How to conquer Internal Interviews - Part 2: Strategy & Preparation!
Internal interviews can feel super weird, especially when your panel includes people you already work with. Maybe it's your current manager, someone you had a tricky project with, or just colleagues you usually chat to in the kitchen. So how do you pitch yourself without feeling awkward, fake, or like you're stating the obvious?In Part 2 of our deep dive on Internal Interviews, Sarah and Emma share the practical strategies you need to prepare with confidence. HINT: It's exactly the same as preparing for an external interview, just with more nuance!We discuss the importance of explaining WHY you're applying for the new role, how much context to give when the panel should technically already know what you do and how to shape your career story.We also tackle office politics, like whether to tell your team you've applied, how to handle potentially managing your friends and how to ask for feedback once it's all over.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Lauren who bought us 3 coffees!"Sarah and Emma! I have been job searching since October 2024. I went for a big promotion at work and didn't even make it to the second round, despite doing the job in the interim capacity for six months. I was so bummed, but I knew I had to start looking for my next step. I have always interviewed well and thought that I had my preparation down pat. I discovered your podcast after getting a few second-round interviews and being the runner-up in those searches. I also became determined to be more selective in both my applications and interviews and truly interview my prospective employers as much as they were interviewing me. This summer I found a position that matches all of my talents and interests working as a public servant in local government, and I went for it. I had my Best Bits nailed! I landed the job after two interviews, one job assessment exercise, and three reference calls later. I am very grateful for your advice, your humor, and in particular, the psych-up and cool-down episode for pre-and post-interview. After each interview, I was only allowed to call two besties to vent and then put it aside, per your advice! Thank you again for spreading these best practices in interviews. I recommend you podcast often to the young people in my life who are just starting out this process! PS: I need to set the record straight on American coffee. I'm a Californian and want to say we have some of the best coffee beans (and wine). And some of us enjoy a straight cappuccino and espresso, and even a flat white now and then as our drinks of choice, okay?!! Enjoy your coffees! Much gratitude from California."🎥 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
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How to conquer Internal Interviews - Part 1: Mastering Your Mindset
Internal interviews can feel so much harder than regular ones. You're walking into a room full of people who already know you, so how are you meant to do yourself justice without feeling awkward, cringey, or fake?In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma break down the mindset blocks that come up when you're interviewing for a job in your current workplace. Whether you’re going for a supervisor role, a promotion, or just a new challenge, internal interviews come with their own set of mental hurdles.We’ll unpack the fear of reintroducing yourself to people you already work with, taking too much credit for shared wins, the colleague comparison trap, and how to handle the awkwardness, whether you do or don’t get the job.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Davis who bought us a coffee!“Hello or as my Aussie coworkers say, G’day! I am in California and have been listening to your podcast in prep to apply to an internal role. Every episode was so helpful and the resources you two provide are invaluable! I don’t think I’ve ever been more prepared for an interview and it’s all because of the insight you two provided! I was even ready to negotiate my salary offer but they ended up offering exactly what I wanted, funny how that worked out! Thank you so much!”🎥 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
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Why you shouldn't let the high number of applicants stop you from applying
POV: You’ve just stumbled across an AMAZING job ad on LinkedIn, but you immediately notice that dreaded “100+ applicants” warning, and suddenly, imposter syndrome kicks in. In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma break down the truth behind LinkedIn’s job stats and why that scary number might not be as intimidating as it seems. We unpack the four different “buckets” of applicants, explain how many people actually meet the full criteria (hint: it’s less than you think), and why being a good match still gives you a solid shot, even in a tough market.If you’ve ever felt discouraged seeing high applicant numbers, this episode will change how you think about competition and help you refocus your energy where it counts.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Celia who bought us 6 coffees!"Hi Emma and Sarah, I just wanted to say how incredibly grateful I am for your podcast. Earlier this year, I was laid off and the job market in my city has been brutal. I felt defeated and had to deal with all the lows of job hunting, including being ghosted by recruiters after investing so much time in interviews. I actually found your podcast while I was feeling especially frustrated after completing all the interview rounds with a company, only to think the HR contact was ghosting me. That’s when I came across one of your episodes where you talked about how being the backup candidate isn’t always bad. Fast forward a month, I realised I needed to shift my approach and the way you emphasized storytelling in interviews really clicked. I went to an in-person panel interview with six people and left them so impressed that I received a life changing offer. But here’s the twist. I ended up turning it down because I got an even better offer from the original company I thought had ghosted me. It turns out they hired internally for that first role, but a similar position opened up and they wanted me for it. I’m now a month in and I’m genuinely happy and confident, thanks in no small part to the skills, mindset, and advice I learned from you both. For all my fellow job seekers out there, don’t lose hope and focus on storytelling or your 'best bits,' as Emma and Sarah would say. Thank you both so much. Your work truly makes a difference."🎥 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
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Our favourite green flags in the interview process
You’re deep in the interview process and wondering…is this place actually going to be a good fit?In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack the subtle green flags to look out for throughout the hiring process - things that can give you insight into what the company’s really like to work for. From interviewers who clearly know the role and team, to honest conversations about the challenges of the job, to getting a genuine sense of the company culture and values, these clues can help you figure out if you’ll thrive there.While no single sign tells the whole story, these insights can help you read between the lines before accepting an offer.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Milah who bought us 3 coffees!“Dearest Emma & Sarah, I don’t know how to fully thank you. First, thank you for highlighting real people and their stories. It has helped me to feel like I’m not alone in the job process. Second, thank you for sharing your adorable Aussie accent, hilarious jokes, and amazing wisdom! After moving across the state almost a year ago, feeling frustrated in the job search, and recently deciding to leave my job due to unfair circumstances, I found out last week that I landed a role at a bank that I was really hoping to get after two interviews and with no banking experience! It has amazing pay and benefits, and I’m truly just so grateful. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the timing of landing this job paralleled discovering your podcast! Thank you for helping me feel like I have something of value to offer employers and find my footing in showcasing that during interviews! I truly think we’d be great friends in real life. I love your content; I also have a sister in real life and love that you gals get to do this together. A couple of questions…do you guys love Bluey as much as we do in the states?? Also, is this allowing you to buy a real coffee? If so, from a fellow coffee lover, what’s your go-to drink order? Thanks again! Milah A, Michigan, 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.auMentioned in this episode:Beware of these red flags episode
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Best bits advanced: the art of the mix!
You’ve prepped your best bits - epic stories that can be adapted to the key themes of the job like working with stakeholders, problem solving, and leadership. But when you step back and look at them as a whole…do they paint a well-rounded picture of you?In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma explain how even strong, adaptable stories can end up giving a one-dimensional impression if they all centre around the same kind of experience. Maybe every example comes from one job, or they all focus on high-pressure wins without showing your collaborative or day-to-day strengths.We’ll show you how to audit your best bits list to make sure you're showcasing the breadth of your experience, not just repeating different versions of the same narrative. You'll learn how to balance your story bank, fill any gaps, and walk into your interview ready to show the full picture of what you bring to the table.🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Alice who bought us 5 coffees!“Hi Emma and Sarah! I am such a fan of the podcast. Your content is so fun and very digestible which is why I have been a listener for nearly 2 years. You have helped me on what has been a roller coaster of a job search so buckle up. I work in the legal industry and have been trying to break away from a paid internship type role into my first job as a legit lawyer. My dream was to move out of state and work in a certain job. I interviewed for this job the first time and just missed out (i.e. runner up candidate). I listened to your episode on being the runner up candidate which was awesome during this time. This gave me the kick up the backside that I needed to improve what I could control. I got a career coach to look through my resume and signed up for Interview Academy. After doing the course and showing off my best bits, I left every interview I got in the meantime feeling awesome and like I did my best. I even interviewed for my dream job, but I got so close and missed out. But it didn’t hit me as hard. Interview after interview, and rejection after rejection, after about a year of searching. I kept revisiting my notes, best bits, and your episodes to help me realise that I am an awesome candidate. You really gave me the confidence to realise that. One of these interviews was for a job in my home state. This was a lawyer job with such good training and experience. I got into a pool which I was bummed about at first, but then I went travelling and within a few weeks, got the offer! I will be starting a few weeks after I return. Even though I didn’t come out of the process with my so called “dream job”, I am so grateful that your help has led me to a bigger realisation. I realised that putting a job on a pedestal can be a bad thing and I am so happy with the job I got. I get to be with my family and friends for a little longer, gain awesome experience, and really evaluate what I want in my career and life. Maybe even get that out of state job when I’ve got experience behind me! You are amazing at what you do and give job seekers the confidence to never be ashamed of trying. My best bits will be amazing to someone - just like between the two personal assistants! Best wishes and sending love your way xx”🎥 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
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.
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