Welcome to the Second Interview Etiquette podcast.  I'm your host, Paul Kavicky and with me are Roberta Terrell and Jonathan Ross who work with DTN Productions International – Hallmark of Etiquette.

I would imagine getting to the second interview would be quite exciting and a bit nerve wracking at the same time! 

You bet!  It brings up a number of topics – what should I wear this time, do I send another thank you note….

And the stakes have been raised so now is no time to be too casual or to take anything for granted!

So let's start with what should a candidate wear the second time around – does a suit still apply? 

In most cases, yes, but if the company is business casual some employers like to see your business casual interpretation.  For men, dress trousers, sport coat, long-sleeved open-collared shirt, or a shirt with a tie, polished shoes – basically a well-pulled together look is a must! 

And for women a pantsuit works really well – nothing too casual such as only a skirt and blouse – that doesn't look finished. 

But ideally on that second interview you're not wearing the EXACT same thing as on the first interview – so mix it up at least a little, right?

Right!

What's another area to prepare for in a second interview?  

It's important to be prepared for more detailed, in-depth questions than the first interview.   And do some extra research on them – their web site, their news – in other words, what's important to them!

And be prepared with 2 or 3 thought-provoking questions for them such as "what is the first task or objective to meet that I would be given?" or  "as you look at my resume, what do you see as one of my strongest areas?"

Good ideas – I like those questions!  What else might happen that second time around?

Well you just might meet the "family" so to speak!  They may give you a tour of their facility and basically put you on display as they introduce you around. 

Yes, you're being looked up and down!  Stay calm and composed and try to remember some of their names. 

I would anticipate that everyone you're introduced to is evaluating your likeability – so don't do anything that would cause anyone not to like you!  So be careful with humor and off-handed comments, right?

Absolutely!  We all know the perils of  "sound bites" 

And I hear that the second interview often takes place over the meal…

Oh yes, so pull out your very best table manners.  Your social skill set including your ability to make small talk will be on display!

The meal environment can throw some people off their game, so this is no time to be ill at ease.  And fair or not, your social skill set is on display and it does matter!

And the close on a second interview needs some extra "punch" to it – not cocky, but upfront with confidence!  You could say something like, "well, based upon today's second interview, I feel really confident about my fitting in this position"

Or "what is the next step in this process?" You could even ask, "what is the anticipated time frame for a decision?" 

And don't forget to ask if there is anything else that you can provide – maybe additional references.  And make sure you have their contact information to follow-up at the appropriate time.

And do you send the thank you note after the second interview as well?

Yes, but with a twist – make it a typed out thank you letter - reflecting upon your attributes and what makes you the perfect choice using some of their comments and references from the interview. 

Right - this is your opportunity to demonstrate your follow-through with top-notch professionalism.

Well thanks, Roberta and Jonathan!  You've given great tips on being more than prepared for that critical second interview!