10 Tips for Success in the Second Interview

Many companies interview candidates for employment twice, or even more often. When companies have a multiple interview process, the first round of interviews is screening interviews that are used to determine which applicants have the basic qualifications required for the job.

The candidates who pass the screening interview are selected for a second round interview. Second round interviews typically involve more detailed interview questions about the applicant, his or her qualifications and ability to perform for the company.

1. Keep up your energy and enthusiasm throughout the visit, which may last anywhere from two to eight hours. There may be a series of meetings or interviews with individuals and small groups. Each person will be evaluating you independently and accessing both your motivation to work there as well as your qualifications. Try to make a fresh, energetic impression in each session even though you may be fatigued or bored about answering the same questions.

2. Be prepared to answer variations of the same questions which you might have responded to in the initial interview in order to prove your fit. Your first interviewer probably didn’t transmit this information to other colleagues so be ready to say why you’re interested in the role and to relate how you have the knowledge, skills, and personal qualities that will enable you to succeed.

Make sure you have specific examples of how you’ve utilized your strengths to meet challenges and achieve success in past courses, volunteer work, jobs/internships, projects, and campus activities.

4. Be ready for group interviews. The natural tendency, when interviewed by several people, is to focus your delivery on the most approachable or comfortable interviewer. Make sure that you make eye contact with all your interviewers and direct your responses to all members of the interviewing group. Each person will have a say in your final evaluation, and some of their assessment will inevitably be influenced by whether you developed a rapport with them.

5. Don't forget that you are always being evaluated even when individuals are not asking you probing questions. You will often have the opportunity to meet with recent hires, perhaps for lunch. These folks will be asked for their impressions later on so don't let down your guard.

6. Some site visits involve group activities like case analyses or social receptions where you might interact with other candidates. Employers will use these situations to assess your ability to work in groups. You will need to showcase your leadership skills and finesse with people to succeed in these sessions. Drawing consensus, including others, and listening, will be valued in addition to any astute statements and creative solutions which you might offer.

7. Be prepared to ask questions and show an interest in each person with whom you meet. Examples include what they enjoy most about their role, a summary of their career path with the organization, the biggest challenge faced by their employer at this juncture and what they think is necessary for one to succeed in the job for which you are interviewing.

8. Send a follow-up communication to as many individuals with whom you've met as possible, and do so immediately after your meeting. Make sure you get business cards from everyone or ask your visit coordinator to share that information. If you really want the job, try to write something different in your email or letter which relates to your conversation with that individual. That way they’ll realize you are making an extra effort which will prove that you are a hard worker.

9. Make sure it is clear to all involved that you really want the job and you and the company would be an excellent fit. All things being equal, the most motivated candidate (without seeming desperate) often has an edge.

10. Maintain occasional communication with your prospective employer in the time following the interview. Relay any updated information about accomplishments and awards. It often can be a matter of just checking in to reiterate your strong interest and see if there’s any update regarding your status.