Tesar-Reynes

You’ve been through your first interview. You did well and the company wants you to come back for another. But what should you expect? You know you’re in the running for the job. This could be the next big step in your career, and you want to come as well prepared to the interview as possible.

A job offer means security. It means a step up the ladder. It means a promise that you’ll be able to make a better living for you and your family.

That’s the opportunity presented to me at the moment. I interviewed for a Social Media Specialist position with a BtoB firm last week and have been asked to return for a second interview. There’s one problem – I’ve never been on a second interview before!

So I scoured the Internet for some 2nd job interview advice, and listed the 5 posts I found most helpful below.

Overall, keep these three points in mind during your preparation.

1. The second interview is a good sign. A couple articles opened that some people find second interviews disappointing, feeling like they weren’t good enough to get the job on the first. That’s not the case at all. Give yourself a pat on the back. The employer likes you, has singled you out as a prospect, and wants to delve deeper. They want to re-confirm their first impressions.

2. The employer wants to see how you’ll fit in with others. This seems to be an over-arching theme of second interviews. Expect to meet the people you’ll potentially work with. Let more of your personality out, especially in the grander scheme of how you’ll fit into the culture and add value to the environment.

3. Come prepared with more in-depth, technical knowledge. You likely received some clues as to the work you’ll potentially do on a day-to-day basis. Unless you are going in for a mid-level job or above, do some practical research: do store checks, talk to product users, do some deep web research.

Here are the posts:

Do’s and Don’ts for Second (and Subsequent) Job Interviews, by Quintessential Careers

This one offers the most comprehensive advice, hence its high ranking in Google search for “Second Job Interview.” I like Quintessential Careers simple content-driven site. Their editorial proves content is KING. It may not be pretty to look at, but their articles are super helpful, and their high ranking in job hunting-related searches shows that.

Going on the Second Interview, by Forbes.com

It’s Forbes, the “Homepage for the World’s Business Leaders”, as their Web site brags. Writer Tara Weiss tells you like it is in simple, straightforward, journalistic style.

How to Prepare for a Second Job Interview, by eHow.com

This article from the guys that tell you “How to Do Just About Everything” lists a nice six-step process you can use to get ready.

How is a Second Job Interview Different From the First?, by Life123.com

This post has some good info on the employer’s point of view. You’ll find out the employer’s goals and how you can best prepare yourself to meet them.

How Should I Approach My Second Interview?, by Monster.com (UK)

You’ll find simple, big picture advice in this post. It’ll help you form your overall mindset going into the process.