Going to a second stage interview can feel a little bit like reliving the same day again. You might think: ‘What more does this employer want to know about me that we haven’t already covered?
In most circumstances, second stage interviews are less about your previous role experiences and more about how you stand out from other candidates. In this blog post we cover off a few simple tips to help you be fully prepared.
Have the right mindset
Firstly - congratulations! You made it through the first round of interviews and they clearly saw something they liked or they wouldn’t want to invite you back. This should give you a little confidence boost - what you did last time….it worked.
You can enter into this second round with that mindset, knowing your preparation paid off before. Take the time to reflect on what you did that you felt worked well and if there is anything else you would’ve liked them to know about you. Keeping your answers consistent with your initial responses is a sensible move.
Find out how this interview will be different
During this second interview, expect to be challenged more than in the first. The interviewer will possibly want to compare you more deeply to other prospective candidates and will want to know what makes you stand out as their best candidate.
Ask the interviewer beforehand what will be expected of you in this second stage interview. For example, you may also be asked to complete an activity or task such as preparing a short presentation. This is a simple way for the company to make a comparison between all the candidates.
Being prepared for the task at hand will help you make succinct and clear points maximising your chances of success; but remember to also allow your personality to shine through. Ultimately, this second interview is to clarify that you would be a good fit for the team and company.
Don’t forget your good practices
Just as with the first interview, make sure to keep up all your good interview practices that you maintained in the first interview round.
Preparation is key and in this second stage the interview questions are likely to encourage you to go into greater detail than before. You may be asked to elaborate on how you would respond to hypothetical situations.
The interviewers may even be more senior members of the team or department. Conducting your research into the new interviewers and their roles within the business will help you to tailor your answers (and end of interview questions) to suit their roles.
Finally, sending a prompt thank you email will make sure that you leave a positive and lasting impression and will put you in a good position when you meet them for a third time - on the first day of your new job!