210: Why you should start tracking your 'Best Bits' before you urgently need them

About this episode

<p>If you’re not ready to job hunt yet but you can feel a change is on the horizon and the idea of talking about your achievements makes your mind go blank, this episode is for you!</p><p>Coming up with strong examples on the spot is one of the hardest parts of resumes and interviews! That's why creating a "best bits" tracker is one of the biggest gifts you can give your future-self!</p><p>We break down how to turn yourself into a “best bits hunter,” what actually counts as a win (hint: it doesn’t have to save the company money or change the world), and simple, realistic ways to track your examples so you’ll actually stick with it.</p><p>This habit does more than make resume writing easier. It helps you notice the impact of the work you’re already doing, builds confidence over time, and gives future you a list of epic stories to use in interviews, pay rise conversations and promotion opportunities, without the last-minute panic.</p><p>🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Annie who bought us 10 coffees!</p><p>"In 2025, I was unemployed for five months and honestly losing hope. I was applying to everything, including roles below my previous experience and titles. Then, out of frustration, I saw a posting for a Director level role (I had previously been in a senior manager role) with a posted salary range nearly double what I had made before. At this point, I figured, 'why not?' and applied. To my total shock, I was invited to a recruiter screening, then a hiring manager interview, then an in-person interview. When each invitation appeared in my inbox, I verbally squealed and laughed. Before the in-person interview, I found Interview Boss and basically binged your ‘HELP I have a Job Interview Tomorrow!’ playlist. I took notes, pulled out my best bits and walked in with confidence (and my notebook with notes and best bit prompts). After the interview, I listened to your 'Listen to This Right After Your Interview' episode and it was a lifesaver. They reached out for a follow-up virtual call with the Hiring Manager, and I was told that they were deciding between me and one other candidate. This information CONSUMED me. Waiting was the worst! After a week of silence, I emailed the recruiter asking if they had an updated timeline. When she replied that she was still awaiting a decision from the Hiring Manager, maybe thanks to your podcast, I decided it was my time to shoot my shot. I sent a follow-up to the recruiter saying: If the Hiring Manager is still deciding between me and another candidate, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say, I really want this job (and then nicely listed 3 reasons why I am the perfect candidate and am so aligned with the organization and their vision for growth). I hit send and tried to not panic. An hour later, the recruiter replied saying that she loved my passion and would share it with the hiring manager. Five agonizing days later, I missed a call from their area code and assumed it was a rejection. I waited to listen to the voicemail, and to my literal shock heard, 'I have great news, please call me back.' I cried. I got the job! A level up in title and a 70% salary increase. I still can’t believe it. Your advice is practical and so doable. You help us job-seekers to articulate our experience, skills, and value. Thank you for helping me change my life.</p><p>🎥 Top Interview Tips <a href="https://www.interviewboss.com.au/top-interview-tips" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.interviewboss.com.au/top-interview-tips</a></p><p>🏫 To get step by step help with your interview prep on demand check out our Interview Academy<a href="https://www.interviewboss.com.au/interview-academy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.interviewboss.com.au/interview-academy</a></p><p>☕ Did our podcast help you out? Want to say thank you in coffee form? Shout us a virtual coffee here:<a href="http://www.buymeacoffee.com/interviewboss" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.buymeacoffee.com/interviewboss</a></p><p>☎️ To book an interview coaching session with Sarah, go to<a href="http://www.interviewboss.com.au/coaching" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.interviewboss.com.au/coaching</a></p><p>❤️ Follow us on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/interviewboss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Instagram</a></p><p>📒 Check out our website for free jobseeker resources</p><p><a href="https://www.interviewboss.com.au/resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.interviewboss.com.au</a></p>