How to Get Hired in Customer Success in a Tough Job Market

Being a Customer Success Pro is no easy job, and navigating layoffs, job hunting, and career transitions can be incredibly challenging. But Customer Success is not a destination—it’s a journey, and this episode will help you take the next step forward.

In this episode of the Customer Success Pro Podcast, I sit down with Jared Orr, a Senior Customer Success Manager and copywriter, to talk about his experiences with layoffs, job searching, and finding success in a tough job market.

Jared shares his personal journey of overcoming job loss, the lessons he learned along the way, and practical strategies for networking, interviewing, and securing your next CS role. Whether you’re currently job hunting or just want to future-proof your career, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Navigating Job Loss in Customer Success 

Losing a job is never easy, but it doesn’t have to define your career. Jared shares his own experience of being laid off and how he turned it into an opportunity.

Key Takeaways from Jared’s Journey: 

✅ A job loss doesn’t mean failure – It’s an opportunity to reassess, upskill, and come back stronger.

✅ The job market is tough, but persistence is key – Keep applying, networking, and refining your approach.

✅ Resilience and adaptability – These are the most important skills for long-term career success.

If you’re currently going through a career transition, Jared’s story will give you hope and a roadmap for getting back on track.

The Power of Networking in Job Searching 

Many job seekers focus solely on applying to job postings, but Jared emphasizes that networking is often the key to landing a job.

Networking Strategies That Work: 

📌 Engage with industry leaders – Comment on LinkedIn posts, join CS communities, and contribute to conversations.

📌 Reach out directly – Don’t be afraid to send thoughtful messages to hiring managers and recruiters.

📌 Leverage your existing network – Ask for referrals and let people know you’re looking.

Jared’s approach helped him land his current role, and he shares specific networking techniques that can help you get noticed by employers.

Job Hunting Tips & Horror Stories 

Finding a job in today’s competitive market can be exhausting. Jared and I discuss common challenges job seekers face and how to navigate them effectively.

Key Insights for Job Seekers: 

✔ Avoid job application burnout – Focus on quality over quantity when applying.

✔ Stay organized – Track your applications, follow-ups, and interview notes.

✔ Stay positive – Rejection is part of the process. Learn from it and move forward.

Jared also shares some interview horror stories that will make you laugh (or cringe!) and what you can learn from them.

How to Prepare for Customer Success Interviews 

The interview process can be daunting, especially when homework assignments and mock QBRs come into play. Jared breaks down how to prepare, perform, and stand out in CS interviews.

Jared’s Best Interview Prep Tips: 

📌 Do your research – Understand the company’s product, challenges, and customer base.

📌 Practice common CS interview questions – Be ready to discuss customer churn, renewals, and retention strategies.

📌 Ace the mock QBR – Jared wrote a fantastic article on how to nail your mock QBR interview (linked below!).

🔗 Read Jared’s article on acing mock QBR interviews 

If you’re currently preparing for interviews, these insider tips will help you feel confident and stand out from other candidates.

Investing in Coaching & Professional Growth 

One of the most overlooked career strategies is investing in coaching and mentorship. Jared highlights how working with a career coach can accelerate your job search and improve your interview performance.

Why Coaching Can Be a Game-Changer: 

🔹 Personalized feedback – A coach helps you identify and improve weaknesses in your job search approach.

🔹 Better interview performance – Mock interviews and feedback sessions help you feel more prepared and confident.

🔹 Faster results – Instead of guessing, you get expert guidance to land a job faster.

If you’re looking for career coaching in Customer Success, check out CSM RevUP Academy for tailored coaching and interview prep.

Listen Now & Take Control of Your Career 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating job loss, job hunting, or career growth in Customer Success. Jared’s insights, personal stories, and actionable tips will help you land your next CS role with confidence.

🎧 Listen on your favorite platform: 

🔹 YouTube

🔹 Spotify

🔹 Apple Podcasts

Want to take your CS career to the next level? 

✅ CSM RevUP Academy – My coaching program for ambitious CS professionals.

✅ AI Guidebook for CS – Learn how to use AI for smarter Customer Success strategies.

Connect with Us 

📌 Follow Jared Orr: LinkedIn | YouTube | Website

📌 Follow Anika Zubair: LinkedIn | YouTube | TikTok | Website