Get A Second Interview? 4 Ways To Ace It

Congratulations! After leaving a good impression during the first interview, you have now been offered an opportunity to come in for a second interview. While this is certainly reason to celebrate, it’s important to not get overconfident — you haven’t landed the job yet, and getting a second interview isn’t a guarantee that the position will eventually be yours.

If you’re going in for a second interview soon, it’s important to understand how it differs from the first interview. The first one was the company’s way of seeing if your experience and skillset makes you capable enough to do the role, whereas a second interview is not only about making sure that your skills match up, but also that you are the right fit for the role and the company.

Here are four ways to ace the second interview:

Arrive at an appropriate time

Arriving early is always important, but it’s especially important when you’re vying for a position in a narrow candidate pool. On the other hand, showing up too early can signal to a potential employer that you either can’t follow instructions, and/or you’re not respectful of the interviewer’s time. To avoid leaving a bad impression, make an effort to show up 10-15 minutes before the interview is supposed to start.

Take notes

A second interview is another opportunity for you to expand on your soft skills and continue to build your case as the best person for the role. For the interviewer, however, this is an opportunity for them to go into more detail about the position and the company. Because of this, you’ll want to take notes during a second interview. Not only does this make you look engaged and prepared, but you can refer to these notes later on if you’re given a job offer.

Demonstrate how you can be an asset to the company

A second interview may be your last chance to interview with the employer before a decision is made, so be sure to fully explain why you’re the best choice for the role. Employers are looking for someone to help strengthen the business as a part of a team, so it’s important to explain how your previous experiences can help the company achieve their short- and long-term goals. To show your value, be sure to highlight times where you had to work as part of a team to achieve certain goals and give examples of when you’ve had to put your problem-solving skills to work.

Ask good questions

It’s important to remember that the second interview is also an opportunity for you to ultimately decide whether the company is a good fit for you. Just as the interviewer is trying to get to know you, you should use this opportunity to get a better feel for the company. In interviews, the hiring manager will undoubtedly ask if you have interview questions for them, so make the most out of your time by making the interview a productive conversation. Asking about topics that are aimed at getting a better feel for the company, such as internal growth opportunities and company culture, can show your interviewer that you’re serious about your future with the business, as well as help you in the decision-making process.