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2nd INTERVIEW TIPS
You have been selected for second interview. What now? First interview
versus second interview: what is the difference? In a nutshell, the
people attending each interview could change, questions should deepen
and claims you made in the first interview will probably be tested.
If an HR person or a recruitment consultant conducts the first interview
they will focus on checking out your academic background, skills base
and experience to see if what you say ties with your resume. A second
interview is likely to include your future direct report and even
that person's manager. You should do additional research before the
second interview and prepare to answer both the same questions again,
and new questions. Plus, you should have new questions to ask.
Jacky Carter, Director of recruitment firm Hays, provides the following
advise on preparing for a second interview.
Practical tips
• Check names - including spellings - and titles of the interviewers.
• Check the date, time and location of the interview and suss
out how to get there - so you can be a little early.
• Remember to take all relevant phone numbers in case your plans
change unexpectedly.
• Again, pick out what you will wear ahead of time to make sure
everything is clean and in tact. First impressions are crucial and
so are second impressions. Dress in corporate style - even if the
office is informal.
• Take copies of your resume and a pen and paper. Don't assume
the interviewer/s will have a copy of your resume from your first
visit.
• Make sure you pick up business cards of those interviewing
you so that you can write thank you letters.
Research tips
Build on the information you researched first time around about the
industry, the company and your potential role. You can do this by
reading industry publications, news articles, the company's web site
and annual report. Get to know the company by reading about its mission
statement, goals, business philosophy and management style. Learning
about your potential employer will help you understand the importance
of the role on offer to the company's success and how to talk about
your skills, interests and experiences in a way that meets those needs.
Try to find someone who works for the organization. This is probably
the most valuable research method available. The knowledge you glean
from such conversations and the fact you have gone to this trouble
often impresses employers.
Lines of questioning
Think back to your first interview. What main areas did they concentrate
on? Be prepared for the focus on these areas to be even more intensive
this time around. Look at the information given to you - brochures,
presentations - and be prepared to answer questions based on what
you have absorbed from them. Reflect on what questions were asked
during the first interview and which ones you found difficult. Be
prepared to answer the same questions again. Advanced preparation
produces stronger responses, even to the traditional questions like:
"Why should we give you the job• " and "What
can you offer us• " This helps you to show off your communication
skills.
General interview tips
Think about what the interviewer is trying to find out from asking
a particular question and how you might formulate your answer. Remember
to answer the questions consistently as the interviewer will be making
notes. Also, the "behavioral interviewing" technique will
probably be used so click on the links to the relevant CareerOne story.
A second interview gives you the chance to express your ideas rather
than simply talking about your skills and experience as you did in
the first interview. Also, be fresh - think of new examples and information
when talking about your achievements rather than just providing the
same ones again. Do not let yourself become distracted. Focus and
listen carefully to the interviewer at all times.
Other second interview tips include:
• Remain calm. It's okay to take a moment or two to think about
a question.
• Be brief and to the point but avoid 'yes' and 'no' answers;
Be positive and enthusiastic; and
• Know your skills and strengths and express them in a confident
way.
Question time
Asking questions shows initiative, enthusiasm and that you are interested
in the position. Some that you might ask include:
• What am I expected to accomplish in my first six months?
• How would you define your company culture?
• What support will I receive for my professional development?
Also prepare some questions that relate directly to information you
were given at the first interview. For example, "When I met Mr.
X last week, he mentioned such-and-such-a project - what would my
team's involvement be in that area?" This not only shows enthusiasm
but shows that you're capable of listening.
Use the second interview to clarify any of your doubts about the organization
including its training program, salary or location. And use the second
visit to work out if you like the people you may be working with.
Remember this is a two way process. They may like you, but what's
your opinion of them? Use this opportunity to meet individuals, view
facilities, review company philosophies and ask any additional questions.
Do the employees seem happy, bored, overworked? These are people you
will have to spend much of your time with so it is best to find out
now.
Second interviews are often occasions for you to be introduced to
other potential colleagues as well as the manager - and just as much
as it's their mission to find out if they really like you, it's yours
to determine if you can happily share an office or desk with them.
If you are lucky enough to be introduced to people who would effectively
be your peer group, don't be afraid to ask them what it's like to
work there. You could ask what the office atmosphere is like, how
social they are (if this is an important consideration), even certain
aspects of what it's like to work in that area if appropriate - is
there a nearby gym, decent shops, good transport links and so on.
Follow-up
After the second interview, remember to give immediate feedback to
your recruitment consultant if you landed the second interview through
one. Include any areas you felt you may have fallen down on - perhaps
you have a nagging doubt about a specific answer you gave, or forgot
to press home a certain point about a special skill or experience
you have. Your consultant can cover this for you in his or her call
to the employer.
If you've been interviewed directly, send a thank you note. Expressing
enthusiasm and a keenness to join a company immediately and directly
to the person who interviewed you can be a deciding factor as to whether
you are offered the job.
There is a possibility you will be offered the job at the end of the
interview. If an offer is made and you are unsure about it, be confident
enough to ask for time to think the offer over. It is normal practice,
however, is to find out several days later.
Good luck.
