
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 17, 2024 • 33min
Why it's okay to have a 'boring' job and decenter it from your identity!
Landing your dream job isn't always linear. Sometimes, you have to take a longer path to get there. Kids might come along, your financial situation could change and unexpected life events can demand your attention, re-shuffle your priorities and pull you in different directions. This re-assuring episode is for all our listeners that are putting too much pressure on themselves to land the 'perfect' role right away. Spoiler alert: there's no such thing!Sarah and Emma explain that it's okay to decentre your job from your universe for a season of life or forever. We chat about how side steps are still progress and how you can begin to re-define your identity outside of work.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Caroline who bought us 5 coffees!"I’m a long time Interview Bossee who stumbled upon the podcast when looking for career & interview support. I had loads of experience across my career, but had some career gaps due to moving countries, having kids, and changing industries. I felt this held me back & as a working parent, as it pains me to say this, but I started to feel lucky to land a job, so I started applying for roles I was overqualified for. I was feeling desperate to return to work and feel relevant again, but the more I applied the more silence I got, and the rejection was hitting hard. Eventually I thought I’d found it! A part time role that seemed really interesting. Despite my gut telling me something wasn’t right in the interview, I ignored the flags, took the job and thought, just get in and it’ll work out. Well, within my first week those red flags were clearly evident and I gave notice within a month, not without listening to your episode on resigning. A new school year rolled around which came with parental responsibilities, so I ended up taking a school hours role, for some absolutely lovely people, but it was far from what I was seeking from a career. I just needed a break from the corporate job hunt and ability to pick my kids up from school. I continued to listen to Interview Boss almost every day, as I knew the right thing had to be coming along and I wanted to be so prepared. Well it did. 5 months later a role was advertised for a company that I had been following for some time. I really loved work they did and heard the hiring manager was a fantastic leader. I jumped on it immediately and less than 2 weeks later, their HR team reached out to schedule a screening interview. It couldn't have gone better. I scripted up the perfect 'tell me about yourself' story which made the gaps on my CV sing. A few days later when the company called with what I thought was with the offer, they were so impressed that they offered me an even better role with a higher salary to match! I couldn’t believe it! All credit to all the IB resources and support. I’m now a few weeks into my new role and am so happy. I can finally look forward to longevity in my new career. I can’t thank you both enough – your advice and support has been incredible."🎥 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

7 snips
Oct 9, 2024 • 36min
"Best Bits" explained - our game changing approach to preparing for interviews!
Dive into the transformative power of the 'Best Bits' approach to interview preparation. The hosts reveal why standard answers to common questions can mislead candidates. Instead, they encourage focusing on personal achievements and storytelling to showcase true competence. Listeners hear practical tips for structuring responses and creating compelling narratives. Plus, the journey of a listener who overcame apprehension with newfound confidence adds a relatable touch of inspiration!

Oct 2, 2024 • 21min
Is it safe to hand in my resignation if I've received a contingent offer?
The hosts tackle the tricky world of contingent job offers and what it means for job seekers. They discuss the importance of understanding background checks and employer communication. A listener celebrates landing a job with a 20% salary increase, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster of job searching. The duo provides essential advice on resignation timing and navigating potential risks. They stress caution before quitting, emphasizing the need for confirmed offers to avoid unnecessary stress.

Sep 25, 2024 • 40min
Send this to your job interview practice buddy
Prepare for your upcoming job interview with tips from the experts! Learn the art of crafting a compelling career story that resonates. Gain insights into structuring your answers and the value of practice with a buddy. The importance of sharing narratives that highlight your achievements is emphasized, especially for technical skills. Plus, discover the humorous side of sharing work experiences through PowerPoint nights. This blend of strategy and fun will leave you more confident for any interview!

7 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 31min
Practice makes PERFECT! How to actually practice your interview answers
Interviews can feel daunting, but great practice makes all the difference! The hosts share creative hacks like recording your answers and practicing with friends to boost your confidence. They emphasize the importance of being authentic and managing anxiety, suggesting humor can help ease the pressure. Tips for mastering your responses include storytelling techniques and practicing without notes. Additionally, they dive into memory hacks that make retaining information fun and engaging. Tune in for savvy strategies to ace your next interview!

Sep 11, 2024 • 25min
Why am I being rejected on the weekend or at 2am?!
Ever wondered why rejection emails sometimes hit your inbox at 2 am or on weekends? The hosts unravel the mystery behind these odd timings, diving into the world of automated notifications and nocturnal recruiters. They also celebrate a listener's success story, highlighting how their valuable advice led to a substantial salary boost. Plus, tips on calming interview nerves and preparing effectively are shared, giving listeners the tools to tackle the job market with confidence!

Aug 28, 2024 • 41min
The inside scoop on assessment centres - including cringey ice breakers!
You’ve applied for a job, and you’ve landed an interview - BUT you’ve found out you won’t be the only candidate in the room, you're headed to an assessment centre! Employers use these a lot to save time OR when they're hiring in bulk, especially for grad programs.Having planned and facilitated dozens of assessment centres, in this week's episode, Sarah gives you the inside scoop on what you kind of tasks you can expect to complete.We discuss what an employer is looking for and share some helpful tips to do yourself justice in the group environment. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Sophie who bought us 2 coffees!"“Dear Emma & Sarah, thank you so much for putting this podcast out into the world! I’ve been unhappy in my job for quite a while but was able to keep my role and move down to Melbourne from Brisbane 4 months ago which was great for job security, but I was still ready for a change. After going on a job applying rampage, the rejection emails started flowing in and it was a humbling experience to say the least as all my previous roles I’d gotten in Brisbane were through making connections and my network. But now being in Melbourne I felt like a small fish in a much bigger pond with no way to get my foot in the door. I finally got a video screening call which went well and then only had a few days to prepare before an in-person interview. I was very nervous leading up to it as I hadn’t been for an interview in 2 years and felt very out of practice. Luckily, I went to a wine bar with a friend who recommended your podcast. I binge-listened to your interview episodes which helped me so much with my prep and helped me focus on my best bits. I walked out of the first interview feeling like I nailed it and got the call the next day to say that I’d progressed to the second and final interview. Here we go again. After listening to you ladies some more (and even having you in my ears right up until I walked in the door), I also felt confident coming out of the second interview and am so happy to share that I got the role. It’s a pay increase and at a company that I think will really align with my values. I start next month. Thank you so much and keep putting out this fantastic, practical and helpful content.”🎧 Mentioned in this episode: Standing out from the crowd in a group interview📄 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

Aug 21, 2024 • 29min
Why showing TOO much enthusiasm in an interview can be a BAD thing!
Extreme enthusiasm in interviews can backfire, creating doubts about your grasp of the job's reality. A listener shares their rollercoaster job search experience, emphasizing the importance of preparation while keeping the tone light. Balancing eagerness with professionalism is crucial; being overly enthusiastic may seem desperate to hiring panels. The discussion encourages candidates to express genuine interest without dimming their sparkle, ensuring they present an authentic self that aligns with their potential role.

Aug 14, 2024 • 30min
HELP! I have NO references to put down on my application!
What do you do when you have no references? Emma and Sarah tackle this tricky situation, sharing tips for reconnecting with former employers and getting positive feedback. They stress the importance of open communication and suggest creative alternatives for references. The journey of overcoming job loss is also explored, highlighting how these challenges can spur personal growth and new opportunities. With fun anecdotes and practical advice, they inspire confidence in navigating the job market.

Aug 7, 2024 • 25min
Global career moves: Is working abroad right for you?
Thinking about working overseas? This discussion dives into the perks and pitfalls of international job moves. A listener shares a transformation story, empowering others to leave toxic work environments behind. The podcast also tackles transferring qualifications and understanding visa processes, especially for those moving to places like Australia. Salary expectations and how to navigate financial aspects are explored, alongside tips for leveraging roles in global companies and internal transfers to smooth your transition abroad.