Interview Boss – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

Employment and recruitment scams were one of the top 10 scam categories in 2023 (according to the ACCC) which means people like you are being taken advantage of when they are looking for a new job.

I know what you're thinking - you're way too savvy to fall for a scam...

THINK AGAIN! These scammers are clever and they know how to take advantage of your emotions.

In this week's episode Sarah and Emma talk about the different kinds of job scams out there, and how you can keep yourself safe. We even give you a new motto for avoiding scams online courtesy of our very own Assistant Treasurer.. "Don't click on the bloody blue link"

🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Mark who sent us a message saying “Just had an interview and had this up there to remind me to clench!” and attached a photo that showed a post it note above his screen saying “CYBC” for ‘clench your butt cheeks’. Mark, you’re a legend.

📄 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

• the four skills Sean thinks you should work on to be a standout candidate
• Sean’s ‘three hustles’ model for fulfilling your purpose inside and outside your job
• How to start the process of working out what you’re passionate about as a starting point to create your X factor