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Your Road Map to Career Success
There has never been a better time to invest in your own L&D career.
No matter where you are in your learning and development career, expert career coach and L&D luminary Sarah Cannistra delivers tactical and industry-specific advice for how to conduct and succeed in your next job search.
There isn’t a “one size fits all” strategy to career success, so Cannistra walks you through four L&D career success codes—her ABCDs. They will help you achieve alignment and get clarity on your career goals and L&D niche; create your personal and professional brand; network intentionally and build your L&D community around your L&D niche; and identify your interests, skills, and belief systems, which are all key to building a development plan for achieving your career goals.
Cannistra dissects job applications, resume and cover letter writing, and interview processes as well as hard topics, such as rejection and job searches after layoffs. She also explores the mindset shifts and self-awareness needed to successfully land a stable and fulfilling position. Follow along with stories of how Cannistra has helped clients secure their dream roles. Take the next step on your own with more than 40 activities, reflection questions, and worksheets.
A cover-to-cover resource for landing your next role while choosing your own path, this is a book you will turn to again and again throughout your career.
“Land Your Next L&D Role is a must-read for anyone considering a new role within the L&D industry. It's more than just a guide to the job search; it's a step-by-step examination of the self that supports fulfillment in your career and life.”
—Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, Founder and Learning Strategist, Your Instructional Designer
“This is the incredibly practical and straightforward handbook you need, whether you are in the midst of an L&D job search or just starting to wonder if it's time to start looking. Sarah Cannistra outlines easy-to-follow, step-by-step strategies and debunks myths of job searching so you know exactly where (and how) to focus your energy.”
—Jess Almlie, Learning & Performance Strategist, Almlie Consulting
“Wrapping her writing with wit and learning design expertise, Sarah Cannistra gives us a highly tailored career book for the L&D job seeker that is a joy to read and filled with strategy, activities, and frameworks to guide you to a purposeful career.”
—Lisa Spinelli, Career and Leadership Coach
“This book is your ultimate road map for snagging your dream job in L&D. Packed with practical, step-by-step advice, it’s laser-focused on L&D careers—no fluff, just actionable insights. Whether you’re already in the learning space or thinking about making the leap, this insightful guide is a must read.”
—William Arruda, CEO, Reach Personal Branding; Author, Digital You
“This book isn’t just a guide—it’s a trusted mentor in print form. Whether you're starting out, seeking a promotion, or pivoting after a layoff, Sarah Cannistra will inspire and equip you to take your next big step.”
—Julie Winkle Giulioni, Author, Promotions Are SO Yesterday; Co-Author, Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go
“Need a road map for how to reach your ideal L&D job? Well, here it is. Sarah Cannistra shares personal and professional tips, encourages you to complete practical activities, and inspires you to blaze your own path to your preferred role. You’ll sense her sitting next to you along the entire journey.”
—Elaine Biech, 2022 ISA Thought Leader; Author, The Art and Science of Training and Skills for Career Success
Sarah Cannistra is an L&D Career Coach, and the founder of The Overnight Trainer, a coaching practice that helps purpose-driven people find, land, and LOVE the L&D career of their dreams. With over a decade of experience in L&D, Sarah has held roles such as trainer, instructional designer, director of training, and head of learning. Having led the learning function, Sarah utilizes her past experience as a learning leader and hiring manager to coach her clients to ultimate career success. She hosts a popular podcast called The L&D Career Club Podcast, which helps people enter into or advance their careers in the learning and development industry. Sarah lives in Austin, Texas.
Introduction
Part 1: Laying The Foundation for Your L&D Career
Chapter 1: The 4 L&D Career Success Codes (The ABCDs)
Chapter 2: Setting Goals and Creating Your L&D Career Timeline
Chapter 3: Discovering Your L&D Career Confidence & Competence
Chapter 4: Finding Your L&D Niche
Chapter 5: Motivation, Mindsets, and Habits
Part 2: Positioning Yourself in the L&D Market
Chapter 6: Career Leveling, Placement, and Quantifying Your Value
Chapter 7: Creating Your Niche-Aligned Resume and Cover Letter
Chapter 8: Building Your L&D Personal Brand
Part 3: Networking and Building Relationships
Chapter 9: The 3 Ls of Networking
Chapter 10: Constructing Your L&D Network Ecosystem
Chapter 11: Having Impactful Networking Conversations
Part 4: Mastering the L&D Job Search Process
Chapter 12: Interview Preparedness
Chapter 13: Preparing for a Scheduled Interview
Chapter 14: Post Interview: How to Stand Out
Chapter 15: Navigating Career Rejection
Part 5: Thriving in Your New L&D Role
Chapter 16: You Landed Your Dream L&D Role, What’s Next?