By Cynthia M Piccolo -- You have survived the first cull (resume assessment) and second cull (first-round interviews) of the applicant herd, and you have been invited for a second interview. Once you’ve finished quickly giving yourself well-earned congratulations, you need to prepare. In the second interview, the employer is trying to find “the one” from the shortlist of strong candidates, so you need to put on an even better show than in your first interview. Dress rehearsals are over, and it’s opening night! Do a review of your first interview and, while it clearly went well, look for areas open to improvement (e.g., a question that you thought you could have answered more effectively). Think about what they told you about the workplace and the sorts of questions that they asked. What seem to be the employer’s key concerns and what are their real needs? Think about how you can best express how you meet their needs. Also do more research about the employer, and/or the field/specialty.
Since a major reason for a second interview is to see how you’ll fit in with the team, pay special attention to your communication and interpersonal skills. In addition to the people who will be interviewing you, be nice to the gatekeeper. It may come as a surprise to many, but that “lowly” receptionist may be the one who determines whether you get the job. When I worked in recruitment, our office once had an applicant who was charming as could be to the person who interviewed her (the boss), and rude and condescending to the boss’s administrative assistant – in short, she was a two-face. The administrative assistant told the boss about the behavior and the boss not only didn’t hire the applicant, but told her why.
Second interviews are often panel interviews or are a series of several meetings with individuals or small groups. In the case of panel interviews, remember to make eye contact with each panel member, not just the individual who asked you a question. In the case of several individual meetings, don’t be surprised if some of these people have little or no interviewing experience – remember that they’re looking for someone who fits the team, including those team members who don’t normally interview people. Carry copies of your résumé, in case not all of the people who will be interviewing you have one, and would like to see one.
The questions are likely to be a mix of old and new. That is, be prepared to be asked at least some of the same questions that you were asked during your first interview, and don’t look or sound bored or impatient when responding. And expect that there will also be questions that are tougher than those you were asked before. These questions may be typical tough questions (e.g., “Why should we hire you?”) or they may involve specifics about technical skills or soft skills (e.g., conflict management). Soft skills are often assessed by asking behavioral interview-style questions, such as, “Describe a time when you didn’t get along with someone you were working with.” If there is anything in the job description that is not one of your strengths, know how you will address this. Also, if there is a relevant certification that you don’t have, but are in the process of obtaining, let the interviewer know, e.g., “I am enrolled in an ACLS course that begins on Saturday.”
If salary and benefits have not yet been addressed, the second interview is often the time when these will be discussed. Know what you are willing to accept and, if you are interested in the job, be prepared to negotiate.
Come up with new questions to ask. This will underline your interest in the job. One possibility, if it hasn’t been offered yet, is to ask if you can have a tour of the facility. Also ask about the next step in the hiring process if it isn’t clear.
It is possible that they will make you an offer during the second interview, and if so, you don’t have to accept it right away.
Finally, remember all the general interview tips found in Interviewing for Success and Interview Tips.
