Practice makes PERFECT! How to actually practice your interview answers

Interview Boss

#Careers #Business #Podcasting Education #Interview Boss

48:45

FREE TICKETS?! Yes, really. In this episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences , we’re joined by the ultimate guest list insider, Lance Dashoff, founder of Loudie — the app that’s quietly revolutionizing how fans score free concert, comedy, and festival tickets across the U.S. From his early days at WME curating VIP access, to launching a platform that fills empty seats and fuels unforgettable nights out, Lance spills the tea on: Why 30–40% of tickets go unsold How promoters are secretly using free ticketing to boost bar sales and fan buzz The economics behind live events and why not all sold-out shows are actually sold out How Loudie helps fans and venues win — without the scammy vibes Why travel pros and concierges should start recommending this app yesterday Whether you’re in LA, NYC, or stuck in traffic on the way to Philly — this is the episode you can’t afford to miss (literally). Download Loudie, follow us @tix2travelpod on TikTok, IG, and YouTube, and grab your next night out before someone else does. Because every ticket is a ticket to travel — and sometimes the best ones are free. www.tttpod.com…

about a year ago 30:49

MP3•Episode home

Being in an interview can feel like being in a pressure cooker. It's un-natural, you're nervous and thinking on your feet.

As cliche as it sounds, good practice is KEY and will have you walking out of that interview confident you've done yourself justice.

In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma discuss what exactly you should practice and share their favourite hacks like recording yourself on voice memos and listening back to it on repeat, or roping in a buddy to conduct a mock interview.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Kirby!

"Sarah & Em! Ah! There I was in the airport, wrapping up my travels for a full day of interviews and facilitation for a job and BOOM - the episode you created for my plight shows up in my Spotify. I start listening, and smile at all the work I did in between your original DM and the moment I'm in: post-interview, feeling great. I know what was going on: I was trying to be Mr. Fantastic, Sir Yapper, Dr. Doesn't-matter-how-much-you-tell-me-this-job-sucks-I-think-its-perfect, Chatter-box Junior, King of Everything. I don't love that is how I showed up in my past interviews, but at the same time I took to heart some of your advice as well as perspectives of people I can trust to be real with me. My key take aways: (1) show them range! I started to be more mysterious, and concise in my answers to allow the interviewer a chance to be interested and ask follow up questions vs over-explaining, or being a 10/10 for energy start to finish. I stated at a 6, and then warmed up. (2) chill the f out. This basically boils down to taking the job off the pedestal, and reclaiming my value beyond work. Yes, I'm desperate and I'm passionate. Both can exist, but when I'm those things along with anxiety its not cool. I did some breath work before my interviews, and went in with an attitude like, "if they want me: sick. If they don't: meh. all good. I'm gonna get a cinnamon roll. Next." Longest story short. I'm listening to the episode and the phone rings. The offer. I negotiate up my salary, an added week of vacation, and solid sign-on/relocation bonus. This shout out and thank you is not for the outcome, but for the journey. Thank you for the hype-up episode I listened to while walking to the interview, and then the inspired hype-up call I made to my bestie Emily who also listens to this podcast. Thank you for being candid queens, confidantes, and bestest-mates (I'm not Aussie, but hey I'm trying) of the beautiful disaster we worked our way through. Cheers. Love you (but I don't really, sorry that's too much). Thank you!"

📄 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

185 episodes

Practice makes PERFECT! How to actually practice your interview answers

Interview Boss

12 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Being in an interview can feel like being in a pressure cooker. It's un-natural, you're nervous and thinking on your feet.

As cliche as it sounds, good practice is KEY and will have you walking out of that interview confident you've done yourself justice.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Kirby!

📄 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

185 episodes

#Careers #Business #Podcasting Education #Interview Boss

All episodes

1
What to include in your career story to ace that first interview question! 23:27

2 days ago23:27

23:27

“So… tell me about yourself." "So...why have you applied for this job?" "So...tell me a bit about your career." You're almost guaranteed to be asked a variation of this question FIRST in an interview, yet so many people gloss over it. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain how this is a golden opportunity to fill in the blanks on your resume for the hiring manager and help them understand how your career path has unfolded and what's motivated you along the way. We share two examples of real career stories to help you understand the kind of powerful insights a great answer can offer, and how it can shape the way the employer sees your entire application. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Savannah who is an Interview Academy alumni! "Hello! Just messaging to give you some feedback on Interview Academy. I used the program to apply and interview for my dream job (internal application at my current workplace) and was successful! I was also told that this recruitment was particularly competitive. When offered the job the hiring manager and several panel members told me that they were seriously impressed with my interview skills. I even used my interview preparation for one of my best bits. I was asked 'tell me about a time you faced a set back at work and what actions did you take after the situation.' I spoke about my previous interview and how I wasn’t successful and received feedback that my interview answers were not detailed enough. So for this application I focused on improving my skills through using the program.” 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au Our other episodes on the 'tell me about yourself' question: https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/c6ee27a8-755d-45b3-b16b-299fd8beb19e/775907.mp3 https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/e20c0cbb-e3a6-42c5-b5d3-3cb582b112bd/S3-E28-tell-me-about-yourself.mp3 https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/f018e87c-806d-4f5a-b32e-7e126146577d/S3-E23-Avoiding-the-Topic.mp3 Mentioned in this episode: New To the Podcast? Start Here! Episodes For Your Situation…

1
How to handle each stage of the interview process: ft a dating analogy! 27:57

6 days ago27:57

27:57

From stressing about repeating yourself, to wondering if the hiring team is comparing notes behind your back, progressing through multiple rounds of interviews can leave you second-guessing what you're supposed to say each time. In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma answer a listener question about navigating multi-stage interviews without running out of things to say, using a dating analogy. We explain why it's okay to repeat yourself, how much interviewers actually talk behind the scenes, and why consistency is far more important than coming up with "new" examples. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Katherine who bought us 3 coffees! “Thank you so much! Last Summer my husband accepted a job role in Sydney so we packed up everything in the UK and made the move in November. I left my job which I loved and started listening to your podcast a lot! In all honesty I thought it would be much easier than it was to find new work and even just getting interviews has been a real challenge. We’ve been living here in Aus for 6 months and I was starting to get a bit disheartened by the whole thing but… I’ve just landed an amazing new role with a fantastic organisation! I wanted to send a huge thank you, I used so many of your tips and insights and it really helped me to get more of a feel for the Australian job market which was invaluable. Up until now I also had a real mental block about interviews and thought I was terrible at them but your approach has made all the difference and I now feel that when I get an interview I can smash it! So excited for my new job and next adventure. Thank you!” 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au Mentioned in this episode: https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/f48c441d-65e9-4dab-b8bc-6a3eb77ba0b5/S02-20-20E29.mp3…

1
Moving abroad for work? Here's how to get sponsored! 37:14

16 days ago37:14

37:14

Landing a job overseas can be tough, but getting sponsored to stay can be even harder. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain why sponsorship is rarely advertised in job ads, and why temporary roles are often the best starting point. We share how to research your visa options, build a flexible plan when the future is uncertain and when it's time to move on from an employer who won't commit. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Ruth who bought us a coffee! “Less than 24 hours before my job interview, I found your podcast on a long drive to my friends to get my hair fixed (yes, the day before an interview, last minute!). I immediately found your way of talking easy to listen to and understand (kiwi here), I loved your take on interviews and by the return journey I had listened to the Best Bits episode and the Pre-interview pep talk one too. I spent my evening scoping out 4 of my best bits and all the relevant Q topics they could answer. I had already prepped in my own way, and also prepared a 10-min presentation of a campaign as requested, but the best bits idea just unlocked something for me and I knew I was going to do well. Instead of waiting for them to ask the 'right' questions for me to share what I wanted, I just turned every question into talking about what I wanted to share. Sometimes it was a cheeky pivot, but they didn't seem to care. I had them grinning ear-to-ear, loving my ideas and when I said my ideal salary at the end they were just like, "yes makes sense". Before the day was out they told me I was the preferred candidate, they checked my references and Monday told me I'd gotten it and they gave me the highest available salary for that position. (Only $3k shy of my pie-in-the-sky ideal). There are many things I've done to get to this point to build my confidence after being self-employed for 8 years, but I honestly credit the cherry on top of feeling 100% ready and that I was going to smash it was from you guys. Thank you so much - I finally feel that this mid-career pivot is paying off. Also I'm telling all my friends to listen.” 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au…

1
The one thing most jobseekers forget to negotiate: their start date! 30:01

23 days ago30:01

30:01

You’ve signed the contract for your new job, but that doesn’t mean you have to start the very next day! In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain why there's no need to rush from one job straight to another and how to clearly communicate that you'll be taking a short break before starting. We share the exact wording you can use, how to avoid falling for pretend pressure, and what to do if flexibility actually isn’t possible. Whether you want a week off, a few days, or just a weekend to reset, this episode will help you take it, confidently. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Nina who bought us 10 coffees! “Emma and Sarah! I just landed a new role that comes with a 53% pay increase, amazing benefits, and the chance to build a brand new program from scratch, and I have to give a huge ‘thank you’ to Interview Boss for helping me get there. Your Best Bits framework leveled up how I approach interviews. I already had found great success with the S.T.A.R format, but Best Bits gave me even better direction for which examples to pick and made me understand that I should use my examples to share what I want prospective employers to know about me versus what I think they are trying to learn about me. I also used Best Bits in a previous interview cycle. I got through the final-round, but the role was pulled. Still, I’m pretty sure it was mine and credit Interview Boss for the framework but also for boosting my confidence and helping me make more informed decisions about my application and interview strategy. For the role I just landed I had seven interviews, including four back-to-back interviews in one day with six people. The last that day was a presentation, and it concluded with an executive interview the next week. Some questions were ‘tell me about a time’ and others were ‘what would you do if,’ either way, I found ways to weave in my Best Bits and tell my story. I genuinely loved my last job and manager, but with limited room to grow and uncertainty about the company’s future, I decided to not wait and find out what would happen to me, but take command of my future. While this new role doesn’t come with my previous senior title, the compensation and benefits package more than makes up for it— a reminder that titles aren’t the only marker of progress. I was approached for this role by a former colleague, but I still treated every interview with the utmost respect and like I had something to prove—which I think I did despite being invited to apply. So thank you, Emma and Sarah, for giving me the tools to take command of my career and reach a salary amount that will truly change my family and I’s life. Enjoy the coffee! P.S. I would love an episode on how to track and save best bits over time to reduce the work as you prep for interviews. Thinking maybe you could create an AI prompt to give it structure and let AI do some of the heavy lifting?" 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au…

1
Should I follow up if I think of a better answer AFTER my interview? 28:04

30 days ago28:04

28:04

POV: you're kicking yourself for going blank or giving a really waffly answer in an interview, only to have an epiphany about what you should have said, once you've left the building! Sound familiar? In this week’s episode, we’re answering a listener DM about whether it's worth following up to redeem yourself. Is it helpful? Is it too late? Will it even make a difference? Emma breaks down what you need to consider before hitting send, while Sarah shares a story about a truck driver who handled this exact conundrum perfectly. If you’ve ever replayed an interview over and over in your head, this one’s for you. We’re diving into regret, recovery, and the power of perspective when things don’t go to plan. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Annelise who bought us 3 coffees! 'Emma and Sarah, I have just received an amazing job offer and one of the first things I thought of was "I need to buy them a coffee and let them know about this!!" I've been listening to your podcast since late last year, when I decided to shoot my shot. I really like working at my current company, but there aren't many career development opportunities for me anymore. And your episode on rage applying for new jobs was the extra push I needed to get into that mindset! Last time I had an interview was seven years ago, when I was trying to get an internship in a very competitive market. I went through multiple online tests, cases, presentations, but getting an offer was really hard and I ended up developing some anxiety around interviews. A month ago, when a recruiter reached out to me on LinkedIn about an amazing opportunity at a tech company, I didn’t think twice and started listening to all your episodes about the interview process. I went through an interview with HR, an interview with the managers, a slide deck presentation and a final interview with the department's director. And you had episodes for every. Single. Step!! The Best Bits episodes was definitely a game-changer for me, as they are for many people. But I also want to highlight the one about bringing notes to the interviews. It made me more confident to learn that I am not getting tested on my memory during an interview. I used to be afraid of forgetting something important, blanking, or not remembering my questions to ask at the end. This time, I felt more in control and calm going into the interviews because I knew I had some notes to refer to if needed. Thank you for your funny and always down to earth advice. Thank you for keeping me sane when I was freaking out right before an interview or when waiting to hear back. Every time I have the chance, I recommend your podcast to friends and family. Much love from Brazil!’ 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au Mentioned in this episode: New To the Podcast? Start Here! Episodes For Your Situation…

1
Are you scared to take credit for your role in a team win? It's time to stop! 23:36

5 weeks ago23:36

23:36

If you've ever downplayed your role in a successful project because it was a team effort, this episode is a must listen! Many jobseekers worry about sounding arrogant when discussing a project they were part of in interviews, especially if it led to a big result, like a spike in revenue. But here's the thing: underselling yourself isn't as humble as you think! Owning your part in a shared success isn't just okay, it's essential! In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma share practical advice on how to highlight your impact, while striking the perfect balance between honesty, confidence, and collaboration. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Matilde who bought us 5 coffees! “HI GIRLIIIIIES (huge feminine energy coming your way)! Where should I start? It’s going to be a long one. I’ve been in a professional transition for the past 1.5 years. I was fortunate enough to quit my job and then go back for a few months. I was stuck in a weird place where I was too senior for junior roles, and too junior for senior roles. There is THIS job at THIS place that I’ve been talking about for 4 years now. It’s been such a long time that I felt like a stalker sometimes. And guess what, YES, THIS exact opportunity opened on the market at the perfect time. I applied in early December, and I knew the process would only start in January so what did I do? PREPARE. The thing I was most anxious about is that I’m French, and the position needed to be bilingual. While I do speak English, I’ve never interviewed in English. During the Christmas break, I decided to look for a podcast in English, to train myself to listen and talk in English and wtf do I find? YOU. I spent HOURS listening to your podcast (#1 is the tell me about yourself episodes, and #2 the best bits of course) I practiced SO much, and having the best bits ready was a true blessing. They didn’t ask a question about something? NO PROBLEM - I’m going to tell them anyway. Omg it worked WONDERS. I absolutely SMASHED the interviews, especially the one with the senior director and VP. It took 3 months and 2 new friends (aka you) that don’t even know me (I told you… borderline stalker) but I GOT IT OMG!!! I got the offer this week, for a better salary than I asked, with amazing compensation. I’m so happy so I wanted to let you know. Enjoy the coffees, I wouldn’t drink 5 at a time, it’s risky - but who am I to judge??? P.S because I NEED to know, where does the « oh oh oh oh » of the jingle come from? It kinda sounds like ‘No control’ by One Direction - is this it??? Your new stalker sister, Matilde.” 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au…

1
HELP! How can I sneak out of my 9-5 to attend an interview? 31:38

6 weeks ago31:38

31:38

Got an interview coming up but stuck in a 9-to-5? You’re not alone. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma tackle a classic dilemma: how to juggle face-to-face interviews while holding down a full time job. From negotiating interview scheduling, to making the most of flexible work arrangements, or requesting time off strategically, we share how to make yourself available, without raising eyebrows. It's a delicate balancing act, but these tips can help you navigate the situation without jeopardising your current job, just in case things don't go to plan. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Jorien who bought us 3 coffees! "“Hi! A few months ago I shared with you how Interview Academy helped me prepare. I ended with how confident I felt about the interview I did, and that even if I didn't get the job, I was still happy with how I did. Well, I didn't get the job. And the next lot of interviews also resulted in me not getting the job. I got better at doing interviews, which was great. I learned a lot. And I kept getting interviews, which was also great but nerve-wracking. The next round of interviews were great and after the second one they called within a few hours to say they chose me. Amazing! Except that I had another interview planned the next day for a job I had been talking about for years. I decided to do that interview and choose afterwards. It seemed like an impossible choice. I couldn't sleep and was so worried. But when I went in for the "dream job" interview, it turned out it wasn't a match at all for me at this moment. So I let them know the same day that I would not proceed and I accepted the job that is a much better match. So what did I learn? First: I'm a bit spoiled as I got so many interviews (in 5 of 9 cases I got an invitation after sending in an application) and I still felt insecure often. It is a hard thing. Second: most interviewers try their best to make you feel comfortable (also in panel interviews). Some don't, and that's really valuable information for you to decide if you want to work there. Third: Prepping really helps, but even with the best prep in the world, you will always get questions you didn't expect. If you are like me and can be too excited: limit your preptime. Thank you so much Sarah and Emma, your podcast and Interview Academy really helped me. Tomorrow is my first day, I am so excited. I also know that in a few years, I might have to do interviews again. Any advice on how to make sure I keep track during my job of best bits and future examples?" 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au Mentioned in this episode: https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/9de4c639-4ef5-4a81-a60f-a29a702fe67a/S3-E32-Telling-your-boss-you-want-to-leave.mp3…

1
The feminine urge to add exclamation points 42:20

8 weeks ago42:20

42:20

Ever typed “just checking in 😊” or added an extra exclamation point to sound friendly—then worried you sounded unprofessional? You’re not alone. This week’s episode is all about the tricky balance of being warm and respected at work. Inspired by a listener question, Sarah and Emma unpack the pressure (especially on women) to soften their communication—using emojis, exclamation marks, or phrases like “just” and “I think”—and whether it helps or hurts in a professional setting. They explore what the research says, when softening language is actually strategic, and how to edit your emails to strike the perfect tone: polite, warm, and confident. Plus, you’ll get real-life examples and swaps to help you communicate clearly without undermining yourself. If you’ve ever stressed over how your emails come across, this one’s for you. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Wendy who bought us FOUR coffees! “Emma and Sarah, Thank you for your amazing podcast and sense of humour. I had a job interview today and I felt I couldn't have been more prepared for it after listening to all your great advice and preparing for close to a week for the interview. I especially liked your advice on "telling them about yourself" even when they haven't asked you "tell me about yourself". Guess what, he didn't ask me that but I gave him nuggets from my response to "tell me about yourself" anyways! Lots of love from Canada!” 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au References https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-to-write-professional-work-email-women/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/gracefoster/2023/09/14/when-to-use-adam-grants-weak-language-and-when-not-to/ https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-56707-001 Writing Tools Just Not Sorry https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/just-not-sorry-the-chrome/fmegmibednnlgojepmidhlhpjbppmlci?pli=1 Grammarly https://www.grammarly.com/ Language Tool https://languagetool.org/…

1
Can’t seem to get an interview? Here's your game plan 21:08

9 weeks ago21:08

21:08

You’ve been applying for jobs but getting nothing back. Interview advice is great, but what if you’re not even getting interviews?! This week, Sarah and Emma respond to a listener's question about what to do when you’re stuck at the application stage. They unpack what “getting seen” really means and explore all the reasons your applications might be falling flat - from the job market and your resume to how you're approaching the process. They’ll help you figure out if your resume is doing you justice, whether your experience matches the roles you’re going for, and why coffee chats might be the most underrated move in your job search. Plus, how to tell if you’re applying for too few (or too many) jobs - and whether it might be time to bring in some professional help. If you’re stuck and losing confidence, this episode is the pep talk and game plan you’ve been waiting for. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Ari “Emma and Sarah, I listened to a handful of your episodes during a multi-stage interview process that spanned four months. Last week, I received and accepted an offer for my dream job! I am in a niche field in a midsized US city, so roles like this do not pop up often. To provide some context, I withdrew from my masters program in the final semester about four years ago. It was not on a sustainable path for my mental health or overall well being. I worked in a bike shop for a couple of years before landing a role that became a career building step for me. Now, I’m going to start a new job that I would have deemed unattainable even a year ago. I will be going from a coordinator level to a director position as well. Thanks for the advice and the laughs!” 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au…

1
Waiting to hear back? Should you use your connections? 17:49

10 weeks ago17:49

17:49

You’ve applied, you’ve interviewed… and now you’re waiting. But should you be doing more? If you have contacts at the company, is it worth reaching out to move things along - or does that risk coming off as pushy? This week, Sarah and Emma answer a listener question about using your network after an interview. They discuss when and how to strategically tap into your connections - without making it feel transactional or overly aggressive. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate networking in the follow-up stage, this episode will give you some great advice. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Sarah “Hi Emma and Sarah. I stumbled across your podcast in the throes of my job-hunting desperation after stuffing up a couple of interviews and convincing myself I was unemployable. I'd listened to a few overwhelmingly intense podcasts on interview techniques (which left me feeling even more hopeless) when you guys popped up in my search like a couple of absolute rays of sunshine. Your practical, cheerful advice was incredibly helpful, and I am so glad I found you (and my dog appreciates all the extra-long walks she got while I finished as many episodes as possible)! I now have an awesome job that I absolutely love and want to thank you so very much for creating Interview Boss and helping me get there. You guys really are the bosses! Cheers, 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au…

1
Can they ask that? How to handle illegal job interview questions 26:38

11 weeks ago26:38

26:38

What should you do if an interviewer asks you a question that feels… off? Maybe it’s about your age, marital status, or even your health. In many places, these types of questions are actually illegal - but they still happen more often than you’d think. This week, Sarah and Emma break down which personal questions are typically off-limits in a job interview and why they shouldn't be asked in the first place. They also discuss why some interviewers ask these questions - sometimes out of ignorance rather than bad intent - and how you can handle them professionally. You’ll learn four different ways to respond, from smoothly redirecting the conversation to calling it out directly (if you’re comfortable). Whether you want to answer, deflect, or set a boundary, this episode will give you the tools to handle tricky questions with confidence! 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Lauren “Hi Emma and Sarah, thank you so much! I’ve been applying to jobs for over a year now with no luck in even getting an interview, so when a job requisition finally came through where I had connections to I knew there was no room for error. I’m an industrial engineer by background but my dream job had been to use my data analytics and process improvement skills to support a cause I care deeply about: climate change. Environmental Sustainability jobs are competitive and tough to come by these days and recruiters typically don’t seem to be able to connect the dots of what I had been doing as an engineer to being a sustainability analyst although I knew I was qualified, especially after completing a graduate certificate program and volunteering through environment-focused groups. Although I initially got the auto-rejection email within a day of applying, I used my connections to get my resume and cover letter in front of the hiring manager who gave me the interview. While doing a mock interview with my bf after prepping on my own for a day, I was in trouble. I had the rambling problem and struggled to stay out of the weeds of my project while conveying how much I accomplished. Also many of my projects were ongoing so trailed off without a real impactful end. I listened to SO MANY of your podcast episodes while running and driving home from work and after every episode I learned so much. The “damsel in distress, prince rescue” story concept really helped me focus. I wrote down all my major projects and summarized them into three bullet points with this format in mind. I even prepared small talk like you guys suggested which totally made me feel more confident and avoided an awkward long walk from the front lobby to the hiring manager’s office. The interview went amazingly, and I knew we hit it off immediately. During the process another job came up with a more competitive salary and remote/hybrid flexibility for the same Sustainability analyst position within my own company. I ended up getting BOTH jobs! Can you believe it? Two options for my dream job??? All thanks to you two!” 🎥 Check out BRAND NEW free training - Top Interview Tips h ttps://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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au…

1
Signs your interviewer has checked out (and how to get them back) 20:33

12 weeks ago20:33

20:33

You’re mid-answer in an interview, and suddenly - you notice a shift. The interviewer’s gaze drifts, their nods stop, and you can tell… you’ve lost them. But what do you do next? This week, Sarah and Emma break down the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that your interviewer has checked out and, more importantly, how to reel them back in - without completely derailing your response. They’ll share practical strategies like cutting to the chase with a quick summary, checking in with the interviewer mid-answer, and keeping things engaging without oversharing. Plus, they’ll cover when to push through and when it’s okay to adjust your approach. If you’ve ever worried about talking too much or losing your audience in an interview, this episode is packed with tactical tips to help you stay in control and leave a strong impression! 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Coral “Thank you Thank you Thank you *Bows down* Honestly can't put into words how much your podcast supported my journey to finding my new job. I followed the playlist discussing how to manage behaviour questions (my nemesis) and how to best structure answers. I tend to go blank and inwardly panic, hence I don't demonstrate my best and true abilities and self. I love your 'just tell a story' - so simple and yet effective. I found your guidance humerous, gentle and easy to follow. I put in the work and made my notes hinting to my must talk about 'best bits' (loved that). After the interview which included a 10 minute presentation I was told they'd be in touch. Including the weekend I had to wait 4 days. I was contacted by HR to invite me to a follow up interview *blood runs cold* but I had packed away all my interview prep and didn't realise there was a second stage. Felt disheartened that I had to give it my all again- what if this second time they don't like me and I don't make the cut! I turned my mindset around- there was so much else going on which contributed to a very challenging week but I squeezed in some extra research for the role (homeless prevention officer- complex needs), went in with my renewed notes for my safety net and put on my best effort. They called me later that day to offer me the job!!!!!! The feedback was great- they said I scored really highly on both interviews and they would love to have me on their team. So happy- ticks all the boxes I needed- hybrid, higher pay, local, plus benefits. Thank you once again- you are transforming lives with your guidance and support. I have recommended your podcast already to friends.” 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au…

1
Why being 'memorable' in an interview ISN'T a good thing! 26:11

14 weeks ago26:11

26:11

Trying to stand out in an interview might seem like a smart strategy — but it can actually backfire! This week, Sarah and Emma unpack why your goal shouldn't be to be 'memorable'. From real-life candidates who stood out for all the wrong reasons (think overconfidence, robotic responses, and even questionable sobriety) to what actually makes a great interview, we cover it all. The best candidates don’t shock or surprise their interviewers — they make hiring managers feel confident in their ability to do the job. No gimmicks needed! 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Kate who bought us 5 coffees! “Thanks to your clear and easy to follow advice I kept applying and found a job! This was after working in the same Graphic Design role within the same company for 15 years! I was discouraged at first as I thought that I had the experience to back up the job ads but it’s a competitive industry and after making specific resumes (and portfolios for each kind of job e.g. Graphic Designer in Healthcare, Local Government etc), I listened to your episode about not spending too much time working and reworking each resume - and it worked! The job I ended up accepting I applied for with a more generic resume and portfolio that showed my range - thanks so much for being with me for the journey. I am still listening as I want to try to eventually get the dream job but enjoying where I am and the excitement of moving forward with goals. Enjoy the coffees and thanks again. From Kate from the Sydney area!” 🎥 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au…

1
How to connect with a company you want to work for! 24:21

15 weeks ago24:21

24:21

Are you eager to connect with a company you admire, but don't know where to start, especially because they aren't actively hiring? In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma share a range of strategies that can help you build meaningful relationships with potential employers, from engaging with their social media content to reaching out to recruiters and managers directly! We also discuss how to navigate expressing interest in multiple roles and why you might want to narrow your focus to stand out. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Keara who bought us 3 coffees! “Last year, I did a huge job search to get to the next level in my career and secure a fully remote job. When I started out, I wasn't really getting interviews, and my applications weren't going anywhere. I also had low confidence as I hadn't searched for a new job in 4 years. Last summer, I started listening to Interview Boss religiously, completely re-did my resume using your tips, and used Interview Academy to prepare for my interviews. I landed interviews for 6 different places and felt extremely confident after using the best bits framework. I ended up getting to choose between two incredible roles. I am now 4 months into my new, fully-remote job (with an Assistant Director title!) and a 50% pay rise that is exactly what I was looking for. It was worth the wait; your advice was instrumental in my confidence and success! 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 resources www.interviewboss.com.au…

1
How to spot a BAD recruiter and the power of a GREAT one! 24:35

16 weeks ago24:35