Congratulations – you’ve done it! You passed the first stage interview with flying colours and you’ve been invited back for a second interview. It’s important to be aware that the company is interested in you, or they wouldn’t have called you back. You’re in contention to land the job, so here’s what you need to do to ace your second interview!
The second interview
Second stage interviews consist of more detailed questions about the applicant, their qualifications and their ability to perform.
Get the agenda for the interview: ask the recruiter or hiring manager about the criteria for the second interview so you know what to expect so that you can prepare accordingly. Some second stage interviews could involve a presentation or focus on competency-based interview questions.
Review the questions you asked during your first interview and make sure you have a different set of questions ready.
Did you leave the first stage interview wishing you’d mentioned something or maybe you had difficulty with a question you were asked? The second stage interview is a good opportunity to re-address these points to the hiring manager.
Research
Take the opportunity to research more into the company and learn everything you can to help build a picture about what the company is like to work for, a job interview isn’t just about the employer learning about you, it’s your opportunity to see if the company and the working environment is right for you, so it’s important to ask the right questions and to do your research. A good way of gaining further understanding about what it’s like to work at the company you’re interviewing with, is to connect with current employees on LinkedIn to and ask them what it’s like to work there. Most companies paint a pretty picture about what it’s like to work at that company at interview stage but you won’t really know what it’s like working there until you’ve been there for a few weeks, so it’s important to understand exactly what it’s like working there before you make the decision about moving jobs.
Be ready to answer the same questions you may have been asked in the first interview in order to prove you’re a good fit for the role. Occasionally the first interviewer won’t have transmitted this information to other colleagues, so don’t be disheartened and ensure you respond to the questions with the same level of detail and enthusiasm.
When you’re discussing your qualifications, be concrete. Give specific example of how you’ve used your strengths and skills to meet challenges and achieved success in your career so far.
Remember that you’re always being evaluated, from the person on reception to people you come across on your way to and from the interview room. There’s a possibility that they will be asked for their impression later on so it’s important not to let your guard down.
What to do after the Interview
Before you leave the interview make sure you ask the hiring manager how long it will be until they make a decision, if you’ve not heard anything back in the discussed time-frame get in touch with the recruiter/hiring manager and ask for an update.
What to do if you get offered the job?
In some instances, you will be offered the job later that day by either the hiring manager or the recruiter. You don’t have to decide on the spot, if you need more time to decide and aren’t 100% certain the job is right for you, you are within your rights to have some time to decide if you want the job.
What to do if you don’t get offered the job?
Ask the recruiter/hiring manager for feedback on your interview to see if there are any areas you could improve on for future interviews. In some instances, you could miss out on the job by someone out-performing you on the day. It’s important to not take this set back to heart, focus on the feedback you receive, learn from it and move on.
Working with a workforce solutions agency like WRS, they can take care of everything for you from CV advice and preparation, job search, interview coaching, offer and negotiation handling to on boarding with your new company.
Register your CV with WRS to hear all about the latest job vacancies first-hand.
ABOUT WRS
WRS is a global workforce solutions and mobilisation company, specialising in the renewable energy, oil and gas, maritime, and technology industries. If you are considering your next move, register your details, send us your CV or you can simply take a look at our latest vacancies.
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