Interview Boss

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 knowledge and turn your experience in the role into detailed, persuasive answers.

Because even if the panel knows...

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, Sarah and Emma break down why “linking it back” might not be achieving what you want it to, and give you an...

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 can help you communicate what you have to offer—without suddenly becoming stiff or overly corporate.

And when nobody else is doing those things, that small amount of effort...

"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, explain your situation professionally, and give employers a timeframe they can actually work with.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Chris C who bought us 4 coffees!

“Thank you s...

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 internet.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Eibhan!

“Hi Sarah and Emma! I am about to finish my final year of university and the graduate job market o...

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 your experience.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Hannah from the US who bought us 15 coffees!

“I started listening in 2022 and s...

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 information to prove they're the best person for the job. Does it actually work, or is it just creating unnecessary stress for job seekers?

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 question from a listener Jeff who is thinking about his future, and give him some practical tips and that spec...

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 and after the formal interview, and why some hiring decisions are influenced long before anyone sits down at the table.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Elen who bought us a c...

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, by tapping into the people around you and learning from ads for jobs you already understand.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - S...

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 soon.

We also explain what relocation support can actually include, what to do if a company says no, and how to weigh up whether a...

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 notes, and communicate your research in a way that feels natural and genuine instead of overly rehearsed.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Mindy who bought us 10 coffees!<...

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 Emma break down this growing trend and why employers are leaning into it. We discuss what they’re really trying to assess and the importance of sho...

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 cover when to disclose and why how you approach the conversation matters just as much as the decision itself.

Whether you've had a recent diagnosis, are masking your way through burnout or just want to feel more...

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.

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

“If my story was an episod...

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 behind suddenly being “seen,” and how to decide whether it’s worth reconsidering, or a sign to walk away for good.

We also dive into...

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 to navigate the process, along with where accommodations can make a genuine difference.

Plus, some great advice from fellow neurodivergent Interview Boss listeners!

In Part 3 of this series, we'll ta...

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 internal investigation.

We break down the real risks, especially in small industries, like where your feedback might end up, who might hear i...

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 stay organised, show initiative without overstepping, and build confidence even if you’re shy or feel out of your depth.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Sh...

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 talk, and performing in unfamiliar environments, we unpack the hidden expectations some candidates are facing.

This episode is Part 1 of our deep dive into neurodivergence and the job hunt, focusing on self-reflection and understanding how your...

Being asked to come in for a trial shift can feel exciting…and slightly confusing. Is it a great sign? Is it free labour? And how do you actually perform well when you’re being assessed in real time?

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack what you can expect at a trial shift, and why it’s often less about skill, and more about how you show up.

We discuss what employers are actually looking for when they see you “in action,” especially in hands-on and customer-facing roles.

Most importantly, we’ll help y...

Job searching can make you feel a little superstitious. One person swears a specific resume template got them hired. Someone else says it was the follow-up email. Another is convinced one “brilliant” question in the interview sealed the deal.

But we have to remember: correlation does not equal causation!!!

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack the urge to assign a single cause to a complex outcome.

We break down why our brains love to create neat little stories (hello, confirmation bias), especially when so much of the hiring process feels outsid...

What are you supposed to say in an interview…when you've never actually been a manager before?

In Part 2 of this deep dive series, we explain why self-awareness is your secret weapon, what to say when you don’t have a perfect example, and how to show a growth mindset instead of panicking. We also share the fundamental advice every first-time manager isn’t always told, but absolutely needs to hear.

Remember, you don’t need to fake leadership experience. You need to show how you think, how you learn, and how you’ll lead.

🏀 Sho...

Going for your first manager-level role can feel like a whole different sport. Suddenly it’s less about your individual output and more about leadership, dealing with people problems and judgement.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Sarah and Emma unpack the mindset shift you need when applying for your first leadership role. We discuss the fear of not feeling “ready,” why trying to fake management experience almost always backfires, and how employers actually think about potential vs experience. If you’ve ever worried that not having the title automatically rules you out, this episode is for you.

What would you do if the interviewers started talking about you...while you were literally sitting right there?

In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma react in real time to a listener story that made our jaws hit the floor.

During an interview assessment, Katie could see live messages being exchanged between the recruiter and hiring manager about her performance, on the same laptop she was using! Yep. While she was doing the task!

We unpack how to handle this if it happens to you, and what your options are in the moment.<...

You’re only five months into a new role, but you’re burnt out, crying daily, and dreading every shift. You know you need to leave for your mental health, but the old advice is ringing in your ears: "Never resign without another job lined up!"

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma tackle a heavy listener dilemma from Rita, who is ready to walk away during her probation period but is struggling with how to approach the resignation conversation. Do you tell them exactly why the culture is toxic, or do you keep it professional and va...

If you’re not ready to job hunt yet but you can feel a change is on the horizon and the idea of talking about your achievements makes your mind go blank, this episode is for you!

Coming up with strong examples on the spot is one of the hardest parts of resumes and interviews! That's why creating a "best bits" tracker is one of the biggest gifts you can give your future-self!

We break down how to turn yourself into a “best bits hunter,” what actually counts as a win (hint: it doesn’t have to...

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 You...

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...

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 perfectioni...

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...

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 lev...

You’ve been invited in for a “casual chat.” No panel, no formal questions, maybe even coffee instead of a meeting room. Sounds chill, right? Not so fast. These chats might feel relaxed, but they’re still interviews, and plenty of people get caught out by treating them like they’re not.

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack what “just a chat” really means, when it happens in the hiring process, and why it can be even trickier than a structured interview. They’ll break down the common mistakes people make: from under-prepping to over-formalising...

Seeing the job you’ve applied for get re-posted can send you into a full-blown spiral. Does it mean you’re out of the running? That they didn’t like your application? Or is it just bad hiring?

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack exactly what’s going on behind the scenes when a role pops up again after you’ve already applied. From lazy auto-reposts to managers chasing a “perfect” unicorn candidate, there are plenty of reasons that have nothing to do with you.

We’ll talk through what might actually be happening, when...

Sometimes in an interview, it becomes clear there’s a genuine mismatch. Maybe they're after three years of experience in an area you’ve only just become familiar with, or the role requires travel, which you can't commit to.

In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack how to gracefully pivot an interview for a role that’s not the right fit, into a valuable coffee chat instead. This one was inspired by a listener story from Carmen, who turned a dead-end interview into a brilliant networking opportunity.

We explain how to politely acknowledge the deal...

There's a mysterious condition sweeping through jobseekers everywhere - and no one's immune.

It's called 'Interview Mode' Syndrome, and it only flares up in interview conditions. Symptoms include sudden amnesia about your own achievements, robotic tone, and an uncontrollable urge to say 'stakeholder engagement' way too many times.

In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma put on their lab coats to diagnose what's really going on when your natural personality suddenly disappears in interviews.

We explain why this syndrome hits harder when it's your dream job or you're interviewing in a second language...

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...

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...

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 compa...

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...