Tips for Asking Questions in the Second Job Interview
Since you don’t want to repeat what has already been asked and answered, it’s important to have a different set of interview questions prepared for your second interview. This is especially important if the second interview is being conducted by the same person who held the first interview.
Note: Your inquiries to the interviewers in this conversation can be more specific than your questions in the first interview.
In the second interview, it is appropriate and reasonable to ask questions about salary, culture, and opportunities available for employees. You can also ask questions about daily work and the company’s goals.
Second Interview Questions to Ask
Here are examples of questions you can ask during the second job interview:
1. What can I tell you about my qualifications for the position?
2. What are the top three traits you’re looking for in the person you hire?
3. What is the hardest part of this job?
4. How would you describe the culture here?
5. How many people are in this department and what is its organizational structure?
6. What is the biggest challenge a person in this position will face during the first six months?
7. If I were hired for the position, how would you complete this sentence: “No matter what, _______________”?
8. How do you think someone in this role can best impact the company?
9. What type of management style would you say you follow?
10. What do you enjoy most about working for the company?
11. Can I provide additional references?
12. What is the next step in the hiring process?
13. When can I expect a hiring decision?
14. If the job is offered to me, when would you like me to start?
How to Succeed in the Second Interview
A second interview is a clear sign that the company has a serious interest in you as a candidate. But you don’t have the job yet! Here are some tips that will help you perform well during the second interview:
Prepare for the Interview
Be ready with a list of questions (like those mentioned above) to ask the interviewers. You’ll also want to be prepared to answer some common questions that may come up during second interviews.
When you receive a call or email to schedule the second interview, inquire about who will be interviewing you. Then look for the interviewers on LinkedIn or the company website: Learning a bit about their backgrounds can help you formulate specific questions to ask them.
During the Interview
Be consistent in your answers: It’s possible that you’ll speak with several new people during the second interview. While you want to tailor your responses to resonate with your audience, it’s important to remain consistent regarding your work history, experience, and skills. After the interview, all interviewers will meet to compare notes, so you don’t want to appear inconsistent. You might also consider asking similar questions to all interviewers and comparing their responses. This can help you get a full picture of the company.
Present yourself well: In the first interview, you demonstrated that you are capable and suitable for the job. In this second interview, you want to go further and show that you are the best candidate possible for the role. Since you have learned a lot from the first interview about the responsibilities you will hold in the role and the overall needs of the company, use that information to prepare. You will want to have examples and stories ready that showcase your abilities.
Research the company and be prepared to ask and answer company-specific questions: In the second interview, it is more important than ever to show that you are familiar with the organization. Learn as much as you can about the company and prep some pointed questions related to the job you are interviewing for.
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For example, if the company’s expansion plans are in the news, you can ask if the expansion will affect your role in the company if you are hired. If the company is launching a new product or service, ask whether the new release will affect your job if you are hired.
Note: By asking these types of questions, you show that you have done your homework and that you are engaged in what’s happening in the organization.
Follow up with a thank-you message. Remember that you should send a thank-you note after the second interview, just as you did after the first interview.
Key Takeaways
Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer, and make sure they are different from the questions you asked during the first interview. Asking more detailed and specific questions is appropriate at this stage, which means you can inquire about the work culture, major projects the company has underway, and opportunities available for employees. It’s a good sign that you were invited for a second interview, so make the most of this opportunity seriously: prepare in advance and send a thank-you note afterward.
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Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/second-interview-questions-to-ask-the-employer-2063701
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