Second Interview

Second interviews may also cover topics that were addressed in the first interview. There are questions that you should expect based upon your performance in the first interview. You may also be asked questions that you were asked once before.

Many of the questions you were receive at the second interview will be designed to learn more about the specifics of the broader information you gave during your interview. This is why you need to know how to thoroughly prepare for the second interview.

The second interview is about assessing your fit within the company. Employers will try to understand your work habits and workplace personality. They may take a second look at your experiences, but are also likely to show you around the office and watch how you interact with others.

Compare your goals with the objectives of the company and the position, then reiterate why you would be an asset to the employer. Let the interviewer know what you can do for the company, if you get a job offer.

Even though the question is about why you want to work here, you still need to convince the interviewer that hiring you will benefit the company.

This company is internationally known for its (widgets), and my experience in the (marketing/planning/production/etc.) of (widgets) has me intrigued by the opportunity this position presents.

Prepare in advance, and in a word, research, so you can provide relevant and current information about your prospective employer to the interviewer.

The first step in making this impression is to create a list of the preferred qualifications for the ideal candidate for your target job. If a job advertisement is well written and detailed, you might be able to assemble much of your list right from the ad.

The interviewer wants to know how you stand out amongst the other applicants. Therefore, focus on one or two qualities you possess that might be unique, or more difficult to find, in other interviewees. For example, if you are very experienced with a certain skill that the job requires, say so. This is your chance to tell the interviewer why you would be an invaluable employee.

When you are asked questions related to the experience that qualifies you for the job, it's important to be very specific about your skills and experience.

The best way to respond is to describe your responsibilities in detail and to connect them to the job you are interviewing for. Tie your responsibilities in with those listed in the job description for the new position.

The best way to answer questions about the challenges you are seeking is to discuss how you would like to be able to effectively utilize your skills and experience if you were hired for the job.

You can also mention that you are motivated by challenges, have the ability to effectively meet challenges, and have the flexibility and skills necessary to handle a challenging job.

You can continue by describing specific examples of challenges you have met and goals you have achieved in the past.

To prepare an answer to this question, look at the job listing. Make a list of the requirements for the position, including personality traits, skills, and qualifications. Then, make a list of the qualities you have that fit these requirements. For each quality, think of a specific time that you used that trait to achieve something at work.

The best way to prepare to answer questions about how you will perform is to learn as much as you can about the job and the company. The more you know, the easier it will be to relate your skills to the company's needs.

During a second interview, you will also be asked more specific interview questions about the job, the company, your ability to perform in the job and how your skills and abilities translate into what the company is seeking in the person they are going to hire.

It is not uncommon for second interviews to start by asking if you have formulated questions about the position since the first interview. It is always a good idea to have two questions prepared. You do not want to start the interview with an answer of "Nope, I'm good." If you cannot come up with any good questions, one that always goes over well is "What do you consider the overall philosophy of the department".

Before you start talking pay (and salary negotiations) with a prospective employer, you need to find out how much the job (and you) are worth. You will need to take the time to research salaries. That way you will be prepared to get what you're worth and to get a job offer that's realistic and reasonable.

Sometimes ads for jobs are very short and don't reveal much about the employer's expectations. Try looking on the company's website, since there might be a longer description in the human resources section of their site than in the ad you saw.

Another strategy is to search job sites like rendc.org and by the same job title to get a sense of what other employers are looking for in candidates. Also search Google or rendc.org to see descriptions of similar jobs.

The potential employer is seeking evidence that you are a well-balanced person. Relate your answer to the competencies outlined in the job description. Show how the right skills and competencies are reflected in the kind of activities you enjoy. Do you enjoy a precise type of hobby such as model building or do you prefer a risky, high-action type of activity such as rock climbing.