What to Expect if You Have a Second Interview with a Company

​We've written extensively in this blog about the face-to-face interview. However, the vast majority of these blog posts - if not all of them - have dealt with a job candidate's first interview with an organization.
 
But what if the candidate is called back for a second interview?
 
Well, we're here to address this oversight. Because if you've been called back for a second interview, that means the hiring manager and other company officials are quite interested in your candidacy. After all, they would not spend the time, energy, effort, and money conducting a second interview if they were not interested.
 
However, from the point of view of you, the job candidate, you can certainly expect the second interview will be different from the first. But what, exactly, will be different?
 
Below are five things to expect if you have a second interview with a company:
 
#1 – You'll talk with (mostly) different people.
 
The first set of interviewers determined whether or not you'd be returning for a second interview. The next round will most likely determine whether or not you'll receive an offer of employment. So you'll have to impress this group of people even more than the first group. (Although there's a chance there might be some overlap.)
 
#2 – You'll hear different questions.
 
Since you'll be talking with different people, it makes sense that you'll also hear different questions. However, you might also hear some unique and/or somewhat weird questions. These questions are meant to throw you off balance and test your ability to "think on your feet." In short, the interviewers are looking to get to know you a little better.
 
#3 – You'll talk about some of the same topics, but more in-depth.
 
The interviewers just "scratched the surface" during the first interview. This time around, though, they're going to want to know more details about many topics. All of the deeper questions posed about these topics relate to one thing; the potential value that you could bring to the organization. Since that's what the interviewers want to know about, make sure that's what you focus on.
 
#4 – You'll take a tour of the facility.
 
Since you're obviously a serious candidate, a tour is likely. This represents the opportunity to ask questions about the facility, since you'll be seeing the inside of it for the first time. (Hopefully, you've already conducted plenty of research about the company and the facility prior to your first interview with the organization.) You might even meet a few of your potential new co-workers.
 
#5 – You'll discuss money.
 
This is not always the case, but be prepared for it. And of course, do not bring it up first, but allow those conducting the interview to bring it up instead. You should have some idea of what hourly rate or salary range you're seeking prior to the interview. You don't want to be caught flat-footed. The interviewers are expecting you to be prepared for this conversation, so don't disappoint them. There's also a chance that they might offer the job to you before you leave. That's not always the case, but be prepared for that contingency, as well.
 
Are you currently engaged in a job search? Then Time Staffing can help!
 
Contact us today to find out about the employment opportunities that are available in your chosen field.