So, you’ve had a brilliant first interview and been invited back to a second. Now is the time to hone those preparation skills even further to ensure that you receive the offer you want.
Investigate
Before you start your preparation, find out as much information as possible about the second interview. While it sounds obvious, the more details you have, the better you can prepare.
For example, how many people will be interviewing you? Will they all be based in the same place or will some dial-in remotely? Who are they and what roles do they play in relation to the organisation?
Understanding this information will enable you to understand the types of questions you might be asked, the types of questions you should ask, and how to prepare your responses.
Where possible, find out as much about your interviewers as possible. You can look at their LinkedIn profiles as well as searching for articles, webinars, blogs or other materials or events they may have been associated with. Understanding and being able to converse with your interviewers about subjects of relevance to them will help you stand out against your fellow candidates.
Also go back and follow up on your research about the organisation. Understand their mission and goals. Read about new strategies or initiatives. Consider how your skills can help support the achievement of these objectives, no matter what level of role you are seeking. Be prepared to talk about how you can translate your experience into meeting the criteria of the role as well as aligning with the organisation.
Types of second interviews
Depending on the type of role you are seeking, second interviews can come in different formats.
Some may be traditional question-based interviews either with different or additional interviewers. Others may be in front of a larger panel.
Another type of interview may be task based or involve a test. This might be something you need to carry out on the spot in front of interviewers to demonstrate your skills in a particular area.
More commonly, and usually for mid to senior level positions, you might be asked to prepare a presentation as a response to a case study or hypothetical problem. Again, this is your opportunity to showcase your application of skills and knowledge in relation to the role for which you are applying.
Questions
In any of these formats, be prepared to answer the same questions you were asked at your first interview and remember to bring the same energy and freshness to your responses.
You may also be asked if there was anything you would like to revisit or discuss from your first interview. Always have something prepared should this question arise. A good example might be to return to some of the questions you asked at the first interview and ask for more detail. For instance, “I asked my previous interviewers about the organisation’s culture, and it would be great to hear your perspective on this as well”.
And while it’s acceptable to use the same questions you asked the interviewers at the first interview; it shows a keener interest in the role if you can ask something different this time around.
Also be prepared to be asked more questions that will help the interviewers understand how you will approach and apply your skills and experience to the role. Remember to listen carefully so you can answer the questions properly rather than just offer pre-prepared responses that you think will deliver what they are looking for.
A second interview is a great step forward in securing your ideal job so make yourself shine by showing your continued preparedness and commitment to the process to set yourself apart from your fellow candidates to secure the offer.
If you would like a brief call to discuss how to improve your skills through interview coaching or to book a coaching session, please use [the calendar / form] to arrange a time.