If you are going into the second round of interviews, congratulations! This means you have moved on to the next step in the process, and the candidate pool is getting smaller. Moving on means that you impressed them during the initial interview, so make sure you make this one count! Oftentimes, during a second interview, you are meeting with someone different than the first, or in some cases meeting a panel of people. If you are preparing for a first interview, check out our blog to help you prepare. If you are already progressing into a second round, then read on to make sure you nail the interview!
Ask what to expect
There is no harm in simply asking what you should expect for the second interview. You should be asking, either way, it shows you taking initiative. Make sure to ask who you will be interviewing with, so you can show up with no surprises. Depending on what you are interviewing for, it may be useful to ask what the agenda is, because sometimes a second interview includes a tour, presentation, etc… Just depends on the company! It can be especially important to know if there is a walkaround part so you can be sure you follow the dress code, or just to be comfortable while walking!
Learn more about your interviewers
If you follow the first step and learn more about what to expect, you should be able to get the names of the people you will be meeting with. It looks great to have a little knowledge of what they do for the company! Learn their names, and titles before the interview if possible. Oftentimes, companies have a directory on their website so you might even be able to read a little snippet about them!
Do more research
A second interview is usually much more in-depth than the first, so make sure to learn as much as you can about the company! Look at their website, and any information you can find online. Doing research on a company is so beneficial because it allows you to get a feel for what to expect, and it also shows that you come prepared!
Brush up your skills
As previously mentioned, this interview will likely be more in-depth. So make sure that you are up to date with all of your skills so that you can easily showcase what you know. It is common that they may put your knowledge “to the test” and ask more direct questions about the industry you are applying to. Having said that, if you feel inclined, maybe even prepare an idea or recommendation for the company! It shows that you are interested in helping the company grow and become better, and is also a great way to elaborate on your skills.
Make sure prior to the second interview that you take time to reflect on previous interviews. This can help you stay consistent, and also remember key information that you have already learned. If you have made it this far in the process, you have impressed them, so keep it up! As always, make sure to be on time, appropriately dressed, and well-rested!
