What happens in a second interview?
Now, the rules for 2nd interviews apply as they did for the first, so unless you are told otherwise, dress appropriately as you did for your first interview. Find out even more about the company, and its employees, who is responsible for what, if this information is available on the website, and ask about the format for this interview from the person who tells you that you are invited to it. It may be a couple of hours, or it could be a whole day, so find out for certain what the expected length of the interview will be, but be prepared in case you need to stay longer.
The chances are high that you will be meeting other managers for the second interview to see how you interact with them, and to answer any questions that they ask you. These questions will need more in depth answers from you as the company checks your ability to answer along with the abilities of those others invited for their 2nd interview.
Make sure you review the questions and answers from your first interview, as you may be asked to expand on them during this next stage. Make sure you know who you will be meeting during this 2nd interview, and ask the contact person if there is anything you need to prepare in advance. If you don’t ask, you might not be told!
If you met with the HR department the first time, it probably means you will be meeting with the department head for the second interview, or these second interviews could be the other way around. However, have confidence, because you have made the short list, and the company wouldn’t waste their time on 2nd interviews if they didn’t feel that you have some of what they are looking for.
Try to give new examples of your accomplishments, perhaps from previous jobs if you talked about your current job during your first interview. Let the interviewer know more about you and your ideas.
Remember that just as you want to find out more about them, they want to find out more about you. Let the interviewer see that you have taken this interview seriously and have done some research. If necessary ask for a job description for the position that you are interested in.
If you are invited to lunch, make sure you do not drink alcohol, no matter what the others do. It would not give a good impression. Be careful with your table manners, and take care not to spill anything.
Of course accidents do happen, and if one does, then try to laugh it off, and do not get angry about it. They will probably realize that you are nervous, and will make allowances for you, but displaying anger is probably not a smart move.
Be prepared to be given an IQ test, and just do the best you can if you are given this. Remember that other applicants will be nervous too. Or you could be asked questions in front of a panel, or as part of a group discussion. Part of this is to see how well you cope under stress, and how well you communicate with others while in this situation.
At the end of the second interview you will no doubt be invited to ask questions about the requirements of the job and the salary offered. If you are unsure of anything, ask, because this is not only about how well they feel you will fit in with their company, but also about you and your needs, and whether these will be fulfilled for you.
You may be offered the job while you are there, but this does not mean that you have to accept it there and then. Find out when they need to know by, so you can take a little time to think through whether this is going to work for you and the company. It may seem to be a good fit while you are there, but think about it outside of the interview and see whether it still seems a good fit.
Remember after this second interview to send thank you notes or emails to those who interviewed you or spent time with you. You can again express your interest in the position and the company while giving your thanks for their time and consideration.
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