

Interview Boss
Interview Boss
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 20, 2025 • 23min
Should you bring a display folder full of achievements to your job interview?
Is a display folder of achievements a job interview power move or overkill? Discover the benefits for new grads and early-career candidates. Hear success stories that highlight when bringing along your certificates can impress interviewers. Find out practical tips on how to introduce your folder without feeling awkward, and learn why relevance is key—no random stuff allowed! Plus, a listener shares a triumph over public speaking anxiety, proving that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to amazing opportunities.

7 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 37min
Should I apply if I don't have quite enough experience?
In this engaging discussion, the hosts tackle the dilemma of applying for jobs with slightly less experience. They emphasize that years-of-experience requirements are often flexible, encouraging listeners to apply even if they don’t meet them exactly. Practical tips include detailing project specifics on resumes and the importance of networking in creative fields. They explore strategies for leveraging LinkedIn and making connections in a new city before relocating. Overall, a confident approach could lead to unexpected career opportunities!

Nov 5, 2025 • 33min
Don't be fooled by the 'casual chat' trap
Don't let the term "casual chat" trick you into thinking there’s no need to prepare. These relaxed meetings can catch candidates off-guard, leading to common pitfalls like under-preparation or being too formal. Learn how to tell your career story naturally, craft a concise introduction, and balance small talk with key examples. The discussion also covers the importance of active listening and adapting to different interviewer styles. Ultimately, treat these informal chats with the seriousness of a formal interview!

Oct 29, 2025 • 36min
What it means when a job ad gets reposted after you apply
Reposting a job ad after you applied can feel discouraging, but it often has little to do with you. The hosts explore various reasons behind reposts, from lazy auto-reposts to managers hunting for an elusive 'unicorn' candidate. They discuss how reposts may indicate issues like timing problems or a need for edits to attract better applicants. Listeners get practical advice on what to do next, including when to follow up or simply move on. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of focusing on multiple opportunities.

8 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 29min
When it’s not a match: How to pivot an interview into a coffee chat
Navigating mismatched interviews can be tricky, but turning them into coffee chats is a clever strategy. The hosts share a listener’s success story where a dead-end interview led to valuable networking. They offer insights on how to gracefully acknowledge dealbreakers and maintain relationships. The discussion emphasizes the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and active listening in interviews. Plus, listeners learn practical tips for making the pivot and fostering future connections without seeming opportunistic.

25 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 45min
Diagnosing & treating 'Interview Mode' Syndrome: from robotic to real
Jobseekers everywhere may be suffering from Interview Mode Syndrome, where they forget their achievements and speak robotically. This condition often arises in high-pressure situations like dream job interviews. The hosts explore why it happens and advocate for ditching jargon and scripted responses. Natural storytelling is highlighted as a powerful tool for connection. With personal anecdotes, they show how relaxation and authenticity lead to successful interviews, offering practical tips for overcoming the syndrome and communicating more effectively.

8 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 39min
The job interview prep step you're not doing enough of
Ever wondered why your interview stories don't hit the mark? Slowing down for proper thinking time can transform rehearsed responses into meaningful narratives. Discover how to unearth the impactful details of your stories and gain the confidence to shine in interviews. Hear a listener's success story that highlights the difference this approach makes. Plus, explore engaging ways to enhance your storytelling through prompts and personal reflection, ensuring your experiences resonate deeply with interviewers.

Sep 24, 2025 • 40min
Job offer dilemma - more money or more security?
Having two job offers on the table sounds like the dream, but in reality, it can feel like a nightmare decision. Do you take the higher-paying contract role with less security, or settle for the lower salary in a permanent role that feels “safer”?This week, Sarah and Emma unpack a listener dilemma from Lizzy, who’s weighing up a permanent job at a luxury brand with average pay and worrying reviews, against a short-term contract role at a startup with a huge salary boost.We’ll break down the real meaning of job security (hint: it’s not always about being “permanent”), the financial trade-offs to consider, and how to factor in growth, culture, and risk tolerance when making a big career decision. Plus, we’ll share a thought experiment that helps reframe the choice and remind you that every role adds to your career story.If you’ve ever been torn between two offers, or just wondered what you’d do if that lucky day came - this episode will give you a practical framework to make the decision with confidence.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Regina who bought us 3 coffees!“I just wanted to say a big thank you for your podcast. I’ve been listening for weeks in the run-up to my diagnostic radiographer interview on Friday 12th September, both at home and on my drives to work, and it has made such a difference. I particularly like the way you break things down into the “best bits.” As a middle-aged woman with a lot of work experience, I found your guidance on structuring “tell me about yourself” so helpful. The episode about what to do when your mind goes blank was a life saver for me, as I can be a nervous interviewee. What I value most is that your advice feels practical and natural, not overly scripted. Even if I get a little derailed, I can always find my way back, and that gave me real confidence going into the interview. So thank you so much for the work you put into this. You’ve helped me more than you know. Btw, I got the Job! That's the best bit."Mentioned in this episode: The power move for juggling multiple job offers🎥Check out BRAND NEW free training - Top Interview Tips https://www.interviewboss.com.au/top-interview-tips🏫 To get step by step help with your interview prep on demand check out our Interview Academy https://www.interviewboss.com.au/interview-academy☕ Did our podcast help you out? Want to say thank you in coffee form? Shout us a virtual coffee here: www.buymeacoffee.com/interviewboss☎️ To book an interview coaching session with Sarah, go to www.interviewboss.com.au/coaching ❤️ Follow us on Instagram📒 Check out our website for free jobseeker resourceswww.interviewboss.com.au

Sep 17, 2025 • 40min
How to 'Shoot Your Shot' at your dream job (even when they aren't hiring)
Ever dreamed of working for a company that's not hiring? Discover how to create your own opportunity by crafting a targeted pitch. Learn the importance of researching companies and roles before reaching out. Find out the best channels for contact and when to follow up. Hear success stories that highlight this bold approach, all while managing your expectations. This strategy may not guarantee a job, but it’s all about making yourself known and potentially landing your dream position.

17 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 27min
Cracking the company values question (without selling your soul)
Navigating company values in interviews can be tricky. The hosts share insights on answering values-based questions with confidence, emphasizing the power of personal examples. They suggest using acronyms to recall values easily and warn against generic answers. A listener's inspiring job search journey showcases the importance of community support. Lighthearted stories about juggling preparation amidst life’s interruptions add to the fun. Overall, it's about turning experiences into compelling narratives that resonate with employers.


