Season 6, Episode 6 · Interview Boss
215: You Can’t Hack Your Way Into a New Job: Correlation Does NOT Equal Causation!
18 Feb 2026 · 25 min
Season 6, Episode 6 · Interview Boss
18 Feb 2026 · 25 min
Job searching can make you feel a little superstitious. One person swears a specific resume template got them hired. Someone else says it was the follow-up email. Another is convinced one “brilliant” question in the interview sealed the deal. But we have to remember: correlation does not equal causation!!! In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack the urge to assign a single cause to a complex outcome. We break down why our brains love to create neat little stories (hello, confirmation bias), especially when so much of the hiring process feels outside our control. We explain why those…
by Interview Boss · English · Business
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 t
S6 · E9 · 18 Mar 2026 · 36 min
Starting 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…
S6 · E8 · 4 Mar 2026 · 33 min
Job 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…
S6 · E7 · 25 Feb 2026 · 32 min
Being asked to come in for a trial shift can feel exciting…and slightly confusing. Is it a great sign? Is it free labour? And how do you actually perform well when you’re being assessed in real time? In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma unpack what you can expect at a trial shift, and why it’s often less about skill, and more about how you show up. We discuss what employers are actually looking for when they see you “in action,” especially in hands-on and customer-facing roles. Most importantly, we’ll help you shift your mindset. Because a trial isn’t just about being tested, it’s your…
S6 · E5 · 11 Feb 2026 · 38 min
What are you supposed to say in an interview…when you've never actually been a manager before? In Part 2 of this deep dive series, we explain why self-awareness is your secret weapon, what to say when you don’t have a perfect example, and how to show a growth mindset instead of panicking. We also share the fundamental advice every first-time manager isn’t always told, but absolutely needs to hear. Remember, you don’t need to fake leadership experience. You need to show how you think, how you learn, and how you’ll lead. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Kyle who bought us 5 coffees! “Hi Emma…
S6 · E4 · 4 Feb 2026 · 36 min
Going for your first manager-level role can feel like a whole different sport. Suddenly it’s less about your individual output and more about leadership, dealing with people problems and judgement. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Sarah and Emma unpack the mindset shift you need when applying for your first leadership role. We discuss the fear of not feeling “ready,” why trying to fake management experience almost always backfires, and how employers actually think about potential vs experience. If you’ve ever worried that not having the title automatically rules you out, this episode is…
S6 · E3 · 28 Jan 2026 · 24 min
What would you do if the interviewers started talking about you...while you were literally sitting right there? In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma react in real time to a listener story that made our jaws hit the floor. During an interview assessment, Katie could see live messages being exchanged between the recruiter and hiring manager about her performance, on the same laptop she was using! Yep. While she was doing the task! We unpack how to handle this if it happens to you, and what your options are in the moment. Do you speak up? Power through? Walk out? Or flag it later in writing?…
S6 · E29 · 23 Sep 2026 · 36 min
When you’ve wanted a job for years, how do you stop yourself from putting it on a pedestal? In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma share mindset tips for managing interview nerves when the opportunity feels really important, and shifting from “I have to get this job” to “this is a conversation I’m capable of having.” We’ll help you take the pressure down a notch and walk into your interview feeling more grounded, confident and like yourself. If you haven't already, click here to listen to our other episode on this topic. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Stephanie who bought us a coffee! "I…
S6 · E28 · 16 Sep 2026 · 30 min
What do you do when your dream job rarely comes up...and thousands of other people want it too? From airlines and emergency services to government graduate programs, intelligence and wildlife roles, some jobs are notoriously tough to land. In this week's episode, Sarah and Emma unpack how to prepare when opportunities are few and far between, build experience that strengthens your next application, and decide just how much you're willing to trade for the dream. 🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Derby who bought us 5 coffees! "Googling 'Tell us about yourself' became the resource I never…
S6 · E27 · 7 Sep 2026 · 27 min
Have you ever been asked to reapply and interview for a job you're already doing? It can feel strange, and a little unfair, to prove you can do a job you've already been successfully doing. But while being the internal candidate gives you a major advantage, treating the interview like a done deal can be a risky mistake. In this episode, Sarah and Emma explain how to make the most of your insider knowledge and turn your experience in the role into detailed, persuasive answers. Because even if the panel knows you and your work, you still need to spell out exactly why you're the best person for…
S6 · E26 · 12 Aug 2026 · 46 min
Have you ever been told to “link it back” to the job at the end of your interview answers? You know the kind of thing: you finish your example and then tack on a little sentence explaining how you’d use those same skills in this role. It sounds like decent advice. You’re trying to make a point about your transferable skills, and get your interviewers to imagine you in the job. In this episode, Sarah and Emma break down why “linking it back” might not be achieving what you want it to, and give you an alternative. Our goal is to have your interviewers doing the linking for you, and ideally…