If you manage to pass your first interview and get invited to the next one, you are a step closer to achieving your goal. It is important to keep in mind that there are still other candidates that are qualified as well. Generally, initial interviews help interviewers to identify candidates that are compatible with the job, second interviews helps to determine if the person is a cultural fit and work well with colleagues and the management. Here is what you can expect on your second interview and how to prepare yourself to succeed.
What to expect in a second interview
In the interview, they are evaluating your potential to contribute to their company. They will be emphasising their questions on what you can do for them instead of what you have done from your previous job. You will need to think about why you want the job, will you be able to work with your manager and co-workers, able to cope with the company culture to advance your career. If you want to make a good impression on the interviewer, the easiest way is to ask questions to get the most information and follow up from there.
Here are some samples:
- Does the company help workers with upskilling or reskilling to improve their skill sets?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the company?
- Do people able to explore and learn about other departments besides your own?
- Is the chain of command here flexible or is it formal?
You probably won’t be getting straight answers, but these questions will display your keen interest to know more about the organisation and the job. Most importantly, the response from the interviewers can say a lot about them as well as the general outlook of the company.
Prepare responses to interview questions
During the second interview, employers will be looking for any signs to determine if you are the right person. You will need to anticipate questions such as:
- How do you deal with problematic colleagues?
- Provide an example of your problem-solving techniques.
- What do you want to achieve in this job?
- Describe your working style.
- If you are given this job, what do you wish to accomplish in the first year?
- Why are you interested in this job?
Review back from your last interview
Look back at the notes you may have taken down during your first interview with the interviewer. Take your time to carefully review the key points that may be beneficial during your second interview. This would help you develop thoughtful questions and generate in-depth discussion during the interview.
Who are the interviewers
Find out who are the interviewers for the second interview. They could be comprised of upper management or your head of department. Learning more about your interviewers could help you when it comes to planning out your discussion for the interview.
Second Interview Tips
- Think about what you didn’t mention during your first interview. This is your second opportunity to find out more from the interviewers.
- Match the needs and abilities of the position with your skill set and personality. For each strength that you have identified, provide examples of how you will utilise it to meet the challenges and achieve success.
- Be prepared for multiple interviewers where you will need to focus your delivery not only on the person who asks you the question. Your eye contact is important too as your assessment will be influenced whether you are able to build a rapport with the interviewer.
- Send a follow-up email to all the interviewers you have engaged with a day after the meeting. Don’t forget to get business contacts from everyone as well. In the context of the email, write something that you can relate back to the conversation with the individual during the interview. This would show that you have taken an extra effort to show you truly want to take up the job.
Have you been to a second interview and did it went well for you? Leave us your thoughts on the comment sections below. Head over to Jobstore.com and unveil your next job opportunity.
You Jing is a content writer who writes career and lifestyle contents to inspire job seekers and employers alike on their journey to work-life balance, empowerment and transformation in their career path.
Reach me at youjing@jobstore.com