Don't neglect to review your performance from your first interview.
Note any questions or situations that caused you difficulty and plan
how you will handle those aspects better in the second interview.
Derive confidence from knowing that if you hadn't performed well in
the first interview, you wouldn't have landed the second. Think about
what made you shine in the first interview, and plan to do more of
the same. Further, brainstorm new information you can bring into the
second interview -- new accomplishments, new examples, new evidence
of how much you know about the employer.
Do prepare -- even more than you did for the first interview.
Presumably you researched the company before the first interview. Now
it's time to delve even deeper into that research using our
Guide to
Researching Companies, Industries, and Countries. Some experts
suggest that talking with company insiders is one of the most
productive ways to prepare for a second interview. Before your second
interview, consider conducting informational interviews with company
folks who aren't the ones who'll be interviewing you. Consult our
Informational
Interviewing Tutorial to learn
more. If you are a college student, particularly seek out alumni from
your school or sorority/fraternity who work for the employer. Also be
sure you're up to date on developments in your field or industry by
reviewing trade publications.
Don't be surprised if the second interview is actually a series of
interviews -- in both individual and group/panel formats -- making
for a long day. You may interview with managers, senior executives,
department heads, and prospective team members. You may also get a
tour of the workplace and be taken out to eat. For college students,
this second-interview day may represent the first time the student
has been interviewed in the employer's workplace. Plan to bring ample
copies of your resume for all the people you may be meeting with.
Read more in our article,
Mastering
the On-Site Interview: A Guide to Company Visits.
Do try to find out in advance exactly what the agenda will be and
whom you can expect to interview with. If you aren't given this
information when the interview is set up, contact the assistant of
the main person with whom you'll be meeting to see what you can find
out. If you see that a workplace tour is not included on the agenda,
ask if someone can show you around as time permits.
Don't forget the cardinal rule of panel interviews: As you respond to
a question, maintain eye contact with everyone on the panel -- not
just the panelist who asked the question.
Do be up on business dining etiquette if you are asked to dine with
representatives of the prospective employer. Check out our
Job-Hunting &
Business Etiquette Resources.
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