Got called back for a second interview?
If you’re reading this, that probably means you’ve been called in for a second interview. A second interview callback means you are being seriously considered for the position. If this assumption is correct, then congratulations! Pat yourself on the back as you are one step closer to landing a job.
When preparing for your last interview, you probably went over common interview questions and reviewed proper etiquette. While these rules and guidelines still apply, the second interview will be slightly different. You will find this stage of interviews to be more involved, trickier questions, and you might meet more people from the company.
To help get you started, we’ve compiled a list of 12 second interview questions and how to answer them.
12 Second Interview Sample Questions
- Remind me what interests you about this job and what skills and strengths you plan to bring to it?
- Tell me about what you wish to accomplish in the first year in this role.
- What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make on the job?
- Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?
- We’re experiencing challenges with ___ right now. How would you go about solving this?
- Do you have anything you want to revisit from your first interview?
- What could our company be doing better?
- Describe your preferred work environment.
- What is your management style preference?
- What impact did you make at your last job?
- Can you tell me a little more about your current/most recent job?
What is missing from your current or most recent job?
Remind me what interests you about this job and what skills and strengths you plan to bring to it?
Answer this question with the same vigour and enthusiasm as you did in your first interview. Keep in mind that the interviewer isn’t just asking, “what are your strengths?” but what strengths can you bring to the position. Whatever skills and strengths you wish to share, make sure they are relevant to the job responsibilities and requirements.
Tell me about what you wish to accomplish in the first year in this role.
It’s safe to expect some tough questions like this one when going into your second round of interviews. Prepare by thoroughly researching the company and the position at stake. Be clear and have concrete examples of how you can impact the company. Your goal is to prove to the interviewer that you know the company from top to bottom.
What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make on the job?
This question is an excellent opportunity to use the STAR method. Interviewers ask this question to test the candidate’s integrity and how they demonstrate soft skills such as decision making. As you answer this question, be sure it aligns with the company’s culture and the standards and policies for its employees.
Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?
This question seeks to understand your career goals, both short and long-term. Your hiring manager will ask this to see if your personal goals are compatible with the company’s goals. They also want to know if you plan on sticking around for a while. In your response, focus on the company and how you wish to grow your career there.
Read more about how to answer this question here.
We’re experiencing challenges with ___ right now. How would you go about solving this?
Demonstrate those problem-solving skills and your knowledge of the industry. Your interviewer doesn’t expect you to come up with the perfect solution but wants to see your ability to overcome challenges. And you never know; you might just have the answer they need.
Do you have anything you want to revisit from your first interview?
This question is like a rewind button. Thinking back to your first interview, were there any mistakes you made or answers you regret? Or maybe you have some concerns that need clarification. Use this opportunity to clear up any mishaps or revise any answers you feel you missed the mark on.
What could our company be doing better?
Don’t worry. This isn’t a trick question. This is another question that your research will come in handy. A satisfactory answer will show the interviewer how you take initiative and put all that time spent researching to good use.
Describe your preferred work environment.
This question means precisely what it’s asking. The interviewer wants to know if you will be a good match for their company’s work environment. Steer your answer around your perception of the organization’s work environment, but only if you genuinely feel that way. Consider where you will be expected to work. Your answer can change depending on if there are remote or hybrid options vs. fully in-office.
What is your management style preference?
Be honest. Like the last question, the interviewer wants to know if your working style will mesh well with their managerial style. If you prefer less or more supervision, you don’t want to lie and find yourself in an unhappy work situation.
What impact did you make at your last job?
Use this question as an opportunity to do some humble self-bragging. Your response to this question can show off your soft and transferable skills such as adaptability, management, creative problem solving, critical thinking, etc. Possible responses could include describing a challenge you overcame or an accomplishment you are proud of. When answering, give concrete and detailed examples.
What is missing from your current or most recent job?
Try not to get caught up in the negative aspects of your last job. Think about why you are leaving this job. Possible reasons might be the management style, location, lack of flexibility, no opportunities for growth, etc. Overall, your potential employer wants to know if they have what you are looking for. If this new job doesn’t have what you are searching for, it probably won’t be a good fit.
Can you tell me a little more about your current/most recent job?
Your interviewer wants to know more than just what’s on your resume, so you’ll need to dig a little deeper. Expand further on your responsibilities and day-to-day tasks. How you speak about your current or former employer will say a lot about you, so don’t be negative.
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