What to Expect in a Second Interview

Going for interviews has never been an easy thing to do for anyone, because the on rush of doubt of whether you'll be hired is all you can think about. The fact that you've been called for your second interview, puts you in the clear that there is a high chance of you getting the position after all.

Acing the first round of interviews is the hard part, but little do people know that it is the second round that will reveal all when it comes to you and whoever else is conducting the whole process. It is important to keep your cool, answer only when questioned, resist the urge to pass cocky statements and dress to impress.

Make sure you have all your documents on you, including a copy of your resume just in case the situation calls for a second one. Have all necessary documentations ready and filed away in a neat folder which you can slip across the desk to whoever is in charge.

Things to bear in mind during round two - do not be late; just like round one when you showed up much earlier than the said time, the same should be worked out on now as well. Showing up on time gives you a chance to get your breathing leveled, rehearse your opening line when you walk into the office and compose yourself and check for any flaws in your do up. Dress professionally and watch how you carry yourself from start to finish.

The person/s heading the interview round, be it the same as round one or a new person / group in the management asked to head it, will know that you are nervous and looking for something that will ease the stress of the situation. Small talk is made like welcoming you back, asking you if you had to wait long or how things are with you thus far from round one.

The talk then goes on to how you did in the first interview, covering areas like performance in the written / online test, your past job experience, where you studied, where your strong points lie, if they think you're right for the position based on the details of your resume and so on.

Answer questions briefly and to the point, since he/she or the group will expect nothing more and nothing less. Speak confidently, maintaining eye contact and keeping your voice firm, loud enough for the person to hear and unwavering.

Flipping through your resume, the interviewer will then bring up certain questions like what led you to leave a company 6 months from joining?, this particular company is highly reputed, what made you leave?, why haven't you worked in 3 months from the last company?

What made you quit three jobs in two years?, what makes you think that you're right for this job?, how reliable an employee are you to this organization? and so on. Look into these second interview questions to prepare yourself for these sort of queries.

The interviewer once satisfied by your answers can do one of two things - ask you to come for a third interview which some companies arrange for if they're either unsure or have a system that conducts three rounds or congratulate you on getting the job.

They tend to put you on the spot to pressure you a little which is all standard during round two, but the job is as good as yours if you make it this stage in most cases. Thank him/her or the group as a whole, shaking hands with those present to show your sense of good etiquette during interviews and with a cordial smile exit the room.

They will update you either by email or in person about other details like job timings and the company rule book maybe, or have someone else help you with the rest of the details once you exit the office. Don't be late on your first day on the job, submit all documentation and complete the legal proceedings as and when it is asked of you.

I'm sure you'll do just fine and have possess the job that you've worked so hard to get in the first place. Once you know how the interview process works, you'll have no trouble tackling future companies when a similar situation presents itself.