Interview Boss

Getting fired doesn't have to stop you from landing your next amazing gig, but it can make things tricky.This week on Interview Boss, Sarah and Emma unpack a real-life listener dilemma: what to do when you've been let go from a job, didn't get a chance to mention it in the first interview, and now you're facing the CEO in round two.Do you come clean? Hope they don't ask? Risk losing the offer?Tune in for our honest take on transparency in multi-stage interviews and how much to disclose.

Feeling totally unprepared for a take home task or presentation in an interview? You're not alone.From pitching marketing strategies to solving a business problem or presenting what you'd tackle in your first 90 days, more employers are asking their candidates to show their skills, not just talk about them.But how are you supposed to provide insights for a company you don't even work at yet?! And what if they steal your ideas?!In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma address these common fears.We explain how much time to spend preparing, what the employer is looking for and why showing your thinking matters way more than having all the answers.

“So… tell me about yourself.""So...why have you applied for this job?""So...tell me a bit about your career."You're almost guaranteed to be asked a variation of this question FIRST in an interview, yet so many people gloss over it.In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain how this is a golden opportunity to fill in the blanks on your resume for the hiring manager and help them understand how your career path has unfolded and what's motivated you along the way.We share two examples of real career stories to help you understand the kind of powerful insights a great answer can offer, and how it can shape the way the employer sees your entire application.

From stressing about repeating yourself, to wondering if the hiring team is comparing notes behind your back, progressing through multiple rounds of interviews can leave you second-guessing what you're supposed to say each time.In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma answer a listener question about navigating multi-stage interviews without running out of things to say, using a dating analogy.We explain why it's okay to repeat yourself, how much interviewers actually talk behind the scenes, and why consistency is far more important than coming up with "new" examples.

Landing a job overseas can be tough, but getting sponsored to stay can be even harder. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain why sponsorship is rarely advertised in job ads, and why temporary roles are often the best starting point.We share how to research your visa options, build a flexible plan when the future is uncertain and when it's time to move on from an employer who won't commit.

You've signed the contract for your new job, but that doesn't mean you have to start the very next day!In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain why there's no need to rush from one job straight to another and how to clearly communicate that you'll be taking a short break before starting.We share the exact wording you can use, how to avoid falling for pretend pressure, and what to do if flexibility actually isn't possible. Whether you want a week off, a few days, or just a weekend to reset, this episode will help you take it, confidently.

POV: you're kicking yourself for going blank or giving a really waffly answer in an interview, only to have an epiphany about what you should have said, once you've left the building! Sound familiar?In this week's episode, we're answering a listener DM about whether it's worth following up to redeem yourself. Is it helpful? Is it too late? Will it even make a difference?Emma breaks down what you need to consider before hitting send, while Sarah shares a story about a truck driver who handled this exact conundrum perfectly. If you've ever replayed an interview over and over in your head, this one's for you. We're diving into regret, recovery, and the power of perspective when things don't go to plan.

If you've ever downplayed your role in a successful project because it was a team effort, this episode is a must listen!Many jobseekers worry about sounding arrogant when discussing a project they were part of in interviews, especially if it led to a big result, like a spike in revenue.But here's the thing: underselling yourself isn't as humble as you think! Owning your part in a shared success isn't just okay, it's essential!In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma share practical advice on how to highlight your impact, while striking the perfect balance between honesty, confidence, and collaboration.

Got an interview coming up but stuck in a 9-to-5? You're not alone.In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma tackle a classic dilemma: how to juggle face-to-face interviews while holding down a full time job.From negotiating interview scheduling, to making the most of flexible work arrangements, or requesting time off strategically, we share how to make yourself available, without raising eyebrows.It's a delicate balancing act, but these tips can help you navigate the situation without jeopardising your current job, just in case things don't go to plan.

Ever typed “just checking in

You've been applying for jobs but getting nothing back. Interview advice is great, but what if you're not even getting interviews?!This week, Sarah and Emma respond to a listener's question about what to do when you're stuck at the application stage. They unpack what “getting seen” really means and explore all the reasons your applications might be falling flat - from the job market and your resume to how you're approaching the process.They'll help you figure out if your resume is doing you justice, whether your experience matches the roles you're going for, and why coffee chats might be the most underrated move in your job search.Plus, how to tell if you're applying for too few (or too many) jobs - and whether it might be time to bring in some professional help. If you're stuck and losing confidence, this episode is the pep talk and game plan you've been waiting for.

You've applied, you've interviewed… and now you're waiting. But should you be doing more? If you have contacts at the company, is it worth reaching out to move things along - or does that risk coming off as pushy?This week, Sarah and Emma answer a listener question about using your network after an interview. They discuss when and how to strategically tap into your connections - without making it feel transactional or overly aggressive.If you've ever wondered how to navigate networking in the follow-up stage, this episode will give you some great advice.

What should you do if an interviewer asks you a question that feels… off? Maybe it's about your age, marital status, or even your health. In many places, these types of questions are actually illegal - but they still happen more often than you'd think.This week, Sarah and Emma break down which personal questions are typically off-limits in a job interview and why they shouldn't be asked in the first place. They also discuss why some interviewers ask these questions - sometimes out of ignorance rather than bad intent - and how you can handle them professionally.You'll learn four different ways to respond, from smoothly redirecting the conversation to calling it out directly (if you're comfortable). Whether you want to answer, deflect, or set a boundary, this episode will give you the tools to handle tricky questions with confidence!

You're mid-answer in an interview, and suddenly - you notice a shift. The interviewer's gaze drifts, their nods stop, and you can tell… you've lost them. But what do you do next?This week, Sarah and Emma break down the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that your interviewer has checked out and, more importantly, how to reel them back in - without completely derailing your response.They'll share practical strategies like cutting to the chase with a quick summary, checking in with the interviewer mid-answer, and keeping things engaging without oversharing. Plus, they'll cover when to push through and when it's okay to adjust your approach.If you've ever worried about talking too much or losing your audience in an interview, this episode is packed with tactical tips to help you stay in control and leave a strong impression!

Trying to stand out in an interview might seem like a smart strategy — but it can actually backfire!This week, Sarah and Emma unpack why your goal shouldn't be to be 'memorable'. From real-life candidates who stood out for all the wrong reasons (think overconfidence, robotic responses, and even questionable sobriety) to what actually makes a great interview, we cover it all.The best candidates don't shock or surprise their interviewers — they make hiring managers feel confident in their ability to do the job. No gimmicks needed!

Are you eager to connect with a company you admire, but don't know where to start, especially because they aren't actively hiring?In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma share a range of strategies that can help you build meaningful relationships with potential employers, from engaging with their social media content to reaching out to recruiters and managers directly!We also discuss how to navigate expressing interest in multiple roles and why you might want to narrow your focus to stand out.

Not all recruiters are the same and you shouldn't let just anyone represent you! It's important to be picky about which agencies you work with.In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma unpack a listener's frustrating experience with a recruiter who left them feeling unsupported and unprepared. From the absence of a basic pre-interview meeting to the lack of communication after the interview, we point out all the red flags.We also share how to spot the good recruiters who will actually advocate for you and guide you through the process. The right one can change the entire trajectory of your career and help get you into jobs you wouldn't have ever considered or been able to land on your own!

Amongst the stress of an interview, it's easy to forget the stories and examples you prepared, or lose your train of thought and start rambling. But what if you had a secret weapon you could fall back on? Enter: The Magic Interview Notebook.In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain why bringing a notebook into an interview is NOT a crime, despite it feeling like one. From jotting down your carefully crafted questions to having prompts that jog your memory when you go blank, your notebook can be an epic safety net that can help keep your nerves at bay.We share how you can organise your notes, use them seamlessly without reading them word-for-word and bring it into the conversation naturally.

Any job can provide you with valuable stories to use in an interview. BUT, some roles do offer more complexity and responsibility that can really showcase your transferrable skills, especially when you're looking to make a career move. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain how being strategic and intentional with your job choices can accelerate your career progression, helping you build a stronger skill set for the role you ultimately want. Even small shifts in responsibility can add up to big wins on your resume!If you're looking to pivot or grow in your career, this episode is a must listen!

You've probably spent hours crafting the perfect resume, but have you ever stopped to consider whether the hiring manager actually knows anything about your previous employers? You shouldn't assume they would have heard of the company before!In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma discuss the importance of including a brief company description on your CV to give context to your experience, clarify the scope of your role and the time period you worked there. This simple addition can save you from misunderstandings and help the hiring manager understand your background quickly and clearly in this competitive job market.

If you're ready to make bold moves this year, this episode is a MUST listen. In 2025, we want you to embody our mantra and ‘SHOOT YOUR SHOT!'Whether it's applying for a job even though you don't meet every single requirement, sliding into someone's DM's that you admire, entering a competition or asking to taste test an ice cream flavour before committing to a choice, we want to inspire you to stop waiting for permission, and start taking action.It's time to stop letting the fear of rejection hold you back!

It's time to work smarter, not harder! ChatGPT can be an incredible tool in your job search, but the quality of it's responses depends on the quality of YOUR prompts! From writing polished resume bullet points, to researching salaries, Sarah and Emma walk you through 8 game changing prompts you can use, to get ChatGPT working with you - not against you. We've done the heavy lifting for you and created a free download so you can 'copy' & 'paste' and get started today!Disclaimer: It goes without saying that AI should NEVER replace your genuine effort in the job search. Any recruiter can sniff out a resume that's been completely written with ChatGPT a mile away!Get our ChatGPT prompts here: www.interviewboss.com.au/resources

Are you tempted to script your interview answers to perfection? You need to listen to this episode!Sarah and Emma explain why scripting every word might feel like the safe option but could actually be holding you back.We explain the unintended consequences of speaking in 'robot mode,' like coming across as disconnected and why you should focus on building a flexible answer framework instead.This episode will help you strike the right balance between being prepared, but also conversational.

If you're feeling crushed after getting knocked back from a job, then this episode is for you.We've created a mindset exercise to help put your 'rejection' into context. We hope this role-playing exercise will help you to understand just how subjective hiring decisions can be - and how it's not always about being 'better,' but about being the right fit for the specific need.We'd love to hear who YOU picked and why! Drop us a comment on Spotify for this episode or slide into our DM's with your thoughts!

If you have an interview coming up and are a little tempted to wing it, then this episode is for you!This week Sarah and Emma debunk the idea that because you didn't do 'XYZ' last time and everything worked out, you shouldn't worry about doing it this time either.We share a range of reasons interviews might have felt easy in the past and remind you that interview prep is like the seatbelt of job hunting: you don't always need it, but you're glad to have it when you do.

Chances are you've probably been told you need to customise your resume for every single job you apply for, to perfectly match the job description, reflect the company culture and stand out from the crowd.BUT what if we gave you permission to abandon this time consuming and exhausting advice?In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma share an alternative tip that will alleviate stress and prevent you from burning out before you've even landed an interview.

If you're hoping to ask about taking on a role part-time, but have no idea how or where to bring it up in the interview process, then this episode is for you!Sarah and Emma explain what you can say if you're strictly looking for part-time work, or looking to eventually transition from part-time into full-time.We explain why it's important to highlight your flexibility to boost your chances, but remind you that you can't control what the companies answer will be. You will never know until you ask!

Ever scrolled past a job ad because it seemed really boring or just didn't stand out? You might be missing out! Just because an ad isn't exciting doesn't mean the job isn't.In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma dive into the hidden potential of 'bad' job ads and why judging a role by its listing could be keeping you from great opportunities. We'll explain how to spot roles with hidden gems behind the bland wording and why it's important to focus on what really matters when deciding to apply.Don't let first impressions be the reason you miss out on your next big career move!

The 'profile' section goes at the top of your resume - it's PRIME real estate and therefore, the very first thing a hiring manager will read. It needs to be strong!In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma share a handy fill-in-the-blank style template, to help you craft the perfect summary that describes your job title, years of experience, areas of expertise, skillset and the industries you've worked in.We explain how most people go wrong by using too many buzzwords and emphasizing low level skills.

Landing your dream job isn't always linear. Sometimes, you have to take a longer path to get there. Kids might come along, your financial situation could change and unexpected life events can demand your attention, re-shuffle your priorities and pull you in different directions. This re-assuring episode is for all our listeners that are putting too much pressure on themselves to land the 'perfect' role right away. Spoiler alert: there's no such thing!Sarah and Emma explain that it's okay to decentre your job from your universe for a season of life or forever. We chat about how side steps are still progress and how you can begin to re-define your identity outside of work.

Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the pod, chances are you've heard us mention 'Best Bits' before. It is undoubtedly one of our most important pieces of advice and underpins all of our teachings. We thought it was time to revisit this game changing concept. Forget googling 'common interview questions' and trying to come up with specific answers for each one.In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain why that's the exact OPPOSITE of where you should start. We unpack how to brainstorm and structure your examples (best bits) so that you can walk out of that interview with confidence knowing you did yourself justice, regardless of what questions you were asked.

You've been told you've got the job - but there's some t&c's. Your offer is contingent on you passing some third-party health and background checks, which could take weeks. Because of this, you haven't been given a start date. Can you start celebrating? Is this offer legitimate enough to warrant resigning?In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma respond to listener Mandi's conundrum and discuss how to protect yourself so you don't end up in a sticky situation.We share some tips on how you can find out more information about the background check process to make an informed decision on the perfect time to resign.

POV: You have a job interview coming up, you've spent hours prepping your 'tell me about yourself' story and best bits and now, you just need to PRACTICE.It's officially time to summon a parent, your partner, a friend, a house mate, neighbour, or heck, even a stranger off the street (just kidding, please don't do that) to help you rehearse! All you have to do is send them a link to this episode.Your practice buddy may have never listened to us before - but that's okay, because this episode will catch them up to speed on our key philosophies! In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma tell your practice buddy how the answers should be structured, what to give feedback on and what's not a big deal.Your practice buddy doesn't need to know a whole lot about your job or achievements, in fact, sometimes this makes them an even better, objective helper.Happy practicing!

Being in an interview can feel like being in a pressure cooker. It's un-natural, you're nervous and thinking on your feet.As cliche as it sounds, good practice is KEY and will have you walking out of that interview confident you've done yourself justice.In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma discuss what exactly you should practice and share their favourite hacks like recording yourself on voice memos and listening back to it on repeat, or roping in a buddy to conduct a mock interview.

We've had a few questions from our listeners about a curious phenomenon. They receive the standard ‘unsuccessful application' email, but at REALLY strange times - some are coming through on the weekend, way after hours, or even at 2am?!In this week's episode, Emma and Sarah put their investigator hats on and get the scoop on why your rejection emails are coming through that way. Is it an automated rejection? Is it a nocturnal recruiter somewhere? Tune in to find out!

You've applied for a job, and you've landed an interview - BUT you've found out you won't be the only candidate in the room, you're headed to an assessment centre! Employers use these a lot to save time OR when they're hiring in bulk, especially for grad programs.Having planned and facilitated dozens of assessment centres, in this week's episode, Sarah gives you the inside scoop on what you kind of tasks you can expect to complete.We discuss what an employer is looking for and share some helpful tips to do yourself justice in the group environment.

We always tell people starting out in their careers 'what you lack in experience you can make up for with enthusiasm,' BUT this golden rule does have caveats!This week's episode is dedicated to listener Kirby, who was told he came off 'too excited' in the interview after finding out he was unsuccessful.We unpack why extreme enthusiasm could make a prospective employer potentially concerned that you aren't forming a realistic view of the job.Disclaimer: This feedback should be taken with a grain of salt. You should never change your entire approach based on one piece of feedback and we certainly don't want anyone intentionally dulling their sparkle!

You've made it to the final step in the recruitment process - you might be the final candidate OR you might still be up against someone else. But what happens when you have no suitable people to put down as a reference?In this week's episode Emma and Sarah answer a conundrum sent in by a listener who feels like they have no options for references due to bouncing between jobs and industries and not staying in touch with former employers. We share our tips for hitting up old bosses for references, explain why requesting a statement of service can be a good plan B and brainstorm ideas on how you can begin to secure some solid references - because this problem isn't going to go away on it's own!

Are you contemplating working overseas but unsure if it's the right move for your career? In this episode, Emma and Sarah dive deep into the pros and cons of taking your professional life abroad.Whether you're dreaming of a career adventure in a new country or weighing the practicalities of the move, this episode will provide you with the guidance and inspiration you need to make the best choice for your professional journey

Ever found yourself in a situation where you don't have an ideal story or example for an interview question? If you have something in mind, but feel like it doesn't show off your whole approach to decision making, you can consider adding a hypothetical at the end of your answer. It could sound like "but if that didn't work I would have done xyz" or "if the customer responded with x I would have then..."In this week's episode Emma and Sarah unpack the strategy which can be a lifeline in a pinch.Disclaimer: Real examples come first! You shouldn't use hypotheticals in response to every question.

If you have an interview coming up and are a little tempted to wing it, then this episode is for you!It's easy to think "I just need to do a good enough job to get the role." BUT the truth is, smashing an interview out of the park will pay DIVIDENDS long into your career at the company.In this week's motivating episode, Sarah and Emma discuss all the ongoing benefits of giving an AMAZING interview, like having the role entirely changed to better suit you and your skills, getting offered a higher salary than you asked for and getting to work on the best projects.Disclaimer: Skip this ep if you're a perfectionist who is prone to panic and has already put in hours and hours of prep.

This week, Sarah and Emma are joined by a very special guest, Mel Storey! She's a tech in-house lawyer, but not just any in-house lawyer, she was 2023 In House Lawyer of the Year, she is the Podcast Host of Counsel, she's your career big sis on Tiktok and an all round Thought Leader. We cover SO much in this episode with Mel, including clerkships and work experience while studying, the recruitment phase, whether the reputation of a law school matters and pro's and con's of being an in-house lawyer vs working in a firm.This episode is a MUST listen for anyone hoping to pursue, or currently in the legal field. BUT we guarantee there is a piece of wisdom in this episode for EVERY LISTENER, whether you have a legal background or not.

One minute you're in the job seeking trenches, PRAYING you'll receive ANY offer and before you know it, you've been offered multiple opportunities all at once, and have to decide which to decline.Sound familiar? It's a conundrum we see ALL the time!In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma discuss how to gracefully turn down an offer or role.We discuss what this should look like, depending on what stage of the recruitment process you're in. Because pulling out of the race before you've even sat your interview is very different to pulling out after you've signed a contract.Side note: If you haven't already listened to our power move episode about juggling multiple offers. Click here to listen, and come back to this episode afterward!Goodluck and remember, having too many offers is a GREAT problem to have!

Join us as we unpack short-term contracts! In this week's episode Sarah and Emma discuss how they differ from permanent roles and the different types of short-term contracts from agency placements, to fixed-term gigs.We share some pro's and con's, like diverse experiences and maybe a higher paycheck, against cons like job insecurity and a lack of benefits. We also share our advice on what to keep in mind if you do take on a short-term contract, to ensure you're able to reap the rewards!

If you're a manager who conducts interviews, there's a fair chance you might be asked about your leadership style. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma unpack the different management styles to help you identify and explain what kind of manager you are. This episode is also for those who have left a role due to not seeing eye-to-eye with a manager. Reflecting about what kind of boss you like to work under will help you avoid ending up in a similar situation! If you know what management style you thrive under, it's a great idea to ask how your interviewers would describe their management style, to see it aligns with your preference.

Employment and recruitment scams were one of the top 10 scam categories in 2023 (according to the ACCC) which means people like you are being taken advantage of when they are looking for a new job.I know what you're thinking - you're way too savvy to fall for a scam... THINK AGAIN! These scammers are clever and they know how to take advantage of your emotions. In this week's episode Sarah and Emma talk about the different kinds of job scams out there, and how you can keep yourself safe. We even give you a new motto for avoiding scams online courtesy of our very own Assistant Treasurer.. "Don't click on the bloody blue link"

Interview preparation can be so overwhelming, particularly if you're in a time crunch!That's why we want to make sure you're spending the right amount of time on each step of the process. Because it's easy to accidently fall down a rabbit hole researching your interviewer, only to realise hours have passed and you haven't even got anything of substance to talk about in the interview yet!In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma discuss what parts of preparation require hours of your time, and what can be done in minutes, if necessary, in a pinch.

Many companies prioritise diversity within their workplaces and therefore are keen bring the conversation into the interview process. BUT it can be really tricky to come up with your own examples, even if you're the most inclusive person in the world!In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain what employers are looking for when they ask this question and brainstorm a range of out-of-the-box ideas that you might not have considered!Hint: You don't have to have created groundbreaking diversity polices in order to answer this question - your examples can be small but impactful!

Am I being automatically rejected from a job for not meeting the exact screening questions?That is the question we answered in this week's episode, after Elizabeth, who has 3 years' experience and was applying for a role asking for 4, sent us her conundrum!The short answer? It's very unlikely - so keep shooting your shot!Screening questions are used to save recruiters time, and, in most cases, a recruiter is still looking at your application. The questions have just made it easier for them to filter through the candidates.Give this episode a listen to hear what advice Sarah and Emma have for Elizabeth.

We're tackling a listener's question about how to handle bad company reviews when you have an interview lined up. We get it - even if you're desperate for a job, you don't want to end up somewhere toxic. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma talk about what really makes those reviews a red flag and how to tell if they're something you should be concerned about. We're also here to give you the confidence to bring up these reviews during your interview. Yes, you can totally ask about them, and we'll show you how to do it without sounding negative or worried. We'll share tips on how to phrase your question just right, so you can get the answers you needRed flags episodehttps://player.captivate.fm/episode/fbec4eda-a4b5-4ac8-898b-23af4d7d67ed

Have you ever had bad day at work and retaliated by going home and firing off multiple applications to new jobs in a fit of rage? You're not alone!A recent study by recruitment specialists Robert Walters found 65% of surveyed Australian professionals admitted to taking part in the trend, with toxic workplace culture, poor work life balance and an unmanageable workload to blame! In the U.S, 67% of professionals admitted to having been a rage applier in the past 6 months.In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma discuss the pro's and con's of rage applying (hint: sometimes it can be the catalyst you need to improve your situation!)