When it comes to seeking information on job interviews, the amount of resources available seem endless. You can easily find infographics listing interview tips, articles on what to expect during a job interview, video blogs on what to wear and even memes on how to do a phone interview – but these typically refer the first interview in the whole interview process.
After conquering the initial interview and moving onto the second, you might notice the amount of preparation resources tends to drastically decrease. Seems odd, right? Especially since it’s quite rare for any accounting, finance and information technology professionals to receive a job offer after only one interview. In fact, most hiring managers utilize second interviews to assess technical qualifications, soft skill attributes and other necessary information that can help lead them to a confident decision. Therefore, the subsequent interviews are incredibly important and deserve just as much attention, if not more than your first interview.
That’s why I’ve decided to offer some insight on how you can master your second interview, and ultimately land your dream job. Learn 5 Ways to Master Your Second Interview below.
1. Connect with the Internal Team
It’s common to meet with senior executives and managers before getting hired, and sometimes you even get a chance to meet the other colleagues, as well. Shaking hands and sharing words with potential future co-workers is a great way to learn more about the team and its culture – and it’s also a great way for the team to learn more about you! If you’re taken into the work space to meet colleagues, be observant of your surroundings, while maintaining a friendly and optimistic demeanor. It may even be helpful to ask the team specific questions on the day-to-day and office culture.
2. Respond with Articulate Answers
During a second interview, a hiring manager will typically get more into detail on their questions regarding your resume and cover letter. You should be prepared to articulate qualities and skills that you gained from previous roles. This is your chance to highlight your greatest accomplishments without feeling guilty for bragging! Often times you’re up against at least one other candidate at this point, and you need to find a way to stand out. If you want to leave a strong impression on the hiring manager, try to tell a story when explaining your achievements, rather just listing them off.
3. Ask Important Questions
Just as hiring managers will be sure to ask job seekers questions, it’s important for job seekers to prepare questions they want to ask the hiring manager. These questions should be different from any asked during your first interview – and they should provide value. Some candidates arrive unprepared, and throw out any question they can think of, for the sake of asking a question. Try to come fully prepared and ask questions that will be beneficial for you. They can be more about the role itself, the organization ins and outs, or questions surrounding the company culture. It’s a good rule of thumb to have around five in-depth questions prepared before going into the interview.
4. Prepare to Talk Compensation
While there might still be a few interviews to go before an offer is made, it’s possible that a hiring manager will want to discuss compensation with you during the second interview. Compensation conversations will allow both of you to decide if you’re on the same page and if this opportunity is the right fit for you. So, be prepared to discuss numbers at this point the interview process.
5. Navigate the Next Steps
Following the interview, the hiring manager will likely let you know the next steps in the interview process. If they don’t, take initiative and be prepared to ask what to expect next in terms of communication and additional interviews. It’s always recommended to send a thank-you note to everyone involved in the second interview at this point in the process, as well.
What are some other ways that job seekers can master their second interview? Comment below and let us know!