HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SECOND INTERVIEW! (2nd INTERVIEW TIPS, QUESTIONS & ANSWERS to get you HIRED!)

The second interview is more in-depth than the first interview. You will have to answer specific questions about your ability to perform in the role, your knowledge of their company, and how your previous experience has prepared you for the position. Therefore, it is vital that you put in lots of preparation for the second interview if you want to succeed. Treat the second interview with just as much importance as the first one!

Before you attend the second interview, research their company website to learn about their history, organizational values, latest news stories, and any achievements they have gained, or awards won.

Then, write down a list of 3 things that have attracted you to work at their company. You might be attracted to their company culture, their forward-thinking and innovative approach to business, or their high-quality products and services. All these things will enable you to answer the second interview question, “why do you want to work for us?”

Is to read the JOB DESCRIPTION before your second interview and think of previous situations you have been in where you demonstrated the main requirements of the role.

For example, the job description might say there is a need to solve difficult challenges and problems in the position. If that’s the case, think of previous situations you have been in where you took ownership of a difficult challenge or problem and resolved it quickly. The more evidence you have of previous relatable work performance, the more chance you will have of passing your 2^nd interview!

Is to make sure you are EXCITED about the job and demonstrate CURIOSITY at your interview! What do we mean by this? Well, you should be positive, smile, and demonstrate enthusiasm when answering the interview questions. You should also demonstrate curiosity about the job by asking the following 3 questions at the end of your second interview:

Q1. What would my success in the role look like in twelve months from now?

Q2. Can you tell me more about the team I would be a part of in this role?

Q3. What are the challenges facing the company right now, and what could I do in the role to help you overcome them?

Is to make sure you prepare answers to the most common second interview questions, and remember, you might get asked the same questions as the first interview, so make sure you revisit your answers! Here are some examples:

SECOND INTERVIEW QUESTION #1 – PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF

“My name is (INSERT YOUR NAME), and I would describe myself as a great fit for the job description and your company values. I am industrious, have a track record of achievement, take ownership of challenges and problems, and my creativity means I can bring new and fresh ideas to the company to help you grow. For example, in my last role, I helped the company promote its products and services on social media, which increased sales, and I will aim to replicate the same level of success for your organization.

Outside of work, I like to keep myself fit and active, I read self-development books, and I take good care of myself, which means my concentration and energy levels are always high when I am at work. If you hire me, I will be a great role model for the company and take responsibility for my professional development, so I am always a useful and highly-productive member of the team.”

SECOND INTERVIEW QUESTION #2 – WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?

“I would like to work here because my research tells me you are forward-thinking, a market leader, your values are aligned with my own, and you are always pushing the boundaries of innovation. This means, I will be able to grow professionally, work alongside other talented and ambitious individuals, and work on projects that will push my skills and knowledge. I see working for your company as the next stage of my development and if I am successful, I plan to build a long-term career here.”

SECOND INTERVIEW QUESTION #3 – WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?

“I am motivated by exceeding expectations in my work because that makes me feel valued, respected, and proud. I am motivated by continuous improvement because that means I am moving forward with my career. I am also motivated by supporting and providing for my family. If I can provide for my family, it means they are happy and healthy, and I then feel good about myself because I am taking my personal responsibilities seriously. The only way I can provide for my family is if I work hard and do a great job for my employer.”

SECOND INTERVIEW QUESTION #4 – HOW WOULD YOU DEAL WITH CONFLICT WITH A CO-WORKER?

“As a mature and professional employee, I would see it as my responsibility to resolve the conflict quickly and amicably. If conflict is left unchecked, it can impact the rest of the team, so I would always be keen to resolve it. I would, first, assess my actions to ensure I wasn’t contributing to the conflict. I would then sit down in private with my co-worker, get to know how they felt about the situation, and discuss ways we could reach a comprise for the benefit of the team.”

SECOND INTERVIEW QUESTION #5 – WHAT ARE THE FIRST 3 THINGS YOU WOULD DO IF YOU GOT THE JOB?

“First, I would obtain a brief from my manager of what is expected of me in the role, my goals and targets for the year, and the company’s mission. Second, I would get to know my work colleagues and learn all company policies and procedures as fast as possible. Finally, I would set to work on important projects and tasks, and complete them as soon as possible to show you what I am capable of, and how I can help the company move forward and achieve its objectives.”

SECOND INTERVIEW QUESTION #6 – WHAT ARE YOUR SALARY EXPECTATIONS?

“My salary expectations are $67,000. This is based on the higher end of the range for this position and industry. I am worth $67,000 because of my experience, track record of achievement, strong work ethic, the fact that I always go above and beyond what is expected of me, and my qualifications. For $67,000, you will see a positive return on your investment, and you will be hiring someone whose desire to continually improve, and grow their professional network, means they will always be a valuable asset to the company.”

This is a very difficult interview question to answer because most people don’t even know what they will be doing next week, never mind in 5 years’ time! The hiring manager does not want to hear you plan to be working elsewhere in five years’ time, because that means they will have to re-advertise the post and train someone new. 

EXAMPLE ANSWER:

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

“In five years from now, I plan to still be working for your company either in this role with more responsibility, or having gained promotion to a higher level. I would have completed numerous training development courses, diversified my skills, and have built an extensive professional network that enables me to complete my work efficiently and competently. In five years, I would be seen as a trusted, reliable, and highly-productive member of the team who could be used to help train new members of staff as and when they join the company.”