Making the Most of Your Second Interview
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Office Coach®
is copyrighted to Marie G. McIntyre. All rights reserved.
May be reproduced
with copyright and attribution to
www.yourofficecoach.com.
They
were impressed with your resume and called you in for an interview. You
apparently passed that test, because you’ve been asked back for a second
round. Now you know that you’re being seriously considered. Initial
interviews are often designed to screen people out, but a second
interview tells you that you’re really a contender. So here are some
suggestions for making the most of this opportunity.
1. Plan
for a second interview after the first.
After any interview, you should make notes about the company culture,
questions that were asked, the personality of the interviewer, and the
requirements of the position. There may be a long gap between the first
interview and the second, so don’t rely on your memory. And if you are
being interviewed by several companies, you don’t want to get them mixed
up.
2.
Research the organization in detail.
You undoubtedly did some research before your first interview, but
expectations will be higher now. Read all available online information
and try to develop a complete picture of this organization. Learn about
history, products and services, customers, and recent events.
3.
Network with people who’ve worked there.
Use your professional or social contacts to locate current or former
employees. If you’re successful, email or call and request ten minutes
to ask some questions about the company. Then be sure not to take more
time unless they offer it. Ask if they know anyone else that you might
talk with.
4.
Research potential interviewers.
If you know who will be interviewing you, do an online search for their
names. If you don’t know the identity of the interviewers, research all
possible managers or executives. From their backgrounds, identify
anything you may have in common that could be mentioned when you meet
them. If they have worked for other companies, research those as well.
5.
Study
your notes.
Use your notes from the first interview to prepare for the second.
Determine questions that you are likely to be asked. If it’s your first
interview with the hiring manager, try to view the position from his or
her point of view. If it’s a second interview with the same manager,
try to anticipate the topics that may require more in-depth
discussion.
6.
Explain why you were impressed.
Everyone appreciates a sincere compliment. During the interview,
mention anything that has favorably impressed you about the
organization. But don’t overdo it. You don’t want to come across as a
groveling suck-up.
7.
Describe how you can contribute.
Having had one interview, you should now know a lot more about the
position. Be prepared to explain in detail why you are a good fit for
the job and how you would approach it.
8.
Show
an interest!
Employers want to hire people who want to work for them, so make it
clear that you are excited about the prospect of joining the team. If
you are a naturally reserved and reticent person, you may need to
ratchet up your enthusiasm level a bit.
9.
Take
notes (again).
Note-taking after the second interview is still important, since you
never know when a third interview may be required. And the information
will be helpful in writing your thank-you notes.
10.
Send
personal thank-you notes.
Mail
a personal thank-you to everyone with whom you interviewed. That’s
mail, not email or fax. Sending an actual letter will make more of an
impression and provide another chance to convey your professionalism.
Mention something specific from each interview and review the reasons
why you would be a good fit for the job. And one more time, express
your interest!
Copyright Marie G.
McIntyre. All rights reserved. May be reproduced with copyright and
attribution to
www.yourofficecoach.com . |
