Questions for a Third Interview Conference Call

Third interview conference calls involve creating understandings.

By the third interview, things are getting serious for you as a job applicant. When an employer brings together several important people in the organization to speak to you together, your focus needs to shift from trying to impress to getting a clear picture of exactly what the job involves. This means that your questions should move from general and informational questions to specific and penetrating ones aimed at not only understanding the role, but the expectations of the people on the other end of the line.

Expectations

Get a clear understanding of what the people interviewing you will want, need and expect if you take the position. Final stages of an interview are largely about creating understanding. By the third interview, they've already determined you're qualified and capable. What everyone, including you, needs to know is how well you can all work together to achieve company goals. In the process of learning about what they expect, let your potential employers know what you need to do the job and what you expect to get out of the position besides a paycheck. It helps everyone to have a complete understanding before moving forward.

Timeline

If the interviewers are looking for changes and results from their new hire, find out over what time period they are hoping to achieve them. You need to assess whether their goals are achievable for you. If you believe you can achieve them faster than expected, you may impress your interviewers. Most importantly, this information will help you get an understanding of how you would be going about your work and the areas of focus you would need at the beginning.

Predecessors

Once you've reached this advanced stage of the recruiting process, it's OK to ask tougher questions. Ask what may have gone wrong with previous occupants of the position. Even if the previous person left on good terms or was well regarded, find out how the interviewers might want you to do the job differently. Also find out what the last person did well. The question will help you get a clearer picture of what the job may entail and your interviewers will likely be impressed with your thoughtful inquisitiveness.

Compensation

Although bringing up compensation is rarely a good idea in a first interview, by the third interview it's not only fair, but necessary. Both parties are interested in a possible hire, which means it's worth making sure the compensation and benefits are sufficient to make continuing the conversation worth everyone's while. If the rest of the interview goes well, inform your interviewers about any needs or requirements you have. This is also the time to ask for any special requests such as extra vacation, a sign-on bonus or relocation expenses.

References

• Quintessential Careers: Do's and Don'ts for Second (and Subsequent) Job Interviews; Katherine Hansen
• Job Interview Tools: How to Prepare for the Third Interview
• The Ladders; What to Expect on a Second and Third Interview: Daryl K Taft; November 2010
• Think Energy Group: Best Questions to Ask During the Interview