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officepa
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« on: November 18, 2009, 03:39:41 pm » |
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I am off for a 2nd interview on Thursday PM with a company I would really like to work for. The first interview was with the HR Director and the Financial Director and went well enough for them to invite me back on Thursday.
However, 2nd interview will be with the Head of the Department (whom I have not met) and also the HR Director again. My question is, can anyone suggest good solid questions I could ask that I did not ask in the 1st interview?
The 1st one was quite intense and covered absolutely everything from day to day tasks to corporate culture and more.
Bearing in mind I have already met one of the interviewers, I don't want to ask the same questions again but am slightly at a loss as what to ask that I don't already know.
Thanks in advance.
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JessW
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« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2009, 06:14:15 pm » |
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A good starting point is to ask more indepth questions about the role, the direct report, the department goals and aims, but only after expanding on the answers to the questions that have already been asked of the interviewer you have already met (don't forget to acknowledge the original question(s) and the answers already given so you can word it to get more indepth answers).
I take it you did the normal "who, what, where, when, why and how"? If so, just word them more specifically to the Financial Director.
Don't know whether you should dare ask what points in particular they liked about you that encouraged them to ask you for a second interview - it could go either way, even if you put it that you are a keen self improver!
Hope this gives you some ideas.
Jess
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gee4
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« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2009, 08:47:45 pm » |
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A second interview is a chance to ask questions you didn’t ask the first time round. It is also an opportunity to expand on answers you gave at the first interview. The head of department won’t have met you yet so expect some repeat questions and perhaps brush up on the answers you gave.
Was there a question you had difficulty with or something you forgot to ask previously? This is your opportunity.
It’s important to remember the company is interested in you and you are now in serious contention for the job.
You may be asked by the head of department to tell him/her a little about yourself, revealing more about you, how you relax and what you do in your spare time. It's about getting to know the other side of you and not just the professional you. They want to see your personality and if find out if you are the right fit.
Good luck!
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Cathy S
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« Reply #3 on: November 19, 2009, 09:03:52 am » |
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Hello Cathy
First off, as Gee says, you must keep at the front of your mind that they liked you enough to ask you back ... keep that foot gently in the door if you really want to work for them.
As for questions to ask, since this time you are meeting the HoD ask questions which are more specific to the Department rather than the company - if you are to work with HoD directly you could ask how HoD prefers to work with support; or you could ask specifics about the Department. Remember the HR Director and Finance Director have wider company remits, but the HoD should be proud of his/her Department and want you to be interested in that and not just the company.
Look forward to hearing how you get on - we'll cross our fingers and you go sparkle girl ...
Cathy
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officepa
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« Reply #4 on: November 19, 2009, 10:51:42 am » |
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Thank you all  Have prepared as much as I can now taking on board your suggestions. Feel more confident now but still a tad nervous. Will let you know how I get on  |
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geminigirl
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« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2009, 12:24:01 pm » |
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Don't know whether you should dare ask what points in particular they liked about you that encouraged them to ask you for a second interview - it could go either way, even if you put it that you are a keen self improver!
Cathy - good luck (belated) for the interview. I shall think good thoughts for you. As for asking why they brought you back in - why not? On most interviews I've had, I've always asked either what they saw on my CV or at first interview that they liked. It's a good intro into expanding on that particular aspect or quality. |
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jennika
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« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2009, 11:48:04 pm » |
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.... how did it go? I hope you come back with great news! Good luck Cathy!
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officepa
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« Reply #7 on: November 21, 2009, 10:47:09 pm » |
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 To be honest, I have been too embarrassed to post following interview jennika but thanks for asking As we all do, I have been rehearsing answers to various questions I could be asked and more. I prepared well, felt confident and was ready. But then .................. heaven only knows why I did what I did - or rather, said what I said................ . Sat down at interview with only the Head of Department, he asked me to tell him all about me and I immediately launched into what sort of position I was looking for and why I felt this position met my requirements and what I could offer the company  . As all this was tumbling out of my mouth, my brain was saying to me what are you going on about girl. A quizzical look came over his face and he must have been thinking who is this mad woman sitting here and why is she answering a totally different question to what I asked  After that I lost concentration a little bit. I was hoping he would say, that is all very interesting but tell me more about you as a person but he didn't and I could not find a way to get back to the initial question. The interview carried on and I did ask lots of questions and we seemed to get on well but every time I think about my first answer, I cringe . Everybody at my office when I returned was laughing when I told them and so did I but I actually felt a complete idiot and wanted to cry as am sure I have blown my chance  He getting back to me next Tuesday - I will report back to DD but I think I know the answer
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Cathy S
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« Reply #9 on: November 22, 2009, 02:55:12 pm » |
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Oh Cathy ... don't be so sure you have messed up - you know in telling him the sort of position you were looking for he probably did find out about you.
It's easy to say with hindsight, but maybe you could practise stopping yourself mid answer and saying something like "I am sorry I hope I haven't pre-empted your next question, you actually asked me to tell you about myself ..." and then start the answer again.
My first serious interview after Uni I didn't expect to be offered the post because they had asked me a couple of very sexist questions (it was an engineering post in Military Aircraft) which I had responded too rather curtly - they were on the phone first thing the next morning with the job offer.
Keep the smile on your face and take it on the chin if they don't offer ... it obviously wasn't your job in that case!
Cathy
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peaches2160
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« Reply #10 on: November 22, 2009, 03:14:18 pm » |
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Same thing happened to me after my interview 28 yrs ago with this company. I left the interview and sat in my car and said "Self, keep looking. You blew it". That was my first job with this company and has turned out to be the stepping stone of a very fulfilling career for me in HR, Marketing, and now the position I currently hold, EA to VP of Sales. I interviewed with the Director of HR at the time who has since retired. He is known for his tough interviewing technique. I worked for him for several years and we have kept in touch. Like I said, think positive.
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gee4
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« Reply #11 on: November 23, 2009, 12:20:21 pm » |
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Cathy, I would just put this down to experience. Second interviews are quite intimidating because it's make or break. This is a regular question at second interviews, but don't worry, sounds like we have all been in the same boat at one time or another. Not every vacancy is the right one, so just stay positive.  |
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officepa
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« Reply #12 on: November 24, 2009, 12:51:03 pm » |
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Was not offered the position - have been told I would have been if the candidate who was had said no - nothing like being second best. Thanks for all your help. I may be back when I have another interview to attend.
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