and subscribe for more real stories, job search strategies, and insider advice from industry pros.Connect with Holly: www.linkedin.com/in/hollyaheathMy LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ndvMy site: www.emilycareerservices.comMy free newsletter: www.emily-talks-tech-jobs.beehiiv.com

In this episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I sit down with Kedeisha Bryan, founder of Data in Motion, U.S. Navy veteran, and self-taught data scientist who’s helped thousands of career changers break into high paying analytics roles.Kedeisha shares her remarkable journey—from military life and pizza delivery jobs to landing her first data analytics role to building one of the most vibrant online communities for aspiring data professionals.We talk about:✅ The biggest mental barriers career changers face—and how to overcome them✅ Why storytelling and communication matter as much as perfect technical skills✅ How to identify and leverage your transferable skills✅ The truth about AI’s impact on data roles (and why analysts aren’t being automated out)✅ Real strategies to stand out and land your first analytics jobIf you’re thinking about a career pivot into data or tech, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you position your story and start strong.👩‍💻 About Me:I’m Emily Nelson de Velasco, career coach and host of Emily Talks Tech Jobs. I help job seekers land roles they love by combining data-driven strategies with real-world tech recruiting insights.Connect with Kedeisha: @kedeishabryanKedeisha on LinkedIn:   / kedeishabryan  Kedeisha on Instagram:   / kedeishaindata   My LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emily-ndvMy site: www.emilycareerservices.comMy free newsletter: https://emily-talks-tech-jobs.beehiiv...

In this second episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I sit down with Will James, senior talent acquisition consultant at the University of Chicago, career coach, and former recruiter for Google’s hardware engineering teams.Will brings insider knowledge from recruiting across industries: from warehouse and manufacturing roles, to higher ed leadership, to one of the most competitive tech giants in the world.He shares:✅ What Google really looks for in candidates (beyond technical skills)✅ The biggest misconceptions job seekers have about landing roles at big tech companies✅ Why networking is like tending a garden and how to actually start building connections that pay off✅ How to make your resume stand out with impact, not just keywords✅ The truth about AI in recruiting (and why it’s not auto-rejecting you)✅ A spicy hot take about why obsessing over resumes might be holding you backIf you’re a job seeker navigating today’s tough market—whether you’re aiming for big tech, higher ed, or your next career pivot—this episode is packed with practical advice you can use right now.👩‍💻 About Me: I’m Emily Nelson de Velasco, a career coach and host of Emily Talks Tech Jobs. I help job seekers land roles they love by combining data-driven strategies with real-world career coaching.Will on LinkedIn:   / willjames101  My LinkedIn:   / emily-ndv  My site: https://www.emilycareerservices.com/My newsletter: https://emily-talks-tech-jobs.beehiiv...

Transitioning into a tech career isn’t easy, especially for veterans navigating a whole new world of resumes, interviews, and networking. In this first episode of Emily Talks Tech Jobs, I sit down with Pedro Zambrano, senior technical recruiter, Marine Corps veteran, and founder of the Veteran Coffee Connection, to talk about the real challenges veterans face when breaking into tech and how to overcome them. Pedro shares: ✅ Why translating military experience into “tech language” is so tough ✅ How relationships and networking can change everything ✅ The role of AI in recruiting (and what it really means for job seekers) ✅ A hot take every job seeker needs to hear about resumes & applications If you’re a veteran, a career changer, or anyone trying to land your next role in tech, this episode is packed with insights you can use right now. 👩‍💻 About Me: I’m Emily Nelson de Velasco, a career coach and host of Emily Talks Tech Jobs. I help job seekers land roles they love by combining data-driven strategies with real-world career coaching. Pedro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-z-216926a9/ My site: https://www.emilycareerservices.com/ My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-ndv/