Second Interview Questions

Page 2

As mentioned on page 1 Second interview questions will focus on your abilities, fit with the company and your weaknesses.

The first round of interviews identified several potential candidates. The second round of interviews will be looking at finding the best candidate for the job.

Even though your first interview went well, your interviewer most likely had a list of items to verify in subsequent interviews. These items usually fall into the categories of:

1- can he/she do the job effectively,
2- Is this person the right fit for our company?
3- Evaluate the weaknesses seen in the first interview.

If you listen closely to the theme of the second interview questions you are asked, you will be able to identify what the interviewer is trying to evaluate.

Questions around competencies : Do you have the skills/experience to do the job? If the questions are centered on this theme, you need to reinforce the fact that you are the best candidate for the job. Emphasize your skills, experience and education. Remember that the most qualified person is not always the best person for the job. The best person is the one that is best able to show his/her qualifications in an interview!

Questions around fit : Will you fit in with the company culture? To make sure that you answer these questions appropriately make sure that you know a bit about how the company works. On my first job interview, I was asked a question about how I would handle a client that was asking for a small kick back. I knew the company had a reputation for very ethical dealings (as opposed to competitive companies in the same field) so I was able to answer the question effectively. How well do you know the company culture? This is important-not only to the employer- but to you! If you do not fit into the culture, this is not the perfect job for you!

Questions around weaknesses : These questions can be a bit more difficult to identify. However, if several interviewers have asked you about how you organize your work, or how you deal with difficult situations/people, you may consider that somehow you have raised a “red flag” in a previous interview. No problem. Knowing what they are looking at will help you answer their concerns effectively.

Continued on page 3

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