Details Of The Second And Third Job Interview

Most job seekers know how to prepare for the initial interview.  You get your talking points ready, prepare for a barrage of questions, and look presentable.  But what do you do if you are called in for a second or third job interview?

Nonprofits always conduct multiple job interviews for management positions.  They are useful because they allow employers to get a better sense of who you are.  Think of the first interview as a screening process: It's meant to determine whether you meet the basic qualifications for the job.  In the second interview, you are going to be pressed for more details to back up your claims.  It's also an opportunity for the employer to explain the intricacies of the position, and the compensation you would receive.

If you are called in for a third interview, congratulations: You are well on your way to getting the job!  This interview is for the employer to finalize their view on your skills, so they can be absolutely sure you are the right fit.  You will usually be meeting with the hiring manager, someone from human resources, and maybe even an employee with whom you would be working.  This will also be the time where you would start getting into salary negotiation and other contractual details.

A lot of job seekers make the mistake of thinking they don't have to do any additional work to prepare for second or thid interviews.  As you can see from the descriptions above, they are a lot different than that initial conversation.  Make sure you are well prepared if you get the call!  For more tips like these, make sure to sign up for our weekly jobs newsletter.