So you made it past the first round of a job interview. That’s great! Now what?
(Original article at Forbes)
“Making it to the second round of a job interview can feel like you hit the lottery of the job pool. It can be easy to think that you have the position secured, but without the proper preparation, your second interview can actually disqualify you from landing the job of your dreams.
It is believed people have exactly seven seconds to make an impression, making it imperative that you be at your best right from the get-go during an interview. Taking the time necessary to prep yourself and be ready for anything a potential interviewer may throw your way can help you lock in your spot as a new hire.
From doing proper research to taking ownership of the position and demonstrating your expertise, here are some of the best ways to prepare for a second-round job interview, according to 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council.
Members of Forbes Coaches Council share their insight.
1. Do Your Research
Researching the company and its employees is important from the very beginning but it is vital during the second round. You will typically meet with a hiring manager and/or direct supervisor and they tend to have the most at stake in the decision-making process. It is important for you to make a connection and convey to them that you appear knowledgeable, committed and fit their workplace culture. – Kenneth Johnson, East Coast Executives
2. Be The Solution To Their Business Challenges
A hiring manager is impressed when a candidate can, without prompting, identify the challenges the business or that particular role may face and how they can help solve those problems. Demonstrating awareness of the challenges and having solutions shows advance insight and understanding, not to mention that it provides relief for a hiring manager that the person can hit the ground running. – Lesha Reese, Lesha Reese, LLC
3. Don’t Try To Have All The Answers
During that second interview, don’t focus on having all of the right answers. Focus more on listening, and asking questions that help you better understand the role, the needs of the company, and whether you can help them meet those needs. – Billy Williams, Archegos
4. Drill Deeper Into The Employer’s Pain Points
After your first interview, do a data dump of everything discussed, paying close attention to what you were told were the most important skills for the person in the role. Make special note of what you were told about the person you will be interviewing with in round two and fine-tune your message of value to be relatable to that person’s needs. – Barbara Safani, Career Solvers
5. Realize That It Is About Fit
Typically, if you have made it to the second round, you have the functional skill set needed for the job. Now it is about figuring out if you are a good fit for the job. So while it is up to you to show that you are enthusiastic, and would make a great team player, it is also up to you to ask questions to ensure you really want to be there. Fit is a two-way street. – Donald Hatter, Donald Hatter Inc.
6. Prep Examples
Pull out a piece of paper and pen, with your resume in front of you. Go through your resume and note examples of how you executed each area of responsibility. Reflect on what you learned from each experience so you can illustrate that you are motivated to learn and grow, from both the good and the bad. This will prepare you for the second interview, strong-arming you with specific examples. – Zheila Pouraghabagher, Collaboration Business Consulting
7. Interview The Company
Know your worth and the skills you bring to the table that will propel the business forward. Have clarity in what you are looking for in a company — mission, leadership, culture, growth — and ask questions in those key areas. Ask the interviewer why they chose to join the company and what keeps them there. Prepare intelligent questions around the growth and long-term strategy of the company. – Leanne Wong, MC Partners
8. Be A Sesquipedalian With A Target
A sesquipedalian is a word merchant, but when described by author Jack Canfield, we learn it’s all about painting powerful pictures with words. Your practice level and knowledge of the company should be at such a targeted high that when you answer, the employer can literally see your accomplishments and value in high definition. You will stand out when your stories and strategies align with their goals. – Laura DeCarlo, Career Directors International”
Original article at Forbes