Has anyone been for a second interview? I had one once for a P/T job and they basically just wanted to offer me the job and find out what size shirt I wanted? :D I think that may not have been a traditional second interview! So what should I expect from a normal second interview, I guess it is going to be pretty different to a first interview. I also realise they differ greatly from employer to employer but what is the general aim of them?? Found a bit of info using Google but was very mixed.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

Hi March,

Second interviews can vary, depending on what the company are looking for. One scenario is that the first interview is carried out by the HR/Personnel department, and the second by a Manager in the part of the business you where you would work.

This type of second interview quite often include questions along the lines of "what would you do if....?". This is to see if you have an aptitude for the type of work they are recruiting for. If it is that sort of interview, my suggestion would be to answer honestly. If you don't know, say you don't know, but in a way that suggests you are willing to learn! The interviewer will probably be quite experienced, and will be able to smell bulls**t a mile off!

The other type can involve you doing a prepared piece - a presentation/role-play or something.

My best advice would be to contact the person who invited you for second interview, and ask them if there is anything they would like you to prepare before you arrive. Not only does this show a willingness on your part, they are very likely to give you a heads-up on what's likely to happen.

Hope this helps, and best of luck!

Thanks for that. First interview was with the manager of the department, I think the second interview is too.

more likely to be just a bit more detailed/in depth and focussing on any areas that they thought would be worth probing more deeply.

It is unusual to have a 2nd interview with the same person/people, unless the first one was very brief, otherwise I can't really see the point of it.

That's quite unusual - normally they wouldn't do both interviews. Could be one of 3 scenarios:

- More 'competency' based questions than before
- Another member of the team will be there as well
- "What size do you want your shirt?" ;)

Whichever one it is, it's a good sign that they've asked you back. They wouldn't invite you in again, unless they liked you the first time round. :)

First interview lasted over an hour which was longest yet but is about average I guess and covered whole range of stuff. They have said they were impressed or happy or something with my technical knowledge but I think they may want to know a bit more. The bit I would be working in would be made up of me and the manager so I guess HR may be there? I'm expecting more information from the agency on Monday but that doesn't leave that much time which is why i'm asking on here!

Thanks for the replies so far. Given me a bit of an idea.

No problems March - all the very best with it! Let us know how you get on :)

Well it turned out to be just a couple of tests, including an IQ test, a few scenario questions and a quick chat with a different person. So not too bad. Plus I got the job so must have done ok!

Congratulations!

Well done March :)

Thanks :D

(message too short!)

Well Done March, hope it turns out well.

I would just like to add that, when we interview people, many of the people we interview are not suitable. And the second inteview is usually the shortlist.

If you are getting second interviews than that means you're good enough to fill the position, but if you are unfortunate enough not to be offered the job, then there could be someone who is that little bit more suitable than yourself.

But second interview is usually great news.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Well Done March, hope it turns out well.

I would just like to add that, when we interview people, many of the people we interview are not suitable. And the second inteview is usually the shortlist.

If you are getting second interviews than that means you're good enough to fill the position, but if you are unfortunate enough not to be offered the job, then there could be someone who is that little bit more suitable than yourself.

But second interview is usually great news.

catch up MC, he got the job.

ps - Review the cv's in more detail and stop wasting time interviewing people who aren't suitable.

Originally posted by Cyclone
catch up MC, he got the job.

I know Cyclone,
I was hoping the job turns out well For March, not the interview.

Hopefully it will turn out ok. If I could take my pick of any realistic job role then it would be this one. The wage is what I was looking for too so that is another plus point.