Interview Boss

Are you contemplating working overseas but unsure if it's the right move for your career? In this episode, Emma and Sarah dive deep into the pros and cons of taking your professional life abroad.

Whether you're dreaming of a career adventure in a new country or weighing the practicalities of the move, this episode will provide you with the guidance and inspiration you need to make the best choice for your professional journey

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

Hi Emma and Sarah. I wanted to say thank you for all your help, listening to the podcast has changed my outlook on the job search and has given me the motivation to get through a tough period in my career. I came across your podcast while I was interviewing for a new role in a small tech start-up, after listening to most of your episodes I nailed the interview and was offered what I thought was my dream job. However, things did not turn out how I expected and I ended up in a very toxic work environment which was starting to affect my health. After 6 months of working there, I started listening to the podcast again on my commute which gave me the confidence in myself to resign with no job lined up. After a bit of stressing and panic, I ended up with interviews for two companies. Listening to the podcast on the way to the interview makes me feel like I have a support team backing me. I went into the interview confident and explained honestly why I left my previous role and what I was looking for in my career. I couldn't believe it when I was offered both positions within two weeks of resigning from my previous job! After careful consideration, I went with the company and project that aligned more closely with my personal values. I can't thank you enough for your advice, insight and Aussie humour. I tell everyone I know to have a listen. Thank you so much. Lewis. (Listening all the way from Scotland)

🎧 Episode about moving to a new city: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/87daf688-8f7f-484d-9511-44dcb317298b

📄 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 found yourself in a situation where you don't have an ideal story or example for an interview question?

If you have something in mind, but feel like it doesn't show off your whole approach to decision making, you can consider adding a hypothetical at the end of your answer. It could sound like "but if that didn't work I would have done xyz" or "if the customer responded with x I would have then..."

In this week's episode Emma and Sarah unpack the strategy which can be a lifeline in a pinch.

Disclaimer: Real examples come first! You shouldn't use hypotheticals in response to every question.

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

"Emma and Sarah, I have been waiting to share good news with you since I started listening a few months back - and here it is! I was devastated when I lost my job last summer. I was struggling to figure out how to move forward with my career, feeling like I would never find my confidence or a job I was proud of again. After nearly 9 months of the brutal job search cycle, I had been interviewed for 3 different roles, but I still wasn't getting any job offers. I found your podcast and it changed everything! The things that flipped the script for me were: 1) Best Bits: It sounds so simple, but controlling the narrative on my career story was hands down the best advice I've ever heard about interviewing! 2) Just SAYING the thing: I was dancing around the reason I left the previous employer because I was so traumatized by it. I thought that if they wanted to know about it, the interviewer(s) would ask outright! Your episode on how to talk about the thing that you're worried about made such a big difference. 3) Preparing for the interview: So many things in this bucket. Stopping the interview prep the day before, getting a good pep talk from a friend, listening to your pep talk episode, preparing genuine questions to ask the interviewer... Just so many incredible suggestions! I finally felt like I was not only qualified, but truly the best candidate for this job! I applied for a job I really was excited about, which would take me out of the private sector I worked in and into a role with a state government agency. I went through multiple rounds of panel interviews, both over the phone and in person. I followed your advice on the thank you emails - not trying to sell myself, but just building on the connections I made with each interviewer. I am so thankful to you both because without your podcast, I may not have been selected as the finalist for this role. I got word the day before my birthday that I'll be receiving the official written job offer once all the background & reference checks come back in! Please know that you changed my life and I talk about it with anyone who will listen! I'll be listening to your episodes on starting a new job in the near future, and I'll always come back for any career advice you have to offer :)"

📄 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!

It's easy to think "I just need to do a good enough job to get the role." BUT the truth is, smashing an interview out of the park will pay DIVIDENDS long into your career at the company.

In this week's motivating episode, Sarah and Emma discuss all the ongoing benefits of giving an AMAZING interview, like having the role entirely changed to better suit you and your skills, getting offered a higher salary than you asked for and getting to work on the best projects.

Disclaimer: Skip this ep if you're a perfectionist who is prone to panic and has already put in hours and hours of prep.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Hay who bought us 6 coffees!

"Emma and Sarah, I am so grateful for you! I trained and worked in a very 'traditional' field for a few years before going into a startup. I had always wanted to work in tech and never had the opportunity to find out if it was right for me. I loved it but realised through this career pivot what my true professional loves are and made the decision to return to my previous field with a tech focus. In previous roles, I was badly scarred by bullying and even (TW) assault, where both HR and managers told me that it was just 'something that happened in the industry' and I had to deal with it. I was made to feel worthless, and I truly believed I was. I'd also held two positions in two years, and I was so worried about how people saw me. When I started interviewing, I was really disheartened by how interviewers treated my 'unconventional' experience - they saw it as a poor choice. Some even suggested I would have to be on a lower salary because it didn't count as relevant work experience in their eyes! At first, I felt quite sorry for myself and wallowed, but then I found you. Your podcast helped me take ownership of my entire career trajectory and taught me to highlight how all of my work experience is not just transferable, but meaningful. I loved your episode about taking a 'dream role' off the pedestal; going into my interviews, this was an absolute game changer! It meant I could just focus on being myself and treating the interview like an opportunity to learn about the role and why I might like it, instead of treating it as a 'dream role' I needed to be perfect for. I'm happy to report I accepted a great role, and I'm going in with realistic expectations, eyes wide open but also excitement and happiness about the experience overall. I couldn't have done it without 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

This week, Sarah and Emma are joined by a very special guest, Mel Storey! She’s a tech in-house lawyer, but not just any in-house lawyer, she was 2023 In House Lawyer of the Year, she is the Podcast Host of Counsel, she’s your career big sis on Tiktok and an all round Thought Leader.

We cover SO much in this episode with Mel, including clerkships and work experience while studying, the recruitment phase, whether the reputation of a law school matters and pro's and con's of being an in-house lawyer vs working in a firm.

This episode is a MUST listen for anyone hoping to pursue, or currently in the legal field. BUT we guarantee there is a piece of wisdom in this episode for EVERY LISTENER, whether you have a legal background or not.

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

Hi Emma and Sarah! Y'all's podcast was a *GAME CHANGER* for my job search! Prior to finding your podcast, I was somewhat actively job hunting for about 3 years. My resume and experience were enough to have the interview door's open. But every single time- my in person interviews fell flat due to overthinking and rehearsing whatever answers other social media "experts" advised. Rehearsing over and over the "best" responses, like a script. I found your podcast at the best possible time! I was interviewing for a director level role in HR, with no prior direct experience in HR. One of the first podcasts I listened to- y'all gave the advice "want to know what you'll be asked during an interview? News flash- you can't predict what you'll be asked. The facade was lifted. I would answer each question moving forward with my "best bits", and how to be a story teller of my experiences. My "best bits" showed the interviewers the unique value I bring to the table. After an introductory conversation, the hiring leaders took a step back and completely changed the function of the role so that it aligned with the skillsets I have. In a sense, customizing a role so they could hire me. I greatly appreciate the enthusiasm, humor, and wisdom you share on every episode. I "graduated" about 6 months ago. At the time of accepting this director role, my salary went up 59%! And about a month ago, I received another raise due to industry competitiveness. My salary today is now 91% above what I was making 6 months ago in my last role where my skillsets were valued, but I wasn't. The interview process for this position was brutally long (4 months) with multiple rounds of interviews, but your podcast was like a warm cup of coffee to figuratively (and literally) fuel me. Thank you for all you continue to do! I've recommended your podcast to multiple friends and family members!"

📄 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

How to find more of Mel's content:

• Follow her on TikTok here
• Listen to her podcast "Counsel" here
• Connect with her on LinkedIn here
• Follow her on Instagram here

One minute you're in the job seeking trenches, PRAYING you'll receive ANY offer and before you know it, you've been offered multiple opportunities all at once, and have to decide which to decline.

Sound familiar? It's a conundrum we see ALL the time!

In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma discuss how to gracefully turn down an offer or role.

We discuss what this should look like, depending on what stage of the recruitment process you're in. Because pulling out of the race before you've even sat your interview is very different to pulling out after you've signed a contract.

Side note: If you haven't already listened to our power move episode about juggling multiple offers. Click here to listen, and come back to this episode afterward!

Goodluck and remember, having too many offers is a GREAT problem to have!

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

“Emma and Sarah, the real bosses!! I found your podcast while preparing for an interview for a Graphic Design Manager position. I listened to the entire "Prepare for your Interview" Playlist, and then some!! Your advice, confidence, and above all, your humor got me feeling fully prepared. I played my power song (Van Halen's 'Jump') and walked into the conference room with confidence. I aced the interview and got the job!! Now I am going through your "How to Resign" episodes so I can quit my current job with class 😎 I'm sharing your podcast with everyone I talk to. Cheers to you both and thank you for the amazing content!!”

📄 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

Join us as we unpack short-term contracts! In this week's episode Sarah and Emma discuss how they differ from permanent roles and the different types of short-term contracts from agency placements, to fixed-term gigs.

We share some pro's and con's, like diverse experiences and maybe a higher paycheck, against cons like job insecurity and a lack of benefits.

We also share our advice on what to keep in mind if you do take on a short-term contract, to ensure you're able to reap the rewards!

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

"I GOT THE JOB ! I can’t believe I’m finally writing these words. Coming out of uni, I accepted the first okay job offer I got, because I was terrified of ending up with nothing. First week in, and I knew this wasn’t it, but I decided to hold on and gain the experience. I found your podcast and started listening to it to prepare for the application and interview process. One year in, I was actually depressed. I’d break down crying in the bathroom multiple times a month, but I was feeling so worthless that applying for jobs seemed pointless: who would want to hire someone like me? Even though I was praised for my job, I felt like an absolute fraud. The only thing that kept me hoping was you two girls. Hearing your voices would soothe me and helped me believe that there was a better job for me out there, and that I would get it! At the start of 2024, I gave myself the goal of switching jobs before the end of the year. I had made a few changes to my lifestyle which helped with depression, and I felt ready to tackle that next step. I remade my resume using your advice, I networked using your advice, I prepared for interviews using your advice… I was going to make you proud! Two weeks ago, day of the third and final interview, I walked to their office feeling like a badass, listening to your breathing exercises, and I CRUSHED it. Well, at the time, I didn’t feel like it, but on the way out, the manager started talking about how great the food was at the office and how I’d appreciate all the lunch options available and that’s when I knew I had nailed it! The wait was a bit long (too long in my opinion), but I just got the call AND I HAVE THE JOB !!! You’re actually the fourth people I’m telling, after my boyfriend, mom and best friend. Now, I have to go back to the podcast and listen to the resignation episodes. Thanks to you for being the voice of hope in times of darkness, for helping me, for providing some Australian comfort in the depths of French winter, and for being absolutely amazing. It’s my turn to keep you caffeinated, so you can keep the content coming, so I can keep building my career (it’s the ciiiircle of jooobs!) Thanks again! Your Number 1 French Fan!"

📄 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 a manager who conducts interviews, there's a fair chance you might be asked about your leadership style. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma unpack the different management styles to help you identify and explain what kind of manager you are.

This episode is also for those who have left a role due to not seeing eye-to-eye with a manager. Reflecting about what kind of boss you like to work under will help you avoid ending up in a similar situation! If you know what management style you thrive under, it's a great idea to ask how your interviewers would describe their management style, to see it aligns with your preference.

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

"Sarah and Emma, hello from California and I'm excited to finally have a success story to share! I cannot express how grateful I am for all of your advice and support; it has been a lifeline in my job search. I am a career pivoter who decided to switch to design in the middle of applying to medical school. As a nervous introvert type of person, I have always struggled at interviewing and would go into fight-or-flight mode at every interview. I was able to avoid this issue for the most part because I interned at the same lab every summer in college and never really had to interview. As a result, I also never improved my interview skills or overcame my extreme interview anxiety. While interviewing for my first design job, I wrote out scripts and read them word for word because it was the only way I could answer the questions at the time. Somehow I got the job due to my portfolio and genuine passion for the company, but my manager later joked that I was "like a robot and almost seemed like I was reading from a script" (spoiler alert: I was!). After 2 years and management changes, I was laid off after being gaslit into thinking I was incompetent, too young, and needed a design degree to deserve a place in the field. Although tech mass layoffs are common nowadays, I was the only person who got laid off from my company and I felt immense shame and self-doubt for it. After meeting with mentors and getting honest feedback, I realized that I DO have what it takes and am worthy of the job I want. However, being dumped into the current tech job market was terrifying and although I managed to land interviews, many companies had intensive interview processes that I completely fumbled. Finding this podcast was a godsend, and I spent several days binging episodes. The podcast became like a best friend to me during these interviews: I listened before and after every interview (and laughed at the off-beat sniffs every time), while I was waiting to hear back, after rejection, and everything in between. Before every interview, I walked to my mirror and said 'You are the shit' in an Australian accent. I'm happy to say that I started leaving interviews feeling like I killed it and was finally able to let my personality and thinking process shine through during interviews instead of being a nervous wreck. THANK YOU again for all that you do!!!"

📄 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

Employment and recruitment scams were one of the top 10 scam categories in 2023 (according to the ACCC) which means people like you are being taken advantage of when they are looking for a new job.

I know what you're thinking - you're way too savvy to fall for a scam...

THINK AGAIN! These scammers are clever and they know how to take advantage of your emotions.

In this week's episode Sarah and Emma talk about the different kinds of job scams out there, and how you can keep yourself safe. We even give you a new motto for avoiding scams online courtesy of our very own Assistant Treasurer.. "Don't click on the bloody blue link"

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Mark who sent us a message saying “Just had an interview and had this up there to remind me to clench!” and attached a photo that showed a post it note above his screen saying “CYBC” for ‘clench your butt cheeks’. Mark, you’re a legend.

📄 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

Interview preparation can be so overwhelming, particularly if you're in a time crunch!

That's why we want to make sure you're spending the right amount of time on each step of the process. Because it's easy to accidently fall down a rabbit hole researching your interviewer, only to realise hours have passed and you haven't even got anything of substance to talk about in the interview yet!

In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma discuss what parts of preparation require hours of your time, and what can be done in minutes, if necessary, in a pinch.

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

"Hi Sarah & Em, you are both absolutely amazing! I have listened to almost every episode over the last 6 months since a friend recommended your podcast (she’s another Sarah) and you have helped me smash every interview since. I decided to leave my role as I had outgrown it, and had been struggling to land a new job in NZ, continually coming runner up for roles. It felt like a lot of work and time doing interviews to keep coming second place. My partner and I then came to the decision to move to Perth, and this made getting a new role even harder as I was applying while still in NZ. With all your tips and tricks, working on my short stories, and believing in myself, I ended up with two offers last week! I accepted one which was for my dream role with a global company, which had interviewed me in NZ for another role 6 months ago. They put in a good word for me and now I have an incredible remote / travel role with lots of opportunity for growth, and I have increased my salary by 50%! Thank you both again so so much, you kept my spirits up through the whole process with amazing banter and tips. I have told everyone I can to listen to your podcast!"

📄 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: The BEST way to prepare for a job interview

Many companies prioritise diversity within their workplaces and therefore are keen bring the conversation into the interview process. BUT it can be really tricky to come up with your own examples, even if you're the most inclusive person in the world!

In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain what employers are looking for when they ask this question and brainstorm a range of out-of-the-box ideas that you might not have considered!

Hint: You don't have to have created groundbreaking diversity polices in order to answer this question - your examples can be small but impactful!

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Isabella - Interview Academy Alumna!

"Hi!! Just had my 2nd round panel interview yesterday, that also includes a 15 minute micro training demo. After following the interview academy for 3 days, I walked in feeling good about the stories about my best bits AND solid about my career story - huge for a career transitioner like myself. Did I forget to mention some aspects of my stories (even with bringing a notebook)? Yes. But I’m going for progress over perfection when it comes to this interviewing process, and I’ve never felt better walking out of one than I did yesterday! I did the best I could, and that’s all I can ask for."

📄 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: Equity vs Equality Cartoon