Second Interviews
If you're invited to attend a second interview, you've obviously impressed your potential employers! So, what is different about a second interview? How should you prepare? What should you expect?
Second interviews are usually held for two reasons:
- To evaluate your skills, as they relate to the position, in depth.
- To determine if there is a good fit between you and the organisation.
There are seven steps to follow in preparing for a second interview:
- Research the employer thoroughly (again)!
- Practise your interviewing skills. You may be interviewed by a different person, or by several people, and you will certainly be asked more in-depth questions.
- Prepare for behavioural questions by identifying situations that you can draw upon to illustrate that you have the skills and personal qualities that are required of the job. Remember to use the STAR approach when describing these situations (Situation, Task, Action/Approach and Result). Be specific, don't waffle!
- Prepare your questions for the interview. A lack of questions at the second interview implies that you aren't really interested in the job. Try to prepare different questions for each interviewer, or questions that relate to different roles within the company.
- Double-check all logistical details of the interview: Where? When? Who will be interviewing you? What is their role? How long will the interview last?
- Bring appropriate materials with you. Take your folder with copies of your resume, results, any references, etc.
- You may be required to attend a "social" gathering, such as drinks or lunch, as part of the interview process. The employer will be evaluating your social skills, so it is important that you dress appropriately and behave professionally. Be polite and interested in what is being said to you. Don't drink too much. You are still being interviewed!