Handling second interviews
Once you have negotiated the first interview, you must then achieve success at the second stage to be offered the job. Competition will intensify but the good news is that you're a definite frontrunner. What else can you do to tip the scales in your favour? The key lies in thorough preparation.
Second interviews
The first interview lays the foundations: it involves checking out your academic background, skills base and experience to ensure that they tie in with your CV and match the job specification.
The second goes a stage further and can take on different formats – meeting several staff members (panel interview) or a series of one-to-one interviews. Alternatively, it could take the form of an all-day assessment centre; some have even been known to last even longer.
Whatever the format, the questions asked will probe two particular areas:
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Do you meet the core competencies of the job? This question focuses on your skills and experience.
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Is your personal profile the right match for the company? This establishes if you will fit in with the company culture.
Your personality and the impact you make is what will really land you the job. Be yourself, show enthusiasm, positivity and honesty will go a long way.
Nitty-gritty of interviews
Walking into an interview knowing you have done your homework will give you confidence. Your preparation should concentrate on all the practical and intellectual aspects of the interview:
- Find out the names and job titles of the interviewers beforehand
- Check the time and location and plan your route accordingly
- Allow extra time for your journey in case of delays. Remember to take the phone numbers of those meeting you
- First impressions count for so much, so ensure that you look clean and always wear a suit (unless the environment is particularly informal)
- Take a copy of your CV, a pen and paper – it's by no means certain the interviewer will have a copy from your first visit
- Make sure you pick up business cards of those interviewing you so that you can write thank you letters
- Contact the employer for clarification on expenses as most employers pay all reasonable expenses incurred on visits; keep records for transportation, lodging and food
General interview tips
Think back to your first interview:
- What areas did the interviewers concentrate on? Be prepared for a more intense focus
- Look at the information you have from brochures, presentations etc. and be prepared to answer questions
- Which questions did you find difficult? Be prepared to answer the same questions again
- Let the interviewer know more about you – this is your chance to express your ideas
- Think of fresh examples and information ie about your achievements
- Do not get distracted – focus and listen carefully to the interviewer
- Know your skills and strengths and express them with confidence
- Remain calm, be concise, positive and enthusiastic
Asking questions
This shows initiative and interest in the position.
- 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 training & development?
Be sure to have some questions prepared that relate directly to information you were given at the first interview. It not only shows enthusiasm but also that you are capable of listening. Clarify any doubts about the organisation etc. It's a two-way process, so it's just as much their mission to find out if they really like you as it is yours to see if you would fit in with them.
Call to action
Remember to give immediate feedback to your recruitment consultant after the interview. This needs to include any areas you felt may have let you down. Perhaps you've a nagging doubt about a specific answer you gave or forgot to press home a certain point about a special skill.
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 keenness to join, sent immediately to the person who interviewed you – this can be a deciding factor as to whether you receive a job offer.
There is a possibility you will be offered the job on the spot at the end of the interview. If this happens and are unsure, ask for time to mull it over. It is normal practice, however, to find out several days later.
Second interviews can be daunting but if you put in the preparation, your hard work may well pay off.
