I have just been to the first interview today and within an hour was asked back for a second interview. I have never been to a second interview before, what can I expect? any questions they are likely to ask that I didn't answer in the first interview?
2007-08-21 07:56:12 · 15 answers · asked by Trix01 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
It really depends.
Most companies just do one interview, but the use of multiple interviews is not uncommon these days, especially in high-flying companies and the financial and technological industries.
We know of companies who routinely hold three interviews, reducing the pool of applicants each time, much like a sports competition!
In the UK, the MI6 apparently uses seven interviews with the Civil Service not far behind!
Companies who are successful with this approach ensure that each interview serves a clearly defined and distinct purpose.
Click below to read our FREE advice on preparing for multiple interviews.
2007-08-21 08:39:52 · answer #1 · answered by The Jobseeker's Coach 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The second interview is usually more laid back, but with your bosses boss or possibly even the head of the department. They are not going to go through the HR questions like what are your strenghts and weaknesses, they are more likely to ask you questions about your goals etc... I was in a situation where I was in the same job, but switched industries, so I was asked why I switched industries in the second interview.
Usally a second interview is between a few candidates. It is your chance to really sell yourself and it is also a chance to see if you still like the company. I went for a first interview and walked out thinking, if I don't get this job I will be really upset. When I went for the second interview and met my bosses boss, I walked out caring less if I got an offer or not.
The interview is usally very short. It is a sizing up of your skills and how you will fit in the position. Since this will probably be senior level person, ask more technical questions about the deparmtent and company an industry. What are some trends in the inudstry right now? Do you forsee those trends presenting any challenges to the company?
Follow the same guidelines as the first interview:
arrive on time
dress professionally
no make or jewelry
be confident but not cocky
give a firm handshake
maintain eye contact
Good luck!
2007-08-21 08:26:16 · answer #2 · answered by Eric G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
congratulations, a second interview is usually good news, means they've narrowed the field down and you're one of the ones they are considering. When I've either been asked back for a second interview or called someone for a second interview it's usually to meet with my boss or a higher up. They will ask more questions, about why you think you'd be good for the job, what experience you have, what you would be doing or what is required of the person in the position. Now is the time to ask all your questions, benefits, salary, what is expected of the person in the position, what are they looking for in a qualified candidate etc. You can interview them as much as they interview you. Let them do most of the talking, it's ok to take notes, just ask up front, that way you can go home and compare to other positions you're interested in. Be sure to have your questions written down so you remember to ask them, they won't mind if you've got questions in front of you, if you don't ask questions they might think you're not that interested. Asking questions shows interest, also ask questions about the company, if they have a website, and most do, check out the website and pull questions or comments from the website, they will be impressed that you did your homework.
but never discuss salary, if they ask what you're looking for tell them that although you'd like to make a good economic move I'm hoping you'll make me a good offer. Usually the first one to mention money loses. Most times they'll ask what you were making at your last job. Remember the job might be paying $45K a year and if you say well I can't take less than $35K they might low ball you and offer $37K for example, that way you'll think you've got a good deal. Always up your salary just a tad if asked.
Just be yourself, there must have been something the interviewer liked in order to ask you back.
Good Luck
2007-08-21 09:36:43 · answer #3 · answered by Weimaraner Mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well done on getting to second interview so quickly - take it as a good sign.
In my line the second interview can go one of two ways.
1 It's informal - the job is yours, it's used to mop up the questions that are usually "no no's" first time round about salary, holidays etc, references may have been checked, a medicl is required and negotiations about start date, relocation packages - you know, the usual HR stuff.
2 if it's a technical appointment (Chemist, Engineer, etc) and there are a lot of equally qualified candidates on paper a technical test woudn't be out of the question - So KNOW YOUR SUBJECT.
Geting top marks in a technical interview doesn't automatically get you the job tho'. We look a the work life balance, personality, communication skill etc. No use being a brain if you can also bore for the Olympic team!
Problem soving and latteal thinking are often prized more than the ability to churn out facts
2007-08-22 09:42:59 · answer #4 · answered by iangllwy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The last few times I have been to 2nd interviews it was just to meet with other people that I would be working with.
Often they will get the first person/people to ask the technical type questions related to the job and make an appraisal of you then the 2nd person/people are guided by the first lot. Usually because THEY will be working closest with you and need to assess if they could get on with you or not!
I HAVE (in the dim & distant past) been to 2nd interviews where they had passed my personality at the first interview (nice of them!) and then wanted to do a technical test at the 2nd.
Ask the agent you are going through or the HR/Personnel department what to expect - they aren't heartless and will be more than likely delighted that you you took the time and effort to ask sensible questions!
Good luck - and don't forget - it is your chance to interview THEM as much as the other way round!
2007-08-21 08:08:08 · answer #5 · answered by Hedge Witch 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow congratulations you almost have the job. The second interview is usually with other people who want to get to know you. The first person thinks you may well be the right person for the job so you deserve a good shot at it.
My current job my boss wanted me to meet his boss during the first interview but he wasn't available. The next day when I met his boss it was just to confirm I was the one for the job. He told me he had to meet me because my boss was excited to find me and he didn't get excited about most interviews. We just had a pleasant chat, he told me some history of the company.
One job the first interview was with my future boss and the second was a team including the president of the company and a woman they trusted to have a feel for people a judge of character.
Interviewed 3 times for a job I didn't get once it was between a man and I so they kept interviewing until they needed to sleep on it and decide in the morning, they gave him the job but it was a very close contest.
If you don't get the job at least know you were in the final cut, like being runner up for Miss America or the second richest person in the world still isn't a bad thing to be.
2007-08-21 08:06:37 · answer #6 · answered by shipwreck 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can expect, same questions, perhaps with a different manager, or general manager and perhaps some of the employees who work for the company, depending on what type of position you are applying for. Second interviews are usually a good sign that they liked you and are interested in you. So prepare, and research the company at length and have clear answers as to why you are the perfect fit for the position you are seeking, and what you can bring to the company... Hope this helps and good luck to you! sometimes they will want you to go on a third. I just experienced that.
2007-08-21 08:14:38 · answer #7 · answered by lanikaisiam31 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recently had two interviews and invited back to both (lucky me) Both of the second interviews took the format of me asking the questions about the company structure who reported to whom etc what was expected of me. Generally questions I had for them, All the main interview stuff took place in the first interview i.e. they asked about why I wanted to do the job what I knew about the company, past experience etc. Good luck, the second interview is generally to get to know how you work and if you will fir in with the team. Be yourself and enjoy it you are 90% there!
2007-08-21 08:12:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first interviews are usually with an HR manager to screen potential candidates. Second interviews are usually with the hiring manager/supervisor of the position. Be prepared to answer specific questions about your qualifications.
2007-08-21 08:15:07 · answer #9 · answered by Suzy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More in depth questions about you and your experience's dont worry, having a second interview is a good sign, dont be over confident though
Good luck, be positive give plenty of eye contact and have plenty of questions to ask, research is king ....
Hope this helps.
2007-08-21 08:01:50 · answer #10 · answered by Fishermans Friend 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋