5 Things needed for a Successful Second Interview
Congratulations! Getting called back for a second
interview is not easy at all. To this point in your quest for a new job, you stood
out from a large number of people just to get the first interview. You nailed
the first interview and they are asking you back to the “Second Interview”. Let’s
look at this from an example perspective. Say 100 people applied for the job
and they chose 5 (you included) for a second interview. Be happy! So far you beat out 95 people. Now
you only have to beat out 4 others to get the job. Odds seem better. So enjoy
your success for a moment. You deserve it! Be proud of yourself for coming this
far. Your confidence should be high, high enough to drive you through the next
round.
You know that you need to nail this interview and you
also know that the competition is tougher. You are 1 of 5 of the crème of the
crop. It’s important to know your purpose going into this interview. How is the
second interview different than your first? Nancy Range Anderson, author,
career coach and founder of Blackbird Learning Associates LLC explains:
“During the first interview, the interviewer as questions to
determine three areas; can you do the job, do you fit into the company
culture and do you really want this job. It’s a good bet that in the
second interview you will have a panel of people who more than likely will be more
senior conducting your interview and while they may ask similar questions that
were asked in the first interview, they are looking at you differently that the
people in the first interview looked at you. In the second interview they want
to compare you and your skills with the other candidate. It is a check box
situation. Who has more skills, which one is better? Always remember,
this isn’t a popularity contest. The employer is looking to hire the best
qualified candidate. If you want the job, you need to be that candidate. Here
is how!
You need an ice-breaker
You need to connect with the interviewers. How do you do
that, with enthusiasm? The definition of enthusiasm according to the Merriam
Webster dictionary at https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthusiasm
is a “strong excitement or feeling”. I
am assuming that you are excited about this position. If so, share it with the
interviewers. Let them know. Enthusiasm is contagious. Tell them what excited
you during the first interview.
Sharing your genuine enthusiasm with the interviewers
lets you to tap into their enthusiasm and created mutual enthusiasm and passion
which will make you stand out.
Remember, look the interviewers in the eye. Keep eye
contact with the interviewer. Bring up something someone said in the first
interview that stood out to you.
What is your unique Angle?
This is the opportunity for you to sell your skillset. Tell
them how your experience positions you for the open position.
This is the time to detail your accomplishments and how
your accomplishments would benefit them as an employer. Anderson explains: “The
interviewer at this stage wants to know, ‘What’s in it for me/us?’ and ‘What
can this candidate do to help us accomplish our goals that the other candidates
can’t do?’”.
Identify your angle. Then let them know how your unique
professional experience makes you the only candidate left for this job, and that
they “must have” you for their team.
You Need to Prepare
The “job description” is the employer’s list for
his/her ideal candidate. As the candidate, you must study the job description.
It is your guide to your second interview preparation.
Anderson recommends: “To prepare the candidate needs to
focus on the responsibilities, skills and requirements of the open
position and come up with specific behavioral stories detailing his or her
actions and results.”
Anderson supports a direct approach: “I suggest that the
candidate draw a two-column chart. In the left column, list the hard and soft
skills, tasks and job responsibilities required of the position and in the
right hand column write out examples of work-related accomplishments that
support these. Above all, the candidate should focus on his or her role in
these accomplishments and use words such as “I” rather than “We”.
Employers like to hear that a candidate is a team player
and for sure you need to emphasize that you know how to function well on a
team. However, you need to highlight your individual accomplishments and
successes that set you apart.
Salary prep a must
You need to do your research and know what you are worth.
Do not under or overestimate your worth. Search sites such as www.Glassdoor.com as part of your research.
Anderson advises: “The candidate should be prepared to discuss salary at any
time during the interview process.”
Anderson explains: “Salary discussions usually come up
towards the end of the interviewing cycle and most likely will be initiated by
the interviewer. This can be a positive sign.”
If you have special skills or special experiences that
brings more to the employer than they are looking for pay attention to their
enthusiasm about these skills or experiences. You may be able to negotiate a
higher salary because of them. It is up to you to read that situation though.
If you are unsure, do not try.
Asking questions
Please remember that an interview is a two-way
conversation. DO NOT waste your opportunity to ask questions. Employers
want you to ask questions. It is another way for you to impress the
interviewers. Study the company and the industry that the company is in.
Understand where the company is in relation to its competitors.
These are some questions Anderson recommends:
How would you describe the company culture?
What are the challenges your team is facing right now?
How can the person stepping into this role help?
What kinds of people really grow here?
What are the long and short term goals of the department?
Remember, being invited to a second interview is a big
deal. You wouldn’t get this far if you were not a good candidate. Be confident
and by all means go into the interview prepared. Good luck!
disABLEDperson, Inc.
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