Free: Second Interview Question Pdf Cheat Sheet
Ok the next thing you should do is download our “Second Interview Question Cheat Sheet“.
In it you’ll get:
- 5 of the most common second interview questions you could face
- Professional-sounding example answers for each question that you can model your answers after
With this amazing cheat sheet you’ll be pretty much ready for anything you’ll face in your second interview!
Potential Second Interview Questions
The biggest difference between first interview questions and second interview questions really lies in the type of question that you are asked.
Generally speaking, in the first interview the company will want to get a feel for the type of person you are, and the questions they ask will emulate that desire.
But in the second interview, you can expect there to be more specificity regarding the position itself as well as a bit more prodding to determine how well you will fit the culture of your potential new team.
Having said that, this is not set in stone.
Every company goes about the questions a little bit differently, so you really need to be prepared for any type of question in both the first and second interview.
Having fun yet?
One thing is for sure at this point in the game employers are really trying to make sure youre a good fit, so expect that these are going to be tougher than the first round.
Read through these questions and come up with your answers. Weve given an example answer for the first two to get you started. If you need some more help learning how exactly to formulate a perfect interview answer, head over to our blog post Job Interview Questions and Answers 101.
- Why should we hire you?
I Read X About Your Ceo Can You Tell Me More About This
Make sure to research the company you’re interviewing with, not only to shine when answering the questions asked of you, but to seem informed and engaged when it’s your turn to ask the questions. Oliver says questions like this simply show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the company and its leaders.
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Selling The Role In The Second Interview:
If you think this candidate is a great fit during the second interview, it’s time to start selling them on the position.
It’s likely you’re not the only person they’re interviewing with, and if they’re a top candidate there’s likely to be a bit of a tug-of-war over them in the current competitive hiring market.
Describe Your Ideal Manager
Youll typically hear this question when talking directly with the hiring manager .
The recruiter or HR person from the first interview told them that you have the basic skills for the job, but one thing the hiring manager wants to know is whether the two of you will work well together!
So thats why they ask you to describe your ideal boss.
I recommend giving an answer that indicates you can work with a variety of managers. For example:
Ive worked under close supervision in the past, but also under managers who checked in very rarely and gave me a lot of freedom to operate. I did well in both types of roles and dont feel I need one management style or the other to thrive. Do you fall into one of those categories more than the other as a Manager?
Or, if youre sure of this hiring managers style, you can be bolder and say that you enjoy working with managers of that style.
For example:
I like a manager who gives me a lot of freedom and autonomy. I like to make decisions and be able to challenge myself and grow, which I do best under that type of leadership.
But dont say this if youre unsure what type of leader this hiring manager is, or it could cost you the job!
For more answer examples, read this article.
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Common Second Job Interview Questions
Its likely youll be asked some of the same questions again in your second stage interview. If this happens, do not:
- Tell them youve already answered it.
- Give a shortened version of your best answer.
In other words, treat every question like its new and keep the energy high throughout the interview.
Prepare answers for:
1. Questions about your past roles:
- What was your biggest challenge in your last role?
- What was your biggest achievement in your last role?
- Tell me about a time you showed good decision making skills.
- Tell me about a process you improved in your last role.
2. Questions about the role youre applying for:
- What can we expect from you in the first 90 days in the role?
- Why are you the best candidate for this role?
- What do you think youll find most challenging about this role?
3. Questions about your ambitions
- Where do you see yourself in five years time?
- How would this role help you progress towards your goals?
4. Practical questions
What Are The Teams Main Kpis And How Will My Role Help You Reach These
This is one of the best interview questions for managers. More often than not, your managers KPIs are linked to yours, and by asking about the teams performance metrics, you instantly build rapport and show youre committed to helping your manager and team reach their performance goals.
Asking about KPIs also sends the message that youre a results-oriented professional who isnt afraid of delivering tangible outcomes, and making an impact. On the flipside, this is an opportunity for you to understand if the teams KPIs are achievable, so you can set yourself off on the right foot for success.
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Have Some Solid Questions To Ask
If you have some unasked questions left over from round one, nows your chance to get them in. However, we recommend having at least three to five, just in case the interviewer answers them as you go along.
Good questions to ask in a second stage interview include more specific queries around the day-to-day realities of the role, and what you should expect from your first weeks with the company.
What’s One Of The Most Interesting Projects Or Opportunities That You’ve Worked On
“I like this question because it gets me thinking about my own experiences, and my response changes depending on what I was or am working on and in theory, should always be changing if I’m challenging myself and advancing,” Brown told Business Insider.
Brown says that by asking for a specific example, candidates can get a better picture of what the job entails and how people function in certain roles.
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What Is Your Spirit Animal
“I am a seal because I am loyal and travel with a small group of people. Seals are known for being quieter when theyre on land but are more comfortable when they feel confident in a situation. I think this explains me: cautious yet excited.”
Try to be creative in your response while providing some more information about yourself. Many interviews hire off of gut feel alone. Use this answer to help interviewers see your personality it will help them understand who you are and how you make them feel. Out of all of your answers, this has the potential to be the most memorable.
What Is Your Ideal Work Environment
“I thrive in environments that value collaboration and honesty. I firmly believe that diversity of thought and experience makes for a better environment. But I also think it is important to remain honest to ensure collaboration does not lead to echo chambers or groupthink. From your website, it seems like you value those concepts as well I would be excited to work with a company that upholds my values.”
This question measures your relative fit. In short, they want you to answer the following:
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Be Prepared To Share More Information
If you have a portfolio or other work samples, it’s important to bring them with you to this round of interviews, even if you showed them in your first meeting. During the second interview, it’s not uncommon for companies to bring in other people, such as prospective team members or other employees who might work with you on a day-to-day basis.
Some of these people might be fairly spontaneous additions to the interview process, so you’ll want to be prepared to give your elevator speech and demonstrate your skills and abilities effectively and efficiently in order to catch them up on who you are.
It’s important to sell yourself to everyone you meet, because each person you talk with may have input into the hiring decision.
For example, if you are taking part in a panel interview and are asked about your previous experience, you can use this as a chance to show the entire group your portfolio:
I have five years of experience working on marketing campaigns in the healthcare sector. Ive brought along the three samples from my most recent marketing campaigns, which I showed Mr. XYZ the last time we met. However, I also have materials from another campaign I worked on, for which I was personally commended by the director of the organization.
Do You Have Any Questions For Us
Asking insightful follow-up interview questions is a great way to express interest in and learn more about the position. Consider any thoughts or concerns that came up for you during your first interview. In addition, think about specifics involved in the role that you may want to know before you accept the role.
Here are several examples of questions you might ask during the second interview:
- What is a typical day like for the person in this position?
- How do you measure job performance for this role?
- Thinking back to the person who did this job best, what made their work exceptional?
- What is the biggest challenge facing the person in this position?
- How would you describe the management style for this department?
- What do you love about the company culture here?
- What are the next steps after this interview?
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What Type Of Impact Did You Make At Your Last Job
You can gain insight into the candidates way of thinking, by learning if they are more process-oriented, people-oriented, or results-oriented.
Perhaps they describe a system they created and put in place to order to achieve company goals in a process-oriented fashion.
Do they use numbers and data to describe their impact in a results-oriented fashion? Or are they more people-oriented describing how the company and team have grown as a whole?
What Are The Next Steps In Your Recruitment Process Before You Can Make An Offer
This is a good next steps question great for a candidate to ask last as it closes up the interview, Brady says.
Finally, theres the question of how many of these questions to ask. Dont ask them all!
Theres no perfect number of questions you should ask, but more than one is usually good. Aoife Brady says candidates should always ask at least two or three questions.
And if thats not enough to really find out all that you want to know, just check with the interviewer and they should be happy to tell you how many questions they have time to answer.
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Tell Me About The First Things You Would Do In This Role
This question gives you a chance to talk about your ideas and how you might implement them. Your answer should align well with the company’s goals, and focus on things you can accomplish early. Management may not approve of an expansion plan that takes years, but they’re more likely to consider a lower-risk option like introducing a few new products in select stores. For example:
I understand that one of your organization’s biggest pain points is inefficiency and lack of organization. My priority would be to streamline office processes by implementing an online appointment booking system. Doing so reduces errors and optimizes the sales team’s efforts. I would also make sure to negotiate with reliable suppliers so that the company gets the best possible deals on resources.
This answer demonstrates the candidate’s preparation and research. It also shows that they’re interested in helping the company become more successful.
Make A Lasting Impression
Make sure to thank the interviewers for their time and the opportunity before leaving. Within the next day or two make sure to send a thank-you email or note. Use that email to ensure they know you are interested in the role.
Even if you dont get the job, make sure you thank the key decision-makers again and, if youd like, ask that they keep you in mind for any future openings.
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What’s Your Timeline For Making A Decision And When Can I Expect To Hear Back From You
This one tells them you’re interested in the role and eager to hear their decision.
“Knowing a company’s timeline should be your ultimate goal during an interview process after determining your fit for the position and whether you like the company’s culture,” Hoover says. It will help you determine how and when to follow up, and how long to wait before moving on.
Is A Second Interview A Good Sign Will I Get The Job
First of all, getting a second interview is always a good sign. Obviously not all candidates get a second interview so clearly the company is showing interest in you. Having said that, it depends on what exact stage of the interview process youre in and what kind of position youre interviewing for. For example, getting a second in person interview is more impactful than getting an in person interview after a phone interview Whether youll get the job after the second interview really depends on the position and company youre interviewing with. For important roles in large companies you could have a series of interviews.
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Can You Tell Me About A Time When You Worked Successfully As Part Of A Team
Team collaboration is a highly sought-after skill. While many developers spend a lot of time working on their own, they must also be able to work as a part of a team.
Speaking of teams, candidates often get a tour of the office in the second interview. They get to meet and greet some employees and have a look around the office. This way, you can see how the candidates fit in culturally.
Second Interview Questions And Answers
You’ve made it through your first job interview with flying colors, and you have been invited to a second-round interview. What will you be asked during a second interview? Some of the interview questions may be the same as the questions you were asked at the first interview, but others will be very different.
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What Are Some Common Misconceptions About You
“People often think I am quiet because I usually take some time before opening up. The time I spend observing people allows me to understand who they are and whats important to them. I like to have context about people so I can better interact with them. After I know you, I am very extroverted.”
Be mindful when answering this question. Word choice is very important. You want to avoid negatively charged words like stand-offish, rude, mean, cold. This question helps hiring teams understand your impression on others. Be sure to redeem yourself by describing your true, good nature and why people may misperceive you.
Was There A Time In Your Career When A Project Was Changed How Did You Adapt
This question allows you to assess how people react to change and how attached they are to the original idea. Some people thrive on ambiguity, others need a well-formulated plan they need to stick to. Look at which of these scenarios is more likely to happen in your organization and assess potential fit.
In development, a good enough solution is often selected due to lack of time and resources. Hiring someone who cant see past the ideal scenario has its benefits and challenges. On the other hand, duct tape and WD-40 programmers also come with their own advantages and disadvantages. I advise you to evaluate which of them is more likely to succeed in your organization.
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Questions An Employer Might Ask During A Second Interview
Every interviewer is different and their questions may vary depending on which position they are hiring for, so there is no sure way of knowing which exact questions they will ask you.
1. Whats your ideal work environment?
2. Which management style do you find to be the most effective for you?
3. What do you know about this company?
4. What has been the most difficult decision youve had to make in a previous role?
5. Can you tell me about a recent obstacle you overcame?
6. What work accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
7. Why are you the best candidate for this job?
8. How would you describe your best relationships at work? How about the worst?
9. What are your strengths, and what areas do you need improvement?
10. What are your short and long-term goals, and how does this position fit into them?
11. If you got this job, what are some of the first things you would do in this role?
12. What sorts of challenges do you hope to tackle in this position?
13. Can you share a particular example of a time when a projects priorities changed suddenly and you had to adapt?
14. Have you ever worked on a project that didnt turn out as planned?
15. What attributes do you think youd bring to the team?
16. Whats your typical role when youre in a teamwork setting?
17. How do you manage your time when youre assigned multiple projects with the same deadline?
18. How do you make decisions?
19. What are your salary expectations for this role?
