What is a Second Interview?

Usually, when a company is going through the hiring process, the first interview will be conducted to see which individuals have the required qualifications for the job.

The second interview is an opportunity for the company to get to know you better, usually asking more complex questions and testing your industry knowledge. Don’t panic, because here are a few ways you can conquer your second interview jitters.

1. Do Your Homework

Before you go into the interview, take some time and look into the company. This includes getting on the website, reading their materials, and just getting to know the culture or brand messaging. It is also a great idea to look up who you will be speaking to, websites like LinkedIn or even the staff tab on the website are great places to start. Doing this can give you an edge over the competition and show off your knowledge of the company. 

Researching the type of job you are applying for is also helpful. Getting more familiar with the skills you might need for the job helps you get a better understanding of exactly what the company is looking for. Also, doing research on the keywords that are used in the job description can give you the ability to slip those in the interview to help you show off your knowledge of the role. Always expect follow-up questions, so be sure to have a good understanding of the job before you head into the interview. 

   2. Practice Makes Perfect

If you are nervous about an interview, take some time and reflect on why you are feeling this way. Are you worried about tough questions? Are you nervous it might take too long to answer a question? Practicing interviewing in the mirror or with your friends can help you feel more confident and calm those nerves.

Once you have found what is making you anxious, try some practice interview questions. Get a friend, look in the mirror or record yourself answering these questions. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be in the interview. The most important part is to relax and just be yourself. Sometimes being overly nervous can make people talk themselves into circles, or speak too quickly. Remember to breathe and treat the interview like a conversation rather than an interrogation. 

Before your interview try to think back to all of your work experiences. Once you have done that, pick just one project and start writing the details down. Focus on one project that you are proud of, that highlights skills that pertain to the job you are applying for. Make a list of all the projects you have worked on and pick one that will show the interviewer you have the skills needed to do this job. After you have narrowed it down to one, write down all the details in connection with that project to help jog your memory. Details like how you managed projects, the problems you ran into, and the solutions you came up with. The more you think about your past the better these experiences will be stored in your short-term memory. Taking experiences from your long-term memory and putting them into your short term will ensure that you can quickly respond to questions. 

   3. Keep it Fresh

“Tell me about yourself”. This is one example of a question that almost all interviewers ask every candidate they meet. Although you may be tired of answering these types of questions, it is important to stay energetic. First impressions are very critical. It is best to keep a fresh face on and not sound like a robot when you answer commonly asked questions. Mixing up the way you respond to these questions can help with staying energetic.

It is easy to get caught up in the interviewing process and become too confident that you are going to get the job. It is important to tell the interviewer about your successes, but it is also important that you understand the job and culture. Bragging about yourself can hinder you from learning more about the company. Keep a healthy balance between you and the interview on who is talking. Make sure you express your appreciation and play it cool, you got this. 

   4. Connect

In the second interview, it is common to speak and meet with the people you will be working with or your future boss. As mentioned in Step 1, gathering information about the interviewers beforehand can give you a better chance of getting the job. It tells the interviewer that you care enough to take the time to do research and learn more about them. Making a connection based on past work or school experience will help you stand out in their head. When they decide on who gets the job, they are more likely to pick someone who has all the qualifications and is a culture fit than someone who did not try to connect with them.

Being true to yourself will help the interviewer better understand you and if you will be a cultural fit in the company. While you are trying to put your best foot forward during the interview, you also need to make sure that you will be successful in the role. The interviewer is trying to make a connection with you just as much as you are trying to make a connection with them. 

   5. Keep a good headspace

This tip is a simple one, but it is important to keep in mind before and during the interview. If you are preparing for the interview thinking of it as an interrogation, you will most likely be nervous. But if you think of an interview as a conversation then you can easily relax. 

One great way to have a dialogue is to ask the interviewer questions. Not only is asking questions a sign of interest and curiosity, but it will keep the conversation balanced. Remember, you’re there to get to know them just as much as they are getting to know you. Finding a job that has people you get along with is great for mental health and overall job satisfaction. Also, don’t just wait until the end to ask your questions. Try to weave some in throughout the interview. This will keep your interview balanced and have a lighter tone.

After the second interview is over there might be some time where they will, “let you know”. This can take weeks sometimes due to the extensive process it takes to hire a new employee. The best thing to do is wait a few days and send a follow-up email. Make sure to write something simple like, “Hello, I enjoyed meeting everyone and wanted to thank you for the opportunity. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me”. 



Still, feeling nervous? Don’t panic! Our team at Allied OneSource is ready to calm your nerves and help you land your dream job. Reach out to a representative today.