If you’re looking to get a job, you’ll probably already understand that there’s the usual process of writing a resume, getting prepared, sending a resume, receiving an offer for an interview and then attending it.
What a lot of people often don’t know is that sometimes, a prospective employer will request a number of interviews in order to filter down to the right candidate. Each interview in the process will look at different skills or areas of importance.
Usually, these interviews will be different and have clear objectives as to who and what they’re looking for in each interview.
Confused by that? Don’t worry! We’re going to elaborate on what this means and give you some handy tips to prepare you for the process.
Table of Contents
What Is An Interview Exactly?
A job interview is when a potential employer will request you to attend a face to face or digital video interview. It can also be performed over the telephone, but this is less common. The format of the interview will depend on the business.
For example, if the company is entirely digital – the likelihood is that the interview process will be entirely online or over the phone.
Interviews are a chance for the employer to get to know the prospective employee a little better and try to assess if they are suitable for the vacant position.
Although a resume will have outlined your credentials and previous experience, it doesn’t quite convey who you are to the employer.
Therefore, an interview is crucial to an employer – and it’s crucial to you. It’s also your opportunity to get to know the employer and the business a little better, but it provides you the platform to try and indicate to the employer that yes, you are the person for this job.
So, Why Exactly Is A Second Interview Necessary?
Multiple interviews are becoming more common with employers but it depends on the nature of the business or organization. Sometimes, an employer will have a clear interview process.
If positions become available rarely in this workplace – the chances are, they will have a large screening process.
Typically, the first interview will be a way to get to know the candidate and the employer, but you’re not the only person that the employer will be interviewing.
As a result, simply speaking with the employer might not be enough to secure the job – regardless of how good you were!
The way in which an employer can filter the large number of candidates down is to create a process of initial contact, first interview and then second interview. Sometimes, there might be more.
The next interview might involve you and other candidates performing tasks. This can not only show your confidence, but it can indicate things like leadership skills, communication skills, how you deal with stressful situations and how you implement your previous experience into practice.
Depending on the nature of the position, you might notice that each interview stage has different people interviewing you – perhaps in the second interview, you’re meeting the top boss.
In many ways, this can be a good sign. The previous stages, you’d have dealt with people such as human resources, who now believe you are good enough to meet people such as the CEO.
This level of confidence in you shows that you have impressed – and they don’t want to look foolish putting someone forward if they had no confidence in you!
Second interview tasks will be set up to look for specific skills and areas of expertise, so if you can successfully impress in these tasks – the step to employment is looking good!
How Would You Prepare For A Second Interview?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to know how you will prepare for a second interview, as an employer might keep the planned tasks to themselves. This can be to try and see how well you do when a situation arises without prior knowledge or planning.
However, other times they will be transparent with the process. Either way, you should try and do the following:
Research The Interviewers
If you have been told who is interviewing you – it’s a good idea to research them online or via sites like LinkedIn. The more you know about them, the better it can be for you to understand what they might be looking for.
Not only this, it will indicate to you about what role they hold and how high up in the business or organization they are – you might be being interviewed by the cream of the crop!
Ask For The Plans
If you’ve been invited to a second interview, you should consider asking what the format of the day is, what the itinerary might be etc. If they send you this, it will likely outline who will interview you, how long it will take, what you should wear etc.
Knowing what to expect will change the way you prepare, so this is a crucial stage of the process for you. If you can get the plans – make sure that you do!
Research The Company
Whatever type of workplace you are planning to become hired in, you should always research their vision, what they do and who they are. Not only this, you might be able to find previous employees discussing the interview process – which can help you prepare.
Remember though, that the more you know about the potential role – the better placed you will be in the process and it might impress your interviewer.
Study
This might sound absurd, but if you’re going for a position that you have not been affiliated with for many years or you have decided to change your job direction – you should study and brush up on your skills and knowledge.
There’s nothing more off-putting than being lost for words in an industry that you claim to be right for. If you’re going for a technical role, you should study up on the jargon for example. The interviewers might bring up some jargon – you’ll want to know what they’re talking about.
Taking Lessons From Others And Yourself
Experience is normally key to success. Noting down tips from your previous successes and how you can improve is the best way forward in life, and interviews are no exception.
If you have little experience in this – consider asking a family member or friend for some advice.
The more you have at your disposal and the better prepared you are will improve your chances of success.
Never Forget The Basics
When it comes right down to it, you’re still attending an interview. Sometimes, employers will say that you can dress informally and this can let your guard down.
Always bear in mind that this is a chance for you to secure employment – so remember these next points:
- Rest Up: You’ll need to be properly rested the night before!
- Be Confident/Positive: Confidence and a positive attitude will make you stand out from the crowd
- Thank Your Interviewers: Always remember to thank your interviewers for the opportunity
- Be Appropriate: Dress appropriately for the interview and be mindful of where you are
If you remember these points, you should be well prepared for your second interview!
Summary
Second interviews might seem daunting and if you’ve never been in one before, you might not know how the process works.
However, if you follow this guidance and remain calm, prepared and well-researched, you should be completely fine!
