Good news! You've done well in your first interview, and now the employer has invited you back for a second interview. Will it be different from the first interview? How should you prepare? What should you expect?

PURPOSE
Second interviews and office visits are held for several reasons, usually varying with each employer. The purpose may be one or all of the following:

• to re-affirm the initial impression of you.
• to evaluate your skills and competencies in depth as they relate to the position.
• to determine if there is a "fit" between you and the organization.
• to evaluate your professional social skills during a meal or in a reception for candidates.

FORMAT OF A SECOND INTERVIEW
The format for a second interview or office visit can vary greatly. Some second interviews are held on campus, but most will be at the organization's facility.

• These on-site interviews can last from an hour to an entire day or longer and may even require long distance travel if the site is not local. To be at your best, prepare for:
• multiple interviews, scheduled back-to-back with very different interviewers.
• a combination of interviews with groups and interviews with individuals.
• more in-depth questioning than in first interviews.
• an expectation that you will have many questions.
• interviewing over a meal ...and no matter how casual and informal the organization's employees act, YOU ARE STILL INTERVIEWING!
• the possibility of testing, usually directly related to the job's requirements (e.g., a writing assignment for a technical writing position, case studies, math, psychological, and occasionally foreign language examinations). Note: prepare by finding out in advance if there will be any testing; there is rarely any value in studying for these tests.
• a tour of the offices or plant.
• An evaluation of you that starts when you enter the building -- you never know who's riding in the elevator with you!

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PREPARATION CHECKLIST : Are You Ready?

• Have you researched the employer?
• Conduct even more research than you did for the first interview.
• Analyze your potential employer thoroughly, conduct library research, and become very familiar with their homepage.

• Have you practiced your interviewing skills?
• Are you prepared for behavioral interviews? Remember: you can practice your behavioral interviewing skills in an Interviewing Clinic.

• Have you planned your "agenda"?
• Know the three to five points you want to communicate about yourself in relation to the job.
• Preparing your agenda doesn't mean you're preparing to take over the interview.
• The interviewer controls the interview's format, style and length, but YOU can determine much of the content.
• Have you prepared questions for the employer?
• A lack of quality questions implies insufficient interest in the position, so prepare more questions than you did for the first interview.
• You may want to have your questions written down, but do not take notes during your interviews unless directed to do so.
• Do you know your interview schedule, the logistics and directions?
• Ask the employer in advance about how many interviews you will have, how long they will be, the job titles of your interviewers, etc.
• If the interview is local, you may want to do a dry run before the day of the interview to make sure you know approximately how long it will take to get there.
• Have you gathered the appropriate materials to bring with you?
• Take extra copies of your resume, a notepad, an unofficial transcript and a typed list of references with addresses and phone numbers.
• A leather or vinyl portfolio holds these items nicely.

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BACKGROUND SCREENING : The Final Test in the Job Search
Background screening of candidates is a common and legal practice. The decision to hire an individual is a major one, and employers want to ensure that there are no "surprises" which would affect your performance. It is best to be honest and upfront with employers when background information is sought.
According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act of September 1997, employers must tell you if they discovered something during the background screening which caused them to reject your candidacy.

• You may ask for this information, and you also have the right to appeal a hiring decision based on background screening data.
• If you have any concerns or questions about an employer's screening practices, please consult with one of the UCS counselors or advisors.

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TIPS FOR SUCCESS DURING A SECOND INTERVIEW

• Keep your responses to interview questions fresh and enthusiastic!
• Treat each interview throughout the day as if it is your first and only.
• Observe and ask about the organization's culture.
• Watch how people treat each other; especially how senior employees treat junior staff.
• You'll need this information in order to make an effective decision if you receive an offer.
• Listen carefully for policy positions, objectives, problems, etc.
• If you listen carefully and ask the right questions, there are many things you can learn during the second interview that could affect your satisfaction with the employer.
• Your objective should be to obtain a realistic job preview.
• Communicate your interest!
• Among equally qualified candidates, the person who communicates their strong interest and enthusiasm for the job will get the offer.
• Be reasonable and appropriate with your expenditures if the employer is reimbursing you for long distance travel.
•  Also, keep your receipts.
• The employer should tell you in advance what kinds of travel expenses will be covered. If not, ask.
• At the end of the last interview, find out the next step in the interviewing process or when the employer will make their decision.
• After the second interview, record your impressions, lingering questions, and any new or remaining concerns.
• These notes will help you organize your thoughts about an organization.
• Be sure to send tailored thank you notes to each interviewer.

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