The Second Interview

Candidates who are being seriously considered are frequently invited for a second interview. If a company representative considers you to be a qualified candidate for employment, an invitation to continue with the process will be extended. You should acknowledge this invitation with a minimum delay. In many cases, the invitation letter will include a number of alternative dates for your visit, with the selection left up to you. You may also receive a telephone call inviting you to a second interview.

What to Expect

The Opportunity - You should accept an invitation for an office visit only if you are seriously interested in the employer. Some students/alumni have commented on the difficulty of "staying fresh" for as series of interviews comprised of the same questions. There is no magic formula or special technique to suggest other than to keep telling yourself that to each member of the organization the information you provide is new and you should try not to get exasperated by repeat questions. In order to make the interview more dynamic and interesting, we recommend that you ask questions that are specific to the department or individual with whom you are speaking. This not only gives you a broader range of topics to discuss, but provides you with valuable information about the organization which you will need in order to make a wise employment decision. Since the call-back interview is used to measure mutual fit, you should prepare yourself to become more integrally involved in the interview process.

Expenses -If the invitation does not mention expenses, contact the employer for clarification. Most employers pay all reasonable expenses incurred on visits, yet the company will expect you to use discretion in reporting your expenses. Keep records for transportation, food and lodging. If you are planning to visit more than one employer on the same trip, inform each of them and they will assist you in prorating your expenses. The following items are not considered to be normal expenses: entertainment, tours, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, magazines, personal calls, valet expenses, flight insurance and excessive tips.

The Interview - The office or plant visit will be conducted in much the same way as your initial interview. It is appropriate to ask in advance for the names and titles of the all people who will be interviewing you during the office visit, and how you will be interviewed. The visit may include a panel interview in which a group of people ask you questions. You may also be expected to interview with several people individually. Second interviews can vary in length from half an hour to a full day of interviews, tours and meals with a variety of company employees. For most candidates, talking to all of these people can be draining. Therefore, strategies such as taking notes when appropriate and timing your responses--delaying your questions and reaction--may help you to remember names as well as intelligent questions to ask later. During the interview, candidates may expect to discuss job responsibilities, personal qualifications, observe company operations, visit facilities where they might work, meet other personnel, and perhaps tour the community.

Business Etiquette - It is not unusual to be taken out to lunch or dinner as part of your second interview. At such events it is essential to remember and practice everything you ever learned about table manners. Here are some basic guidelines:

1. Don't smoke or drink alcoholic beverages (even if invited).
2. Order something that is easy to eat (avoid spaghetti, juicy hamburgers, etc.) and which is moderately priced.
3. If wine is ordered by your host, have only one glass (if you drink).
4. Remember, even though your luncheon host may not be your potential supervisor, you are still being scrutinized and sized up for a correct "fit" with the organization. Don't behave any differently than you have during the rest of the interview.
5. Don't jump into talking about business. Allow the conversation to move in general areas, and if necessary, bring up business-related topics later during the meal.

Testing -Some employers may ask you to take a series of tests. At this stage employers are interested in how well you fit in with the organization. These tests will generally be objective in nature, and often provide information about your aptitudes, general intelligence, interests or personality.

Ask -Fear of the unknown is often what gets in the way of having a successful interview for many applicants. In discussing your visit to any job site remember: If they don't tell you--ASK! Knowing what to expect often alleviates worry and anxiety that can prevent you from doing your best.

Follow Up After the Interview

Follow-Up Letter - After the office or plant visit, you should write a follow-up letter to the individual(s) responsible for the interview. A simple thank you letter can often be the deciding factor in whether or not you receive a job offer. The follow-up letter is best sent immediately, but should be no later than a week following the interview. If you are still interested in being considered for a position, it is important to keep in touch with the employer.

The Offer - If a job offer is extended at the closing of the second interview, consider the offer thoroughly before giving a hasty response. It is not considered professional to accept a job offer and later renege on that offer. Once you have said "yes" you have made a professional commitment. Failing to honor that commitment could start your career under a cloud that might follow you for a long time.

Interviewing Tips

1. Offer new information. If you talked about your experiences and accomplishments the first time, now talk briefly about your ideas. You want the interviewer to know more about you, just as you want to learn more about the organization.
2. Give new examples of what you have accomplished. This can be especially effective if you've done additional research. For example, in the initial interview you talked about your results as a manager in your present job; now talk about your results in previous jobs.
3. Ask more specific questions. You should also be trying to verify what you were told as well as what you learned from a competent literature search. What questions must you have answered before you can make an informed choice? (If you can't think of any, you're not thinking deeply enough).
4. Let your research show. Quote some of the people you've talked to -- not naming them if it's inappropriate. What issues did they raise? This lets the interviewer see that you are serious about the job without gushing about how much you think you would like it.

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