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

Not all recruiters are the same and you shouldn't let just anyone represent you! It's important to be picky about which agencies you work with.

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack a listener’s frustrating experience with a recruiter who left them feeling unsupported and unprepared. From the absence of a basic pre-interview meeting to the lack of communication after the interview, we point out all the red flags.

We also share how to spot the good recruiters who will actually advocate for you and guide you through the process. The right one can change the entire trajectory of your career and help get you into jobs you wouldn't have ever considered or been able to land on your own!

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Jorien who is an Interview Academy Alumni!

“Hi Sarah (and Emma), I found your podcast just before I had an interview. I did prep for that very well I thought, but it was a weird experience. My interviewers seemed to have all kinds of ideas about me, but didn't ask directly. I didn't go through to the second round because of experience, but they wanted to keep me as a backup as they thought the interview went great. I decided to apply further and found a job ad that seemed like a better match. I decided to use Interview Academy for my prep, as I realised that my 'good prep' last time might have focused on the wrong things (and surprise, it did). I used Interview Academy first to prep for a great cover letter and CV. Then I got an invitation for a first interview. I asked for a different time (as I couldn't make it) and started to work on my best bits and improve my career story. This morning I felt the nerves, insecure, afraid it might end up like the last interview. However, I thought about a really bad second interview I once did, and I got that job. So I thought: It can't be any worse than that. I just had my interview and it went really well. I felt confident going in, well prepared and ready to discover if this job would fit me. Although my interview was with 4 people, it felt relaxed and like a great conversation. My career story (full of elephants) went well and I could use my best bits for all kinds of questions. I really liked the people I spoke with. I felt so proud and confident walking out. Even if this job goes to someone else, I feel very happy about my preparation and how I did the interview. The good news is that all that prep is so universal, that if this doesn't work out, I can use it for a next interview. Thank you so much, this was (and is) extremely helpful. And I love the sound of your voices :)”

🎥 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

Amongst the stress of an interview, it’s easy to forget the stories and examples you prepared, or lose your train of thought and start rambling. But what if you had a secret weapon you could fall back on? Enter: The Magic Interview Notebook.

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma explain why bringing a notebook into an interview is NOT a crime, despite it feeling like one. From jotting down your carefully crafted questions to having prompts that jog your memory when you go blank, your notebook can be an epic safety net that can help keep your nerves at bay.

We share how you can organise your notes, use them seamlessly without reading them word-for-word and bring it into the conversation naturally.

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

“Emma and Sarah, Almost a year ago, my wife and I decided to make a big move to a new city with our boys. You may remember me as the jack of all trades — music, building, environmental work— too many disparate elements for a digestible resume. Like many others, I tried everything, and my wife started referring to me as "the invisible man." I was working so hard, making an impact that I was proud of, yet everything seemed to go unnoticed. I started with your podcast, listening while remodeling friends' homes. Then I moved on to the Interview Academy and worked through developing my best stories and responses. Within a few months, I was getting noticed and landed an incredible interview for a role leading an environmental non-profit in the city we hoped to move to. It felt like I had a great authentic story for every question, and within a few weeks, I got the offer. I've been in the job for 7 months now, and while every position comes with its challenges, it's been incredible. I've developed a whole new set best bits to live alongside the old ones. Listening to the podcast, I kept having the feeling that you two had some magical power that seeped through listeners' earbuds. All these months later, I'm certain of it. But really, you're providing us all with confidence, kindness, laughter, and actionable steps to improve our career transitions. Thank you and cheers! Pat!”

🎥 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

Any job can provide you with valuable stories to use in an interview. BUT, some roles do offer more complexity and responsibility that can really showcase your transferrable skills, especially when you're looking to make a career move.

In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain how being strategic and intentional with your job choices can accelerate your career progression, helping you build a stronger skill set for the role you ultimately want. Even small shifts in responsibility can add up to big wins on your resume!

If you're looking to pivot or grow in your career, this episode is a must listen!

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

“Sarah and Emma, you have been such a huge help in the whole job search, interview, and negotiation process! I had been at the same job for 7 years right out of school and it was super daunting for me when I decided to start looking elsewhere. I was never good at public speaking, let alone interviewing, plus, I get nervous so easily. Your podcast was so helpful in offering both practical advice like what to include on your resume, how to answer questions about a scenario or project that you haven't experienced or worked on before, and tips for negotiating benefits! The podcasts are both informative and enjoyable to listen to through the real life stories you guys share. My favorite episodes are probably the "listen to this RIGHT before your interview", "listen to this right AFTER your interview" and "why we're NOT using the word 'REJECTED' in the job search anymore." Thinking of "rejection" differently has definitely changed my mental game. The mental game is 50% (if not more) of making it! I actually had a good feeling right after that interview, and I landed a job right off the bat. I'm so grateful! Thank you so much! Helen from New Jersey, USA!”

🎥 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

You’ve probably spent hours crafting the perfect resume, but have you ever stopped to consider whether the hiring manager actually knows anything about your previous employers? You shouldn't assume they would have heard of the company before!

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma discuss the importance of including a brief company description on your CV to give context to your experience, clarify the scope of your role and the time period you worked there.

This simple addition can save you from misunderstandings and help the hiring manager understand your background quickly and clearly in this competitive job market.

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

"Thank you for making the podcast and the resources available to us for free, as much of the stress of being unemployed or underemployed is financial stress. I was laid off from a job in the middle of 2023. I'd been working 65-70 hour weeks and not taken a single day of vacation for 11 months because I was trying to prove myself and get a solid foothold on a competitive team. I got stuck in a bad situation with a toxic boss, and spent most days stress crying just to get through the day. I'd chosen this job though, and very much felt I had to lay in the bed I made. The layoff was devastating, but in some ways was a relief. I took a few months to get healthy and started applying at the start of 2024, but couldn't get anyone to pick up my resume. I applied for 1200 + jobs. I wove in and out of depression thinking that there was something wrong with me that I just couldn't see. I received no feedback, so I couldn't improve my resume or my application to do better the next time. I contacted my friend's realtor at the end of December to begin the process of selling my home because I'd used all of my savings. I felt like I was failing as an adult. If this gets read on the show, for all the folks dealing with these difficult situations, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP. It's so hard to continue trying when you get "rejected" (I know it's a bad word) over and over. It feels like a rejection of your life's work, your education, your capabilities, your desires, and your life and ability to fund it. But keep it up. Keep trying, keep adjusting, keep applying. You are not alone. The week before Christmas, right after that call with the realtor, I received a few wonderful offers, and I am now preparing to start 2025 - over a year and a half after I'd been let go - in a new path. Your podcast and resources were like scaffolding to help me mentally work through the confusing process and stressful steps of this journey, and I'm so incredibly grateful. Thank you, 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

If you’re ready to make bold moves this year, this episode is a MUST listen. 

In 2025, we want you to embody our mantra and ‘SHOOT YOUR SHOT!’

Whether it’s applying for a job even though you don’t meet every single requirement, sliding into someone’s DM’s that you admire, entering a competition or asking to taste test an ice cream flavour before committing to a choice, we want to inspire you to stop waiting for permission, and start taking action.

It's time to stop letting the fear of rejection hold you back!

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

“Hey Emma and Sarah. I've been listening to your podcasts for 2 years already! Not anymore sorry but I recommend your podcast to everyone around me. I got my dream job by listening to your podcasts and applying what you advised. I listened so much that your voices became so sincere and dear to me (I even have a notebook dedicated to your episodes). Everyday I listened and took notes. I don't know how many times I listened to your group interview episode, before my own group interview! Now that I am in the corporate world, I think there are lots of things to consider, because just getting the job done won't get you promoted. If you run out of content one day I would love to hear some advice related to the corporate world, the oil and gas industry, gender imbalance, toxic environments, how to rise up despite all the hardships and de-motivation and being a woman in male dominated environment. I would love to hear about ADHD as well."

🎥 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

It's time to work smarter, not harder!

ChatGPT can be an incredible tool in your job search, but the quality of it's responses depends on the quality of YOUR prompts!

From writing polished resume bullet points, to researching salaries, Sarah and Emma walk you through 8 game changing prompts you can use, to get ChatGPT working with you - not against you.

We've done the heavy lifting for you and created a free download so you can 'copy' & 'paste' and get started today!

Disclaimer: It goes without saying that AI should NEVER replace your genuine effort in the job search. Any recruiter can sniff out a resume that's been completely written with ChatGPT a mile away!

Get our ChatGPT prompts here: www.interviewboss.com.au/resources

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

“Well, I just started listening to the podcast and this is exactly what I was looking for and more. I don't know how you make it this easy but this is better than any other source I have come across, even my friend in HR hahaha. The ‘about me’ advice is spectacular! I have never felt confident about my story until now. I just bought one coffee because I don't want you to drink too much but I’m gonna buy more along the way until I get an offer :)”

🎥 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

Mentioned in this episode:

New To the Podcast? Start Here!

Episodes For Your Situation

Are you tempted to script your interview answers to perfection? You need to listen to this episode!

Sarah and Emma explain why scripting every word might feel like the safe option but could actually be holding you back.

We explain the unintended consequences of speaking in 'robot mode,' like coming across as disconnected and why you should focus on building a flexible answer framework instead.

This episode will help you strike the right balance between being prepared, but also conversational.

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

“This podcast has been such a gift. I found it nearly a year ago when I was prepping for a second interview for a big job that I really wanted. Hearing logical, practical, and actionable advice from two women was not only refreshing, but the tips and insights you provide in your episodes were so relevant and useful. The way you pair interview and work advice with humor and sisterly banter is absolutely addicting. I've listened to nearly every episode, many of them multiple times over, soaking in all the information and laughing along. I also went through the Interview Academy for a little extra practice and focused work to ensure I was as prepared as possible. Although the big job I was interviewing for didn't work out, I left that interview feeling more confident than ever before. I knew that if they didn't pick me, it was because I wasn't the right fit, not because I failed to share my experience. The advice you share about preparing your 'about me' story and the 'best bits' have been the biggest game changers for me. After searching a little more, I landed an interview for another job. I took in all the episodes I could and revisited the Interview Academy materials. Ultimately, all of your wisdom and my prep helped me land the job! It is closer to home, pays better, and is a big next step in my career. And, not only did you help me land this new job, but you again came in clutch with your advice about how to best leave a job, even in a toxic environment. I wrapped up my final weeks at work by prepping all the transition documents, recording videos of processes for future personnel, and providing constructive feedback when asked. All in all, I really don't think I would've made it through this job search as successfully without you. I appreciate the time and dedication you invest in this podcast so much. Thank you for being strong female voices to lean on. Listening from California - Roxane!”

🎥 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

If you're feeling crushed after getting knocked back from a job, then this episode is for you.

We've created a mindset exercise to help put your 'rejection' into context.

We hope this role-playing exercise will help you to understand just how subjective hiring decisions can be - and how it's not always about being 'better,' but about being the right fit for the specific need.

We’d love to hear who YOU picked and why! Drop us a comment on Spotify for this episode or slide into our DM's with your thoughts!

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

“The sisters I never had! I moved out of leadership from a toxic company and got a good job with slightly better pay but after a year and an unsuccessful application for a promotion I was feeling a bit stagnant. I thought I was in a good position this time around when another leadership opening in my department came up, but wanted to leave nothing to chance. I am confident in my employability and skills, but I have ADHD, anxiety and hot mess energy. Sometimes it feels like nobody understands my brain. The content was all somewhat familiar to me, and I had luckily been preparing for interviews in similar ways, but the podcast and Interview Academy really helped me not feel alone in the process. You gave me clear strategies, goals, accountability, and permission to calm down. I listened to the “before you go into your interview” literally standing in a power pose in a small room with the air conditioner maxed out and tears welling in my eyes because I was so inspired. My career story sold like hotcakes. The rest of the interview is a blur. I got the promotion and a fatter pay rise than expected. I can’t thank you enough for helping me stay focused!”

🎥 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

If you have an interview coming up and are a little tempted to wing it, then this episode is for you!

This week Sarah and Emma debunk the idea that because you didn't do 'XYZ' last time and everything worked out, you shouldn't worry about doing it this time either.

We share a range of reasons interviews might have felt easy in the past and remind you that interview prep is like the seatbelt of job hunting: you don’t always need it, but you’re glad to have it when you do.

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

“Hi, Emma and Sarah, the past few months have pretty hectic career-wise and I want to thank you being there all along! I was approached by a firm offering an incredible 35% raise, and I did my best to get the job. I listened to your tips about best bits, how to make the most of the 'tell me about yourself' part of the interview, questions I should ask at the end etc. All went great and I got the job! Shortly after starting though, I found out that the role was not exactly how I imagined and my boss was unfortunately a very toxic person, so then came a totally desperate phase in my professional life. I couldn't have got through it without your podcasts on job regrets, and on how to survive at a place you already know is not meant for you. I was interviewing at other places while trying to hold on in my horrible new job. Your podcast helped me reflect on what I was actually looking for and how to prepare for my next move. I'm so happy to tell you that thanks to you I got exactly the type of job I was looking for and also managed to negotiate to keep my salary with the 35% raise, which I had previously achieved. I cannot believe I can do what I like and for the money I couldn't have imagined before. Thanks for your podcast on literally ALL topics related to job hunting. I'm sure you will be on the top of my yearly Spotify recap. ;)”

🎥 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