Top interviewing tipsfrom Lisa Jobson
(pictured), director of talent atHarvey
Nash:
- If the first interview is a screening process to make sure
you're qualified for the job, the second one is usually to see if
the company likes you and to make sure you fit the corporate
culture.
- Analyse your first interview. It's likely that any areas which
you discussed will come under intense scrutiny second time round,
so you will need to provide fuller answers to more searching
questions.
- Ask about the format of the interview in advance, and be
prepared to show that you are competent and that you would work
well with the existing team.
- You can expect to meet different people each time. While the
first interview may be conducted by your future boss, the second
could be led by a human resources manager. Every interviewer has
their own agenda, so keep that in mind as you prepare.
- The second stage is likely to comprise competency-based
questions designed to assess your personality and behavioural
traits in different situations. A second job interview is as much
about your people skills as your professional skills.
- If you are meeting the same person, try not to repeat the same
things you said at the previous interview. Try asking some more
questions about the direction the company is going in and its
history.
- If you meet a new point of contact, keep in mind that they are
already aware of some of your skills but you will need to go over
some of the things you discussed in the first interview. During the
second stage you may be asked about your current and expected
compensation package, so be prepared to speak about what you earn
currently as well as justify the package you are looking to secure
for the new role.
- If feedback has been consistently positive over the course of
the recruitment process, you may get a job offer at the end of the
interview. If that happens don't make a hasty decision, take all
the details and ask for time to think about it.
- If you don't get an offer, be sure to immediately send a brief
thank you note to every person you met. Timelines and decision
making process will vary from company to company so be patient, be
flexible and be ready for an offer or an invitation for yet another
interview.
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