Second Interviews

The Purpose of the Company Visit

You have made a favorable impression during a screening initial interview and have been invited to the employment site for a second interview. What should you expect and how should you prepare?

The on-site interview allows the employer more time (and more people) to assess your candidacy. Your task is to provide compelling reasons for the employer to hire you. Employers want people who will "fit" into their organization and represent it well. Therefore, most second interviews involve meeting several people, including those with whom you will work if hired. These interviewers may have separate agendas in evaluating your candidacy.

One interviewer may talk with you about everything from sports to recent events in East Asia. Another may ask you questions related to a real or hypothetical situation, and still another may question your knowledge about their industry. In this scenario, the interviewers' varying agendas are to measure your ability to communicate, to think on your feet, and to demonstrate interest in and knowledge of their field.

No two second interviews are alike. Be prepared for a long day and be honest and sincere in your answers. Let your personality come through. You will be evaluated not only on what you say, but how you say it, by people who are trying to get a sense of whether they can work with you.

Preparing for the Visit

• Prepare as you did for the first interview but in greater depth. Research the organization even more thoroughly. Find out the primary products or services, main locations, trends, new ventures and plans for the future. Be able to state the areas you are most interested in. Prepare at least six questions that show that you have done your homework. . Know the position you are being considered for and be able to articulate your interest in the organization and why you will succeed in the position.
• Ask about travel arrangements and reimbursement procedures: Organizations vary in terms of whether and how they reimburse you for travel expenses. Learn the policies and procedures before the interview. Keep your travel expenses to a minimum by staying at reasonably priced hotels, etc.
• If possible, obtain an itinerary and a job description before your visit: Request a copy of your day's schedule, listing the people with whom you will meet.
• Speak with any alumni working with the employer: Ask about their experience in the organization and the employer's current situation and directions. Allegheny students and alumni can request alumni information through the Office of Career Services.
• Know your resume: Always take copies to the interview.

The Interview Day

• Dress appropriately: Dress to convince your interviewers that you fit into the organization. Err on the conservative side.
• Accept that the day will be long: Try to get a good night's rest beforehand, and show enthusiasm and interest throughout the day, even when you have to answer the same questions frequently.
• Be Consistent: Don't try to "read into" an individual and give the answers you think he/she is looking for. Honesty and sincerity are essential.
• Meals: The second interview often includes one or more meals. In these sessions the interviewers often loosen up a little and may assess your ability to interact in a more informal manner. However, keep in mind that you are still being interviewed and that your responses will be considered in the hiring decision.

It is advisable to avoid alcoholic beverages, even if the host partakes, and to order selections that are relatively easy to eat. It’s a good idea to attend the Etiquette Dinner offered each year by OCS to refresh yourself on the details of professional etiquette. Also, try to refrain from smoking at any time during the day.

Final Concerns

Salary: It is not appropriate to ask about salary and benefits. These subjects will usually be addressed during your visit, but may not be approached until an offer is made. Keep in mind that salary levels for entry-level positions (especially for management trainee programs) may be set as standard for all trainees. The larger the organization, the less flexibility exists to negotiate your salary and any negotiation usually involves minimal amounts.

Information on average salaries offered to Allegheny students, and students nationwide, is available in OCS. This will provide you with a realistic figure to consider. A more important factor than beginning salary may be rate of advancement in pay and in position. Don't accept a job offer solely on starting salary. Assess the total package.

Accepting an Offer: The employer will probably inform you when they expect to make a decision. If not, ask. Don’t let yourself be pressured into accepting a job offer immediately. Ask for additional time, if necessary, to make a well thought out choice. Employers understand that graduating seniors are interviewing with several organizations and need time to make an informed decision.

Follow-up: Always follow up with a brief thank you letter. Affirm your interest in the position, note the aspects that particularly impressed you, and offer to provide any further information upon request.