How to ace my second interview?

Question

I had an interview yesterday with a company that I KNOW I would be perfect for. I went in nervous, as always, and didn't think I did all that well, but was called for a second interview with the CEO. I go in next week. Can anyone give me some tips so I can ace this interview?

Answer 1

Smile.

Don't sit in the interviewer's chair stiff as a board, but don't be too relaxed to the point that you are slouching. Sit with a straight back.

Don't cross your arms or legs. It shows that you like to follow our own rules instead of the company's rules.

Come dressed professionally, preferably in either black or brown. These are well known corporate colors.

Wear proper shoes, NO SANDALS OR SNEAKERS.

Make sure hair is neatly done in the style of your choice.

Give a firm handshake. Bosses don't like weak handshakes because it shows lack of confidence, and personally, I don't like shaking weak hands either.

Bring a pad and pen. When the boss starts giving you information about the job write it down. It shows that you want to take notes on this job as if you have it already and are interested in it.

At the end of the interview, the interviewer always asks if you have any questions. Before you come, write down a few questions you want to ask and don't be afraid to read the questions to them from your paper. It shows that you are really interested in the position and you want more information about it. If you don't have any questions at all, it may show that you are just job hunting and don't care which job you get. Ask questions about whether or not there is room for advancement, your duties, benefits, who you will be reporting to...but NEVER EVER EVER ask questions about your salary, pay rate, bonuses, or raises. It tells the boss that you are not personally interested in the company, only in getting a big fat check.

Lighten the interview by revealing something unique about yourself. For example, if the conversation gets steered toward education background, I tell them my most recent schooling and my major all the way back to my performing and fine arts high school where I majored in harp performance. They always want to stop and talk about my experience as 1st string for 3 years. In this way, I show a unique part of myself. Furthermore, since most people don't play the harp, I will stay on their minds long after the interview is over, meaning if I did well enough and have good enough background in that field, I as good as have the job.

Don't be afraid to look the interviewer in the eye. It shows confidence in your skills to get this job. But don't stare relentlessly. If the interviewer is looking in your eyes, look back in theirs. This was hard for me to do since I don't like looking people in the face, but I convinced myself it's only one day and it won't kill me.

Don't mention anything religious. Leave phrases like "God bless you" and "have a blessed day" at home. Since religion is a controversial topic and fights and huge arguments have started over it, bosses pretty much want to leave anything religious out of the workplace. This doesn't mean you can't have Bible discussions with your co-worker friends after you get the job, but for the interview, don't even mention it.

Don't fall for the "we're just regular guys" trap. Nowadays, it is popular for employers to see just how much dirt you can reveal about yourself. For example, let's say Pauline is being interviewed by John. John comes in late with his hair disheveled and apologizes to Pauline and says, "I'm sorry for coming in for your interview late. I went to the new club on Madison and Lenox last night and didn't get in 'til 3 in the morning. You know how it is." Before you know it, Pauline says, "Yeah, I know just how it is, I didn't the same thing Thursday night and had a bad hangover Friday morning." This is a trick. The boss is lying to you to get you to reveal the things you wouldn't dare mention on an interview. Instead, Pauline should have responded, "No. I don't hang out like that." Then they would have moved on to the interview. I don't care how normal your leisure time behavior may be, no boss will hire someone who admits to partying hard, going to clubs, getting drunk, or sleeping around.

Do not flirt with the interviewer. If you get a guy, you may think that if you put it on him a little he will give you the job, but sexual harrassment laws are very strict, and he will not hire you for the potential you have to induce him or another co-worker to have a relationship with you. That and the fact that it may put him off personally.

Use correct grammar. No slang.

Don't lie. You might as well tell the truth since everything you say will be verified. If you are found to be a liar, you will not get the job.

Make sure you do these things, regardless of if the interviewer fails to do them.

Answer 2

Be honest, warm, and personable. The CEO is going to know that you are nervous, but he may also be determining how well you handle under pressure. If you are qualified for the job, don't be ashamed to let him know! This is your time to shine, your time to sell yourself. You need to make an impression on him so that you stand out from the rest of the applicants. Small things matter: if you are the type of person that says, "Um", or "uh", a lot, work on your speaking skills. (I have a tendency to do this as well. What I do is I force myself to talk slower, allow my mind a chance to control my mouth!)

You need to present yourself as articulate and confident. Follow the flow of the interview. While some will suggest that you "take charge", an interview isn't the place to do it.

Another suggestion: do not ask questions regarding benefits: such as sick leave, vacation, or pay rate, unless the CEO brings them up. These are things you discuss once they have decided to offer the job to you. The interview is for you to sell yourself to the employer, not to find out "what's in this for me?", if you catch my drift!

Good luck!!

Answer 3

I'm a manager and I can't say that others would or would not hire the way I would. But I can tell you the reasons I have not hired people (or friends have not hired people) in the past:

- Not qualified. Could not answer questions that pertain to what they need to do to do the job.
- Not ethical. Somehow demonstrated that they didn't keep their secrets secret (e.g. may have brought tidbits in from a past job)
- Didn't answer my questions
- Weren't communicative. Personality does have something to do with getting the job. The intangibles - communication, organization, teamwork - they all play into how well you will do your job. If you can't talk or answer a question, you have a problem. My advice here is just speak positively about yourself, be honest, and be extroverted (even if you are naturally introverted like me!)

Answer 4

Do some research on the company, so as to show more interest. Ask about what they would expect from you if hired. Ask if in time you would be assigned more responsibilties, then you were hired for. Show a lot of interest.

Answer 5

Absolutely! Do not joke with him, unless he starts it first. If hes straight to the point hes just being professional, and so should you ! Just be confident , good luck:)