Getting a call for a job interview is a big deal. And getting a second call is definitely encouraging. Organizations often hold multiple rounds of interviews for deserving candidates, especially when they have a critical position to fill. Each round becomes more challenging than the next.
However, according to experts, candidates are called for the second round of interviews because the recruiters have seen potential in them in the first round. Something about the candidates impressed them, and they were asked to come for a second discussion.
While the first round of interviews is more generalized, the second round is much more focused.
This also means that chances of getting a job after a second interview are also considerably high if you manage to do well in it. You will get more scope to explain why you are perfect for the role.
As a result, you also need to prepare more, and you need to dress sharper and look and feel more confident. Here are some things to know if you want to increase your chances of getting a job after the second round.
What to Expect During Your Second Round Interview?
While most applicants prepare thoroughly for the first round, they are often clueless about the second round. This is also because many organizations tend to hire after a single round of interviews as well. However, if you get called for a second interview, here is what you can expect.
1. New People to Win Over
In most corporations, the first round of interviews is conducted by someone from the HR team. They will ask you questions regarding your work history, higher education, interests, technical knowledge, and similar questions to understand whether you have all the essential qualifications to fit in the role.
Once they consider you suitable, they will mark you as a viable candidate and call you for the second round. In this round, you can be sure that management will conduct your interview. There can be a department head, future supervisor, or a board member, depending on the ranking of the position you have applied for.
Hence, you will have many important people to impress, and chances are you will meet many or all of them for the first time. Instead of letting that make you nervous, prepare yourself to handle in-depth questions regarding your position.
Bonus Read: How to Stay Calm During an Interview?
2. A New Setting
Your second interview might have an entirely different setting compared to your first one. While it is quite possible you will have the second meeting in the same interview room in which the first one was conducted; your second interview might be completed in a more austere or casual setting.
You can get an idea about this by researching the work culture of the company. Go through their website and see what others say about them on social media. Is the company known for having a very formal ambiance? Or does it have a laid-back attitude that focuses on employee comfort?
In some cases, you might also be taken out to brunch or lunch.
Hence, getting an idea about the company profile will help you prepare accordingly. But no matter what the setting is, do not forget to present a confident smile and body language.
3. New and In-Depth Questions
If you want to increase your chances of getting the job after the second interview, you must prepare thoroughly for the new set of questions that will come your way.
The second round will focus more on your abilities, ethics, and values as an employee. The recruiters already know all they want to know about your background from your resume and the first interview.
The second round will focus on how you can use your academic excellence and past experiences to take the company forward. You can expect behavioral interview questions where you will be asked how you would respond to specific given problems and situations.
Through all this, your prospective employers will try to understand how well you communicate, whether you are adaptable, and how you intend to manage your work and personal life.
Hence, while preparing for the second interview, make sure you come with past instances about how your problem-solving abilities helped your precious company through a hurdle or how you cope with challenges, as they will work in your favor.
4. Invitation to Ask Questions
Most applicants prepare answers to the plausible questions they might be asked during an interview. However, during the second interview, you might also be invited to ask questions to your prospective employers.
They might ask you whether you have any queries, and this is your opportunity to impress them with pertinent questions. In such cases, do not simply ask questions related to your compensation package and benefits.
You can get to it when they ask you about your expected salary. Instead, you can ask questions related to the vision of the company and how it intends to improve with the changing times.
Does the company believe more in customer retention or customer acquisition? What do they do for employee engagement? Do they believe in building a community? How do they plan to tackle their carbon footprint?
All of these are incredibly insightful questions that will not only help you understand the company better but will also leave your employers impressed.
Tips to Ace Your Second Interview
So, you have been called for your second interview. Congratulations! Here are some tips to help you do well to increase your chances of landing the job.
1. Do Not Try to Impress
Yes, it would be best if you did not overtly try to impress your prospective employers. Just because you have been invited for the second round, do not go on with profusions of thankfulness or keep saying only positive things about the company. Instead, use what you have already learned from your educational and work experiences and reinforce them with confidence.
Bonus Read: 3 Best Leadership Experience Example For Your Interview
2. Be Thorough With Your Technical Knowledge
There will always be someone on the panel who would only be interested in knowing how well you can do your job. Hence, you should know everything about the technical aspects that your job will require. Study hard and go back to your books if you have to. Revise the most relevant skills for the position and make sure you can express clearly why you are best suited for the task.
3. Try to Show You Fit In
This can be a deal-maker during the second interview. Although the applicant has all the necessary qualifications for a position, the employers just don’t feel they will fit in. This can be a very intuitive thing. Maybe your employers feel you won’t match the vibe of the other employees or that you are just not a team player.
In such cases, it is up to you to convince them that you are the right fit. Try to gauge what they are looking for from the tone of their voices and the nature of their questions.
4. Focus on The Future
One of the things you can do to increase your chances of getting the job after the second interview is to talk subtly about the future. This shows your interest in the position. You can say something like getting along well with your prospective team members.
Moreover, once you have completed the interview, be sure to follow up. Drop an email thanking your prospective employers for speaking with you again and that you are hopeful you will get a chance to work together.
Things to Avoid During the Second Interview
Here are some things to avoid during your second interview to help you increase your chances of landing the job.
- It is alright to feel nervous during your second interview. But do not let it get to you. Do not forget to maintain eye contact and maintain a good posture.
- Do not fumble if you are made a spot offer or if you are asked questions about your salary. Prepare how you would handle such queries and confidently state the figure you think you deserve.
- Be prepared to negotiate your salary as well. There is no compulsion for you to reply on the spot. You can tell them that you will think about their offer and get back in a day or two.
- Do not forget to dress formally. Many applicants make the mistake of assuming that the second interview has a more casual air. Even if your employer has called you for lunch or brunch for the second interview, take care to at least dress in business casual, though it is always advisable to go formal.
- Don’t be thrown off guard if you are asked questions regarding relocation. This is a significant question, and you can always tell your recruiters that you will think about it and get back to them.
Bonus Read: Follow-up Email After Interview: Samples + Writing Tips
Conclusion
Second interviews need not be scary. In fact, once you have cleared the first round, use it to increase your confidence. Your recruiters might have found you suitable in certain aspects because they are now interested in discussing the position more with you.
Hence, all you have to do is reinforce the good points and work on certain new aspects. In fact, even your second interview might not be your last one, and you can also be asked to come back for a third round. This means your employers are narrowing down on the candidates, and they have seen the potential in you already.
Be observant, confident, humble, and professional, and your chances of getting the job after the second interview will increase manifold. Use the second interview to know about the company and the employers as much as possible and use it to your advantage.
