Do get a good night's sleep the night before this potentially
grueling day. Also look for opportunities to refresh yourself during
the interview day. If there's a break in the action, splash some
water on your face or take a brisk walk to rejuvenate. You might want
to take along a pocket- or purse-sized snack in case there is no
lunch break. Breath spray or a mini-bottle of mouthwash is also not a
bad idea. Be careful not to run out of steam toward the end of the
day. Maintain your energy, confidence, and enthusiasm.
Do be aware that you might be asked to complete psychometric tests
dealing with such things as skills, intelligence, and personality.
There's not a lot you can do to prepare for them -- but that good
night's sleep will help.
Don't slack off with your interview attire. A second interview
generally doesn't denote a more casual interview. The former Andersen
Consulting (now Accenture) had a protocol for the three on-campus
interviews it conducted with college students that called for skirted
suits for women for the first two interviews. Female candidates were
permitted to wear pantsuits to the third interview. Check with
company insiders to see what attire is expected for each interview.
Do remember these three more words: Fit, Fit, and Fit. A major reason
for the second interview is so the employer can see how well you fit
in with the company culture. Put yourself inside the employer's head
and realize that the interviewers at your second interview want to
learn how well you will get along with other team members with whom
you'll be interacting with every day. Deploy your very best
interpersonal communication skills. Keep in mind the idea of showing
your fit -- but remember that it's OK not to fit. If you aren't a
good fit with the employer, you probably wouldn't be happy working
there anyway. And remember, that this interview is also your
opportunity to determine whether the company is a good fit for
you. Think about whether you would accept if the employer
extended an offer. Read more about fit with company culture in our
article, Uncovering
a Company's Corporate Culture is a Critical Task for Job-Seekers.
Don't neglect to talk to other people beyond those you are
interviewing with. Chatting up -- not too excessively -- the
receptionist and prospective co-workers serves the dual purpose of
giving you a better feel for how much you'd like to be part of this
workplace culture, as well as making a positive impression on as many
people as possible.
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