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

Losing hope in your job search? You’re not alone - but be careful where you turn for support.

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma issue a warning about the dangers of falling into online negativity spirals. From comment sections and forums it can feel like everyone is struggling - like the system is broken, and it’s you vs the world. And while there’s often a kernel of truth to these ideas, they can quickly become an echo chamber of hopelessness.

Whether it’s job scams, ghosting recruiters or hearing “no one gets hired through ads anymore,” this kind of content might feel validating, but it can also derail your confidence, your mindset and your motivation.

Note: This episode is the warning,  not the “what to do instead.” If you’re after mindset support or actionable info, check out these episodes:

• You’re Not Alone- How to Tackle Job Search Rejection
• How Job Search can Affect your Mental Health
• Job Search Myths Busted

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to JB “I promised myself that when I landed a job I would shout you guys the coffees you deserve.   Your help and advice over the past year of job hunting has been unbelievably helpful and I have upped my interview game tenfold. As exhausting and emotionally taxing as the job hunt is, I knew I was getting better at the whole process with each interview.   It’s been a rollercoaster, with so many “almost but not quite” responses and the neverending emotional tenacity that is required to keep picking yourself up again and again.   I start my new job on Monday: one that is right up my alley, a step up, close to home, higher pay and part-time. The vibe from the first interview has been fantastic, I’ve been myself, and everything has been easy peasy since. No mixed signals, no “do they like me?!” Like a good relationship, it’s been straightforward and friendly.   I almost gave up a couple of months ago and threw in the towel. Now that I am here, I am so thrilled I persevered. My gosh: to those in the thick of the despair that comes with job hunting, keep on. You will get there.”

🎥 Check out our 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 been hit with an interview question that feels like it has five different parts rolled into one? You start answering, then halfway through you realise you’ve completely lost track of what they even asked. Multi-part interview questions are the worst and they pop up all the time, especially in government, education, and healthcare recruitment.

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma break down exactly why interviewers ask these diabolical mega-questions, the different types you might come across, and how to tackle them without freezing up or rambling. From two-criteria-in-one to full multi-part criteria dumps (yes, they’re as bad as they sound), we’ll give you practical tools to stay calm, stay structured, and actually impress the panel.

We’ll cover how to take quick notes without it feeling awkward, why repeating the question is your secret weapon, and the step-by-step way to break down your answer so you don’t leave out the good stuff.

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

"Thank you so much for your inspiring, comprehensive, practical, authentic, accurate, backed by evidence & real life experience podcast. I could go on with more adjectives but really I just wanted to express my thanks for everything that you so generously do in putting out your content into the world. It's so valuable that it really shouldn't be available for free! I recently went through a recruitment process for 2 jobs & had many rounds of interviews & I got one of them (it's the best fit of the 2!). After a 5 year break from being in a recruitment process, following your advice (ALL OF IT!) made such a difference to my confidence, performance & I'm sure the end result, right down to the salary & start date negotiations. Thankyou!"

🎥 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

You’ve handed in your resignation and maybe even felt guilty about leaving your team in the lurch. But instead of a heartfelt send-off, you notice you’re left off meeting invites, your projects are quietly reassigned, and your manager suddenly feels distant. By your last week, it’s…crickets. Was none of it appreciated? Did you not matter after all?

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack why a quiet exit can sting so much and why it’s usually not about you at all. From the loss of identity that comes with leaving a role, to the awkward “ex” dynamic of wanting closure from people you’re walking away from, we’ll help you reframe the silence and see it for what it is: practicality, not personal rejection.

We’ll share why colleagues might not know how to give you the farewell you expected, how to separate your worth from your exit, and practical ways to create your own closure so you can leave on a high note.

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

“I can’t thank you enough for all the tips and support through the process of resigning from a job I never liked, to getting my dream job. At one point, I started loosing faith, because even when I was having the best interviews, thanks to your guidance, they would always go for someone with more experience. Today I had the interview that changed everything, it felt like I didn’t need to try so hard and I still got offered the job. I blame the endless hours listening to your tips, because interviewing went from something I used to dread to a fine art where I could sell myself and not even have to think about it. For now, it’s the foot in the door, it’s a short term contract, but it’s in my dream company, so I can only see possibilities afterwards. And even if there is nothing after the contract runs it’s course, I can’t put into words how much you have helped me to understand that the right job is worth waiting for and that I am worth it. Thank you again for everything!"

🎥 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

Quitting your job can feel less like a professional decision and more like a personal betrayal, especially when your boss has been kind, the timing is awkward, or you just really hate confrontation.

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack all the emotional landmines that come with handing in your resignation. From guilt and fear, to navigating tricky situations like quitting a job you just started, or leaving for a competitor, we’ve got your back.

You’ll learn how to deliver the news without lying, oversharing, or crumbling into an apology spiral and get a word-for-word script you can use to start the conversation.

If you’ve been putting off that dreaded chat with your boss, this is your sign to rip the Band-Aid off, and do it with confidence.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Alex who bought us 20 coffees!

"Hi Emma & Sarah, Excuse the essay but this is a very big heartfelt thank you note. I have wanted to “shout you a coffee” for ages but wanted to hold off until I hit the goal of job change! I’m officially week two into THE job, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Truly. I’ve been a massive fan of your podcast for a long time (I might have a shot at #1 listener) and did a 1:1 session early on - back then I didn’t know exactly what I needed but the session prompted me to do some deeper digging and spend some time figuring out the journey I wanted to go on. The insights I gained from you both have helped me across a wide range of things: applying for Marketing Academy (I got down to the very last round!), getting involved in volunteering (with a selective interview round), how to approach some of the tougher career subjects with mentees & direct reports, & finally applying for new roles. I ultimately made the call to wait out for the big job…and patience and persistence have paid off! It’s a role that makes my tail wag and is a new industry that I can still bring my experience to. I’ve recommended you to just about everyone I know & will continue to. Your work has made such an impact on my life, and I’m so grateful. Thank you, you legends!"

🎥 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

Internal interviews can feel super weird, especially when your panel includes people you already work with. Maybe it's your current manager, someone you had a tricky project with, or just colleagues you usually chat to in the kitchen. So how do you pitch yourself without feeling awkward, fake, or like you're stating the obvious?

In Part 2 of our deep dive on Internal Interviews, Sarah and Emma share the practical strategies you need to prepare with confidence.

HINT: It's exactly the same as preparing for an external interview, just with more nuance!

We discuss the importance of explaining WHY you're applying for the new role, how much context to give when the panel should technically already know what you do and how to shape your career story.

We also tackle office politics, like whether to tell your team you've applied, how to handle potentially managing your friends and how to ask for feedback once it's all over.

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

"Sarah and Emma! I have been job searching since October 2024. I went for a big promotion at work and didn't even make it to the second round, despite doing the job in the interim capacity for six months. I was so bummed, but I knew I had to start looking for my next step. I have always interviewed well and thought that I had my preparation down pat. I discovered your podcast after getting a few second-round interviews and being the runner-up in those searches. I also became determined to be more selective in both my applications and interviews and truly interview my prospective employers as much as they were interviewing me. This summer I found a position that matches all of my talents and interests working as a public servant in local government, and I went for it. I had my Best Bits nailed! I landed the job after two interviews, one job assessment exercise, and three reference calls later. I am very grateful for your advice, your humor, and in particular, the psych-up and cool-down episode for pre-and post-interview. After each interview, I was only allowed to call two besties to vent and then put it aside, per your advice! Thank you again for spreading these best practices in interviews. I recommend you podcast often to the young people in my life who are just starting out this process! PS: I need to set the record straight on American coffee. I'm a Californian and want to say we have some of the best coffee beans (and wine). And some of us enjoy a straight cappuccino and espresso, and even a flat white now and then as our drinks of choice, okay?!! Enjoy your coffees! Much gratitude from California."

🎥 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

Internal interviews can feel so much harder than regular ones. You're walking into a room full of people who already know you, so how are you meant to do yourself justice without feeling awkward, cringey, or fake?

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma break down the mindset blocks that come up when you're interviewing for a job in your current workplace. Whether you’re going for a supervisor role, a promotion, or just a new challenge, internal interviews come with their own set of mental hurdles.

We’ll unpack the fear of reintroducing yourself to people you already work with, taking too much credit for shared wins, the colleague comparison trap, and how to handle the awkwardness, whether you do or don’t get the job.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Davis who bought us a coffee!

“Hello or as my Aussie coworkers say, G’day! I am in California and have been listening to your podcast in prep to apply to an internal role. Every episode was so helpful and the resources you two provide are invaluable! I don’t think I’ve ever been more prepared for an interview and it’s all because of the insight you two provided! I was even ready to negotiate my salary offer but they ended up offering exactly what I wanted, funny how that worked out! Thank you so much!”

🎥 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