Companies bring candidates back for second and
sometimes third or fourth interviews for a number of
reasons. Sometimes they just want to confirm that
you are the amazing worker they first thought you to
be. Sometimes they are having difficulty deciding
between a short-list of candidates. Other times, the
interviewer's supervisor or other decision makers in
the company want to gain a sense of you before
signing a hiring decision.
The second interview could go in a variety of
directions, and you must prepare for each of them.
When meeting with the same person again, you do not
need to be as assertive in your communication of
your skills. You can focus on cementing rapport,
understanding where the company is going and how
your skills mesh with the company vision and
culture. Still, the interviewer should view you as
the answer to their needs. You might find yourself
negotiating a compensation package. Alternatively,
you might find that you are starting from the
beginning with a new person.
Some tips for managing second interviews:
- Be confident. Accentuate what you have to offer
and your interest in the position.
- Probe tactfully to discover more information
about the internal company dynamics and culture.
- Walk through the front door with a plan for
negotiating a salary.
- Be prepared for anything: to relax with an
employer or to address the company's qualms about
you.
