

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

Jan 28, 2026 • 24min
212: The Interview Horror Story that left us SPEECHLESS
A jaw dropping story about messages about the candidate appearing on her own laptop during an assessment. Real-time reactions call out the humiliation and tech failures that made it worse. A debate about whether to confront, continue, or walk away plays out. The conversation also covers who should fix these mistakes and whether you could trust an employer after this happens.

Jan 21, 2026 • 37min
211: Quitting your DISASTER new job. How much do you tell them about why you're leaving?
You’re only five months into a new role, but you’re burnt out, crying daily, and dreading every shift. You know you need to leave for your mental health, but the old advice is ringing in your ears: "Never resign without another job lined up!"In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma tackle a heavy listener dilemma from Rita, who is ready to walk away during her probation period but is struggling with how to approach the resignation conversation. Do you tell them exactly why the culture is toxic, or do you keep it professional and vague?We have a bit of a debate in this episode! We weigh up the "justice" route (letting them know exactly why they suck) versus the "protect your peace" route (saving your energy and moving on). Who is on which side? Who will you agree with?🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Molika “Hello Sarah and Emma! This is a bit of a late thank you but my 2025 spotify wrapped has reminded me of how much you guys helped me out during my stressful internship interviews. On the big day of my 2 biggest top preferences sites, I revisited 8 episodes in a row while on the PTV to the city and played the HYPE-UP podcast as I was walking towards the interview to shake off any last minute nerves. All the actionable preparation that you both shared made me feel so ready to conquer the interview- knowing that I had done all that I could- and I got my number 1 choice. I was in your girls’ top 0.5% of listeners and I am so proud to be esteemed that accomplishment. Please keep doing what you’re doing, I only wish you girls the utmost success.”🎥 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

Jan 19, 2026 • 35min
210: Why you should start tracking your 'Best Bits' before you urgently need them
They explain why you should start collecting brief work wins now so you are never scrambling later. Practical tips for low-effort trackers and how to structure simple notes are discussed. Examples cover what counts as a win, including small successes and unfinished projects. They share ways those notes can fuel pay rise talks, promotions and confident interview stories.

10 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 34min
209: The benefits of applying for a job directly through the company website
Exploring the advantages of applying directly through company websites is the focus here. Discover how direct applications provide more context to recruiters and access to additional role details. The conversation delves into the risks of job scraping and the importance of creating a company profile for personalized applications. Learn about the benefits of tracking your application progress and the value of deciding when to apply directly versus through job boards. Perfect for anyone eager to streamline their job search!

Dec 5, 2025 • 26min
208: How to explain why you're taking a step down (convincingly!)
Stepping down the career ladder can be just as daunting as climbing up. The hosts explore how to convey your reasons for a lower role without sounding burnt out or unmotivated. They emphasize the importance of being open about your motivations, whether for family or personal fulfillment. Listeners learn how to weave their reasoning into structured interviews while balancing leadership examples with individual contributions. The episode wraps up with solid tips on being genuine, intentional, and vulnerable in your explanations.

21 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 42min
207: Unpacking the dreaded 'weaknesses' question
The hosts tackle the notorious 'biggest weakness' interview question, highlighting its awkwardness and how it often reveals little about candidates. They emphasize the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability in responses, while debunking common clichés like 'I’m a perfectionist.' Listeners get tips on selecting a real weakness that shows growth potential without being a dealbreaker. Practical examples from their own experiences make it relatable, illustrating how to frame ongoing improvement without feigning perfection. A fresh take on an age-old interview staple!

Nov 20, 2025 • 23min
206: 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
205: 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
204: 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
203: 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.


