How to Get that Second Job Interview

Getting job interviews can be tricky. Getting the second interview means that you are almost there.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Communication skills.
• Business Clothing.
• Research.

1. Be mentally prepared. Job interviews can be daunting, but they can be great fun, as well. Be mentally prepared to succeed. The job interview is your opportunity to sell yourself and advance your career.

2. Dress for success. Wear appropriate business attire. A guy should always wear a necktie. Your appearance should be professional and not tacky.

3. Do your research. Know a few things about your prospective employer. How long have they been in business? Who is the CEO? How do they make their money? What's going on in their industry?

4. Communication skills are a must. Look the interviewer in the eye when answering questions. Use good body language.
   
   Ask pertinent questions. Do they offer health insurance? What are the opportunities to advance? Is there travel?
   
   Use positive terms when responding to questions: "Yes, I love to travel...", and, "I see the prospect of counting widgets as a wonderful opportunity."
   
   Be prepared to answer some tough questions, that are often laid out gently:
   "I see that are you no longer at Acme Brick Stackers?" If you were terminated for tardiness, do not respond with "Yeah, they got tired of me being late".
   
   Rather, say something like, "There were some professional disagreements about work hours, and my former employer chose to make changes. For the most part, I enjoyed my time there and wish them well."
   
   Never ask what the pay is during the first interview.
   
   When you are preparing to leave, ask the interviewer if she would like a copy of your references. They'll be impressed that they did not have to ask. Make sure that you have a copy with you.

5. Use a hand written business letter as your first follow up. Get your interviewer's business card.
   
   The same day as the first interview, send the interviewer a neat, hand written letter, stating that you enjoyed the meeting, and that you are looking forward to a follow up visit, in order to further discuss your being a part of the "XYZ Company" team, and the contributions you can offer.
   
   Make sure that your contact data, especially your cell number, is listed.

6. Use email for the second follow up. Have an email address that is simple, but professional.
   
   Nobody is going to take a candidate seriously if the address is "[e-mail]."
   
   If you have not heard back from the company within one week, make your next follow up as a professionally worded email, again stating that you are looking forward to a follow up meeting.
   
   Again, make sure that your contact information, especially your cell number is listed.
   
   After one more week, if there is no response, consider sending one more email.

[guargie]

on 12/5/2009 Great tips, may be using these soon. 5* and recommendation.

[sallyemaycreate]

on 12/2/2009 Excellent tips and advice on How to Get that Second Job Interview! Thanks 5*

[pennynickols]

on 12/2/2009 I'm hearing more and more about the importance of writing a thank you note after the first interview. Your article was the first that laid out the follow up schedule using email.

[voldberg]

on 12/2/2009 Great Article. Nice job. Thanks for sharing. 5*

[followthemoney]

on 12/2/2009 Another wonderful article by you on getting a second job interview.