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Interview Boss

Interview Bosswww.interviewboss.com.au
Welcome to Interview Boss hosted by sisters Emma and Sarah Smith. This podcast is all about providing advice, inspiration and support for job seekers. Whether you're between jobs, or looking for your dream promotion, we're here to give you the tips, tricks and behind the scenes knowledge you need to be the boss of your career. We'll dive deep in to all things resume, cover letter, job application, job search strategy, interviews and offer negotiations. We're going to bring you a mix of advice shows, interviews with influential hiring managers, as well as job seeker stories all to help you during your job hunt. Hit subscribe, and get ready to be the BOSS of your career.
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Episodes

I want the job because... I need the money?

“Why did I apply? Well… I need the money” In this episode, Sarah and Emma dive into a listener question from Abi, who asked how to professionally say she wants a job for the money, and because the hours suit her. We unpack why those answers don’t quite cut it, and what employers are really asking when they say “Why do you want this job?” Tune in for honest advice, real examples you can steal, and the shampoo analogy you didn’t know you needed. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Aaron “Hey girls, I...

Jun 27, 202527 minSeason 5Ep. 22

Should I come clean to the interviewer about being fired from my last job?

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. 🏀 Sh...

Jun 18, 202530 minSeason 5Ep. 21

What no one tells you about Interview Case Studies & Presentations

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....

Jun 12, 202546 minSeason 5Ep. 20

What to include in your career story to ace that first interview question!

“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 r...

Jun 04, 202523 minSeason 5Ep. 19

How to handle each stage of the interview process: ft a dating analogy!

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...

May 31, 202528 minSeason 5Ep. 18

Moving abroad for work? Here's how to get sponsored!

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. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Ruth who bought us a coffee! “Less than 24 hours before my job in...

May 21, 202537 minSeason 5Ep. 17

The one thing most jobseekers forget to negotiate: their start date!

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 rese...

May 14, 202530 minSeason 5Ep. 16

Should I follow up if I think of a better answer AFTER my interview?

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 t...

May 07, 202528 minSeason 5Ep. 15

Are you scared to take credit for your role in a team win? It's time to stop!

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 ho...

Apr 30, 202524 minSeason 5Ep. 14

HELP! How can I sneak out of my 9-5 to attend an interview?

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 jeopardis...

Apr 23, 202532 minSeason 5Ep. 13

The feminine urge to add exclamation points

Ever typed “just checking in 😊” or added an extra exclamation point to sound friendly—then worried you sounded unprofessional? You’re not alone. This week’s episode is all about the tricky balance of being warm and respected at work. Inspired by a listener question, Sarah and Emma unpack the pressure (especially on women) to soften their communication—using emojis, exclamation marks, or phrases like “just” and “I think”—and whether it helps or hurts in a professional setting. They explore what ...

Apr 09, 202542 minSeason 5Ep. 12

Can’t seem to get an interview? Here's your game plan

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 ju...

Apr 03, 202521 minSeason 5Ep. 11

Waiting to hear back? Should you use your connections?

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 ...

Mar 26, 202518 minSeason 5Ep. 10

Can they ask that? How to handle illegal job interview questions

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 ...

Mar 19, 202527 minSeason 5Ep. 9

Signs your interviewer has checked out (and how to get them back)

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...

Mar 12, 202521 minSeason 5Ep. 8

Why being 'memorable' in an interview ISN'T a good thing!

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 abilit...

Feb 26, 202526 minSeason 5Ep. 7

How to connect with a company you want to work for!

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. ...

Feb 19, 202524 minSeason 5Ep. 6

How to spot a BAD recruiter and the power of a GREAT one!

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 fo...

Feb 12, 202525 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Contrary to popular belief, it ISN'T illegal to take a notebook into your interview!

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 c...

Feb 05, 202528 minSeason 5Ep. 4

Does your job give you enough transferrable skills?

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...

Jan 29, 202520 minSeason 5Ep. 3

The importance of the company description line on your CV

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...

Jan 22, 202533 minSeason 5Ep. 2

Repeat after me: "This is the year I SHOOT MY SHOT!"

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 h...

Jan 15, 202535 minSeason 5Ep. 1

Use these ChatGPT prompts to help level up your job search!

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 with...

Dec 19, 202431 minSeason 4Ep. 45

Why you need to resist the urge to script yourself in an interview!

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. 🏀...

Dec 11, 202422 minSeason 4Ep. 44

Two great candidates - who would YOU hire?

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 ...

Dec 04, 202423 minSeason 4Ep. 43

Why should I prepare for this interview when 'winging it' has worked for me in the past?

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. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Sho...

Nov 20, 202422 minSeason 4Ep. 42

Why you should STOP tailoring your resume for every single job!

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. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Lysandra...

Nov 13, 202420 minSeason 4Ep. 41

Nervous to ask about part-time work? Here's how to bring it up!

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 a...

Nov 06, 202423 minSeason 4Ep. 40

Great job, bad ad? Why you might be missing awesome job opportunities

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. D...

Oct 30, 202420 minSeason 4Ep. 39

How to craft the perfect 'about me' profile on your resume!

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 sk...

Oct 23, 202431 minSeason 4Ep. 38
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