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Permalink Reply by Kyle Schafroth on February 29, 2012 at 11:12am

Think about the first interview - hindsight is 20/20 so there are likely a few things he/she can recognize to take away from the first interaction both positive and negative.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Schultz on February 29, 2012 at 1:58pm

Don't f this up.  

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Permalink Reply by David Gaines on February 29, 2012 at 2:02pm

Think about the weakest or vaguest answers you gave in the first interview and come prepared to answer them more thoroughly in the event they ask again for clarity.  A second interview is to validate their feelings about the first interview so eliminate all reasons why they may have decided not to make an offer the first time.

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Permalink Reply by Amy Ala on February 29, 2012 at 2:47pm

Bill stole my answer :)

The 2nd interview means that the hiring manager (or whoever went first) already likes you, wants to hire you, and needs someone else to validate their decision. Don't screw it up.

Bill Schultz said:

Don't f this up.  

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Permalink Reply by Christopher Poreda on February 29, 2012 at 3:23pm

Rinse and Repeat...they are interested...do exactly what you did last time.

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Permalink Reply by PJ Cunningham on February 29, 2012 at 3:45pm

Make sure you have intel on the company AND the person or people interviewing you.  This interview goes two ways, doesn't it?  For example - did you google the name(s) of those conducting the interview?  Did you search on LinkedIn as well?  Did you provide this information to your candidate? If you candidates interview prior to this candidate - what intel did you learn from the debriefing?  Did you share this information with this candidate?

Usually the 2nd interview may be the first face to face interview.  Did you share where the company is located?  How best to get there via Metro or driving?  How is the parking situation?  Given, this is information your candidate can do themselves but you are the expert in interviewing, the candidate is the expert in the position for which they are interviewing - not an expert on interviewing.

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Permalink Reply by Valentino Martinez on February 29, 2012 at 4:49pm

Be consistent; take an energy level; listen and find reasons to compliment what you're discovering about them...but not overly.

If this is the job and company you really want...do not leave without making it evident you feel you're a good fit and look forward to an opportunity to prove it...ASK FOR THE JOB.

BTW--I never add any additional pressure on a candidate, going on a second interview, to not f it or screw it up.  That's accentuating an obvious negative outcome.  They know that.  It's more important to accentuate the positive.  Congratulate them for making a good first impression--and like Christopher suggested--go with what worked the first time...

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Permalink Reply by Bill Schultz on February 29, 2012 at 6:33pm

In my world, the 1st interview, you meet the hiring manager only.  The 2nd interview is the technical interview with peers and others.  It's usually a 4 hour affair.  It's really the most grueling and important day.  My advice is simply stay consistent and don't take anyone for granted.  You're really not a serious candidate until you get through this.  

Bill Schultz said:

Don't f this up.  

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Permalink Reply by Raphael Fang on February 29, 2012 at 8:12pm

I always tell the candidates not to get overly comfortable and act the way they did during the first interview.

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Permalink Reply by Raman Ramamurthy on February 29, 2012 at 8:45pm

I think, the second interview should be based on the experience in the first meeting. let's say, submitting a report (on findings) pertaining to the requirements of the employer is not a bad idea.  Producing credentials to support the claims made by the applicant in the first meeting? Definitely, there should be a value addition when compared to the first meeting!

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Hanneman on March 1, 2012 at 2:15pm

I try to give them any insight I have into what they are looking for that is more personality based etc.  What the HM shared with they didn't like about other candidates and always tell them to ask questions, specific as to next step....don't wait for them to offer the job, ask them for it.

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