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.

01

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. 

Tips for your response

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.

Sample response

02

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. 

Tips for your response

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.

Sample response

03

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?

Tips for your response

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.

Sample response

04

What is your ideal work environment?

This question measures your relative fit. In short, they want you to answer the following:

  1. Do you like working in teams or working alone?
  2. What kind of companies do you like to work in? (Scrappy startup or big corporate firm)
  3. 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?

Tips for your response

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.

Sample response

05

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. 

Tips for your response

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.

Sample response

06

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.

Tips for your response

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.

Sample response

07

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. 

Tips for your response

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.

Sample response

08

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. 

Tips for your response

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. 

Sample response

09

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.

Tips for your response

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?

Sample response

10

What is your decision-making process?

This question will help employers gain insight into your abilities to analyze and prioritize. Time management and organizational skills are key job skills necessary in the day-to-day operations of any successful company. Employers want to know that you will be consistently able to make sound judgment calls during the workday.

Tips for your response

This is your chance to show off your time management, organizational, and communication skills. Be thorough in your response. Clearly outline your decision-making process and avoid general statements. Demonstrate your ability to work independently with confidence.

Sample response

11

Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you corrected it

Employers want to see how you react during a stressful situation and whether you can take responsibility for your actions. This question will also help hiring managers gain insight into some of your key strengths and weaknesses as well as your problem-solving skills during your second job interview.

Tips for your response

Hopefully, you haven’t made a significant mistake in your career. If you have, remember, you are still trying to impress the company. Instead, focus on something small where you were able to successfully remedy your mistake. By nature, this is not a flattering question. It is important, however, to provide a balanced response where you both take responsibility for an error in judgment but also show how you are able to work hard to correct your mistake.

Sample response

12

Is there anything you want to revisit from your previous interview?

You should always have an answer to this question. It helps interviewers understand your communication skills and your ability to remember key details. This is why it is pivotal to spend time reflecting on your first interview.

Tips for your response

Ask clarifying questions informed by your research and the information provided in the first interview. Do not spend time re-answering questions asked in the first interview. It looks unprofessional.

Sample response

13

What are some common misconceptions about you?

This question helps hiring teams understand your impression on others. Be sure to redeem yourself by describing your true, good nature and why people may misperceive you.

Tips for your response

Be mindful when answering this question. Word choice is very important. You want to avoid negatively charged words like stand-offish, rude, mean, and cold. These could be seen as red flags.

Sample response

14

What is your spirit animal?

This is a fun, creative version of the question: tell me about yourself. Try to be creative in your response while providing some more information about yourself. Many interviews hire off of gut feel alone.

Tips for your response

Use this answer to help interviewers see your personality; it will help them understand who you are and how you make them feel. Out of all of your answers, this has the potential to be the most memorable.

Sample response

15

What three things would you take on a desert island?

The open-endedness of this question helps interviewers understand what kind of person you are.

Tips for your response

Do you simply focus on practicality (rope, water, boat, lighters, etc.) or do you focus on the possibilities of limitless opportunities to learn and grow (books, art supplies, workout gear, etc.)? This also helps them understand what matters to you. In a dire situation, what do you bring to keep yourself happy? In other words, what makes you happy?

Sample response

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. 

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Duke University is an Ivy League college in Durham, North Carolina, that consistently ranks in the top 10 national universities. It has an undergraduate population of 6,500 students, and in the 2020-2021 admissions, there was only a 5.8% acceptance rate. 

As a highly-selective university, Duke’s supplemental essays help personalize the admissions process, so that the admissions committee can admit a diverse incoming class. This is true of many institutions; look at Emory supplemental essays for further inspiration.

Duke supplemental essays for 2022-23: requirements and guidelines

Duke University essays are a crucial part of your college application. Use each Duke University application essay to show that you are invested in your education and are passionate about attending Duke. The admissions committee wants to admit a diverse, passionate group of students. 

Each Duke admissions essay gives you the chance to convey more about your personality, goals, and passions. Take advantage of each of these essay questions to personalize your college application and give yourself a competitive edge. 

Test scores and high school GPAs are important but supplemental essays are key in the Duke application process.

Why Duke essay: 5 tips that can help you earn admission to Duke University

As with many highly-selective institutions, Duke University requires at least one supplemental essay, often referred to as the “why Duke essay.” This essay prompt is as follows: Please share with us why you consider Duke a good match for you. Is there something in particular about Duke’s academic or other offerings that attract you? (200 words maximum) 

Admissions officers want to admit students who are passionate about attending Duke and plan to fully take advantage of its unique educational opportunities. Use this Duke writing supplement to show that you have researched Duke University thoroughly and are passionate about their unique opportunities, especially as they relate to your academic and professional goals. 

In this article, we will focus on tips and strategies for how to write Duke supplemental essays, as well as look at several accepted Duke essay examples. 

01

Use detailed language

The more specific you can be, the better! Reference specific courses, programs, and professors by name. Duke wants to admit Duke students who will take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. 

Naming specific aspects of Duke’s unique curriculum shows that you are passionate about the school and are able to take initiative. Mention any specific internships, majors, minors, certificates, classes, research opportunities, and clubs/sports teams that interest you.

02

State your goals clearly

Use this Duke supplement to state your personal, educational, and professional goals clearly. Of course, not all incoming freshmen will know what they want to study — and this is okay! — but do your best to write clearly and with intention. Write about your interests, passions, and ideas for the future.

03

Use the tone of your essay to reflect your personality

Duke writing supplements are meant to personalize the admissions process. Give the admissions committee a reason to choose you by showing them a bit more of your overall personality. 

Use words and phrases that reflect the way you speak, think or interact with the world. Be creative. Funny. Thoughtful. Use this personal statement to demonstrate who you are and what you’re passionate about. How can you contribute to the Duke community?

04

How can Duke help you reach your goals?

While it’s important to include lots of personal details about your goals and passions, it is just as important, if not even more important, to connect every personal detail back to Duke University. 

How can Duke University, specifically, help you reach your personal, educational, and professional goals? While preparing your response to this Duke essay prompt, read each of your sentences carefully and ask yourself if each and every detail can be connected back to Duke University.

05

Proofread!

The more specific you can be, the better! Reference specific courses, programs, and professors by name. Duke wants to admit Duke students who will take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. 

Naming specific aspects of Duke’s unique curriculum shows that you are passionate about the school and are able to take initiative. Mention any specific internships, majors, minors, certificates, classes, research opportunities, and clubs/sports teams that interest you.

Duke University supplemental essay prompts

In addition to the “why Duke essay” prompt, there are two Duke optional essays. Duke essay prompts are designed so that the admissions committee can gain a more holistic understanding of each applicant. 

Use your Duke supplement essays to show the true depth of your character, goals, and passions to strengthen your overall application and personalize the admissions process.

Prompt 1: perspective and experience

The first of the two optional essays focuses on your perspectives and experiences. The prompt is as follows:

Duke University seeks a talented, engaged student body that embodies the wide range of human experience; we believe that the diversity of our students makes our community stronger. If you’d like to share a perspective you bring or experiences you’ve had that would help us understand you better, perhaps a community you belong to or your family or cultural background, we encourage you to do so here. Real people are reading your application, and we want to do our best to understand and appreciate the real people applying to Duke. (250 words maximum)

Strategies to consider for this prompt

The most important thing to do for this 250-word essay is to be sincere. While some students may already have lots of interesting and inspiring life experiences, this is certainly not always the case. 

Do not exaggerate or make anything up in this essay! Be genuine and sincere. The Duke admissions committee wants to get to know you, so make sure you give them that chance.

Be sincere

Again, this is the most important strategy for addressing this Duke essay prompt. Be.     genuine and speak earnestly.

Write concisely

      To do this well, focus on including lots of detailed language. You only have 250         words to convey something deeply personal, so make each word, phrase, and            sentence count!

   A helpful strategy for writing succinctly and powerfully is to not worry about the       word limit initially. Free write. Get all your ideas on paper. Sometimes you need to start writing to gain momentum and realize your most important details.   

Think outside the box!

What is the most engaging way to tell your story? Even if you don’t have a particularly unique story, you can still be creative! Consider the overall structure of your essay thoroughly before you begin. 

If you are interested in theater, perhaps you could write your essay with stage directions. If you’re interested in science, perhaps you could structure your essay in the style of a lab report. The possibilities are endless!

Prompt 2: sexual orientation and gender identity

The second of the two Duke optional essays focuses on sexual orientation and gender identity. The essay prompt is as follows:

Duke’s commitment to diversity and inclusion includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. If you would like to share with us more about your identity, you can do so here, or use any previous essay prompt you feel is appropriate. (250 words maximum)

Strategies to consider for this prompt

Remember, this essay is optional. Only include this essay if your gender or sexual identity has played a significant role in your life experiences. Generally speaking, only include this essay if you are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Use detailed language

As with the other Duke writing supplementals, use detailed language. Be specific and precise. Share lots of personal details. This does not mean you have to be overly personal and share experiences you would rather keep to yourself. Always respect your boundaries! Rather, focus on details that will contribute to the overall tone and imagery of your essay. Try to personalize your statement so that it is memorable.

It’s about your sexual identity — not about sex

Use discretion when writing about this prompt. Remember, you are writing about your identity, not about your sexual experiences.

Don’t worry about defining terms

Don’t feel pressured to use defining terms. It’s okay to not know how to label your experiences, just as it’s okay (and good!) to change your mind. Focus on writing honestly and authentically, without necessarily worrying about terms. 

The Duke essays that worked: winning Duke supplement essay examples

One of the best ways to prepare for your Duke application is to read several accepted Duke essays. There are lots of Duke supplement essay samples online for you to peruse. 

Gain insight into what the admissions committee is looking for by examining at least one Duke optional essay example before beginning your writing process.

Essay example #1

I love many things, but learning and sports top the list. The moment I stepped onto Duke’s campus, I leaned over to my mother, gasping, and said, “Whoa,” even before beginning my tour. I was stunned to immediately see signs of my loves everywhere. My dreams of tenting in K-Ville for the annual Duke-UNC game almost made my mouth water. As for learning, the cross-disciplinary study options that Duke offers ignite my passions. I have always loved business, and as I have aged, I discovered a deep interest in education. At Duke, I saw the opportunity to combine these two interests in many ways. I would love to initiate lunches with Professor Elizabeth Garcia, whose work focuses on educational motivation, and Mark T. Brown, Director of the Management Communications Center. Exploring commonalities in business and educational spheres would be uplifting, and will engage all of my most profound interests.
Why did this essay work?

This essay is detailed, well-paced, and clearly shows the student’s personal and academic passions. The tone is upbeat and excitable. As a reader, you get a glimpse into who this student is as a person — what motivates them and brings them joy. 

The student clearly states why they are passionate about attending Duke, and the fact that they mention specific professors and programs by name shows that they can take initiative and are passionate about their course of study.

Essay example #2

I look around my room, dimly lit by an orange light. On my desk, a framed picture of an Asian family beaming their smiles, buried among US history textbooks and The Great Gatsby. A Korean ballad streams from two tiny computer speakers. Pamphlets of American colleges scattered on the floor. A cold December wind wafts a strange infusion of ramen and leftover pizza. On the wall in the far back, a Korean flag hangs beside a Led Zeppelin poster. 
Do I consider myself Korean or American?
A few years back, I would have replied: “Neither.” The frustrating moments of miscommunication, the stifling homesickness, and the impossible dilemma of deciding between the Korean or American table in the dining hall, all fueled my identity crisis.
Standing in the “Foreign Passports” section at JFK, I have always felt out of place. Sure, I held a Korean passport in my hands, and I loved kimchi and Yuna Kim and knew the Korean Anthem by heart. But I also loved macaroni and cheese and LeBron. Deep inside, I feared I’d be labeled by my airport customs category: a foreigner everywhere.
This ambiguity, however, has granted me the opportunity to absorb the best of both worlds. Look at my dorm room. This mélange of cultures in my East-meets-West room embodies the diversity that characterizes my international student life.
I’ve learned to accept my “ambiguity” as “diversity,” as a third-culture student embracing both identities.
Do I consider myself Korean or American?
Now, I can proudly answer: “Both.”
Why did this essay work?

The use of imagery in this essay is particularly impressive and effectively acts as an anchor and overall structure for the essay. By seeing the inside of this student’s dorm room you are able to gain insight into their inner world. You get a clear understanding of their likes, interests, and priorities. You are also privy to their inner trepidations, cultural insecurities, and personal growth. 

By including so many personal details and examples, the student can demonstrate what both their Korean and American cultural identities mean to them. This essay’s sincerity and candor are what help this student stand apart from other applicants.

Essay example #3

I belong to a community of storytellers. Throughout my childhood, my mother and I spent countless hours immersed in the magical land of bedtime stories. We took daring adventures and explored faraway lands. Imagination ran wild, characters came to life, and I became acquainted with heroes and lessons that continue to inspire me today. It was a ritual that I will never forget.
In school, I met many other storytellers—teachers, coaches, and fellow students whose stories taught me valuable lessons and enabled me to share stories of my own. My stories took shape through my involvement with theatre. I have learned that telling stories can be just as powerful as hearing them.
When I tell a story, I can shape the world I live in and share my deepest emotions with the audience. This is exactly why I love theatre so much. The audience can relate to the story in many of the same powerful ways that I do.
I love to perform with my theatre class to entertain and educate young audiences throughout my community. To tell our stories, we travel to elementary and middle schools performing plays that help educate younger students of the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and bullying. As storytellers, we aim to touch lives and better the world around us through our stories.
Why did this essay work?

This essay is well organized and follows a clear narrative arc. The student uses this essay to display their strong storytelling skills and abilities. Not only does this essay demonstrate the student’s passion for theater and its communicative potential, but it also shows their level of engagement with their craft and community. 

This essay covers a lot of material in a small space. The student starts their essay with their childhood and their overall source of inspiration, addresses their background in theater thoroughly yet succinctly, and ends with their plans and excitement for the future.

Key takeaways on Duke University supplemental essays

For your Duke writing supplements, focus on writing detailed, concise statements. Make each word, phrase, and sentence count. Be sincere and authentic. For the Duke optional essays, ask yourself if responding to each of these prompts will enhance your overall application. Use your best judgment. 

Take time to honestly reflect on your answers and decide if each of these prompts will give your application a competitive edge. Sometimes less is more, so don’t feel pressured to respond to the optional prompts if they don’t resonate with you. 

Read on for some frequently asked questions and their answers as you organize yourself and prepare for college applications.