Podcast
Interview Boss
Hosted by Interview Boss · EN
Welcome to Interview Boss hosted by sisters Emma and Sarah Smith. This podcast is all about providing advice, inspiration and support for job seekers. Whether you're between jobs, or looking for your dream promotion, we're here to give you the tips, tricks and behind the scenes knowledge you need to be the boss of your career.
We'll dive deep in to all things resume, cover letter, job application, job search strategy, interviews and offer negotiations.
We're going to bring you a mix of advice shows, interviews with influential hiring managers, as well as job seeker stories all to help you during your job hunt.
Hit subscribe, and get ready to be the BOSS of your career.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
226: Considering moving for a Job? How to Ask for Relocation Assistance
2w ago00:30:52Tap to summarizeWould 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 move is worth it for your long-term career goals.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Todd who bought us 3 coffees!“Hi Sarah and Em, I’ve been almost as excited to contact you as I was when I got the job! Yesterday, the offer came in! After 18 years with the same company, I was actually head hunted for a VP of Sales position, a big move up. Being in sales I get contacted a lot for jobs, but none had ever interested me, until this one, which I thought was worth giving a go. I haven’t had a proper interview in almost a decade, so I was very nervous when I found out I’d have four separate interviews with members of the C-suite including my manager and the CEO. I went online and found you all and binge listened to about 15 of your most relevant episodes. I felt so prepared having all my best bits laid out and found ways to roll them into every response that I could. I left each interview knowing they were impressed with my responses and I owe a chunk of that to you both. After a slightly nerve-racking reference period, yesterday I got the offer OVER my asking salary. You provide a great service and I’ve already shared your podcast with my family and friends! Thank you from the U S of A!”🎥 Check out our 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
Transcribe →225: The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Researching Companies
3w ago00:28:07Tap to summarizeResearching 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!“One year ago, I was in a really bad place. I knew I needed to get out of my old job for my mental health, but I had no idea what I was doing next. I felt overwhelmed and stuck. Then I found Interview Boss through a friend’s recommendation. I usually hate podcasts, but I binged your show for about forty eight hours straight. I listened nonstop, even on the drive to my interview. I was sweating bullets the whole time, convinced I had no idea what questions they were going to ask and that I was going to screw up. Every time a negative thought popped in, I forced myself to go back to what I wanted to talk about and the things I had learned from the show. I tried making small talk from the front door to the interview room, which does not come naturally to me at all. Even though it felt awkward, it helped break the ice while we waited for the other interviewer to join us. Then, right at the start of the interview, I literally tripped when I went in for the handshake. We laughed about it, but I replayed that moment in my head a thousand times after I left. Turns out, it did not matter. They were excited about me anyway and could not wait to hire me. That was when it really clicked that your approach actually works, even when things are not perfect. Since then, things have kept moving forward in ways I never expected. Six months later, I ended up planning an event that led me to network with my current employer. That one moment turned into my dream job. I used your techniques for that one too, and here I am. I owe you more than just coffee. Thank you for being real, for helping people when they really need it, and for keeping the show both helpful and entertaining. Bless you both.”🎥 Check out BRAND NEW 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
Transcribe →224: Screen Sharing During Remote Interviews: The New Live Task Trend
4w ago00:30:39Tap to summarizeBeing 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 showing them how you think, not just what you know.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Mindy who bought 5 coffees!"Hi Emma & Sarah, I’m reaching out on a total high because I just signed my offer letter! I found your show just as I landed an interview with a major nonprofit that perfectly aligns with my values. I binged your episodes while decorating and reorganizing my daughter’s room for the 20th time, and on my many trips back and forth to the refrigerator (unemployment sure is fun). It gave me the opportunity to soak in your wisdom and let it become part of me on a cellular level. Your advice put me in the perfect headspace to successfully complete the initial hiring manager interview. The real challenge would be the second round. It was an 8-person panel asking behavioral questions (my biggest weakness). I spent the next week earmarking those episodes and building my story bank per your advice. I sailed through the first seven questions, but the final one stumped me a bit as I didn't have a canned response. Perhaps because it was a bit spicy or it sounded less-rehearsed, they actually loved the answer. The hiring manager even said that he really liked my answer, it must have resonated. They extended an offer the very next day! I’ve been telling everyone I know to tune in to your show, its such a gem and I'm so thankful I found it! It also spared my husband from having to sit and listen to me practice the real-time structuring and word-choicing of my responses. He's a very patient man but he was reaching his limit. Which reminds me, I really loved your advice about sounding like yourself, and not a newscaster, because I’m guilty of doing that. I’m going to keep listening to your podcast even though I landed the job, because you guys are a joy to listen to. Thanks again, I truly owe this win to you.”🎥 Check out BRAND NEW 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
Transcribe →223: The Disclosure Dilemma: Neurodivergence in the Workplace
May 100:40:17Tap to summarizeIn 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 understood at work, this episode will help you make a decision that feels right for you.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Helary who bought us 5 coffees!“Hi Emma and Sarah, I could not even begin to describe how incredible your advice has been in my job searches. I was happy in my role as research project manager in a smaller not-for-profit until they had a change in CEO a year ago. With this change, the workplace culture changed and it became a very toxic workplace. After experiencing repeated bullying at work, it became apparent to me I needed to leave. That was when I jumped onto your podcast and listened to so many episodes whilst job searching. I landed on a role which was a lateral but seemingly strategic move into government. I was happy until they announced that they would be making rounds of redundancies because of budget cuts. I then had my manager call me to tell me that I would most likely be made redundant because I was still in the probation period and they could make me redundant with no redundancy payment and hardly any notice period. I was devastated and feeling financially vulnerable so I started job searching again, less than 6 months after my last job search. Again, I tuned into your podcast and your podcast kept me grounded in an unstable time, with practical advice (particularly on thinking through deeply about best bits) but also with humour and sisterly banter! The wonderful thing about applying when the threat of redundancy was hanging over me was that I applied for a large variety of roles, and even for roles that felt like a long shot. I ended up landing an interview for one of the long shot roles. I went into the interview with my best bits which I spent hours on and a few days later, got the job offer! Not only did your advice help me find a job after a terrible time of financial insecurity and uncertainty, but I got a promotion into a role that pays me 40k more than my current role!!! My last 4 roles have been in the same pay grade and I was able to finally break the glass ceiling into my first Manager role! A huge thank you to you both. Your podcast is transformative and makes a huge difference. P.s: I love the episode ‘listen to this RIGHT before the interview' episode."🎥 Check out BRAND NEW 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
Transcribe →222: 6 things we think our listeners need to hear right now!
Apr 2200:33:25Tap to summarizeIn 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 episode of your podcast, it would be called: 'I was offered the role of a lifetime but turned it down!' Like so many others, I was referred to your podcast by a friend after I sought her advice on a job opportunity that was in an industry she'd worked in before. The job was my dream role, doing what I've done for many years but in an industry I have no experience in. (Clue: there are only 18 of these organisations in Australia, most of them in Melbourne). The role would require me to move interstate, which I was open to, but it was such a far flung possibility that I would even be interviewed, let alone be offered the job, that I put that in the 'cross that bridge when I come to it' basket. I binged a ton of your episodes ahead of my first interview (via Teams) and you had so many tangible tips and tricks that I left the call feeling like I'd smashed it. Turns out I did! They flew me to Melbourne for a second interview and to present my response to a task (quick check on Spotify, yep Interview Boss has episodes about that too!) and left the organisation feeling like I'd done my best. Maybe not well enough to get the job but I was proud of my efforts. A week goes by and they let me know they need more time. I figure I didn't get the job and that's ok. I'd gotten so much out of the experience, including a huge confidence boost, and didn't have to contemplate the logistics of an interstate move! I was wrong, the following week, I was offered my dream job. I was absolutely floored, and so proud of myself. After taking some time to consider (during which they offered me flexibility to work remotely during the transition interstate, and agreed to an increased salary) I ultimately decided that it wasn't the right time to uproot my family for this opportunity. These coffees are to say thank you for your fabulous content; I really do believe your tips were highly effective in helping me secure this offer, and while I'm devastated to not be able to take up the role, I'm hopeful that something similar will eventuate for me in the future. Your episode on dream jobs was helpful here, helping me take it down off the pedestal! Perhaps I could request an episode on how to handle it when your career trajectory doesn't go as planned, how to accept the decisions you've made and trust you're where you need to be! Thanks for the great podcast, legends. Megan”🎥 Check out BRAND NEW 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
Transcribe →221: The Counter Offer Trap: Should You Stay or Go?
Apr 1600:32:48Tap to summarizeEver 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 how to handle your notice period when you’re feeling hurt, angry, and completely checked out…without burning bridges or undoing your hard-earned reputation.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Liz who bought us 5 coffees!"Thank you so much Emma & Sarah. The job hunting landscape in Oz has shifted quite dramatically. I am an experienced ICT professional in Financial Services with over 20 yrs under my belt. I had always found it a breeze to get hired. It took me 6 months to find a gig (thankfully while working)! It has become super competitive, tougher screening & interview process and one had to have very specific skill sets, almost had to tick every single box they listed. It was a very exhausting experience. I have finally landed a job that is good enough for the next year. Your podcasts have been very encouraging, funny and informative. I had not considered what it would be like from the recruiter/ employer perspective. For example, in keeping the candidate 'warm' haha. Also helps not to take it too seriously right? For those who are still looking, I encourage you to keep going. It only takes one great interview outcome to unlock the next opportunity. Best wishes, Liz!”🎥 Check out BRAND NEW 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
Transcribe →220: Neurodivergence in the Job Search: Practical Tips and Accommodations - Part 2
Apr 1100:56:22Tap to summarizeJob 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 tackle the big question: should you disclose?🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Liv who bought us 3 coffees!"Hey Emma & Sarah! After listening to so many fantastic stories from your listeners, I finally get to share my own! In January I moved to Sydney (on my own) from Auckland. I’d just spent 7 years working for the same company, and had been shoulder tapped for most roles during that time, so my CV and interview prep were certainly in need of some help. Not only was I in a new city, I quit my job and set myself an ambitious goal to get out of Supply Chain sales and dive head first into the Tech industry. I applied for about 30-40 roles and was interviewed for around 10. Thanks to your support, it only took me 4 weeks to land on the company of my dreams! And the CEO told me yesterday that I gave one of the best functional interviews they’d ever seen. Across the 4 stage interview process I was well-prepared with my best bits. I even followed up afterwards when I thought of a better answer! I’m now 4 weeks in and I’m so grateful to be here. Thanks again, for everything you do. Liv x”🎥 Check out BRAND NEW 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
Transcribe →219: To Give or Not to Give: The Post-Exit Feedback Dilemma
Mar 2500:24:12Tap to summarizeLeaving 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 it, and whether anything will actually change. We also discuss how to approach the conversation if you do decide to engage, from testing how serious the company is, to giving clear, constructive feedback that protects you while still being impactful.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Ty who bought us a coffee!"At 34, I thought that I was doomed to manage convenience stores for the rest of my life, as it is all I have ever done. But my desire to make a change was strong, so I prepared myself as well as I could, which led me to your podcast. After months of countless applications and rejections, I finally got offered my dream sales job in a field that is convenience store adjacent. Let this be a lesson that the advice that you guys dispense is universal, and not just for the academic world. If I can do it, anyone can, and if you feel stuck, do something about it. Thanks Interview Boss!”🎥 Check out BRAND NEW 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
Transcribe →218: How to Impress in an Internship (and Get Hired After)
Mar 1800:35:34Tap to summarizeStarting 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 - Shoutout to Christina who bought us 5 coffees!“I found Interview Boss the night before an interview and started with the episode meant for right before you go in. I immediately laughed when they said something like, 'If you’re listening to this to try and prepare for an interview…you’re listening at the wrong time.' Message received! So I went back and started listening to more episodes in the weeks leading up to my interviews. I had been in the same industry for 14 years and was finally ready to make a career change, which was both exciting and honestly a little intimidating. Your podcast helped me slow down and really think through my value, how to tell my story, and how to communicate my experience in a way that actually connected in interviews. By the time I went through the process, I felt so much more confident and prepared than I expected. And the best part…I got the job! Thank you for creating such thoughtful, practical, and encouraging content. It truly made a difference in my interview journey.”🎥 Check out BRAND NEW 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
Transcribe →217: Neurodivergence and accommodations in the job search - Part 1
Mar 400:33:09Tap to summarizeJob 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 brain shows up in interviews before deciding whether to ask for adjustments.We’re also calling for listener stories to help shape Part 2, where'll we answer the big questions. If you’ve asked for accommodations, disclosed during hiring, or found strategies that made interviews more accessible, we’d love to hear from you.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Sonya who bought us 10 coffees!“Dear Emma and Sarah, I started listening to your podcast in October 2025 after accepting a junior-level position because I felt it was the best I was going to get. Since 2023, I’ve been on a steady path of building skills and applying for roles, trying to reposition myself professionally. After running my own small business for ten years and then pivoting to pursue a MPH, I truly believed I would be able to land a meaningful position. Instead, I repeatedly heard that other candidates were “more suitable.” I revised my resume countless times and decided I needed to strengthen my skill set. I took Spanish classes because being bilingual was listed as a qualification in many job postings. But when I noticed that project management skills were consistently required for the roles I wanted, I studied for over a year and earned my Project Management Professional certification – something I wish I had discovered fifteen years earlier. (I would have run my business a lot better!) Then, I began applying for junior-level roles because I convinced myself I wasn’t qualified for more. That mindset led me to accept the job I mentioned earlier. Then I found your podcast. The most transformative shift came from the episode about interviews being a two-way process. I voraciously listened to as many episodes as I could while continuing to apply for jobs. Recently, I advanced to a panel interview with six executive leaders for a high-level role I wasn’t even sure I had a chance at. That was when I enrolled in Interview Academy. I had two weeks to prepare. What I discovered was that I had been approaching interviews in fragments; bits and pieces of preparation, but nothing cohesive. Interview Academy is structured which helped me step back and see the full scope of my 28-year career. I had spent so much time focusing on where I thought I “should be” that I minimized what I had actually accomplished. Through Interview Academy, I recognized the depth and breadth of my work: collaborating with local businesses, leading community outreach efforts, publishing a book, and launching an online industry magazine. I had been embarrassed by some of these things because I didn’t think they reflected “current” skills. Thanks to you Sarah and Emma, I could clearly see the impact I’ve made on organizations, clients, and colleagues. Now, as I pursue a career in philanthropy, I feel confident in what I bring to the next nonprofit I serve regardless if I get this position or not. My deepest gratitude and appreciation to you for creating something that helped me rediscover my professional worth. It was something I didn’t even realize I was looking for—but truly needed. Keep doing the good work you do! Sonya from Arizona, USA."🎥 Check out BRAND NEW 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
Transcribe →