

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

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 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.

Sep 3, 2025 • 34min
Beware of the negativity spiral
Losing hope in your job search? You’re not alone - but be careful where you turn for support.In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma issue a warning about the dangers of falling into online negativity spirals. From comment sections and forums it can feel like everyone is struggling - like the system is broken, and it’s you vs the world. And while there’s often a kernel of truth to these ideas, they can quickly become an echo chamber of hopelessness.Whether it’s job scams, ghosting recruiters or hearing “no one gets hired through ads anymore,” this kind of content might feel validating, but it can also derail your confidence, your mindset and your motivation.Note: This episode is the warning, not the “what to do instead.” If you’re after mindset support or actionable info, check out these episodes:You’re Not Alone- How to Tackle Job Search RejectionHow Job Search can Affect your Mental HealthJob Search Myths Busted🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to JB “I promised myself that when I landed a job I would shout you guys the coffees you deserve. Your help and advice over the past year of job hunting has been unbelievably helpful and I have upped my interview game tenfold. As exhausting and emotionally taxing as the job hunt is, I knew I was getting better at the whole process with each interview. It’s been a rollercoaster, with so many “almost but not quite” responses and the neverending emotional tenacity that is required to keep picking yourself up again and again. I start my new job on Monday: one that is right up my alley, a step up, close to home, higher pay and part-time. The vibe from the first interview has been fantastic, I’ve been myself, and everything has been easy peasy since. No mixed signals, no “do they like me?!” Like a good relationship, it’s been straightforward and friendly. I almost gave up a couple of months ago and threw in the towel. Now that I am here, I am so thrilled I persevered. My gosh: to those in the thick of the despair that comes with job hunting, keep on. You will get there.”🎥 Check out our 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

23 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 36min
The types of multi-part interview questions and how to tackle them
Navigating multi-part interview questions can be daunting, especially when they come with several criteria. The hosts share effective strategies for staying organized and avoiding confusion during interviews. They emphasize the power of quick note-taking and the importance of repeating questions to clarify intent. Humorously comparing complex questions to Australian slang, they provide tips for structuring responses using the STAR method, ensuring candidates can showcase their best selves without freezing up. Prepare to impress with confidence!

Aug 14, 2025 • 36min
I quit, and it didn't even seem like anyone cared?!
Resigning from a job can feel like a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when the goodbye isn't what you expected. The discussion reveals how a quiet departure can sting and emphasizes that it's often not personal. The hosts explore the complexity of workplace relationships, reminding listeners to separate their worth from their job title. They share practical tips for creating your own closure and highlight the importance of embracing the transition with a positive mindset. Remember, farewells can be awkward, but they can also lead to new beginnings.


