CONGRATULATIONS!! You have made it to the second interview. A second interview is an opportunity to really showcase and sell the impact you can make in the company and how great an employee you will be. Employers want to be sure that you have the skills necessary to perform the job duties but more importantly they want to see how well you fit in with the company culture.
Don’t assume that the position is yours because you’ve made it this far. In fact, you may need to do a bit more preparation for the second interview than you did for the first. There will be more questions and most likely new faces. Although you may be asked some of the same questions as your first interview, new questions will be more targeted to your personality and specific skill set. This is your time to wow them.
Check out the interview strategies below:
• Reflect on your first interview – what went well and what you want to improve on or relay the second time around.
• Try to find out the purpose or agenda for the second interview.
• Determine what new information you want to share – achievements, work samples, stories, and recommendations.
• Practice answering a variety of interview questions aloud at home (with a partner is best)
• Dress professionally. The second interview is no less formal than the first. It is acceptable to the same outfit and change a top or jacket.
• Be calm and not too eager. Pace your questions and answers.
• Second interviews are often panel interviews. Remember to keep calm and make eye contact with each person throughout the interview.
• Prepare 5-10 questions. A second interview is an opportunity for you to determine if this is a company where you want to work (management style, company culture, challenges, most rewarding aspects of position).
• Take notes and ask questions related to any new information shared with you.
• Be prepared for skills tests – computer, writing, problem-solving/scenarios.
• The second (or subsequent) interviews generally involve conversations about salary and next steps. You may also be given a tour at this time.
• Remember to send a thank-you note or e-mail to everyone you meet with.
• Feel free to share your interview success stories or ask your interview questions in the comment section below.
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Nicki Sanders, The Packaged For Success Coach, is an experienced trainer, group facilitator, and program manager. She has packaged her Masters of Social Work degree and over 15 years of work experience into Packaged For Success, a training and professional development company. Packaged For Success provides career coaching to college students, entry-level job hunters, and experienced employees seeking a promotion. Packaged For Success also offers communication and productivity improvement training for employees and supervisors and provides consultation on building sustainable, impactful, socially responsible community programs.
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