How to Get an Offer After the Second Interview (2024)

When you get a second interview, there's a good chance you're on the short list for the job offer. Typically, employers only call candidates a second time if they want to delve deeper, introduce the applicant to staffers and determine how well you'd fit in with the existing corporate culture. The key to being the top candidate is to not only to ace the second interview, but also to follow up with a definitive interest in the position.

Second Interview Prep

When you're called in for a second interview, take your game to the next level. Take what you learned during the first interview and use it to your advantage. If your interviewers talked about specific projects, product lines, and anticipated areas of growth or challenges, educate yourself about these areas and create talking points. These talking points should position you as the person who's capable of stepping up to to the challenge the company presents. When you're in the second interview, bring your best ideas and suggestions. Ask questions and make recommendations -- essentially, act as though you already have the job and are participating in a staff meeting. Use "us" and "we" to integrate yourself into the picture. Examples:

I've been thinking about you wanting to step up your social media presence with the launch of new skin care products. Do you have a timeline in place? I've been reading about new approaches I think might work well for us, and I'd love to talk more.

You mentioned being short-staffed re: surveys and focus groups. Have you used college interns to help with data collection and sorting? It might be beneficial to them, and to us, if implemented correctly.

After we last spoke, I researched how print publications stay relevant in the digital age. Fascinating results! Moving forward, I think we could develop strategies for this.

Start Building Personal Connections

If there were people you clicked with, continue to build on those relationships when you speak again. If you meet new people, ask questions about them and their work. This approach enables you to demonstrate how well you'd fit into the team, which leaves people feeling that you are both professional and personable. Examples:

Janice, it's so good to see you again. I took your advice and visited the art museum when I was here last -- you were right, the new pottery exhibit was amazing.

Fred, after you referenced the digital annual report you had on line, I went home and took a look -- incredible graphics. Do you take this approach for presentation materials you create internally?

So nice to meet you, Karen. I made a quick trip through sales when I was here last, but I hear you have a unique sales challenge going on now. I'd love to hear more about it. Is it something you've done before?

Turn on the charm without being cloying or overly familiar. You want people to see you as someone they'd be happy to run into at the water cooler every day. Don't think that people who aren't interviewing you don't count -- many companies ask staffers to comment on potential hires to ensure a good fit for everyone.

Talk About the Future

A second interview is all about looking ahead and sealing the deal. When you're being interviewed, use forward-looking statements which show that you are on-board and that you want the job.

My husband and son came with me on this trip -- we wanted to check out a few neighborhoods and get a feel for the place.

Everyone here has been incredible throughout this process. You've got a terrific team.

Is there anything else I can tell you about myself - or any reservations or concerns you have that we should discuss?

Be open and honest. If you feel there were points you didn't get to emphasize in your first interview, highlight them the second time around. If you have questions or concerns yourself, bring them up as well. It will demonstrate you're giving careful thought to the role.

Follow Up in a Big Way

Even if you're the leading candidate, you might not get a job offer immediately after the second interview. In fact, you may get called in for a final interview, in which salary and perks are discussed. You can increase your chances of success by making a strong, immediate follow-up after your second interview. Here's how:

Send personal emails to everyone you spoke with. Thank the person for their time and insight, and also express your enthusiasm at the possibility of working together.

It was great to see you again, Kim. Thanks for the tour of the print shop. I love your enthusiasm for the process -- hope we have a chance to work together!

Cement your forward-thinking comments to the greatest degree possible.

Susan, It was great to hear about your plans for adding multiple blogs to the company website. As promised, I'm sending along research that I came across at a conference earlier this year -- it focuses on the strategy you discussed about creating unique subscriber lists. Hope it's something of value to you.

Finish with a strong statement.

Hi Bob -- Thanks so much having me back and giving me the chance to meet your wonderful team. I want you to know that I'm incredibly enthusiastic about taking on this role. I look forward to speaking with you again soon.

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