A second interview is the employer’s attempt to make a final decision about your suitability for the job. It is also your opportunity to make sure the position and organization are a true fit for you. In preparing for the interview, be sure to research background information about the company and its expectations in advance. You will also want to prepare a set of questions to ask the interviewers.
The purpose of a second interview is to give the employer the confidence that you are, indeed, the right person for the position. Companies and organizations usually do this by asking you more detailed questions about your knowledge and skills. It is also common during a second interview to meet and be interviewed by several members of the organization.
The various members of a company will each have his or her own goals during the second interview. Your immediate supervisor might be most interested in your ability to meet deadlines and demonstrate efficiency, for example. The owner of the company might ask questions related to your long-term goals and interests in career advancement. A potential co-worker might speak with you about the specific details of the job to determine how well you can work together. Try to determine the goals of each interviewer and answer the questions accordingly.
When preparing for a second interview, you want to do your research about the employer. Ask the person who interviewed you the first time for the names and position titles of the people with whom you will be meeting during the second interview. This gives you an opportunity to look up their profiles on the company’s website or at least be prepared to greet them appropriately. In general, any information that you can gather ahead of time about the company will help you in answering questions related to your ability to meet the company’s expectations.
A second interview is an important opportunity for you to ask all necessary questions. Make a list of questions ahead of time and prioritize them. Think about the work-related questions that are most important to you and focus on those. Your list might include questions about the specific job description, the company’s evaluation process, opportunities for professional development and the overall vision of the organization. You will generally want to leave any questions related to salary until the end, after you have already demonstrated your interest in and ability to do the job.
At the end of a second interview, you will generally be given an indication of whether or not you will be hired. Some employers will give you a verbal offer during the interview. Others will get back to you within a few days or weeks. If the employer does not immediately make you an offer, inquire about the time frame in which a decision will be made. Be sure to follow up with a phone call if you do not hear back within the time frame indicated.
