Win the Second Interview
Congratulations, you made it to the second interview! You’re one step closer to your new career.
Just as you prepared for the first interview, you must prepare for the second. The interviewer may need you to speak with her manager for final approval, she may want you to speak with your potential coworkers to get a sense of whether you’ll mesh with them, or she may be trying to decide between several candidates. Either way, expect the questions to be more detailed than the first interview.
Dig Deeper
Even though you researched the company in your preparations for the first interview, you must research even more for the second interview. Read professional blogs, magazines and press releases to learn more about the industry you want to work in. The interviewer may ask you about new trends, technologies or discoveries, and if you stare blankly at her, you’ll quickly move down (or off) the candidate list.
Good Work Anecdotes
During the first interview, you learned more about the position, organization and culture of the office. Now that you know more, prepare anecdotes highlighting your qualifications and work experiences that directly relate to the organization. Choose stories that exemplify your strengths, and practice telling them before the interview so you don’t ramble on.
Depending on if the position works independently or as part of a team, you should choose examples that convey you can function successfully in either role.
Evaluate the First Interview
Think about the first interview, and consider the questions you had trouble with. Chances are, the interviewer will ask you those questions again to see if you can elaborate or clarify something. Prepare your answers ahead of time so you can speak intelligently and thoughtfully. If you’re speaking with a different person, she may ask you some of the same questions you were asked in the first interview, so practice your answers to those questions as well.
The Don’ts
Even though you had a great first interview, don’t slack off now.
- Continue to portray yourself as a polite, professional and friendly person.
- Be nice to every person you encounter in the building; you want to leave a good impression on everyone you meet.
- If you see other candidates in the waiting room, remain professional and avoid chit-chat.
- Don’t be over-confident — you don’t have the job until the offer is in your hands.
Posted: December 5, 2016
Category: Careers, Interviews
