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Interview Boss

Latest episodes

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Jun 27, 2025 • 27min

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’m Aaron. I just wanted to write in and say thank you! Your podcast was a little beacon of sanity throughout a very long, stressful and competitive interview process! I applied for my state's fire and rescue service last year, and followed along with your podcast for resume preparation, group assessment tips, interview preparation tips and guidance (those best bits kick butt!) and even on the advice like clenching my TOES! It did work! I found out last week that I am one of the very lucky few (60 from 8000 applicants) who successfully gained a position on a training course! I know I wouldn't have got here without the help of the Pod and you gals keeping me on track! Thanks again and unfortunately I don’t know if I’ll be listening in again - I hope to spend the rest of my career helping the community and keeping people safe! - but might tune back in just to see what’s new in the interview world! Thanks legends!”🎥 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.auEpisodes we talked aboutWhat to include in your career story to ace that first interview question!So... tell us about yourself - Part 2So... tell us about yourself (aka the art of storytelling)Mentioned in this episode:New To the Podcast? Start Here!Episodes For Your Situation
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Jun 18, 2025 • 30min

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

This episode dives into the emotional rollercoaster of getting fired and the tricky path to landing a new job. The hosts explore a listener's dilemma about whether to disclose their termination during a second interview with the CEO. They discuss how honesty can be powerful, while also highlighting how to frame past experiences positively. Listeners share inspiring success stories and tips on turning adversity into opportunity, emphasizing preparation and self-reflection in the job search process.
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Jun 12, 2025 • 46min

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.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.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Lauren who bought us 10 coffees!"Hey interview boss queens, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your content. I was a regular listener for your podcast for about 12 months while I searched for a job (I am a project manager, working in commercial media). I networked, polished my resume, interviewed over and over again. I got close thrice (second interview, final stage) only to be rejected due to more specialised applicants. Your acknowledgement of how hard the mental struggle is to persist was really validating I'm so pleased to say I've just signed a contract on a new job which comes with a $17k pay rise, with commission and higher earning potential in the future!! It's a strategy & sales role, the perfect fit for me. Your interview tips, best bits packaging, and frank advice on starting with the resume, as well as how to network all got this over the line for me (I previously worked at the same company as the Head of Sales and reached out to them who invited me to apply). YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST. If I can leave my own tip, I always read 'The First 90 Days' by Michael D. Watkins when I start a new job, all about what to do in the first 90 days to set yourself up for success. I am so glad I can finally dust this off the shelf again!!! Thanks so much Emma and Sarah.”🎥 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.auMentioned in this episode: Our episode on presentations
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Jun 4, 2025 • 23min

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

Navigating the tricky first interview question is key to making a great impression. Learn how to craft your career narrative to highlight your experiences effectively. Personal stories can showcase your motivations and shape the way interviewers perceive your application. Discover the importance of honesty when discussing your career transitions and intentions. Plus, hear a success story of a listener who aced a competitive job interview after fine-tuning her storytelling skills. Elevate your interview game with these powerful insights!
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May 31, 2025 • 28min

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

Navigating interviews can feel like dating, where connections matter. The hosts explore how to handle multiple interview rounds without losing your cool. Consistency is key—it's okay to repeat yourself! Personal anecdotes can foster deeper engagement, just like on a first date. They share inspiring listener journeys, proving that interview skills can make all the difference. Understand the dynamics of addressing various interviewers while keeping your narrative fresh, and learn to embrace the process with confidence.
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May 21, 2025 • 37min

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 interview, I found your podcast on a long drive to my friends to get my hair fixed (yes, the day before an interview, last minute!). I immediately found your way of talking easy to listen to and understand (kiwi here), I loved your take on interviews and by the return journey I had listened to the Best Bits episode and the Pre-interview pep talk one too. I spent my evening scoping out 4 of my best bits and all the relevant Q topics they could answer. I had already prepped in my own way, and also prepared a 10-min presentation of a campaign as requested, but the best bits idea just unlocked something for me and I knew I was going to do well. Instead of waiting for them to ask the 'right' questions for me to share what I wanted, I just turned every question into talking about what I wanted to share. Sometimes it was a cheeky pivot, but they didn't seem to care. I had them grinning ear-to-ear, loving my ideas and when I said my ideal salary at the end they were just like, "yes makes sense". Before the day was out they told me I was the preferred candidate, they checked my references and Monday told me I'd gotten it and they gave me the highest available salary for that position. (Only $3k shy of my pie-in-the-sky ideal). There are many things I've done to get to this point to build my confidence after being self-employed for 8 years, but I honestly credit the cherry on top of feeling 100% ready and that I was going to smash it was from you guys. Thank you so much - I finally feel that this mid-career pivot is paying off. Also I'm telling all my friends to listen.”🎥 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
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May 14, 2025 • 30min

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

Why rush into a new job? This discussion highlights the importance of negotiating your start date to take a breather before diving into a new role. Personal anecdotes reveal the pitfalls of overlooking this crucial detail and share clever tactics for managing job transitions without burnout. The hosts provide tips on how to confidently communicate your needs to potential employers, proving that a short delay is both reasonable and beneficial. Empower yourself in your career journey by advocating for a pause!
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May 7, 2025 • 28min

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 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.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Annelise who bought us 3 coffees!'Emma and Sarah, I have just received an amazing job offer and one of the first things I thought of was "I need to buy them a coffee and let them know about this!!" I've been listening to your podcast since late last year, when I decided to shoot my shot. I really like working at my current company, but there aren't many career development opportunities for me anymore. And your episode on rage applying for new jobs was the extra push I needed to get into that mindset! Last time I had an interview was seven years ago, when I was trying to get an internship in a very competitive market. I went through multiple online tests, cases, presentations, but getting an offer was really hard and I ended up developing some anxiety around interviews. A month ago, when a recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn about an amazing opportunity at a tech company, I didn’t think twice and started listening to all your episodes about the interview process. I went through an interview with HR, an interview with the managers, a slide deck presentation and a final interview with the department's director. And you had episodes for every. Single. Step!! The Best Bits episodes was definitely a game-changer for me, as they are for many people. But I also want to highlight the one about bringing notes to the interviews. It made me more confident to learn that I am not getting tested on my memory during an interview. I used to be afraid of forgetting something important, blanking, or not remembering my questions to ask at the end. This time, I felt more in control and calm going into the interviews because I knew I had some notes to refer to if needed. Thank you for your funny and always down to earth advice. Thank you for keeping me sane when I was freaking out right before an interview or when waiting to hear back. Every time I have the chance, I recommend your podcast to friends and family. Much love from Brazil!’🎥 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.auMentioned in this episode:New To the Podcast? Start Here!Episodes For Your Situation
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Apr 30, 2025 • 24min

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

Discover why it's essential to embrace your role in team victories instead of downplaying your contributions. The hosts explore the delicate balance between humility and self-promotion, sharing insights on how to communicate your impact effectively during interviews. Listen to a listener's inspiring career transformation and learn about the importance of accurately conveying your achievements. They also offer practical tips and resources to boost your confidence and shine a light on what you bring to the table.
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Apr 23, 2025 • 32min

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 jeopardising your current job, just in case things don't go to plan. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Jorien who bought us 3 coffees!"“Hi! A few months ago I shared with you how Interview Academy helped me prepare. I ended with how confident I felt about the interview I did, and that even if I didn't get the job, I was still happy with how I did. Well, I didn't get the job. And the next lot of interviews also resulted in me not getting the job. I got better at doing interviews, which was great. I learned a lot. And I kept getting interviews, which was also great but nerve-wracking. The next round of interviews were great and after the second one they called within a few hours to say they chose me. Amazing! Except that I had another interview planned the next day for a job I had been talking about for years. I decided to do that interview and choose afterwards. It seemed like an impossible choice. I couldn't sleep and was so worried. But when I went in for the "dream job" interview, it turned out it wasn't a match at all for me at this moment. So I let them know the same day that I would not proceed and I accepted the job that is a much better match. So what did I learn? First: I'm a bit spoiled as I got so many interviews (in 5 of 9 cases I got an invitation after sending in an application) and I still felt insecure often. It is a hard thing. Second: most interviewers try their best to make you feel comfortable (also in panel interviews). Some don't, and that's really valuable information for you to decide if you want to work there. Third: Prepping really helps, but even with the best prep in the world, you will always get questions you didn't expect. If you are like me and can be too excited: limit your preptime. Thank you so much Sarah and Emma, your podcast and Interview Academy really helped me. Tomorrow is my first day, I am so excited. I also know that in a few years, I might have to do interviews again. Any advice on how to make sure I keep track during my job of best bits and future examples?"🎥 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.auMentioned in this episode: https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/9de4c639-4ef5-4a81-a60f-a29a702fe67a/S3-E32-Telling-your-boss-you-want-to-leave.mp3

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