What to Expect at a Second Job Interview – and How to Nail It

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Penny Hoarder.

Congratulations — you made it through the second round of interviews for the job. Now, it’s time to step up your game and make an even stronger impression.

The second interview is your chance to stand out and prove that you are the obvious choice for the job. It’s also an opportunity to revisit any questions you feel could use more clarity or detail.

If you feel nervous, don’t worry.

Here are the dos and don’ts of the second interview and some tips to help you secure the job.

Difference Between First and Second Interview

The first interview is usually the first test. The interviewer assesses your overall suitability for the position and gets a general idea of ​​your background and qualifications. The second interview is a little different.

“In your second interview, you just don’t show that you deserve this position. Instead, you should now talk about what sets you apart from other applicants who also meet, and may exceed, the minimum job requirements,” said Dr. Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES, tech career coach, and founder of CaffeinatedKyle.com, in an email.

“In addition, your second interview may be a longer interview with the hiring manager or a peer. You want to use this interview to highlight your unique value proposition and why the hiring manager would benefit from choosing you over other applicants,” he added.

Tips for Making Your Second Interview

Here are some professional tips on how to make a good impression and ace your second interview.

1. Research Beyond the Company Website

Matthew Warzel, certified professional career writer (CPRW), certified online recruiter (CIR) and president of resume writing firm MJW Careers, suggests checking the latest company news, press releases, and social media channels to prepare for your second interview.

“Knowing them well allows you to tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their specific needs,” she said.

Also, if possible, he recommends looking into who will be interviewing you and researching their roles in the company.

“Look at their LinkedIn profiles to understand their background and interests. This will help you make your answers more relevant and allow you to build rapport during the interview,” he added.

2. Use the Star Method

“I always coach my clients to use the STAR method to prepare for ethical questions that may come up in the second interview,” says Warzel.

The STAR method is a structured and concise way to answer a behavior-based question by discussing the specific situation, task, action and outcome of the situation it describes.

• S: Describe the situation you were in
• T: What was your job?
• A: Talk about the action you took to fix the problem
• R: What were the consequences of your actions?

3. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Conversations are not a one-way conversation. They are an opportunity for both parties to get to know each other. You’ll want to prepare meaningful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company’s future.

“Remember to use this opportunity to ask about the expectations of the role in the first 90 days, the dynamics of the team and how your success will be measured. This not only shows how you think but also helps you to assess whether the position is right for you,” Warzel suggested.

Conversation Two Do’s and Don’ts

Here are the dos and don’ts of a second job interview if you want to leave a good impression.

What you need to do:

1. Dress to Impress: Your second interview is just as important as the first. Make sure you dress appropriately to show that you are taking the interview seriously.
2. Clear Any Confusion: If you were confused about anything in your first interview, your second interview is your chance to clarify.
3. Show Your Excitement: Talk about why you are excited about the role and how you see yourself succeeding there.

Don’t:

1. Speak badly: Don’t badmouth previous employers or experiences. Instead, focus on what you learned and how you grew from the experience.
2. Forget Tracking: Thank you emails are not just for the first conversation. Be sure to send one back after the second interview to show your appreciation for the opportunity.
3. Skip Preparing for Behavioral Questions: Be prepared to discuss past experiences in detail during your second interview. Think about specific situations, what you did and what the results were so you can easily share your story.

Questions That May Come Up in Your Second Interview

In your second conversation, things will get a little deeper. The interviewer may ask more challenging questions about who you are and what you can bring to the table. Here are some common questions you can expect:

• Describe a professional achievement you are proud of.
• Talk about a difficult decision you made at work.
• Have you ever been in a work situation where you were asked to do something that you felt was unethical?
• What would you consider an acceptable salary for this position?
• Have you ever worked on a project that changed halfway through?
• What do you think your biggest contributions will be in this role?
• What type of workplace do you prefer and why?
• What was your favorite past job?
• What was the most important project you worked on in your last job?