see more from Career

What to Expect in the Second Job Interview: And the Do’s and Don’ts

Jamela Adam

by Jamela Adam

A woman shakes hands with two people during a job interview.
Getty Images

Congratulations — you made it to the second round of interviews for a job. Now, it’s time to step up your game and make an even stronger impression. The second interview is your chance to stand out and prove you’re the obvious choice for the job. It’s also an opportunity to revisit any questions you feel could use a bit more clarity or detail. 

If you’re feeling nervous, don’t worry. Here are the do’s and don’ts of a second interview and actionable tips to help you secure the job. 

Differences Between the First and Second Interview 

The first interview is typically an initial screening. The interviewer gauges your overall fit for the position and gets a general sense of your background and qualifications. The second interview is slightly different. 

“In your second interview, you’re not just demonstrating that you’re qualified for the position. Rather, you must now communicate what sets you apart from fellow applicants who also meet, and likely exceed, the minimum job requirements,” Dr. Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES​, tech career coach​, and founder of CaffeinatedKyle.com, said in an email. 

“Additionally, your second interview is likely to be a lengthier conversation with a hiring manager or peer. You want to use this conversation to articulate your unique value proposition and why the hiring manager would benefit from choosing you over other applicants,” he added. 

Tips for Acing Your Second Interview 

Here are some expert tips on how to make a good impression and ace your second interview.

1. Research Beyond the Company’s Website

Matthew Warzel, certified professional resume writer (CPRW), certified internet recruiter (CIR) and president of resume-writing firm MJW Careers, suggests looking into the company’s recent news, press releases, and social media channels to prepare for your second interview. “Being well-informed allows you to tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their specific needs,” he said. 

Also, if possible, he recommends looking up who will be interviewing you and researching their roles within the company. “Look at their LinkedIn profiles to understand their backgrounds and interests. This will help you make your responses more relevant and allow you to build rapport during the interview,” he added. 

2. Use the STAR Method

“I always train my clients to use the STAR Method to prepare for behavioral questions that are likely to come up in a second interview,” Warzel said. 

The STAR method is a structured and concise way of responding to a behavioral-based question by discussing the specific situation, task, action and result of the situation you’re describing. 

  • S: Describe the situation you were in
  • T: What was your task?
  • A: Talk about the action you took to fix the problem
  • R: What were the results of your action? 

3. Ask Insightful Questions

Interviews are not a one-way conversation. They’re an opportunity for both parties to get to know each other. You’ll want to prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company’s future. 

“Remember to use this opportunity to ask about expectations for the role in the first 90 days, team dynamics and how your success will be measured. This not only shows your strategic thinking but also helps you gauge whether the position is a good fit for you,” Warzel suggested. 

Second Interview Do’s and Don’ts 

Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do in a second job interview if you want to leave a good impression.

Do’s:

  1. Dress to Impress: Your second interview is just as important as your first one. Make sure to dress appropriately to show you take the interview seriously. 
  2. Clear Up Any Confusion: If you were confused about anything in your first interview, your second interview is your chance to clarify.
  3. Show Your Excitement: Talk about why you’re excited about the role and how you see yourself thriving there.

Don’ts:

  1. Talk Negatively:  Don’t badmouth previous employers or experiences. Instead, focus on what you learned and how you’ve grown from those experiences.
  2. Forget to Follow Up: Thank-you emails aren’t just for the first interview. Make sure to also send one after the second interview to show your appreciation for the opportunity. 
  3. Skip the Prep for Behavioral Questions: Be prepared to discuss past experiences in detail during your second interview. Think about specific situations, what you did and what the outcomes were so you can easily share your story.

Questions That May Come Up in Your Second Interview 

In your second interview, things will get a bit more in-depth. The interviewer may ask more challenging questions that really dig into who you are and what you can bring to the table. Here are some of the common questions you can expect:

  • Describe a professional achievement you’re especially proud of.
  • Talk about a difficult decision you made at a job.
  • Have you ever been in a work situation where you were asked to do something you felt was unethical?
  • What would you consider an acceptable salary for this position?
  • Have you ever worked on a project that changed halfway through? 
  • What do you think your biggest contributions will be in this role?
  • What type of work environment do you prefer and why?
  • Which of your previous jobs did you enjoy the most? 
  • What was the most important project you worked on in your last job?

Jamela Adam is a personal finance writer covering topics such as savings, investing, mortgages, student loans and more. Her work has appeared in Forbes Advisor, Chime, U.S. News & World Report, RateGenius and GOBankingRates, among other publications.