Interview Boss Podcast Series

6 DAYS AGO

Practice makes PERFECT! How to actually practice your interview answers

Being in an interview can feel like being in a pressure cooker. It's un-natural, you're nervous and thinking on your feet. As cliche as it sounds, good practice is KEY and will have you walking out of that interview confident you've done yourself justice. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma discuss what exactly you should practice and share their favourite hacks like recording yourself on voice memos and listening back to it on repeat, or roping in a buddy to conduct a mock interview. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Kirby! "Sarah & Em! Ah! There I was in the airport, wrapping up my travels for a full day of interviews and facilitation for a job and BOOM - the episode you created for my plight shows up in my Spotify. I start listening, and smile at all the work I did in between your original DM and the moment I'm in: post-interview, feeling great. I know what was going on: I was trying to be Mr. Fantastic, Sir Yapper, Dr. Doesn't-matter-how-much-you-tell-me-this-job-sucks-I-think-its-perfect, Chatter-box Junior, King of Everything. I don't love that is how I showed up in my past interviews, but at the same time I took to heart some of your advice as well as perspectives of people I can trust to be real with me. My key take aways: (1) show them range! I started to be more mysterious, and concise in my answers to allow the interviewer a chance to be interested and ask follow up questions vs over-explaining, or being a 10/10 for energy start to finish. I stated at a 6, and then warmed up. (2) chill the f out. This basically boils down to taking the job off the pedestal, and reclaiming my value beyond work. Yes, I'm desperate and I'm passionate. Both can exist, but when I'm those things along with anxiety its not cool. I did some breath work before my interviews, and went in with an attitude like, "if they want me: sick. If they don't: meh. all good. I'm gonna get a cinnamon roll. Next." Longest story short. I'm listening to the episode and the phone rings. The offer. I negotiate up my salary, an added week of vacation, and solid sign-on/relocation bonus. This shout out and thank you is not for the outcome, but for the journey. Thank you for the hype-up episode I listened to while walking to the interview, and then the inspired hype-up call I made to my bestie Emily who also listens to this podcast. Thank you for being candid queens, confidantes, and bestest-mates (I'm not Aussie, but hey I'm trying) of the beautiful disaster we worked our way through. Cheers. Love you (but I don't really, sorry that's too much). Thank 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

31 min

11 SEPT

Why am I being rejected on the weekend or at 2am?!

We’ve had a few questions from our listeners about a curious phenomenon. They receive the standard ‘unsuccessful application’ email, but at REALLY strange times - some are coming through on the weekend, way after hours, or even at 2am?! In this week’s episode, Emma and Sarah put their investigator hats on and get the scoop on why your rejection emails are coming through that way. Is it an automated rejection? Is it a nocturnal recruiter somewhere? Tune in to find out! 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Angela “Hello Emma & Sarah!I wanted to share some exciting news with you. After months of interview rounds, I will be starting my new job next week! Thanks to your invaluable advice, I was able to secure a position with a $38k increase in my base salary and a total compensation increase of $51k. Your podcast has been a fantastic companion throughout my job search journey. I listened to your "Exit Interview Do's and Don'ts" episode this morning before giving my exit interview, and it was incredibly helpful. The "Listen to This" episodes have been particularly impactful. I made it a point to listen to "Listen to This RIGHT Before Your Interview" before each interview I attended (and there were many!), and it always helped to boost my confidence and calm my nerves. I truly love your podcast and will enthusiastically recommend it to anyone on the job hunt. Thank you for everything 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

25 min

28 AUG

The inside scoop on assessment centres - including cringey ice breakers!

You’ve applied for a job, and you’ve landed an interview - BUT you’ve found out you won’t be the only candidate in the room, you're headed to an assessment centre! Employers use these a lot to save time OR when they're hiring in bulk, especially for grad programs. Having planned and facilitated dozens of assessment centres, in this week's episode, Sarah gives you the inside scoop on what you kind of tasks you can expect to complete. We discuss what an employer is looking for and share some helpful tips to do yourself justice in the group environment. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Sophie who bought us 2 coffees! "“Dear Emma & Sarah, thank you so much for putting this podcast out into the world! I’ve been unhappy in my job for quite a while but was able to keep my role and move down to Melbourne from Brisbane 4 months ago which was great for job security, but I was still ready for a change. After going on a job applying rampage, the rejection emails started flowing in and it was a humbling experience to say the least as all my previous roles I’d gotten in Brisbane were through making connections and my network. But now being in Melbourne I felt like a small fish in a much bigger pond with no way to get my foot in the door. I finally got a video screening call which went well and then only had a few days to prepare before an in-person interview. I was very nervous leading up to it as I hadn’t been for an interview in 2 years and felt very out of practice. Luckily, I went to a wine bar with a friend who recommended your podcast. I binge-listened to your interview episodes which helped me so much with my prep and helped me focus on my best bits. I walked out of the first interview feeling like I nailed it and got the call the next day to say that I’d progressed to the second and final interview. Here we go again. After listening to you ladies some more (and even having you in my ears right up until I walked in the door), I also felt confident coming out of the second interview and am so happy to share that I got the role. It’s a pay increase and at a company that I think will really align with my values. I start next month. Thank you so much and keep putting out this fantastic, practical and helpful content.” 🎧 Mentioned in this episode: Standing out from the crowd in a group interview 📄 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

41 min

21 AUG

Why showing TOO much enthusiasm in an interview can be a BAD thing!

We always tell people starting out in their careers 'what you lack in experience you can make up for with enthusiasm,' BUT this golden rule does have caveats! This week's episode is dedicated to listener Kirby, who was told he came off 'too excited' in the interview after finding out he was unsuccessful. We unpack why extreme enthusiasm could make a prospective employer potentially concerned that you aren't forming a realistic view of the job. Disclaimer: This feedback should be taken with a grain of salt. You should never change your entire approach based on one piece of feedback and we certainly don't want anyone intentionally dulling their sparkle! 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Rachel who bought us 3 coffees! "I just had to share this story with you because I could not have gotten through this wild second round interview without your advice. I had prepared stories that I could mould to any question. I accepted the water. I accepted the coffee (I had drinks double parked like I was Friday night clubbing). I was clenching those butt cheeks like a pro. I’d stalked everyone on that interview panel like a serial killer. If the cleaner had got in the lift with me, I’d have smiled, asked how her kids were and known their names. My outfit was smart, but not desperate. I arrived 10mins early but no earlier. I greeted the security guard like a long lost pal. I had my notebook. My questions were prepped and on point. I was ready. The interview was in two parts – the first with my manager and a team member – which included a test case scenario. I did the deep breathing. I took my time. I smashed it. They were smiling and nodding and talking in the positive give-aways “YOU would be reporting to….”. I was feeling good. The second part of the interview was with HR who wanted to see if I was a “good fit”. I had no idea if she was going to come in with a tape measure and a snap on plastic glove - I never got to that podcast. But I’d researched the company values – I knew them. I’d made up an acronym to remember them (CRAPPER – Customer focused, Responsibility, Achievement, Perseverance, Preparation, Enthusiasm, Reward). What I wasn’t prepared for was to be asked for a “tell me a time when…” for EVERY SINGLE VALUE. Well, I ran out of stories. I think Agatha Christie would have struggled with this one. I swear if she’d have asked me anymore "tell me a time when" scenarios, Goldilocks and the three bears would have rocked up somewhere in my career history to demonstrate how enthusiastic I am about porridge. 45 MINUTES this went on, whilst she furiously scribbled down page after page of notes. I was starting to wilt. I lost my thread but thanks to your advice, I stopped, asked her to repeat the question and got right back on point. When it was finally over, I felt like I’d been through a blender. I left there bewildered - having no idea at all how it went. I’ve listened to the “Listen to this right after your interview” podcast and I know I can’t do anymore than I’ve done. Feedback? Apparently, they loved me. Me? I'm wondering if I can sell my soul to this cult and if they offer me the job whether I’ll need to have CRAPPER tattoo’d on my tightly clenched butt cheek. I am still pressing forward, applying for jobs, not waiting for a response on this one. Its all great practice, I'm learning a skill, and the better I get, I know in the end something will come up. Thank you both for helping me through what has been a really stressful time, you guys are the best." 🎧 Mentioned in this episode - the mindset activity at the end of this ep 📄 To get step by step help with your interview prep on demand check out our Interview Academy a href="https://www.interviewboss.com.au/interview-academy" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

29 min

14 AUG

HELP! I have NO references to put down on my application!

You've made it to the final step in the recruitment process - you might be the final candidate OR you might still be up against someone else. But what happens when you have no suitable people to put down as a reference? In this week's episode Emma and Sarah answer a conundrum sent in by a listener who feels like they have no options for references due to bouncing between jobs and industries and not staying in touch with former employers. We share our tips for hitting up old bosses for references, explain why requesting a statement of service can be a good plan B and brainstorm ideas on how you can begin to secure some solid references - because this problem isn't going to go away on it's own! 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to to Lori who bought us 5 coffees! "Emma and Sarah, words cannot express how much I appreciate you both and the impact you made on me landing my new job. I was laid off from my job after working for the same company for 27 years. While I stayed positive and hopeful that I would eventually find a great role, my confidence (in all areas of my life) plummeted! If the company I dedicated so much of myself did not choose me, who would?! I listened to your podcasts every time I went to the gym (which made me more eager to go! win!) and took away something from every episode. It was the "best bits" exercise that turned everything around for me. After writing all of them down and connecting them to skills and qualifications so I could speak to them in interviews, I realised I DO have value to bring to an organisation. My next screening interviews progressed to seconds, thirds, fourths, and ultimately- offers! I am so excited to start my new role on August 5th and I owe a lot of it to both of you! Thank you!” 🎧 Listen to our other episodes on references here: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c3d9051d-a9d9-49ef-9442-32a373b30652/ https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8ef90c99-2e4a-4fb0-b971-4bc71420cfb6/ 📄 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

30 min

7 AUG

Global career moves: Is working abroad right for you?

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

25 min

31 JUL

Interview example coming up short? Add a hypothetical!

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

20 min

23 JUL

ALL the flow on benefits of doing AMAZING in your job interview!

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

22 min

Interview Boss

Practice makes PERFECT! How to actually practice your interview answers

Why am I being rejected on the weekend or at 2am?!

The inside scoop on assessment centres - including cringey ice breakers!

Why showing TOO much enthusiasm in an interview can be a BAD thing!

HELP! I have NO references to put down on my application!

Global career moves: Is working abroad right for you?

Interview example coming up short? Add a hypothetical!

ALL the flow on benefits of doing AMAZING in your job interview!

Trailer

Welcome to Interview Boss

About

Information

You Might Also Like

Interview Boss

Episodes

Practice makes PERFECT! How to actually practice your interview answers

Why am I being rejected on the weekend or at 2am?!

The inside scoop on assessment centres - including cringey ice breakers!

Why showing TOO much enthusiasm in an interview can be a BAD thing!

HELP! I have NO references to put down on my application!

Global career moves: Is working abroad right for you?

Interview example coming up short? Add a hypothetical!

ALL the flow on benefits of doing AMAZING in your job interview!

Trailer

Welcome to Interview Boss

About

Information

You Might Also Like