My 2nd Interview
So, luckily yesterday a very good friend of mine called me and asked me about the second Interview. The point was not really about my second interview, rather how does one deal with the callback from the company. I also realized that most candidates fail their second interviews and hand the jobs over to the next best candidate. We then ask ourselves why we were not selected, or worse, we start thinking that the interviewers did not like us, so we were prejudiced. Sometimes candidates even hand over that job to the next best candidate on the 3rd or even final Interview. Unfortunately I have seen many of those situations and it’s always over small things. I do hope this will help those that end up getting so angry at the world because they thought the interviewer did not like them.
Think about it this way, how many people have left an interview and thought,"I NAILED THAT ONE. THE JOB IS MINE,"only to get a call later to say, "I am so sorry to inform you that we are not going to continue with you in this process.WE FOUND A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR THE ROLE."That is the exact feeling I used to get in Varsity. Some very interesting memories. That psychology module in second year, the one I thought I nailed, only to find out I got 50%. That is exactly the same feeling you get when you receive that dreaded call. Now, there are a few tricks one can use to avoid receiving this call. By the way, this is not full proof, so remember, "Try at yourOWN RISK."
Research
A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that getting an A* for the first interview means the end of research. Unfortunately that is where most people get it wrong. Your research should be directed at the information you received in your first interview. Listen out to some of the things they mention. For example, the first interviews will always give you more information about the company and their culture. Go back and do some research about that culture and always understandWHY IT WOULD SUIT YOU.Remember, always try and align your career goals with the culture of the company and make sure that you at least understand why you think you will be successful in that company. Do not forget to research about the people that will be interviewing you.
Any Questions for us
"Sorry, I have no questions at the moment."REALLY?How is that possible? You mean to tell me that after the interview, you did not go back and see how the role would suit you? Someone took time to explain the culture of the business to you, the role and more, I am sure you had a few things you wanted to ask regarding that. Remember, there is no point in asking the exact same questions you had in the first interview. This is a waste of time for you and the interviewer.
Remain Humble
Well, I do not think there is a need to explain this further. A lot of candidates forget that the final interview should always be treated as the first interview. Do not sure any sign or arrogance because this has taken down many interviewees than any assessment tests. “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” ― C.S. Lewis. I have comments like, "I have single-handedly done this and that... I think my team would suffer if I leave... I did this and did that..." Remember to always indicate how your Team succeeded in completing the project, unless you are a one person show.
Expect the Unexpected
So many people attend interviews thinking they already know what to expect from the interviews. Be ready for anything, curve balls and even questions you have never heard before. In some way, this will always help you stay humble. Remember, the moment you think you know everything, that is when you going to mess up BIG. Always think of your second or third interview as if it is your first. You do not know it all.
As Previously Said
The biggest mistake people make is by always referring to the previous interview. The people were not there. "As I previously told so so..." Well, unfortunately that is a new interview with different people. Stay focused, even if you have been asked the same question 10 times, you should always answer it like it is the first time. What you previously told your interviewers does not count. And stop rolling your eyes just because you have been asked the same question more than once.
Never Forget
Would you like anything to drink? Take that bottle of water. Trust me, when things get heated, you will need that sip of water. Water also helps you calm down when you still busy gathering your thoughts. Remember to go "Wee" "wee" "Go to the Gents" "ladies." Lastly, sit up straight and at the edge of your chair.
Senior Consultant- Entreprenuership || MMENVC (Wits), Entrepreneurial expert || Food Technologist (BUAN) || Founder at Food Forage(PTY) Ltd- Food Manufacturing Company || Quality Control Manager at Senn Foods(PTY) Ltd.
5 年This has been an eye opener and I have never done a second interview and I will be prepared when it does take place. Thank you.
Marketing Officer at Letlole La Rona Limited
5 年Thank you so much, I am learning so much from your articles..
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8 年This is really helpful, thank you very much for guiding us, its true when they say" one never stop learning".
Human Resource Consultant at Merchants
8 年Thank you very much for the advice because sometimes you will ask your self what went wrong during the interview.
A problem solver.
9 年Normally 2n interviews they ask about your salary expectations, what then do you say? They also ask the boss you would like to work for, now do you mention what you think or what you have read about the company? Also, what do you do when you get a rude and arrogant employer when they ask you questions during an interview?