Second interviews - how to impress

Most employers will insist on at least two rounds of interviews before offering a job, and it's important to recognise that their expectations may be subtly different at each stage.

Having passed your initial interview with flying colours, the second interview is more serious. The key factor at a second interview is to be well prepared and ready to talk about yourself, your career and most importantly, what you could bring to the company.

Keep your focus

Assuming you already have the job because you have reached the second stage is a mistake many professionals make. It’s not uncommon for candidates to lose out on jobs through over-confidence in their second interview. During your second interview it’s important to stay alert because there’s a good chance you’ll meet senior management and be probed further.

At a second interview, it is essential to be well prepared and ready to talk about yourself, your career and most importantly, what you could bring to the company.

What are the best ways to prepare for a second interview?

Make sure you’ve read the job description again carefully and learn as much as you can about the company. By thoroughly reading through annual reports on their website you should be able to gauge the organisation’s plans for its future.

Roles in the Middle East are competitive, so your potential employer will want to dig deep into your history and find out what makes you tick, what motivates you and your aspirations. You should be prepared to go into detail about projects you’ve been involved in and the outcomes and results.

Will you fit in?

This is the second time you are meeting with your potential employer, so the chances are that they’ll be trying to work out how well you’d fit into their organisation. They will want to know whether you’ll embrace the culture of the company and whether you’ll get on well with the rest of the team.

It’s a good idea to be ready and willing to share your ideas and talk about what you could bring to the company, your goals, and how you’d like to progress professionally.

Although it sounds obvious, it’s vital that you arrive punctually and appear confident, positive and enthusiastic. Demonstrate how knowledgeable you are about their company and the markets they work within, and show that you’ve thought deeply about the role and what you could bring to their organisation.

Is it right for you?

The second interview is also your chance to interview your potential employer and discover if this really is the next step for your career in the Middle East. It is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about future company plans, how they picture your role and where you’ll fit into the greater scheme of things.