You’ve done it. After reading Prepory’s Guide to a Successful Interview and wowing the interviewers, you’ve been called back for a follow-up interview. Now you’re likely wondering what questions are asked in a second interview? Are there sample second-round interview questions I can review while I prepare? And lastly, what are some key strategies for answering common second interview questions?
As I’m sure you are aware, the hard work is far from over. The most common 2nd-round interview questions are often highly individualized and go into more detail about the company as a whole. Expect to answer more questions and spend more time in the interview room than you did in your initial interview.
Preparing for your 2nd interview
It’s important to review the company’s goals, the job description, interview tips, and common second interview questions to increase your chances of completing a successful interview and getting a job offer. This will help you feel mentally prepared and allow you to feel more confident during the interview.
In this article, we will review tips for how to answer tough second interview questions, including behavioral interview questions, and improve your interview skills. Read on to gain valuable insight into the common second round of interview questions and what companies are looking for in your responses.
Before you start thinking about your second interview, it’s important to reflect on your first-round interview and conduct further research on the company. Below are three key steps to help you prepare:
Reflect
Before going to a second-round job interview, reflect on your first job interview. Think about the way the interview went. Are there any areas for improvement? Did you provide enough details about your resume and your previous work experience? Did you use too many filler words? Did you display open, welcoming body language? Did you maintain positive energy throughout the interview?
Identify a few areas of improvement and think of a few ways to address them before the next interview. Perhaps you used too many filler words the first time around. Spend the next few days avoiding filler words at all to get in the practice of speaking without them. Perhaps you didn’t provide enough details about the scope of your work. Practice speaking about your accomplishments with colleagues who worked with you when you accomplished them. They may help you remember details or help you properly explain exactly what you did. Not to mention, interviewers will notice the difference.
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Interviewers assume you are likely interviewing with other companies as well. Remembering details such as granular information about the company and interviewers’ names will bode well for you. It will show that you genuinely care and are interested in the company.
Practice makes perfect!
While reflecting is extremely important to the second round interview, you should also be prepared for the 15 most common second round interview questions. Familiarize yourself with these questions and example answers. Have a short answer prepared for each before walking into your second interview.
15 most common 2nd interview questions & how to answer them successfully
The second interview is the time to prove to employers that you fully understand the company, company culture, and are excited to move forward with the position. This may mean doing a little more research outside of the company website. Visit the company’s social media, read articles about the company, and privately look at employees’ LinkedIn profiles to gain important insight. These small details can help you stand out. 47% of interviewees said they wouldn’t hire someone who had no knowledge of their company.
In this article, we will review key strategies for completing a successful follow-up interview. We will also provide a list of killer second interview questions and answers for you to review.
What are your career goals?
Interviewers ask this question with a single intention: to find out if you plan to grow in their company or if you will use the position as merely a stepping stone. The latter is not ideal for most companies, especially if you are looking for a short-term position. Therefore, don’t mention plans for moving to another city or going back to school.
Interviewers want to feel secure that you will spend time maturing in their company and climbing the ranks. They also want to know that your career goals fall in line with the work you’re doing.
The best method for answering this question is by stating that you want to achieve executive levels in the industry to which you are applying. Your answer should highlight direction and focus.
Why did you want this position?
This question gauges your true interest in the company and company fit. Obviously, salary and benefits make up a good percentage of why you’re applying for any position. Those details are not what employers are looking for. You should not state that as the reason you want to work at a company.
Companies want to see the passion for the work you will be doing and the company you will work for, especially when the job becomes more difficult. Are you excited about the clients the company serves? Are you excited about the functions of the job? Does the company align with your values or passions? Ensure that your answer is company-specific. Use information about the company you’re applying for to support your answer.
Why should we hire you?
This question is likely the only time in the interview where you get to direct the conversation and point to your specific strengths. Use this question wisely. Employers are asking you to prove your worth. Do it intentionally. Why are you the best candidate?
Interviewers are asking you to sell yourself here. Have two or three things in mind that set you apart from the rest. Perhaps you have extensive experience in the expected work. Conversely, maybe you are a novice in your field but are a hard worker who doesn’t mind putting in the extra work to make a difference.
Things you can highlight: experience, abilities, unusual skill set, or talents that could be useful for the job, passions, and personal qualities.
What is your ideal work environment?
This question measures your relative fit. In short, they want you to answer the following:
- Do you like working in teams or working alone?
- What kind of companies do you like to work in? (Scrappy startup or big corporate firm)
- What is your work style? Are you an organized, linear thinking, and analytical worker? Or, do you prefer controlled messes and short sprints of deeply focused work?
When answering these questions, ensure your answers align with the company’s culture. Your research about the company could help inform this answer. Be sure to also mention your teamwork abilities and management style.
What would you want to accomplish in your first 30 days at this company?
This question is likely the hardest in the interview. Interviewers want to know that you have thought extensively about the position and its expectations. They want to see that you will bring new, fresh ideas that won’t keep the status quo but change it.
You want to prove to the company that you not only have ideas to improve the company but you have a plan to get there. This is especially important for a panel interview. Perform an audit of the company beforehand. Identify a few weaknesses and create feasible solutions to fix them. Don’t worry if you’re making assumptions about what can and can’t be done at the company. They aren’t expecting you to fully understand all of the processes that take place within the company. Instead, they are expecting to see your creativity, innovation, and initiative.
What challenges are you lacking in your current job?
Underneath the surface, interviewers are asking one thing: Why are you leaving your current job? If possible, incorporate details about why do you want to work for this company. This is a good question to prepare for.
Remain diplomatic when answering this question. In other words, don’t mention terrible coworkers or incompetent bosses. Those types of comments reflect poorly on you rather than your previous team. Instead, focus on your future and opportunities.
Can you provide an example of a time you worked with a coworker you didn’t get along with?
How you answer this question helps employers identify signs of a bad coworker. It’s likely you won’t like every single person you work with. Employers want to know that you can still be professional and respectful even when you’re working with someone you don’t like.
Much like the previous question, be diplomatic in your response. Focus on the positives and don’t take too much time explaining the flaws of a previous coworker. Provide examples of effective conflict resolution. Use examples such as honest open communication, acknowledging your flaws, and finding compromises. Ensure your answer has a positive response and highlights your empathy and willingness to work through difficult situations.
How do you respond to stressful work environments?
Every company wants employees that can work well under pressure. Stressful situations are unavoidable. Employees must know how to deal with them in a calm, collected manner.
Start with a general answer about your stress habits and move into a more specific example. With this in mind, you can highlight your strengths in your answer.
Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills
Companies want to hire employees who can take initiative and have confidence in their ideas. They also want to hire team players. This is a great question to practice beforehand.
Use a specific anecdote if possible. Avoid generalizations and vague statements. This is your opportunity to share a meaningful experience with your potential employer. Do your best to demonstrate your leadership style. Why is leadership important? When and why are you willing to rise to the challenge?
What is your decision-making process?
Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you corrected it
Is there anything you want to revisit from your previous interview?
What are some common misconceptions about you?
What is your spirit animal?
What three things would you take on a desert island?
Key takeaways about the follow-up interview questions
Second-round interviews are both exciting and nerve-racking. It means you may be nearing the end of the job search process. However, there is an added level of pressure. Don’t get too overwhelmed about the process. Prepare as much as possible by reviewing the list of questions in this article, get a good night’s sleep the night before, and be yourself.
After your second interview, send a thank-you email or thank-you note to the hiring manager or interviewer(s). Use their names and add personalized details from the interview. These details both help them remember who you are and highlight your ability to build meaningful connections with your potential coworkers. While nearing the end of the interview process, you should do everything you can to set yourself apart from the other candidates. Finally, be ready and be confident. The job is in sight!
FAQs
Still have questions and concerns? Read on for some frequently asked questions and their responses.