Interview Boss

If you've been listening to Interview Boss for a while, chances are you've heard us tell you to CLENCH YOUR BUTT CHEEKS in a job interview. Yes, seriously. It's one of our most iconic (and ridiculous) interview tips, and after years of mentioning it on the pod, we realised it deserved an episode of its own. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma explain the surprisingly clever science behind why c...

Being told you need to be more concise in job interviews can be frustrating, especially when you're not sure what you're doing wrong. If you find yourself rambling, overexplaining or losing track of your point, the solution isn't necessarily to make your interview answers shorter. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma unpack why interview answers can sometimes turn into long-winded stories, how t...

Can bringing an iced coffee into a job interview really leave a bad impression?! A recruiter's viral take has sparked a heated debate online, and we're weighing in! Is it genuinely unprofessional, or have we taken interview etiquette a step too far? 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Karen from Ireland who bought us 3 coffees! "I listened to your podcast religiously for weeks and it really helped me...

When you’ve wanted a job for years, how do you stop yourself from putting it on a pedestal? In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma share mindset tips for managing interview nerves when the opportunity feels really important, and shifting from “I have to get this job” to “this is a conversation I’m capable of having.” We’ll help you take the pressure down a notch and walk into your interview feelin...

What do you do when your dream job rarely comes up...and thousands of other people want it too? From airlines and emergency services to government graduate programs, intelligence and wildlife roles, some jobs are notoriously tough to land. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma unpack how to prepare when opportunities are few and far between, build experience that strengthens your next application...

Have you ever been asked to reapply and interview for a job you're already doing? It can feel strange, and a little unfair, to prove you can do a job you've already been successfully doing. But while being the internal candidate gives you a major advantage, treating the interview like a done deal can be a risky mistake. In this episode, Sarah and Emma explain how to make the most of your insider k...

Have you ever been told to “link it back” to the job at the end of your interview answers? You know the kind of thing: you finish your example and then tack on a little sentence explaining how you’d use those same skills in this role. It sounds like decent advice. You’re trying to make a point about your transferable skills, and get your interviewers to imagine you in the job. In this episode, Sar...

Does your industry treat the hiring process like the Wild West? Maybe resumes are optional, cover letters are unheard of and the “interview” is really just a chat with the boss. Just because it’s “just a chat” doesn’t mean a little preparation won’t help. Putting more thought into your resume, bringing a few stories to mind, preparing some questions or writing a genuinely personalised cover letter...

"When can you start?" is a simple interview question...but what if the honest answer is "It depends." In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma unpack how to have this conversation when factors like childcare, relocation or other commitments mean you can't give a straightforward date. Being upfront can feel risky, but it's often the best approach. We'll share how to set realistic expectations, explai...

POV: You finally land a job interview...then discover someone from your current workplace is sitting on the interview panel. 😳 What do you do? In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma unpack a listener's real-life government job interview dilemma, including whether to tell your boss you're job hunting, how to handle a familiar face on the panel, and why the best advice doesn't always come from the...

Temping and contract work can be an incredible way to build experience. BUT when your resume is full of short-term roles, how do you keep it clear and easy to follow? In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma share different strategies you can use to structure a resume with lots of contract gigs. Remember, there isn't just one way to structure a CV! It's about choosing the format that best explains y...

Waiting to hear back after a job interview is one of the most agonising parts of the job search. So when TikTok tells you there's one more thing you should be doing to increase your chances, it's hard not to wonder...am I missing out? In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma unpack the growing trend of "value-add" interview follow-ups, where candidates are told to send articles, ideas or extra infor...

We often talk about how tricky it is to land that first job after graduating from uni. But what about your SECOND job after uni? Early in your career, every move can feel so critical. It can also feel like a funny middle ground - you’re not yet experienced, but also not a grad anymore - can you even mention things you did during your degree anymore!? In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma answer a...

Think the interview starts with the first question? Think again. From the moment you answer the phone, walk through reception, or meet the person collecting you from the lobby, employers are already forming an impression. In this episode, Sarah and Emma unpack the overlooked moments that can make or break your chances, including how you treat support staff, common mistakes candidates make before a...

Ever read a job ad and thought "what does this role actually involve?" Job ads can be surprisingly hard to interpret! Some oversell the role, while many leave out the details you really want to know. In this episode, Sarah and Emma explain how to get better at understanding the true seniority, scope and reality of a role, even when it's unfamiliar. We share a simple way to build this skill faster,...

Would you uproot your entire life for a job? From dream roles in new cities, to promotions in different states, relocating for work can open huge career opportunities. It also raises a big question: who's supposed to pay for it? In this episode, Sarah and Emma unpack how to ask about relocation assistance during the hiring process without sounding awkward, demanding or like you're negotiating too...

Researching the company before an interview sounds simple…but most candidates are either doing too little, way too much, or struggling to explain what they actually found. In this week's episode, we unpack what employers are really looking for when they ask “what do you know about us?” and how much research is actually necessary. We also cover how to handle surprise phone calls, organise your note...

Being asked to share your screen on a meeting is stressful enough…let alone in an interview. One of our listeners was told she’d need to complete a series of live tasks while screen sharing as part of the interview process. This included drafting an email to an executive, analysing data, and refining a presentation on the spot, all while talking through her thinking. In this episode, Sarah and Emm...

In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma tackle the disclosure conundrum, after hearing from listeners navigating neurodivergence diagnoses, workplace stigma and the fear of being misunderstood. In Part 3 of our neurodivergence series we break down the pros and cons, including better support, accommodations and working relationships, to stigma, bias and assumptions about your capability. We also cov...

In this lighter, more off-the-cuff episode, Sarah and Emma each bring three things they think you need to hear right now…no prep, just vibes. Some are the reminders you didn’t know you needed, some might call you out (in a good way), and others will give you the little push to keep going. We react to each other in real time, which means a mix of honesty, tough love, and a few laughs along the way....

Ever handed in your notice…only to suddenly become very valuable? After years of being overlooked for a raise, support, or promotion, one listener finally quit, only to be hit with a last-minute counter offer: more money, any title she wanted, and a whole lot of “what ifs.” So… do you stay? Or is it already too late? In this episode, Sarah and Emma unpack why counter offers happen, the psychology...

Job searching can feel 10x harder when the process isn’t built for how your brain works. In Part 2 of our neurodivergence series, Sarah and Emma dive into the real challenges listeners are facing, from overwhelming applications and missed deadlines to blanking in interviews, needing more time, and struggling with unclear expectations. This episode is packed with practical tips and realistic ways t...

Leaving a job can be messy. Sometimes it’s straightforward…and sometimes it comes with a nagging voice in the back of your head asking: should I finally speak my mind? In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma dive into the complicated world of post-exit feedback. We unpack a listener dilemma from Judy, who left a toxic workplace and is now being asked by HR to share her experience as part of an inte...

Starting your first internship can feel intimidating, especially if it’s your first time in a corporate environment. In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma break down exactly how to impress from day one. From getting the dress code right and setting up your systems, to knowing when to ask questions (and when to back yourself), we cover the small details that make a big impact. We unpack how to sta...

Job Interviews aren't designed with every brain in mind. After hearing from listeners navigating interviews with ADHD, autism, and processing differences, Sarah and Emma dive into how traditional hiring processes can unintentionally test skills that have little to do with actually doing the job. From remembering answers on the spot and processing complex questions verbally, to eye contact, small t...