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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

When a job ad lists a certain number of years’ experience, there’s no way to know whether it’s a hard and fast rule or just a guide, and that’s exactly the point. Since you can’t predict which way a company will lean, if you’re close enough, it’s worth applying.

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma explain how to make that call and share when it’s worth shooting your shot.

We use listener Charlotte’s situation as a case study, but this advice applies to anyone second-guessing their experience level.

You’ll learn how to judge whether a role is a stretch or a realistic next step, how to show the depth of your experience on your resume (not just the length), and why shooting your shot can sometimes be exactly what pays off.

We also chat about creative ways to network your way in and why quitting without a backup plan usually isn’t the magic solution.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Sarah who bought us 5 coffees!

"Hi Emma and Sarah! I found your podcast after having a conversation with my director about a management position that opened on my unit. For background, I am an Endoscopy Nurse and my unit has gone through lots of turnover. Our previous manager, while a lovely person, was promoted from within our unit (before I worked there) and never had support or guidance on how to be an effective leader. Unsurprisingly, she struggled and ended up leaving the position. I spoke to my director about applying for the position and we discussed the difficulties of transitioning from staff member to manager. She suggested looking for podcasts on interview tactics and I found you two! I found your episodes super helpful and easy to navigate. I joined the Interview Academy and worked through the modules. I had four (four!) rounds of interviews, more than I've ever had for a position. I brought in notes and a water bottle. I remembered to clench my bum! And I crushed the interviews! I've never felt so prepared for an interview or so confident coming out of them. I am happy to say that I got the job! I just finished up my first week in my new position and while it's been a massive information overload, I'm so happy. I'm so glad I found the two of you! I've been telling everyone I know about your podcast and how helpful it was for me. Cheers from Sarah in Maine, USA!”

🎥 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 resources

www.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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

Seeing the job you’ve applied for get re-posted can send you into a full-blown spiral. Does it mean you’re out of the running? That they didn’t like your application? Or is it just bad hiring?

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack exactly what’s going on behind the scenes when a role pops up again after you’ve already applied. From lazy auto-reposts to managers chasing a “perfect” unicorn candidate, there are plenty of reasons that have nothing to do with you.

We’ll talk through what might actually be happening, when it does mean something, and what smart next steps you can take (including when to follow up — and when to just let it go).

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Nikita who bought us 5 coffees! Her win is so epic, we couldn’t even fit it in the show notes — you’ll have to tune in to hear the full story!

🎥 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

Sometimes in an interview, it becomes clear there’s a genuine mismatch. Maybe they're after three years of experience in an area you’ve only just become familiar with, or the role requires travel, which you can't commit to.

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack how to gracefully pivot an interview for a role that’s not the right fit, into a valuable coffee chat instead. This one was inspired by a listener story from Carmen, who turned a dead-end interview into a brilliant networking opportunity.

We explain how to politely acknowledge the dealbreaker and shift gears without burning bridges.

Disclaimer: This isn’t a strategy for when you’re just not feeling it — it’s for those rare situations where the gap really can’t be bridged, and knowing how to handle it gracefully can leave a lasting impression.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Sam who bought us 3 coffees!

"Wow! Thank you so much! I had an interview today for a job I really wanted, teaching children with learning disabilities, and received a phone call tonight offering me the position! I’m so grateful that I found your podcast. The few interviews I’ve had in the past I’ve normally fumbled my way through. However, this time I felt so prepared and confident with my career story, why I wanted to work there and my 'best bits'. They were super impressed when I whipped out the questions in my notebook after they asked if I had any questions for them. I didn’t even need to use my panic phrases which were also in my notebook 😂. Now I’ll go listen to the episodes about what to do once you have the job. Thanks again! P.S I remember Emma mentioned about writing down an achievement to add to her best bits. It reminded me of the app PepTalkHer that was created by Meggie Palmer.”

🎥 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

There's a mysterious condition sweeping through jobseekers everywhere - and no one's immune.

It's called 'Interview Mode' Syndrome, and it only flares up in interview conditions. Symptoms include sudden amnesia about your own achievements, robotic tone, and an uncontrollable urge to say 'stakeholder engagement' way too many times.

In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma put on their lab coats to diagnose what's really going on when your natural personality suddenly disappears in interviews.

We explain why this syndrome hits harder when it's your dream job or you're interviewing in a second language, and most importantly - how to cure it. It's time to ditch the filter and start communicating like a real human again.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Eirini who bought us 10 coffees!

“My Kiwi friend introduced me to your podcast a few months ago. I have been job hunting for a while and was recently invited to interview for a job that would result in me changing fields, which is exciting but also filled me with doubt about whether I could really do the job or not. I found so many of your episodes super useful when preparing for the interview. I spent a long time writing my 'best bits', but the advice you gave about the 'tell me about yourself' question, about presentations, and so many other things has also been invaluable. Most importantly, writing the best bits gave me an overview of my career and, seeing in writing all the skills I have acquired, I realised that my transferable skills guarantee that I could do the job if I were to get it. This boosted my confidence massively. Overall, I have never felt so prepared going into an interview before. I had the interview yesterday and was told I will find out the outcome next week. No matter what happens, I know that I represented myself as well as I could have done. Enjoy your coffees and thank you so much for your amazing podcast. I have told many friends about it so keep it going!"

Mentioned in the Episode

🎤 Find out more about Ultraspeaking - the best way to learn public speaking [affiliate link]

🎬 Episode - Why you need to resist the urge to script yourself in an interview

Helpful Resources

🎥 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

Ever walked out of an interview thinking, “I prepared so much… why didn’t my stories land?” So many people practice their 'best bits' stories to within an inch of their life BUT they skip the most powerful (and hardest) step - proper thinking time.

In this episode, Sarah and Emma unpack why slowing down to actually think about your stories (not just rehearse them) is what gives your answers real depth and confidence. They share how to dig into your stories, uncover the magic ingredient that allows an interviewer to REALLY understand the impact you had, and see all your incredible skills. For some of you, this ep will be the aha moment lightbulb game-changer you need.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Christina “Hi Emma and Sarah, I just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you. A week before my big internal interview, I was feeling incredibly stressed and insecure, especially knowing I’d be going up against three colleagues. Your episodes on internal interviews really gave me the boost I needed. I committed myself to reviewing as much of your content as I could, and within 24 hours after my interview, I got the call: I was the successful candidate! My first thought was, “Thank you, Emma and Sarah.” Your work gave me the clarity, confidence, and calm I needed to show up as my best self. And thank goodness I didn’t slip into an Aussie accent and say “double plugger” during the interview 😄 I’m so grateful for the impact you’ve had on my journey. Thank you again for everything you do.”

🎥 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

Having two job offers on the table sounds like the dream, but in reality, it can feel like a nightmare decision. Do you take the higher-paying contract role with less security, or settle for the lower salary in a permanent role that feels “safer”?

This week, Sarah and Emma unpack a listener dilemma from Lizzy, who’s weighing up a permanent job at a luxury brand with average pay and worrying reviews, against a short-term contract role at a startup with a huge salary boost.

We’ll break down the real meaning of job security (hint: it’s not always about being “permanent”), the financial trade-offs to consider, and how to factor in growth, culture, and risk tolerance when making a big career decision. Plus, we’ll share a thought experiment that helps reframe the choice and remind you that every role adds to your career story.

If you’ve ever been torn between two offers, or just wondered what you’d do if that lucky day came - this episode will give you a practical framework to make the decision with confidence.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Regina who bought us 3 coffees!

“I just wanted to say a big thank you for your podcast. I’ve been listening for weeks in the run-up to my diagnostic radiographer interview on Friday 12th September, both at home and on my drives to work, and it has made such a difference. I particularly like the way you break things down into the “best bits.” As a middle-aged woman with a lot of work experience, I found your guidance on structuring “tell me about yourself” so helpful. The episode about what to do when your mind goes blank was a life saver for me, as I can be a nervous interviewee. What I value most is that your advice feels practical and natural, not overly scripted. Even if I get a little derailed, I can always find my way back, and that gave me real confidence going into the interview. So thank you so much for the work you put into this. You’ve helped me more than you know. Btw, I got the Job! That's the best bit."

Mentioned in this episode: The power move for juggling multiple job offers

🎥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

Ever spotted your dream company online only to realise they aren’t advertising any roles? It can feel like there’s no way in, but what if you could create your own opportunity?

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma break down how to “shoot your shot” with a company when there isn’t a job listed. From crafting a specific, targeted pitch to finding the right person to email, we cover everything you need to know to get your name noticed.

We’ll walk through the do’s and don’ts, how to research the company and role, and the best ways to follow up so you stay on their radar. Plus, we explain when this strategy is a good idea and when it might be a long shot.

Disclaimer: This is a “shoot your shot” approach. It doesn’t guarantee outcomes. You might not get a response, and that’s normal. The goal is to put yourself on the company’s radar, not to expect a job offer.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Grace who bought us 3 coffees!

"WOW. I’ve been manifesting writing this LOL and it’s finally my reality! I have been interviewing for NINE MONTHS and could not understand why I kept getting runner up. Well, I was starting to interview with a company I was really interested in, thought I flunked the recruiter call and then luckily got a call back for the hiring manager interview, just in time for me to come across you ladies! I binge listened while I was flying across the USA and realised… I have been interviewing backwards. I had a COMPLETE mindset shift going from guessing interview questions to focusing on my best bits. This was a complete game changer. I killed the hiring manager interview and the skip level interview (continuing to listen to episodes along the way). I just had the Team Interview left in person. On my way there I randomly decided to listen to the episode about if you have bad interviewers and while I enjoyed the people I talked with, they didn’t ask me a single question!!! Luckily I knew how to take back MY interview and sneak in my stories I knew I wanted to share. I got an email saying they wanted to offer me the role before I even got home. I’m so stoked!!! Thank you both for the time you spend helping people during a very vulnerable, stressful time. I’ve recommended the pod to everyone else I know who is interviewing - I have no doubt y’all helped me land this role."

🎥 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

Being asked about company values in a job interview can feel like a minefield. Do they want a big-picture statement, or a real-life example? And how do you stop yourself from sounding like you’ve just memorised their website?

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma break down how to answer values-based interview questions with confidence. Whether you’re interviewing in healthcare, corporate, government, or any workplace where values guide decision-making, we’ll show you how to stand out.

We cover how to remember company values (hint: acronyms are your best friend) and why specific examples are the key to success. You’ll also hear sample answers that demonstrate the difference between simply saying you align with the values and actually showing it through your work.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Lucy Kate who bought us 3 coffees!

"GIRLS!!! You helped get me the only job that I wanted! I quit my old workplace in April due to being extremely burnt out and went backpacking around Asia solo, completely unemployed with no back up plan. 6 weeks after applying for a job, I was notified that I was shortlisted and had an interview (federal gov so it takes a long time). At this point I was in a village in remote Thailand teaching English to kids at a school. I binged all your episodes and prepared hard. I had to google translate to one of the teachers asking to borrow a blazer and asking if the school could let all the kids know to stay away from my room as my interview was in the middle of lunch 😂. I thought I did okay at the interview but overthought a few things. It took a total of three months to find out I got the role with the panel providing comments on how well spoken I was and how much they loved my examples I tied into the questions. I can’t thank you girls enough for supporting me in a very unsettled period of my life. I am now enjoying time with family and friends back in AUS before moving back to the other side of the country to start my new role in October. Massive thanks girls, you're doing gods work 🙏🏼"

🎥 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