Let’s be honest – most of us were never taught how to interview or navigate a career pivot. And in today’s job market, that lack of strategy can feel extra overwhelming.
In this episode of the Dietitian Success Podcast, I sit down with Kelan Sarnoff, a registered dietitian turned career coach for RDs, to talk about how to build confidence during a job search, how to actually prepare for interviews (hint: it’s all about your story bank), and why LinkedIn is the most underused tool dietitians aren’t taking advantage of.
Even if you’re not job hunting, this episode is packed with insights about building a professional brand online, understanding where the field of dietetics is heading, and how to pivot with purpose.
We discuss:
- The #1 interview mistake dietitians make (and how to avoid it)
- Why a great resume isn’t enough to land the job
- How to get noticed on LinkedIn (even if you never post)
- Where dietitian jobs are growing…and where they’re slowing
- What to do now if you think you might want a new job later
Whether you’re brand new to being a dietitian, mid-career, or just curious about what’s next, this conversation will help you feel way more confident about your next move.
Links:
- Join our FREE dietitian community
- Check out Kelan’s website & get her free resume toolkit: therdcoach.com
- Follow Kelan on Instagram: @the.rd.coach
Transcript Summary:
[00:00:00] Welcome & Introduction to Kelan
- Krista introduces Kelan Sarnoff, RD and career coach
- What today’s episode is all about: interviews, career growth & LinkedIn
[00:02:00] Kelan’s Nonlinear Career Path
- From exercise science to community health to clinical
- Why Kelan pivoted from patient care to internship leadership
- The moment that sparked her idea for RD coaching
[00:05:00] Starting Her Coaching Business
- How a side project turned into a full business
- The gap she saw: RDs aren’t taught how to interview
- Sitting on an idea for years—and finally making the leap
[00:07:00] Interview Mistakes Dietitians Often Make
- Relying on memory instead of preparing a “story bank”
- Giving vague, theoretical answers instead of real examples
- Why storytelling is more effective than “textbook” answers
[00:10:00] How to Sell Yourself in an Interview (Without Feeling Icky)
- Kellan’s 3-part framework for answering “Why should we hire you?”
- How to anticipate what your employer is actually looking for
- Why connection and fit matter just as much as experience
[00:13:00] What Makes a Great Interviewer Stand Out
- It’s not about being bubbly—it’s about being prepared and authentic
- How introverts can thrive in interviews
- Why examples from past careers or internships still count
[00:15:00] Industry Trends & What the Job Market Looks Like Right Now
- Clinical is still hiring—but salary and burnout are real concerns
- More dietitians are pivoting to data, comms, research, and program management
- Remote jobs are highly competitive—plan for a 4–5 month search
[00:20:00] How to Start a Career Pivot (Before You Burn Out)
- Why now is the time to start building transferable skills
- Don’t wait to be “ready”—start with small projects in your current job
- Get proactive about shaping your next step
[00:25:00] Using LinkedIn to Build Visibility & Connections
- What “networking” really means—and how to make it less awkward
- The difference between “connecting” and “following”
- Why engagement matters more than DMs
- How the algorithm can work in your favor
[00:29:00] The Hidden Job Market on LinkedIn
- Why many jobs aren’t posted on job boards
- How to spot opportunities in your feed
- Why employers often get their best candidates outside of the official job posting
[00:32:00] Behind the Scenes of Kelan’s Business & Marketing
- What’s working: LinkedIn, SEO, and her email newsletter with weekly job leads
- What hasn’t: Instagram for client conversion
- How she’s thinking about accessibility and group offers
[00:36:00] What’s Next for Kelan’s Business
- Expanding to group coaching, evergreen courses & eventually a membership
- Plans to bring in guest experts from nontraditional dietetics paths
- Helping dietitians make empowered, strategic career moves
[00:39:00] Where to Learn More About Kelan
