Problem solved – second interviews

I perform well at first interview but always seem to let myself down in the second. How can I get past that barrier?

Second interviews are held mainly to obtain a second opinion, sometimes to introduce you to other colleagues (junior or senior, or in other departments), or to negotiate terms. You need to prepare to be called back.

Immediately after the first interview, make notes, summarising your answers to key questions as well as the information you were given in return. Think of new questions you would like to ask. Write the names of other people you met (and their job titles or roles), and those of significant colleagues who were mentioned. Record how you feel about the job. If applying via a recruitment agency, give your consultant as much of this information as you can as part of your feedback. If your second interview is with the same person you met first time (which isn’t unusual), be consistent with your answers. Refer back to the first interview, to show that you listened to what was said. If you’re meeting someone new, that person will no doubt compare impressions with the first interviewer, so again, consistency is critical.

If you met an accountant first and are now meeting someone from HR, don’t ask searching questions about IFRS or Sarbanes–Oxley – your questions should be corporate, not technical. Similarly, if HR carried out the first interview, it’s appropriate to ask accounting-oriented questions when you meet the finance manager at the second. If you were given additional information at the first interview, make sure you research it further, and ask related questions at the second.

Second interviews are your opportunity to step up a gear – they are far from the ‘rubber-stamp’ exercise many candidates mistakenly think. You’re likely to still be competing with the best of the other candidates – complacency is not an option.

"Immediately after the first interview, make notes, summarising your answers to key questions as well as the information you were given in return"