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 Instagram

📒 Check out our website for free jobseeker resources

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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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

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 www.interviewboss.com.au/coaching 

❤️  Follow us on Instagram

📒 Check out our website for free jobseeker resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

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, and share how to find that sweet spot of being prepared and personable.

You’ll learn how to tell your career story naturally, weave in your best examples without sounding rehearsed, and leave a great impression (even if it’s over lattes). Because if there’s one thing you shouldn’t be fooled by, it’s the word “casual.”

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Caroline who bought us 2 coffees!

"I found you girls a couple of years ago and listened to the ‘listen to this right before your interview’ episode (I didn't get the job). Fast forward to a couple of months ago and I was ready to apply for another position and started relistening to most of your podcasts. I was sick and tired of telling people that I was shit at interviews. The podcasts were great but I needed more so I enrolled in Interview Academy. The timing was perfect as I applied for a position at the same time and thought if I get the interview I will be happy. I got the interview and had two weeks to prepare so I completed the course and listened to about 30 or more podcasts and finished the course during this time (2 days before the interview). This position is two levels above my current role (I work in NSW Health). I was so confident going into the interview but nervous as usual. I walked out thinking that I didn't get the job as I didn't answer some questions as well as I thought I should. Today I received a letter of offer. Now the base of the salary band is what I was expecting which is $13k more than I am currently earning. However they offered me $14k more than that. My new income is $27k more!!! Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooo much. Before listening to your podcasts I would have never in my wildest dreams applied for a job at this level. I am in shock but ecstatic!”

🎥 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

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 it does mean something, and what smart next steps you can take (including when to follow up — and when to just let it go).

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Nikita who bought us 5 coffees! Her win is so epic, we couldn’t even fit it in the show notes — you’ll have to tune in to hear the full story!

🎥 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

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 dealbreaker and shift gears without burning bridges.

Disclaimer: This isn’t a strategy for when you’re just not feeling it — it’s for those rare situations where the gap really can’t be bridged, and knowing how to handle it gracefully can leave a lasting impression.

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

"Wow! Thank you so much! I had an interview today for a job I really wanted, teaching children with learning disabilities, and received a phone call tonight offering me the position! I’m so grateful that I found your podcast. The few interviews I’ve had in the past I’ve normally fumbled my way through. However, this time I felt so prepared and confident with my career story, why I wanted to work there and my 'best bits'. They were super impressed when I whipped out the questions in my notebook after they asked if I had any questions for them. I didn’t even need to use my panic phrases which were also in my notebook 😂. Now I’ll go listen to the episodes about what to do once you have the job. Thanks again! P.S I remember Emma mentioned about writing down an achievement to add to her best bits. It reminded me of the app PepTalkHer that was created by Meggie Palmer.”

🎥 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

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, and most importantly - how to cure it. It's time to ditch the filter and start communicating like a real human again.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Eirini who bought us 10 coffees!

“My Kiwi friend introduced me to your podcast a few months ago. I have been job hunting for a while and was recently invited to interview for a job that would result in me changing fields, which is exciting but also filled me with doubt about whether I could really do the job or not. I found so many of your episodes super useful when preparing for the interview. I spent a long time writing my 'best bits', but the advice you gave about the 'tell me about yourself' question, about presentations, and so many other things has also been invaluable. Most importantly, writing the best bits gave me an overview of my career and, seeing in writing all the skills I have acquired, I realised that my transferable skills guarantee that I could do the job if I were to get it. This boosted my confidence massively. Overall, I have never felt so prepared going into an interview before. I had the interview yesterday and was told I will find out the outcome next week. No matter what happens, I know that I represented myself as well as I could have done. Enjoy your coffees and thank you so much for your amazing podcast. I have told many friends about it so keep it going!"

Mentioned in the Episode

🎤 Find out more about Ultraspeaking - the best way to learn public speaking [affiliate link]

🎬 Episode - Why you need to resist the urge to script yourself in an interview

Helpful Resources

🎥 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

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 all your incredible skills. For some of you, this ep will be the aha moment lightbulb game-changer you need.

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Christina “Hi Emma and Sarah, I just wanted to take a moment to say a heartfelt thank you. A week before my big internal interview, I was feeling incredibly stressed and insecure, especially knowing I’d be going up against three colleagues. Your episodes on internal interviews really gave me the boost I needed. I committed myself to reviewing as much of your content as I could, and within 24 hours after my interview, I got the call: I was the successful candidate! My first thought was, “Thank you, Emma and Sarah.” Your work gave me the clarity, confidence, and calm I needed to show up as my best self. And thank goodness I didn’t slip into an Aussie accent and say “double plugger” during the interview 😄 I’m so grateful for the impact you’ve had on my journey. Thank you again for everything you do.”

🎥 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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au

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’s not always about being “permanent”), the financial trade-offs to consider, and how to factor in growth, culture, and risk tolerance when making a big career decision. Plus, we’ll share a thought experiment that helps reframe the choice and remind you that every role adds to your career story.

If you’ve ever been torn between two offers, or just wondered what you’d do if that lucky day came - this episode will give you a practical framework to make the decision with confidence.

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

“I just wanted to say a big thank you for your podcast. I’ve been listening for weeks in the run-up to my diagnostic radiographer interview on Friday 12th September, both at home and on my drives to work, and it has made such a difference. I particularly like the way you break things down into the “best bits.” As a middle-aged woman with a lot of work experience, I found your guidance on structuring “tell me about yourself” so helpful. The episode about what to do when your mind goes blank was a life saver for me, as I can be a nervous interviewee. What I value most is that your advice feels practical and natural, not overly scripted. Even if I get a little derailed, I can always find my way back, and that gave me real confidence going into the interview. So thank you so much for the work you put into this. You’ve helped me more than you know. Btw, I got the Job! That's the best bit."

Mentioned in this episode: The power move for juggling multiple job offers

🎥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 resources

www.interviewboss.com.au