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Interview Boss

Latest episodes

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Jan 22, 2025 • 33min

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 misunderstandings and help the hiring manager understand your background quickly and clearly in this competitive job market.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Mendy who bought us a coffee!"Thank you for making the podcast and the resources available to us for free, as much of the stress of being unemployed or underemployed is financial stress. I was laid off from a job in the middle of 2023. I'd been working 65-70 hour weeks and not taken a single day of vacation for 11 months because I was trying to prove myself and get a solid foothold on a competitive team. I got stuck in a bad situation with a toxic boss, and spent most days stress crying just to get through the day. I'd chosen this job though, and very much felt I had to lay in the bed I made. The layoff was devastating, but in some ways was a relief. I took a few months to get healthy and started applying at the start of 2024, but couldn't get anyone to pick up my resume. I applied for 1200 + jobs. I wove in and out of depression thinking that there was something wrong with me that I just couldn't see. I received no feedback, so I couldn't improve my resume or my application to do better the next time. I contacted my friend's realtor at the end of December to begin the process of selling my home because I'd used all of my savings. I felt like I was failing as an adult. If this gets read on the show, for all the folks dealing with these difficult situations, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. It's so hard to continue trying when you get "rejected" (I know it's a bad word) over and over. It feels like a rejection of your life's work, your education, your capabilities, your desires, and your life and ability to fund it. But keep it up. Keep trying, keep adjusting, keep applying. You are not alone. The week before Christmas, right after that call with the realtor, I received a few wonderful offers, and I am now preparing to start 2025 - over a year and a half after I'd been let go - in a new path. Your podcast and resources were like scaffolding to help me mentally work through the confusing process and stressful steps of this journey, and I'm so incredibly grateful. Thank you, thank you.”🎥 Check out our 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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Jan 15, 2025 • 35min

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 hold you back!🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Jane who bought us 3 coffees!“Hey Emma and Sarah. I've been listening to your podcasts for 2 years already! Not anymore sorry but I recommend your podcast to everyone around me. I got my dream job by listening to your podcasts and applying what you advised. I listened so much that your voices became so sincere and dear to me (I even have a notebook dedicated to your episodes). Everyday I listened and took notes. I don't know how many times I listened to your group interview episode, before my own group interview! Now that I am in the corporate world, I think there are lots of things to consider, because just getting the job done won't get you promoted. If you run out of content one day I would love to hear some advice related to the corporate world, the oil and gas industry, gender imbalance, toxic environments, how to rise up despite all the hardships and de-motivation and being a woman in male dominated environment. I would love to hear about ADHD as well."🎥 Check out our 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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11 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 31min

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

Discover how to supercharge your job search with ChatGPT! The hosts share eight powerful prompts for crafting resumes and cover letters that stand out. They highlight the balance between utilizing AI tools and maintaining genuine effort throughout the process. With practical tips for salary research and building your job search toolkit, you'll gain insights to transform your approach. Don't miss the engaging anecdotes that bring humor and relatability to the job-seeking journey!
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6 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 22min

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

Are you tempted to script your interview answers? Discover why this approach may hinder your success. The hosts discuss the dangers of sounding robotic and emphasize the need for authentic, engaging communication. Learn about a flexible answer framework that balances preparation with conversational ease. They also share tips on embracing natural storytelling to foster genuine connections during interviews. Tune in for practical advice paired with humor that empowers you on your job-seeking journey!
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4 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 23min

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 thoughts!🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to CC who bought us 10 coffees!“The sisters I never had! I moved out of leadership from a toxic company and got a good job with slightly better pay but after a year and an unsuccessful application for a promotion I was feeling a bit stagnant. I thought I was in a good position this time around when another leadership opening in my department came up, but wanted to leave nothing to chance. I am confident in my employability and skills, but I have ADHD, anxiety and hot mess energy. Sometimes it feels like nobody understands my brain. The content was all somewhat familiar to me, and I had luckily been preparing for interviews in similar ways, but the podcast and Interview Academy really helped me not feel alone in the process. You gave me clear strategies, goals, accountability, and permission to calm down. I listened to the “before you go into your interview” literally standing in a power pose in a small room with the air conditioner maxed out and tears welling in my eyes because I was so inspired. My career story sold like hotcakes. The rest of the interview is a blur. I got the promotion and a fatter pay rise than expected. I can’t thank you enough for helping me stay focused!”🎥 Check out our 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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Nov 20, 2024 • 22min

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 - Shoutout to Dora who bought us 3 coffees!“Hi, Emma and Sarah, the past few months have pretty hectic career-wise and I want to thank you being there all along! I was approached by a firm offering an incredible 35% raise, and I did my best to get the job. I listened to your tips about best bits, how to make the most of the 'tell me about yourself' part of the interview, questions I should ask at the end etc. All went great and I got the job! Shortly after starting though, I found out that the role was not exactly how I imagined and my boss was unfortunately a very toxic person, so then came a totally desperate phase in my professional life. I couldn't have got through it without your podcasts on job regrets, and on how to survive at a place you already know is not meant for you. I was interviewing at other places while trying to hold on in my horrible new job. Your podcast helped me reflect on what I was actually looking for and how to prepare for my next move. I'm so happy to tell you that thanks to you I got exactly the type of job I was looking for and also managed to negotiate to keep my salary with the 35% raise, which I had previously achieved. I cannot believe I can do what I like and for the money I couldn't have imagined before. Thanks for your podcast on literally ALL topics related to job hunting. I'm sure you will be on the top of my yearly Spotify recap. ;)”🎥 Check out our 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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Nov 13, 2024 • 20min

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 who bought us 3 coffees!“I went for a management position in educational psychology that I'm not sure I had enough experience for. It was a panel interview (4 people) which overran, lasting for 1hr 40mins. I was shattered! It was a virtual interview which I do not love but your pod helped me to see the positive side to this. I worked hard on my initial story. I was able to read from my notes & screen share ideas I'd prepared in advance. I also didn't let the lady with the 'resting b***h face' distract me like it often does. One other thing that I normally stress about is finding the perfect example for the "tell us a time when you..." questions. Instead, you helped me to focus on explaining my self-awareness & learning from the examples rather than the event itself. Last night I got the call to say they want me! Thank you guys so much for your help. Enjoy the coffee."🎥 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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Nov 6, 2024 • 23min

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 ask!🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Tricia who bought us 6 coffees!"Omg where do I even begin?!? It has been my life-long dream to live in the mountains, so 2024 was the year my husband and I made the decision to move across the country to Colorado. This meant I needed to quit my comfy corporate job where I had been for the past 6 years and find something new. I went into the job hunt very confident, because I have amazing experience and I thought my resume spoke for itself. I thought getting interviews would be a piece of cake. Boy was I wrong. With 28% of the American population looking for jobs right now, I literally picked the worst time to quit with no other job lined up. We moved in August, but I proactively started applying for jobs in January. I didn’t get a single interview until July. Yikes!! By September, I was extremely discouraged and terrified that I would have to take a significant step back in my career that I had worked so hard for. Your podcast was the one thing that kept me going and made me feel better. Anytime I had anxiety, I’d listen to an episode and felt more reassured. At this point, I’ve listened to almost every episode. Finally I secured 2 interviews in the same week with 2 companies. We will call them company 1 and 2. Neither job was my “dream job,” but at this point I was getting desperate and I definitely had to take my dream job off a pedestal. Company 1 was easy breezy. The interviewer didn’t ask me a single question but I was sure to interrupt him so I could tell him my best bits. He was thoroughly impressed. Company 2 was more intense. They made me prepare a 10 min presentation using 3 excel sheets of data where I had to give them a sales pitch. I was absolutely terrified and froze several times throughout the presentation… BUT I nailed the “tell me about yourself” part (which I had been practicing for the past 8 months), and every “normal” interview question. I even had them laughing with my jokes. I told them I was nervous because I cared about this job lol. At the end of the interview process, company 1 offered me a job with my preferred salary, and company 2 told me that I didn’t get the job I had applied for, but they liked me so much that they asked if I would interview for a different role! So thanks to you guys, I knew exactly how to play my power move!! I told company 2 that they needed to interview me and offer me the job within 1 week because I already had another offer. They ultimately told me they couldn’t meet my timeline, so I thanked them for their consideration and took the offer at company 1!! Even though company 2 was my preferred company, I’m SOOO happy to have a job (contract has been signed!). The bonus is that I ended on great terms with the HR team at company 2 and they told me they’d let me know if another role opens up!”🎥 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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Oct 30, 2024 • 20min

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.Don’t let first impressions be the reason you miss out on your next big career move!🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to T “Having been a career coach, leader, and mentor for a number of years, when it was time for me to step away from my current role and get back into interviewing it was an embarrassing shock to realise I'd forgotten how to interview myself. My first interview (with a company I was a little too excited about) was a notable bomb that left me staring into space with absolute wonder at the level of 'bad' I'd displayed. I started searching for podcasts that I could listen to while walking the dog, and found you two. Between the varied topics that you cover, your fun banter, and accents that are very pleasant to listen to, I have been through much of your content. I prepared the best bits, re-tailored my introductions, and prepared myself for salary negotiations, and listened to your 'right before the interview' pep talk before every interview. Getting to the final stages with two companies, I listened to your show regarding how to best communicate the competing offers, and after accepting a new offer was able to confidently plan my exit with my previous employer. I've been with my new company now for about a month, and while the jump felt scary, I'm so glad I made the move to be somewhere where I actually feel respected and valued. I'm thrilled to have found you and have recommended Interview Boss to other 'yanks' struggling in their job searches. Thank you for the positive energy, advice, and fun you bring to the job search grind, which can so often feel awful and soul-sucking. Enjoy a couple of coffees!”🎥 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.auPod follow link:
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Oct 23, 2024 • 31min

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

Crafting a powerful 'about me' section on your resume is key to grabbing a hiring manager's attention. The hosts share a fill-in-the-blank template to help describe your job title, experience, and skills effectively. They warn against common pitfalls like overusing buzzwords and stressing low-level skills. Listeners will learn to create impactful, personalized profiles while avoiding vague language. Plus, hear inspiring success stories from those who have transformed their job hunting dread into triumph!

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