Interview Boss

What would you do if the interviewers started talking about you...while you were literally sitting right there?In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma react in real time to a listener story that made our jaws hit the floor.During an interview assessment, Katie could see live messages being exchanged between the recruiter and hiring manager about her performance, on the same laptop she was using! Yep. While she was doing the task!We unpack how to handle this if it happens to you, and what your options are in the moment.Do you speak up? Power through? Walk out? Or flag it later in writing?🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Cherie who bought us a coffee!“I found Interview Boss about 12 months ago when I had started searching for a new role after a career break to support my young family. My last role before the break was a manager/leadership role, and I was feeling stuck between wanting to return at the same level, and massively lacking confidence to apply at that level during a terrible job market. I also live in a regional area where the number of senior roles in my industry is fairly close to zero (yikes!). I had a couple of interviews in the first few months of searching, and though I felt the interviews generally went well, I didn't land the roles. Feeling depleted and questioning my skills, I listened to more of your episodes. That's when I went back to one of your older eps about writing your career story, and I realised that, in interviews, I was telling a career story that I had actually outgrown. So I re-wrote my career story and practised it until it felt natural but not rehearsed. By the next time I interviewed, my new career story really changed the tone and trajectory of the interview and gave me more confidence to share examples that better reflected my strengths as a leader. I'm thrilled to share that I start a new role next week after a year-long search. It's a leadership contract role with a brilliant community organisation. I'm so excited to get started, and so appreciative to Interview Boss for sparking my new perspective during the interview stage. Thanks 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.au

If you’re not ready to job hunt yet but you can feel a change is on the horizon and the idea of talking about your achievements makes your mind go blank, this episode is for you!Coming up with strong examples on the spot is one of the hardest parts of resumes and interviews! That's why creating a "best bits" tracker is one of the biggest gifts you can give your future-self!We break down how to turn yourself into a “best bits hunter,” what actually counts as a win (hint: it doesn’t have to save the company money or change the world), and simple, realistic ways to track your examples so you’ll actually stick with it.This habit does more than make resume writing easier. It helps you notice the impact of the work you’re already doing, builds confidence over time, and gives future you a list of epic stories to use in interviews, pay rise conversations and promotion opportunities, without the last-minute panic.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Annie who bought us 10 coffees!"In 2025, I was unemployed for five months and honestly losing hope. I was applying to everything, including roles below my previous experience and titles. Then, out of frustration, I saw a posting for a Director level role (I had previously been in a senior manager role) with a posted salary range nearly double what I had made before. At this point, I figured, 'why not?' and applied. To my total shock, I was invited to a recruiter screening, then a hiring manager interview, then an in-person interview. When each invitation appeared in my inbox, I verbally squealed and laughed. Before the in-person interview, I found Interview Boss and basically binged your ‘HELP I have a Job Interview Tomorrow!’ playlist. I took notes, pulled out my best bits and walked in with confidence (and my notebook with notes and best bit prompts). After the interview, I listened to your 'Listen to This Right After Your Interview' episode and it was a lifesaver. They reached out for a follow-up virtual call with the Hiring Manager, and I was told that they were deciding between me and one other candidate. This information CONSUMED me. Waiting was the worst! After a week of silence, I emailed the recruiter asking if they had an updated timeline. When she replied that she was still awaiting a decision from the Hiring Manager, maybe thanks to your podcast, I decided it was my time to shoot my shot. I sent a follow-up to the recruiter saying: If the Hiring Manager is still deciding between me and another candidate, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say, I really want this job (and then nicely listed 3 reasons why I am the perfect candidate and am so aligned with the organization and their vision for growth). I hit send and tried to not panic. An hour later, the recruiter replied saying that she loved my passion and would share it with the hiring manager. Five agonizing days later, I missed a call from their area code and assumed it was a rejection. I waited to listen to the voicemail, and to my literal shock heard, 'I have great news, please call me back.' I cried. I got the job! A level up in title and a 70% salary increase. I still can’t believe it. Your advice is practical and so doable. You help us job-seekers to articulate our experience, skills, and value. Thank you for helping me change my life.🎥 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

Stepping down a level on the career ladder can feel strangely just as intimidating as aiming higher. How do you explain why you want a less senior role without sounding like you’re burnt out, unmotivated, or trying to “quit” responsibility?Whether you’re shifting from director to individual contributor, prioritising family life, or simply craving work that’s meaningful without the extra leadership load, there is a way to tell this story so employers get it, without making the wrong assumptions about you.In this weeks episode, Sarah and Emma explain how to strike the right tone of vulnerability and intention, and how to balance your examples so you don’t accidentally signal that you’re still operating at a senior level. You’ll also hear how to frame what you loved about being an individual contributor, so this move sounds thoughtful, not like you’re stepping backwards.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Xuan who bought us 5 coffees!"Hi Emma and Sarah! I just wanted to thank you again. I’ve been listening religiously to your podcast for about 3 years now. I bought you some coffees 2 years ago when you helped me get out of a pretty toxic job, and I’m taking you out for a drink once again! My boyfriend was offered a position in a region we wanted to move to, and I was trying to find a job in the same area to join him. I work in Sustainability, and our job market has taken a serious hit this year, so I was stressed out thinking I would never find anything. You were there every step of the way, seemingly reading my mind and answering the questions I had with every new episode. I was amazed because even when I thought « Well, this episode’s not relevant for me, but I’ll listen to it anyway… », there you were, imparting precious words of wisdom, hope and encouragement. So I’m happy to say, for the second time… I’ve got the job! They even offered a 2k integration bonus - I never knew such a thing existed! Thank you so so much for the work you do, shepherding us lost souls across the treacherous terrain of job searching. I wish you all the best ! Xuan (you can pronounce it like Swan), a super fan from France."🎥 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

Should you bring a display folder to your job interview, or is that a bit of an overkill?This week, we're answering a listener question about whether it's worth bringing along your certificates, volunteering highlights, and uni achievements.Sarah and Emma explain who this works best for (hello new grads and early-career applicants), how it can add to your overall impression, and the easiest way to introduce it without feeling awkward.This strategy only works if you have meaningful, relevant things to include. We don't endorse stuffing a folder full of random stuff for the sake of it!🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Anne who bought us 10 coffees!"To my Aussie interview boss QUEENS, I just had a huge career WIN and had to come straight here to thank you. For some context, I discovered your podcast a few years ago during unemployment because I had terrible 'Interview Mode' syndrome and public-speaking anxiety, but after 8 months of crafting and practicing my best bits, shooting my shot with employers, and squeezing my butt cheeks to fight the nerves, I became a happily employed lifetime weekly listener at my dream job! Well, after a few years in my dream role, I was asked to speak at a work conference in Miami to share successes and lessons learned with others in my field about using AI and growing my global team! At first, I freaked out and wanted to say no, given my public-speaking anxiety, but I thought of you two in my corner and how far I'd come, so, I decided to give it a try and say yes! For the month leading up to it, I prepped my stories to present as best bits and even scripted my responses, thinking the scripts would help me feel prepared, but the nerves were still high and literally keeping me up at night. I was so worried I was going to FREEZE and black out and forget everything! Your two recent episodes about going into 'Interview Mode' and 'The interview prep step you're not doing enough of' about deep critical thinking and being present were game changers for me. In my final prep week, I threw the scripts out the window and focused instead on story telling from memory and the heart. THIS WORKED! The anxiety dropped SIGNIFICANTLY, and my stories improved tenfold. I was finding all kinds of parts that were amazing to share that I would've missed rehearsing a script! Well, when the day came to present in Miami, I was nervous, but prepared, I didn't black out on stage, I remembered my stories and received TWO rounds of applause and shoutouts from participants after that they felt my presentation was the most engaging one. Both co-founders of the company leading the conference even congratulated me on my storytelling! They asked me to come work for them and I joked, 'Thank you, but you can't afford me!' It was all so amazing. Anyway, I can't thank you two enough, because thinking about you cheering me on that day (and laughing to myself as I squeezed my butt cheeks in my seat before going on stage...) was the best. Your resources are invaluable and apply for all kinds of career situations. I hope you know that and never stop putting episodes out there!"🎥 Check out 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

You’ve been invited in for a “casual chat.” No panel, no formal questions, maybe even coffee instead of a meeting room. Sounds chill, right? Not so fast. These chats might feel relaxed, but they’re still interviews, and plenty of people get caught out by treating them like they’re not.In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack what “just a chat” really means, when it happens in the hiring process, and why it can be even trickier than a structured interview. They’ll break down the common mistakes people make: from under-prepping to over-formalising, and share how to find that sweet spot of being prepared and personable.You’ll learn how to tell your career story naturally, weave in your best examples without sounding rehearsed, and leave a great impression (even if it’s over lattes). Because if there’s one thing you shouldn’t be fooled by, it’s the word “casual.”🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Caroline who bought us 2 coffees!"I found you girls a couple of years ago and listened to the ‘listen to this right before your interview’ episode (I didn't get the job). Fast forward to a couple of months ago and I was ready to apply for another position and started relistening to most of your podcasts. I was sick and tired of telling people that I was shit at interviews. The podcasts were great but I needed more so I enrolled in Interview Academy. The timing was perfect as I applied for a position at the same time and thought if I get the interview I will be happy. I got the interview and had two weeks to prepare so I completed the course and listened to about 30 or more podcasts and finished the course during this time (2 days before the interview). This position is two levels above my current role (I work in NSW Health). I was so confident going into the interview but nervous as usual. I walked out thinking that I didn't get the job as I didn't answer some questions as well as I thought I should. Today I received a letter of offer. Now the base of the salary band is what I was expecting which is $13k more than I am currently earning. However they offered me $14k more than that. My new income is $27k more!!! Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooo much. Before listening to your podcasts I would have never in my wildest dreams applied for a job at this level. I am in shock but ecstatic!”🎥 Check out 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