You’ve just received a call from a potential employer. They want you to come in for a second interview! This is awesome news since you really want this job. The company has already decided they like you and are now considering you as a potential employee. In the second interview, your skills and abilities play a larger role as you tell the employer why you would be a good fit for their company. If you’re not sure what to expect, we’ve compiled a list of things you can expect from a follow-up interview, and what kinds of questions you can ask or could be asked in this second interview.
Second Interview Expectations
Expect to meet new people. During a second interview, you’ll likely meet one or more of the higher-ups. Even though you’ve already had a good first impression with someone at the company, make sure the way you dress matches that first impression when you meet someone new. Sometimes, hiring managers will bring in other employees you’d be working with to see how you fit. Be yourself, but also try hard to fit in and have a good conversation with everyone.
Expect random questions. Having the interviewer(s) ask random questions is becoming more and more common. Asking off the wall questions gives the employer the opportunity to get to know you better and see how you think on your feet. These questions reveal parts of your personality and can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
Expect to talk about your first interview. Were there questions or topics the interviewer wanted to cover but didn’t get to? Was there a question you didn’t answer very well that you’d like to revisit? Before the second interview, mentally review the first interview to find things like this to prepare for.
Expect to talk about the company. This is a great place for you to show how much you know about the company. Research the company before so you can be familiar with their mission and views. If you’re able to incorporate the mission/vision statement into the interview, that shows the employer you care enough about this job to get to know their company. Also, draw on value similarities between you and the company.
Expect to ask questions. This is the time for you to learn as much about the company as you can from people that actually work there. You’ll be able to ask more questions here than in the first interview. Ask questions about the job, the company, the work you’d be doing, and more. Asking a lot of questions shows engagement and commitment.
Expect to talk about salary and benefits. It’s always better to let the employer bring this up, but be ready for when they do. Be prepared to discuss your previous salary. Research what other jobs in the field make so you have general numbers to talk about. If you’re able to talk to current company employees you can find out salaries, and learn if they are willing to negotiate salary.
Expect a tour. During the tour, you may meet potential colleagues and see how the company runs on a day by day basis. Be attentive and express interest in their operations. Where possible, complement the company’s operations and organization.
Expect to hear what happens next. At the end of a second interview, the interviewer may extend a job offer, or they may tell you they will contact you in a few days. If the interviewer doesn’t mention this, ask when they will reach out to you, or if it’s better for you to follow up. This is the time to ask any last questions and make a final impression.
Send a thank you note to the interviewer within a day or two of your interview. This shows gratitude, and also reminds the hiring manager of your name and other traits they liked about you.
Questions To Expect In A Second Interview
Most first interviews have a fairly standard list of questions. Second interviews allow the employer to ask deeper questions and really get to know you. It’s important that you respond thoughtfully and concisely. Long, wordy answers aren’t always best. Be as concise as possible. Here are a few questions you could expect to see in your second interview.
Why do you want to work for our company? What interests you about this job?
This is probably one of the most important second interview questions. With this question, you can show the employer you’ve thought through this process and your application to work for them is well thought out.
What is your greatest weakness?
While this question is a little cliché, many employers still ask it. Answering this question isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Whatever your answer is, put a positive spin on it, and tell them what you’re doing to work on it. Maybe you’re a perfectionist, which means you take a little longer to get things done, but they are always done right. It’s okay, to be honest with your employer about weaknesses you may have.
What can you tell me about your last job?
When answering this question, it’s always important to not sound overly negative, or talk badly about your former employer. If you and your employer didn’t get along, tell them you had different opinions on a lot of things, but you didn’t let your personal feelings get in the way of work. Be sure to give a detailed description of your assignments and responsibilities.
How will hiring you benefit our company?
Hiring a new employee is a strenuous process. It’s important to show the interviewer that by hiring you, you bring more to the company than an average employee. How will you contribute to the company by doing more work than is expected of you? Do you have any unusual skills or talents that can help grow the company? Communicating these during the interview will greatly improve your chances of getting a job.
Questions To Ask In A Second Interview
Just as important as the questions you get asked are the questions you ask. Asking good questions will show your interest in the company and help the employer know you are serious about working for them. Here are a few questions to consider asking.
What does a typical day look like for someone with this job?
This question will tell you right off the bat if this job is what you’re looking for. Will you be working as part of a team, or on your own? What kinds of projects or assignments will you manage? Understanding all the responsibilities associated with the job will enable you to ask more detailed follow-up questions.
What do you like most about working here?
This question can give you insight into the workplace culture, benefits of the job, who you’ll be working with and more. It also shows that you are excited to work for them and look forward to participating in the workplace environment.
What is the biggest challenge I would face in the first six months of working here?
Asking about challenges ahead of time shows your commitment to planning ahead and shows you want to succeed at your new job. It can also help you understand day-to-day operations of the company and what the managers expect of you.
Conclusion
It’s important to spend time preparing for your second job interview. It’s also important to know that you will have to do some thinking on your feet. Relax, answer their questions the best way you can ask good questions and good luck!
Contact The Computer Merchant today or call (800) 617-6172 for one of our representatives to assist you.
