Customer Success Career Coach, Career Tips and Proven Job Interview Strategies For Every Customer Success Manager

Carly Agar | Customer Success Career Coach

Customer Success Career Coach is the must-listen podcast for current and aspiring Customer Success pros. Join us as we spill the secret strategies and tips for building your Customer Success career. This isn't your typical snooze-fest – we're diving deep into the world of Customer Success careers. Whether you're starting from scratch (hey career transitioners!) or eyeing that next big promotion, we've got the playbook for you. I'm Carly Agar, your trusty 10+ year CS veteran and award-winning CS career coach, and I'm here to turn your career dreams into reality. Every Wednesday, join me and some amazing guests as we dish out practical advice and real-life steps you can actually use. No fluff, just stuff you can apply ASAP to score that dream job, snag that promotion, or become the team rockstar. What's on the Menu? 🔥 Pro Tips: Learn the tricks of the trade from seasoned pros. 🚀 Career Growth Hacks: Elevate your game, one episode at a time. 🔄 Unexpected Paths: Hear stories that'll make you rethink your career's GPS. Follow Carly on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/. For free job search tools, go to www.carlyagar.com/freebies. To work with Carly, go to https://www.carlyagar.com/apply Popular Episode Topics Include: Customer Success Career Tips for a CSM, Proven Job Interview Strategies and Professional Growth as a Customer Success Manager, SaaS Customer Success Career Tips for a CSM, Preparing for Your Next Customer Success Interview, Mastering Common CSM Interview Questions, Building a Standout Customer Success Resume, Landing Customer Success Jobs, Customer Success Skills Every CSM Needs to Grow

  1. 99. 3 Ways to Make Your Customer Calls Less Awkward (And Actually Useful)

    6D AGO

    99. 3 Ways to Make Your Customer Calls Less Awkward (And Actually Useful)

    If your customer calls feel stiff, boring, or like both of you are counting down the minutes until it’s over, you’re not imagining it, and it’s costing you more than you think.  That’s why in this episode, I’m breaking down the simple shifts that turn awkward, check-the-box customer calls into conversations your customers actually want to show up to. You’ll learn why leading with the wrong metrics kills trust instantly, how to frame topics in a way that gets customers leaning in instead of zoning out, and the exact conversational tactics top-performing CSMs use to sound confident, human, and in control (without following a rigid script). By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to run customer calls that feel natural, valuable, and genuinely strategic — the kind that deepen trust, uncover expansion signals, and make your job a whole lot easier. If you’re ready to stop filling airtime and start leading calls that actually move the needle, hit play and let’s dive in. 0:44 – Why “Check-the-Box” Customer Calls Are Sabotaging Engagement 3:01 – Why Starting with Product Metrics Makes Customers Zone Out (And How to Fix It) 6:46 – How to Introduce Topics So Your Customer Actually Wants to Participate 10:35 – Three Easy Tactics to Make Every Call Feel More Human and Less Scripted 14:44 – How “Tell Me More About That” Instantly Changes the Whole Conversation 16:45 – How Just One Small Change Per Month Can Make You the CSM Everyone Loves to Talk To 🛎️ FREEBIES & RESOURCES: Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resumeLearn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourselfLearn how to MASTER Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/coaching ♥️ CONNECT WITH ME: Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com ➡️ HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode99 🌟 FOLLOW & REVIEW: Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things: hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they dropand either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify! This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights....

    19 min
  2. 98. How to Set Up Your Customer Success Job Search for 2026

    DEC 10

    98. How to Set Up Your Customer Success Job Search for 2026

    What if landing your next big career move comes down to one simple shift in how you approach your job search? Most people treat job hunting like a chaotic scramble — hopping between LinkedIn and job boards whenever they feel like it, but never actually gaining momentum.  That’s why in this episode, I’m breaking down the exact four time blocks you need to turn your job search from overwhelming to unstoppable. I’ll reveal the intentional schedule top job seekers use, why strategic time blocking works (even if you’re exhausted or strapped for time), and how to avoid burnout while doubling your chances of landing interviews. You’ll get the play-by-play of what a realistic, high-impact job search week looks like with actionable tips for getting ahead of the competition before January hiring heats up. Imagine having a repeatable system that eliminates guesswork, anxiety, and guilt, so you always know you’re making real progress (and still have energy left over for a life outside the job search). If you want to take control of your job search and outrun the new year hiring rush, hit play and let’s dive in. 1:02 – Why Time Blocking (Not Just “Trying Harder”) Is the Real Job Search Game-Changer 3:16 – The 4 Strategic Job Search Blocks Every Candidate Needs and How to Use Them 4:08 – How to Break Up Your Job Search Blocks for Maximum Energy (and Less Chaos) 7:41 – Networking Consistency: The Small Habit That Doubles Your Interview Chances 8:17 – Why Weekly Interview Prep Matters (Even When You Don’t Have Interviews Yet) 11:41 – How Structure Boosts Your Confidence So You Can Enjoy Your Evenings, Guilt-Free 13:03 – The December Advantage: How to Get Ahead Before Other Job Seekers Even Start  🛎️ FREEBIES & RESOURCES: Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resumeLearn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourselfLearn how to MASTER Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/coaching ♥️ CONNECT WITH ME: Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com ➡️ HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode98 🌟 FOLLOW & REVIEW: Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things: hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they dropand either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your...

    15 min
  3. 97. How One CSM Rebuilt Job Search Momentum After A Tough Rejection (and Landed a $180K Job 8 Weeks Later)

    DEC 3

    97. How One CSM Rebuilt Job Search Momentum After A Tough Rejection (and Landed a $180K Job 8 Weeks Later)

    What if the only thing standing between you and a job offer you actually want is a strategy you haven’t heard yet? In this episode, I’m breaking down the real story behind how Amy went from a brutal late-stage rejection at MongoDB to signing a $150K base offer, PLUS negotiating an extra 10K just weeks later. You’ll hear the exact steps she took to rebuild momentum fast, the cold-outreach strategy that had hiring managers responding within 24 hours, the interview storytelling shift that instantly made her stand out from “qualified” candidates, and the pipeline and negotiation moves that turned one solid offer into a life-changing one.  By the end, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to regain control of your job search, rebuild confidence after rejection, and create the kind of momentum that makes opportunities come to YOU. If you want a job search process that actually moves you forward without burning yourself out, hit play and let’s dive in. 0:44 – Why Late-Stage Interview Rejection Doesn’t Mean Starting Over 4:21 – How Strategic Cold Outreach Can Unlock Interviews at Top Companies 8:25 – Why Your Interview Stories Need More “How” (Not Just Results) to Stand Out 12:15  – The Secret to Keeping Momentum: Juggling Multiple Opportunities, Even in Final Rounds 13:40 – Why You Should Always Negotiate Your Offer, Even If It Looks Great 15:44 – The Four Steps to Rebuild Job Search Momentum After Rejection  🛎️ FREEBIES & RESOURCES: Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/coachingOptimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resumeLearn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourselfLearn how to MASTER Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral ♥️ CONNECT WITH ME: Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com ➡️ HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode97 🌟 FOLLOW & REVIEW: Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things: hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they dropand either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify! This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these insights. Thanks for...

    19 min
  4. 96. Ask Your Family This Question on Thanksgiving (It'll Change Your Life)

    NOV 26

    96. Ask Your Family This Question on Thanksgiving (It'll Change Your Life)

    What if the fastest way to rebuild your career confidence isn’t another resume update or headline hack, but a game you play at the holiday dinner table? In this quick, punchy episode, I share the deceptively simple activity I first tried with my own family and how it genuinely changed how I see myself and my career. Instead of diving into another round of job searching advice, I break down the power of this crowdsourced strengths game and why hearing the real, non-sarcastic things your loved ones admire about you hits differently (especially when you’re feeling stuck or rejected). I’ll show you exactly how to play so it’s not awkward and how to use what you hear to interrupt those negative self-talk spirals. If you’re feeling discouraged, wrestling with imposter syndrome, or just want to remind yourself what you actually bring to the table (career-wise, not just the mashed potatoes), this episode is your permission slip to get radically honest feedback from the people who know you best. Try this game, and you’ll realize you’re more resilient and capable than your circumstances would have you believe. So go ahead, hit play and let’s dive in. 1:49 – How to Use Crowdsourced Feedback From Loved Ones to Interrupt Negative Self-Talk 02:03 – The Real Reason Career Setbacks Feel Personal and How to Break Free from That Spiral 03:06 – How to Make Sharing Strengths Fun (Even with Sarcastic Families!) 05:10 – The Surprising Power of Hearing What Others Admire About You (Especially When You Can't See It Yourself) and Why Your Current Circumstances Aren’t Your Identity 07:06 – How to Store and Use Positivity for Your Next Spiral 🛎️ FREEBIES & RESOURCES: Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resumeLearn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourselfLearn how to MASTER Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/coaching ♥️ CONNECT WITH ME: Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com ➡️ HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode96 🌟 FOLLOW & REVIEW: Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things: hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they dropand either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on a...

    10 min
  5. 95. Two Ways to Use AI to Level Up as a Customer Success Manager

    NOV 19

    95. Two Ways to Use AI to Level Up as a Customer Success Manager

    AI isn’t here to replace you—unless you let it. What if you could flip the script and use AI to become the most valuable Customer Success Manager in the room, no matter what your company throws at you (or doesn’t)? In this episode, I reveal the two high-impact ways CSMs are actually leveraging AI to stand out—one that repositions you as a trusted consultant to your customers and another that instantly fills the coaching and feedback void you’ve been frustrated about for years. Forget about asking ChatGPT to write your follow-up emails. This goes way deeper, and I’ll walk you through the strategies no one’s sharing. I’ll show you exactly how to use AI to create thought leadership content that your customers crave (and remember you for), plus the step-by-step system I use with my private one-to-one clients to self-coach, level up core skills, and get actionable feedback faster than any manager ever could. You’ll learn how to build a bulletproof feedback loop and shift from vendor to trusted expert without needing anyone’s permission. If you want to move from being replaceable to irreplaceable and get immediate, data-backed ways to make your customers care, get noticed by leadership, and truly accelerate your growth before the New Year, hit play and let’s dive in. 1:01 – Why Using AI to Summarize Emails Won’t Set You Apart 1:16 – How to Use AI to Become a Valued Expert, Not Just a Vendor 2:24 – The Fastest Way to Generate Thought Leadership Content That Customers Care About 4:04 – How to Add “Real Value” with Non-Product-Centric Insights 9:53 – Step-By-Step Guide: Coaching Yourself with AI When No One Else Does 14:13 – How to Build a Feedback Loop So You Level Up Faster Than Your Peers 🛎️ FREEBIES & RESOURCES: Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resumeLearn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourselfLearn how to MASTER Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/coaching ♥️ CONNECT WITH ME: Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com ➡️ HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode95 🌟 FOLLOW & REVIEW: Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things: hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they dropand either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your...

    20 min
  6. 94. 6 LinkedIn Mistakes Costing You Customer Success Job Interviews

    NOV 12

    94. 6 LinkedIn Mistakes Costing You Customer Success Job Interviews

    Think your LinkedIn profile is working hard to get you noticed by recruiters? Think again. Most job seekers (yes, even experienced CSMs) are practically invisible and it has nothing to do with the job market, your background, or even your Customer Success resume. In this episode, I break down the six silent LinkedIn mistakes that are killing your visibility and sabotaging your chances of landing the roles you actually want in Customer Success. I’ll pull back the curtain on what recruiters really see when they search for candidates, and I’ll reveal the rapid-fire profile fixes that skyrocket your discoverability and make recruiters reach out to you with genuinely exciting roles. From headline secrets to the crucial recommendation trick, you’ll get the step-by-step playbook that finally gets your LinkedIn working for you—not against you. You’ll walk away with a punchy, recruiter-magnet profile and the confidence that you’re not missing out on career-changing opportunities just because of a few overlooked details. Hit play and let’s dive in. 1:49 – How Recruiters Use LinkedIn and How LinkedIn Recruiter Search Filters Really Work 4:37 – The Biggest LinkedIn Mistakes Real Job Seekers Are Making—Revealed by a 100-Profile Audit  7:16 – The Exact Headline Update That Gets You Noticed (And Boosts Your Visibility) 9:52 – Quick Fixes For Your Skills Section That Make You Show Up in the Right Searches 12:27  – What to Write in Your Experience Section to Attract Interviews. Plus a 2-Sentence Summary Formula 14:28 – Why Your Recommendations Are Crucial and How They Influence Hiring Decisions 16:14 – How Your Activity Section Can Instantly Make or Break Your Credibility 18:02 – How a Simple Photo Change Can Help You Finally Get That Interview 🛎️ FREEBIES & RESOURCES: Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resumeLearn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourselfLearn how to MASTER Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/coaching ♥️ CONNECT WITH ME: Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com ➡️ HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode94 🌟 FOLLOW & REVIEW: Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things: hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they dropand either leave a review on a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/customer-success-career-coach/id1728520625" rel="noopener...

    22 min
  7. 93. The Resume Makeover That Landed 3 Customer Success Interviews in Under a Month

    NOV 5

    93. The Resume Makeover That Landed 3 Customer Success Interviews in Under a Month

    What if the only thing holding back your Customer Success career is a resume that’s getting ignored even though you KNOW you bring the results, experience, and drive?  In this episode, I share the real story of Maya, a seasoned Customer Success Manager (CSM) with a killer track record who was stuck applying into the void. She thought her Customer Success resume was fine... until we tore it apart and rebuilt it, turning walls of blah text into sharp, specific highlights that proved her impact in seconds. I’ll walk you through the exact five-step strategy we used, including how to lead with proof, cut the fluff, show off your results and how you got them, and make sure every bullet shines whether you’re staying in your field or switching industries altogether.  You’ll learn why most resumes miss the mark and how to fix yours so recruiters and hiring managers can’t help but call you for interviews. If you’re tired of waiting for someone to notice you and ready to be the talk of the recruiting team, hit play. Your January job search will thank you. 2:05 – Why Your Resume Might Be Sending You Into the Job Search “Black Hole” 3:22 – How Showing Proof (Not Just Adjectives) Makes Hiring Managers Stop Scrolling 7:00 – The Three Questions Every Bullet Point Must Answer for Resume Success 10:00 – Why Explaining Your Process Is Key (Not Just Results) 13:27 – The Power of Making Your Resume Scannable (and ChatGPT’s Secret Editing Sauce) 15:45 – How to Translate Jargon Into Universally Understood, Career-Boosting Language 19:08 – The Five-Step Resume Audit to Get Noticed in January’s Hiring Frenzy 🛎️ FREEBIES & RESOURCES: Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Masterclass: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resumeActively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/coachingLearn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourselfLearn how to MASTER Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral ♥️ CONNECT WITH ME: Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com ➡️ HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode93 🌟 FOLLOW & REVIEW: Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things: hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they dropand either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on a...

    23 min
  8. 92. How to Make Your Interview Stories Memorable

    OCT 29

    92. How to Make Your Interview Stories Memorable

    Have you ever nailed every job interview question but still walked away with nothing but a “thanks, but no thanks”? You’re probably blending in without even realizing it. In this episode, I’m revealing the real reason great Customer Success candidates keep getting passed over. And it’s not your experience, it’s that your stories sound like everyone else’s. That’s why in this episode, I’ll show you how to find your superpowers—the unique things you do so naturally you don’t even see them—and how to weave them into your Customer Success Interview answers. I’ll walk you through the exact process to spot those special strengths, step out of the generic crowd, and inject them straight into your CSM Interview answers so you stand out instantly. If you’re ready to finally stand out, build confidence, and move forward in your Customer Success Career, hit play and let’s dive in. Whether you’re aiming for your first CSM role or leveling up in SaaS Customer Success, this episode is packed with actionable career tips to help you shine in your next interview. 2:14 – The Real Reason Generic Customer Success Interview Stories Fail  5:27 – What “Superpowers” Actually Mean in Customer Success Interviews  7:47 – How to Identify Your Own Superpowers  13:20 – Weaving Superpowers Into CSM Interview Questions—Before & After Examples  17:05 – Five Prompts to Discover What Sets You Apart  17:55 – The Simple Question Framework That Uncovers Your Strengths 🛎️ FREEBIES & RESOURCES: Optimize your resume for Customer Success jobs to land consistent interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/resumeLearn how to sell yourself as the best candidate & walk into your next Customer Success job interview with confidence with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/sellyourselfLearn how to MASTER Behavioral Interviews with my FREE Training: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/behavioral Actively looking for a job in Customer Success or plan to in the near future? Apply for 1:1 Coaching with me: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/coaching ♥️ CONNECT WITH ME: Let's be LinkedIn friends: www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/Got any questions? Send me an email at support@carlyagar.com ➡️ HEAD TO THE SHOW NOTES: https://customer-success-career.captivate.fm/episode92 🌟 FOLLOW & REVIEW: Are you loving the podcast? I'd appreciate it if you could take a few seconds to do these two things: hit the FOLLOW button so you don't miss out on any new episodes when they dropand either leave a review on Apple Podcasts or let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment over on Spotify! This helps me reach more customer success pros who need these...

    22 min
4.9
out of 5
85 Ratings

About

Customer Success Career Coach is the must-listen podcast for current and aspiring Customer Success pros. Join us as we spill the secret strategies and tips for building your Customer Success career. This isn't your typical snooze-fest – we're diving deep into the world of Customer Success careers. Whether you're starting from scratch (hey career transitioners!) or eyeing that next big promotion, we've got the playbook for you. I'm Carly Agar, your trusty 10+ year CS veteran and award-winning CS career coach, and I'm here to turn your career dreams into reality. Every Wednesday, join me and some amazing guests as we dish out practical advice and real-life steps you can actually use. No fluff, just stuff you can apply ASAP to score that dream job, snag that promotion, or become the team rockstar. What's on the Menu? 🔥 Pro Tips: Learn the tricks of the trade from seasoned pros. 🚀 Career Growth Hacks: Elevate your game, one episode at a time. 🔄 Unexpected Paths: Hear stories that'll make you rethink your career's GPS. Follow Carly on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/carly-agar/. For free job search tools, go to www.carlyagar.com/freebies. To work with Carly, go to https://www.carlyagar.com/apply Popular Episode Topics Include: Customer Success Career Tips for a CSM, Proven Job Interview Strategies and Professional Growth as a Customer Success Manager, SaaS Customer Success Career Tips for a CSM, Preparing for Your Next Customer Success Interview, Mastering Common CSM Interview Questions, Building a Standout Customer Success Resume, Landing Customer Success Jobs, Customer Success Skills Every CSM Needs to Grow

You Might Also Like