The Dos and Don'ts of Your Second Job Interview
There might not be a better feeling out there than getting a call from your interviewer to come back in for a second interview. This means that you are just one step closer to attaining your dream job. Once you get that illustrious call, however, what do you do next? It's time to delve into the second interviewing dos and don'ts.
What to Do to Make a Great Second Impression
Getting that call obviously means that you did something right in that first interview. That doesn't mean, however, that you can just slack off when it comes time for your follow-up. With a subsequent interview, it's important to remember that with another meeting comes more preparation. It's time to really dig deep into yourself and the company that you want to get hired on with. As part of that preparation, consider the following "dos" from this list of second interviewing dos and don'ts:
- Domake sure that you arrive on time. As with any interview, getting to the chosen location a few minutes early is always a good idea. If it's a different location from where the first meeting was held, try to scout out your route prior to your appointment to make sure that you get there promptly.
- Doread up on various business luncheon etiquette as second interviews are often over a meal with the hiring manager. Showing that you have the proper manners says more about you than some of your answers will.
- Dotry to find out what the agenda for the day is. While normally your first interview is your run-of-the-mill hour-long, office meeting, a second interview can stretch into a group interview, a company tour, meals, etc.
- Doremember that the main priority of the interviewer during this process is to see how well you would fit in at their company. To overcome this situation, always make sure that you're putting on your best face to those around you. Remember that they're also looking at how you get along with your future coworkers as well.
- Domake sure that you are well-rested. Getting a good night's sleep helps you to think clearly during whatever tests that you're required to take as well as answering to the best of your ability.
- Doremember that every type of question is fair game. As one of the biggest components of second interviewing dos and don'ts, preparing for questions such as behavioral, personality and even questions that you were asked in your first interview is crucial to an excellent performance.
Avoid These and Ace Your Second Interview
Along with getting the essentials down, your second interviewing dos and don'ts also includes a list of things that you should avoid at all costs. To get the best performance that you can during your job meeting, sidestep these common interview pitfalls:
- Don'tget caught off guard when your second interviews turns out to actually be a series of interviews. If you happen to take part in an interview panel, don't forget to make eye contact with the person asking the question, as well as all other members of the panel.
- Don'tforget to prepare by reviewing your prior performance. Look back on how you answered questions that were asked as well as how you presented yourself so that you can work on areas that may need improvement.
- Don'tbecome inattentive and careless with your attire just because you've made it to the second round. Keep it professional and crisp to keep their impression of you high.
- Don'tbe afraid to talk to those other than the one who's interviewing you. Making friends with others in the office never hurts your chances to get hired.
- Don'tforget to send a thank you note to each interviewer that you've come in contact with. Each person on the panel and each hiring manager has some sort of pull when it comes to who they hire.
- Don'tenter the interview without a proper idea of what you're expecting salary-wise. While that won't always come up, it's best to be prepared. And remember, even if you get an offer right then, you don't have to answer right away and can ask for a few days to think it over.
Overall, second interviewing dos and don'ts are the key to nabbing your dream job. Keep these in mind as you prepare for your meeting and you're sure to make your dreams a reality.
