Interview Boss

• The benefits of applying for a job directly through the company website

  There's nothing wrong with applying for a role through a job board - people get hired that way every single day. But sometimes it pays to apply directly through a company's website, especially when it's a role you're genuinely excited about.In this week's episode Sarah and Emma explain how going direct can give recruiters more context about you from the start. From accessing extra application fields and role details, to tracking your application and signing up for job alerts, we break down the practical benefits so you can decide when it's worth doing.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Katie who bought us 3 coffees!"Thank you so much, Sarah and Emma! I am SO excited to finally be writing in to tell you my success story. I’ve pictured this moment for months as I’ve listened to almost every episode of your podcast (some several times) and used your resources to fine tune my resume, best bits, and career story. It has been the most helpful guidance and support on my job search. Nearly 9 months ago I was laid off from a job I had been with for almost 7 years. At the time I absolutely loved the company and thought I would retire there. I stayed through multiple rounds of layoffs during my last couple of years there and never imagined it would be so hard to find a new role when my time to leave finally came. I embarked on my job search with no idea what I was doing. I live in the U.S., layoffs were hitting hard, and roles I applied for early on were getting pulled. I got very little results even with referrals from my network. I floundered around and felt like my career (and life) might be over. I finally found your podcast after several months of fruitless searching and got to work putting my best self forward. I started getting more interviews and got better at making sure I shared what I wanted to share even when the interviewer didn’t know what to ask for. After more than 300 applications and 22 interviews across 9 months, I am thrilled to share that I signed a contract for a new role yesterday! I was in final stage interviews with two companies and actually had the choice to turn down the one that wasn’t as good of a fit for me. My new role doesn’t pay as much as the one I was laid off from, but it is a good match skills-wise, the team seems fantastic, and I will have much better work-life balance, which is more important to me right now. I don’t think I would be in this position without your guidance and support. You helped me keep going, gain confidence, and get some momentum during a very challenging time. Your best bits and career story guidance helped me take back some control and steer my own ship again. I cannot thank you enough and I will be sharing your podcast with everyone I know who is on a job search. I hope you know the work you’re doing is making a difference and you made such a difference in my life when I really needed it. I will be continuing to listen so I can keep my job searching skills sharp and never be caught unprepared like I was this year again."🎥 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

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• How to explain why you're taking a step down (convincingly!)

  Stepping down a level on the career ladder can feel strangely just as intimidating as aiming higher. How do you explain why you want a less senior role without sounding like you’re burnt out, unmotivated, or trying to “quit” responsibility?Whether you’re shifting from director to individual contributor, prioritising family life, or simply craving work that’s meaningful without the extra leadership load, there is a way to tell this story so employers get it, without making the wrong assumptions about you.In this weeks episode, Sarah and Emma explain how to strike the right tone of vulnerability and intention, and how to balance your examples so you don’t accidentally signal that you’re still operating at a senior level. You’ll also hear how to frame what you loved about being an individual contributor, so this move sounds thoughtful, not like you’re stepping backwards.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Xuan who bought us 5 coffees!"Hi Emma and Sarah! I just wanted to thank you again. I’ve been listening religiously to your podcast for about 3 years now. I bought you some coffees 2 years ago when you helped me get out of a pretty toxic job, and I’m taking you out for a drink once again! My boyfriend was offered a position in a region we wanted to move to, and I was trying to find a job in the same area to join him. I work in Sustainability, and our job market has taken a serious hit this year, so I was stressed out thinking I would never find anything. You were there every step of the way, seemingly reading my mind and answering the questions I had with every new episode. I was amazed because even when I thought « Well, this episode’s not relevant for me, but I’ll listen to it anyway… », there you were, imparting precious words of wisdom, hope and encouragement. So I’m happy to say, for the second time… I’ve got the job! They even offered a 2k integration bonus - I never knew such a thing existed! Thank you so so much for the work you do, shepherding us lost souls across the treacherous terrain of job searching. I wish you all the best ! Xuan (you can pronounce it like Swan), a super fan from France."🎥 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 resourceswww.interviewboss.com.au

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• Unpacking the dreaded 'weaknesses' question

  No one likes the “What’s your biggest weakness?” question. It’s awkward, overused, and honestly…a bit lazy. But it still pops up in lots of interviews, so you need to know how to answer it without sounding fake, cliché, or like you’ve been media-trained within an inch of your life.In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma break down what this question is actually about—self-awareness, vulnerability, integrity, and how to reflect honestly without spiraling. It’s not a trap, it’s not a “gotcha” moment and it’s definitely not an invitation to say you’re a perfectionist for the 900th time.We’ll unpack why those classic answers fall flat, how to choose a real weakness that isn’t a dealbreaker, and talk about what you’re doing to improve (without pretending you’ve magically “fixed” it).🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Lauren who bought us 5 coffees!“Hey Sarah & Em. I just wanted to say a massive thank you for your podcast, it’s been a total game changer for me. Before going on parental leave, I got a new boss I really struggled with and decided not to go back after nine years with the same company. I’d had plenty of promotions but never actually interviewed for them, so I hadn’t interviewed in almost a decade, and never for senior roles. I was totally intimidated by the idea of interviewing again. During my parental leave, my sister told me about your podcast and wow, it was exactly what I needed. With a baby at home, I didn’t have much time to write, but I had heaps of time to listen, so I binged your episodes and found them so helpful. From the big stuff like Best Bits, Career Story and your ChatGPT prompt that stopped me sounding like a total weirdo, to the more specific advice like answering diversity questions or why I'm receiving emails at 2am, all of it was gold. At first, I met with recruiters when I’d only prepped a few rough best bits and no career story, and instantly regretted it, as I knew I wasn’t coming across well. So I put in the work, built out a solid career story and 15 strong best bits, and the difference was night and day. I felt so confident and ended up nailing my interviews. Your podcast genuinely made all the difference. Thanks for the practical, down-to-earth advice, you helped me get back out there and land a great role after parental leave. 🎥 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 resourceswww.interviewboss.com.au

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• Should you bring a display folder full of achievements to your job interview?

  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

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• Should I apply if I don't have quite enough experience?

  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 resourceswww.interviewboss.com.au

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