Second Interview Questions: 3 Ways to Prepare for Your Second Interview

Second interview questions are questions you'll be confronted with during the second step in the hiring process. Of course, the first step is to create a good enough impression in your first job interview to be invited back for a second interview. The types of questions you'll likely be asked in your second interview will have a different focus and you'll need a new strategy for preparation.

Whereas your first job interview may have been conducted by somebody from Human Resources in a large company, your second interview questions will likely be conducted by somebody from the Department to which your job applies. And in much smaller companies, the interview will probably be conducted by the Owner/Manager.
In any case, you should plan to be interviewed by a different person than before and expect the second interview questions to be tailored quite a bit more to your specific skills and the requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Preparing for Your Second Interview Questions

So, how do you prepare? Well first and foremost, keep this in mind: You made it to the second interview. That definitely puts you on the inside track for landing the job! And that means you must have made some very good impressions on the first interviewer. Follow these tips and you will be prepared:
1. Recall and relive every moment you can of the first interview. How did you dress? How did you sit? What did you do when they were talking? What did you do when you were talking? Were you rigidly professional and business-like, more laid-back and friendly or a combination of both? Do you remember smiling? Do you remember nodding at all? Did you ask questions of them?
This point cannot be over-emphasized. Dig in and relive the first interview as best you can, while making notes of what you consider may have made the difference. Then, plan to repeat them in the second interview because what worked before will probably work again. People like to associate with others of similar values and personality types. The job environment is not any different.
Most of the time, job applicants who have been called in for a first interview will possess similar levels of technical skills. Therefore, your personality, values, and the way you conduct yourself can make the difference. For you to be called in for a second interview is an indication that certain qualities and actions you expressed in the first interview, may have made the difference.
You should devote sufficient time to this step and take notes as best as you can while you relive your first interview.

2. You will have submitted your resume prior to the first interview. If the interviewer didn't think you were qualified, you never would have been called in for the first interview. So, the first interview was more about evaluating you and not your qualifying skills regardless of the way it may have seemed. The second interview questions will therefore be more specific and be centered around your skills as they would apply to the position for which you have applied.
The best way to prepare is to again recall what took place in the first interview. The interviewer will have at some point described the nature of their business, the needs of their business and in particular, why they need to fill the position. Recall what they said and make note of it.

Now, rehearse how you would tailor your skills to fulfilling the needs of the company based on your notes. Make up second interview questions you might be asked, such as points about your experiences and abilities. Then, figure out how you would answer them.

3. You may be asked "Test" questions designed to explore your ability to solve a particular type of problem. Don't worry about them. Chances are, there is more than one correct answer. What the interviewer is primarily looking for is whether or not you can think and evaluate situations.
So, don't panic. Just be yourself and answer these types of questions based upon your experiences. Do not answer them according to what you think they want to hear. You do have skills and experiences so be confident of them.

Remember: The interviewer has probably heard so many possible answers to their second interview questions after interviewing so many applicants, that their "head may be spinning". Therefore, your best bet is to always be yourself, base your answers strictly upon your personal experiences and ask questions. Asking relevant questions always demonstrates strong interest.

Article source: articlebase.com
 

Six Proven Interview Strategies That Will Get You Hired

In an optimistic economy, an average technology professional generates about one to ten interviews for every hundred applications. While a candidate's background, industry, and geographic location influence this number, on average the response rate for technology resumes tends to be less than ten percent.
As of July 2010, unemployment rates touched nearly 9.5% and the number of unemployed individuals now peaks at 14.6 million. What's worse? The average workweek is approximately 34.1 hours, leaving many candidates the option to pursue a second job. With so many qualified professionals looking for work, the competition is undeniably intense and response rates could fall even further down the curve. In such an environment, every interview is a priceless opportunity that cannot be compromised.
Consider the following tips to ace your interview:
Focus on accomplishments
Behavioral interview strategies leverage past performance to predict a candidate's future potential and the selection process is as challenging for employers, as it is for potential hires. Acing behavioral interviews is not as hard as it appears. Showcasing past accomplishments is a powerful antidote to challenging behavioral interview questions and the strategy can catapult even an ordinary candidate to the "most promising" shortlist.
During interview coaching sessions, I often find that technology professionals deliver modest responses to important questions. Modesty is an admirable quality but a competitive process such as an interview is certainly not the place to exercise this value.
When asked about leadership skills, for example, a chief information officer (CIO) may deliver the following response:
Weak Strategy: "I am an excellent leader with over ten years' experience."
Better: "As CIO for XYZ, Inc., a Fortune 100 company, I had the ability to demonstrate a solid synergy of technical and leadership skills. Under my leadership, the IT organization at XYZ evolved from an isolated technology department to a cutting-edge, solutions-driven business partner supporting the company's business needs in 90 countries. I developed state-of-the-art IT strategies that eventually became a model for the rest of the industry to emulate and enabled XYZ to win twelve Best Practice awards. I also managed, developed, and groomed over 600 IT professionals worldwide."

Differentiate yourself from the competition
Until recently, branding was considered a marketing concept that was the exclusive domain of products and services. In recent years, though, the principles of branding have proliferated to the individual level and professionals and executives are now being considered brands in their own right. Most technology professionals would go the extra mile to showcase their technical proficiencies, but if everyone is technically proficient, who should be hired? The following illustrations describe how two technical support professionals would approach a similar question: "Tell me about your troubleshooting skills."
Weak strategy: "I offer very strong troubleshooting skills and am able to quickly and effectively resolve complex technical problems."
Better: "My seniors have often recommended me as an ace troubleshooter who went the extra mile to maximize customer satisfaction. In addition to resolving over 90% of tickets within the first call, I was often complimented about my people skills. Within a short duration of four months at ABC Corp., many callers started asking for me by name."

Highlight benefits for the employer
Allowing the employer to draw conclusions about your candidacy can prove to be a self-defeating exercise. Do the work for them. Instead of just addressing questions, respond in a manner that helps the employer understand how you will benefit the organization.
Weak Example: "I am an experienced network administration."
Better: "My ten years' networking experience with nationally-reputed franchise operations have honed and developed my networking skills to such an extent that I can single-handedly manage and administer large networks with hundreds of users. As a result of my efficiency and productivity, my past employer was able to reduce overtime manpower needs and save at least $40,000 every year. My networking skills have benefited my past employers, and I am confident I can save costs for your company as well."

Research, research, research
Preparation is absolutely the key when it comes to interview success. Dig into as many resources as you possibly can to learn everything about your employer and her needs. This knowledge can be very empowering as you can raise valid issues that may be very specific to the company you are interviewing with.

Position yourself as the "best solution" for the position
Demonstrate how you are the perfect solution for the employer's needs. Develop a compelling value proposition that showcases you as the best person for the company's needs. Kim leveraged this strategy to her advantage.
Kim was interviewing for an E-commerce position. During her research she had uncovered some pressing technology needs that her new employer needed to address immediately. She formulated a possible response and outlined some strategies she could use to resolve the crisis. She was able to create a very promising solution that would benefit the company tremendously. Needless to say, she was offered a position at the first interview.

Develop written scripts for key interview questions
Prepare responses and scripts for common interview questions. It may not be such a good idea to memorize the answers, but a little preparation can certainly go a long way.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Job Interview Preparation Questions and Answers - A six-step guide to successful job interviews

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Interview questions and answers are only part of the whole preparation.

Interview. The interview is the big event. All the time spent finalizing your application, presentation of your CV, covering letter and respond to offers, all tailored to the work you have done thus far. Over the next several posts, I am blogging on information that will provide you with key steps to perform at your best and put you in the optimal position for a job offer

Step 1: Knowing the companies always helps your preparation for interview questions and answers. What type of interview will you be in? Will it be conducted by a panel or an individual? If it is a panel, how large a panel and what is the makeup? Are you being interviewed by the HR department or the person who will be supervising you, or maybe future colleagues? What kind of company is it? Is it privately held or publicly traded? How long have they been in business? Who is their target market? Are they the industry leader or a strong competitor? Where are their corporate headquarters located? Do your research and make notes on your discoveries. Collect and verify annual reports, business / industry news they have on their website, Hoovers, if possible, talk to current employees or the past, etc.. The more you know of the company's history, niche, competitors and business and growth plans, the more prepared you'll be to discuss their needs and how you are the person to fit their culture and address their issues.

Step 2: Anticipating and responding to their questions and answers from Interview. The typical interview lasts a good 60 minutes. During the first few minutes, that interviewer usually sets the tone, providing information about the company and the position. They will then refer to your resume, cover letter, portfolio, and any other information you provided, and begin asking you questions. Be involved, prepared to work with the standard interview questions and answers. Some of these interview questions may be uncomfortable for you. There is no excuse to show your discomfort. Practice your responses. Consider role-playing to help with someone objective regulate your answers.

Step 3: Prepare penetrating interview questions for your audience. If there is a panel make sure that you make sufficient copies of your resume, cover letter, portfolio, etc., for each person. My standard rule of thumb is to have 20 questions ready to go. During the interview, many of your questions will be addressed, so you have 20, you are required to show a few remaining for your interest and have critical thinking skills. The questions you ask during the interview are just as significant as the answers you give. It is acceptable to notebook questions you are willing to talk to you. You can not possibly remember all of them; nor are you expected to. However, make sure you do not fix your eyesballs to the notebook. Remember that presenting yourself as being polished and professional is imperative. Remember, first impressions do last.

Step 4: Once again, preparing for questions and answers from interview is only part of equation. You have a single shot at making a dynamite first impression. Your audience is obviously eager to meet you, or they would not have invited you to the interview . Capitalize on their enthusiasm. Show up 10 minutes early. Wear appropriate clothing. The standard is is too dress appropriately, with polished shoes, cuff links and tie for men of power. For women, business suit or other appropriate business attire is required. For an informal setting, a button-down shirt and blazer, the men are adapted and trousers, skirt or shirt and jacket will be perfect for women. It sounds simplistic, but these two things can make or break if you are not on time and you are dressing like you are going out on the town instead of out to an interview. Beware of too-casual and hide the skin and minimize the jewelry and cut down on the make-up ladies.

Next to your interview questions and answers, how you present yourself is next in line of importance. Just think of how often people are judged on their looks before they even open their mouths. Many coaches believe you can never overdress. Dressing out of alignment to the job or your audience risks giving the wrong impression; resulting in the possibility of minimizing yor chances during the interview. In cities with conventional expectations, this is a small problem. In my community, we have a population of 400,000 and wearing a suit in a business casual environment is a quick way to get labeled "too stuffy", which makes for a negative first impression.

In addition to dress, confidence, smiling, shaking hands firmly with everyone you meet (yes, that means that women too), have good posture and eye contact. And, of course, remember your manners.

Step 5: Communicate effectively. Nonverbal communication accounts for 93% all messages (38% tone and 55% body language). Leaving less than 7% of communication is the result of the words we say real. To truly communicate effectively, your non-verbal communication has to be in agreement with what you are saying. Nod your head to acknowledge agreement and to welcome the other interview questions that follow. Maintain eye contact. Sitting in front of the crowd. Keep your arms and hands pointed toward your audience. Smiling often and show enthusiasm. Also, be mindful of your audience's body language. They are always looking at yours? Have you engaged in an effective way? Providing effective interview questions and answers requires congruence in your body language, tone, specific language.

Step 6: Follow up is critical. Be sure to collect business cards from all over during the interview and all those who have interacted with on the way. This includes the person scheduling the interview, the receptionist you spoke with on the phone, etc. All received a handwritten letter of thanks. Make sure all names and titles are spelled correctly and get the notes mailed within 24 hours. In the message, add something interesting in the message to confirm your personal skills and the desire for the position. In order to earn the job offer, you have to interview effectively! 

 

Article source: articlebase.com

Business Thank You Letter

A business thank you letter or a letter of thank you after a job interview is one of the most under-utilized ways of obtaining employment there is. Send them a thank you letter for the fact that they called you in the first place. They invited you because they have a strong curiosity concerning you. I always look at an interview as mine to lose. They wouldn't have me pass through their doors if there wasn't a high degree of interest.

Quite possibly the most important and effective two words in any language are 'thank you.' In general, the world can use more shown appreciation. Exhibiting ones appreciation is undervalued. It is also a sign of maturity. A great leader once said, "'thank you' frequently expressed will cheer your spirit, broaden your friendships, and lift your lives to a higher pathway as you journey toward perfection. There is simplicity - even sincerity - when 'thank you' is spoken."

The fact that they considered you in the first place for a job interview should never go unnoticed and a business thank you letter should never be overlooked. I believe that it is one of many qualifiers considered when choosing an applicant for the job. I would personally believe that if they don't appreciate my calling them in then their value as a team member is diminished. Not sending a letter of thank you shows that he or she shows a lack of interest in the job and an absence of diligence. Basically, they are not the right candidate. Perseverance is a trait most desired by many employers. It is a handy quality especially in sales where rejection is common. If you are not a strong consideration for the job your tenacity may help change their mind.

Like the suggestion in our 'cover page design' article you will want to write as if you are speaking to them in person. Don't' try to get too fancy or make it flowery. Just write in certain, easy to understand terms. You are kissing up to them but don't make it obvious. You don't have to send the most astute note or come up with clever sayings. Just let them know you appreciate their considering you.

Send thank you notes after each of multiple interviews and send one to each person with which you meet. Send a letter of thank you after a phone interview. It is truly a thank you letter for acceptance because they took the time to talk with you. Don't waste any time in getting your letter of thank you to them. When leaving the interview ask the receptionist for the interviewer's email. You can let them know of your intentions of wanting to write and give thanks. If they hesitate to give out the email address then be sure to get a letter to them as soon as possible. Overnight delivery is appropriate. Where possible, deliver it in person.
There is much involved in obtaining gainful employment. If it were easy everybody would be doing it.

Article Source:EzineArticles.com

Investment Banking Interview Preparation

For undergrads and MBA students, the news that they have been selected for an interview at an investment bank comes with both excitement and dread. A position as an analyst or associate in corporate finance can be the first step towards a highly successful and highly lucrative career. Investment banking interviews, however, can be some of the most intimidating interviews out there, so let's take a look at how to get prepared.
Before we jump into interview practice mode, we should take a step back and think about how we want to come across in the interview. In short, investment banking candidates should come off as bright, confident and likable.
In the final cut of selecting a hire, investment banks have already determined which candidates are smart and capable, so the decision comes down to who they like the best. So in addition to knowing a thing or two, candidates must remember to come across as a fun person to work with as well.

Know Your Story
Like any interview, candidates should have stories prepared about their lives that discuss their past, present and future. These are great answers for the standard questions:
"Tell me about yourself." Or "Walk me through your résumé."
"Why are you interested in investment banking or this firm?"
"Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?"
Candidates are highly likely to receive these or similar questions in any interview, and having succinct, practiced answers to them will give the impression of a polished candidate.
Your past story should highlight events that have qualified you for or gotten you interested in investment banking. Your present story should demonstrate why you want the particular position, how it is a logical step from where you are coming from and perhaps touch on where you hope the position will lead.

Your future story should discuss how investment banking will lead to where you want to go. Good future ambitions might be a managing director position in investment banking, a principle at a private equity firm, a CFO or perhaps and entrepreneur. In any case, you should communicate that those are long-term ambitions and you look forward to the experiences you'll have in the position you're interviewing for.

Know the Industry and Firm
Where investment banking interviews begin to get trickier is that firms will expect you to know what you're getting into. If you confuse an equity analyst position with an analyst position in corporate finance, for example, you will not make it any further in the process.

You should understand the major divisions within an investment bank - sales & trading, corporate finance, research, etc. You should understand the hierarchy of positions within corporate finance - analyst, associate, vice president, managing director - and what each position does.

At the macro level, you need to understand the major differences between bulge bracket investment banks, middle market and boutique investment banks. You should also have a good answer for why you would prefer one type over another (and be sure that you prefer the type you're interviewing with).
You should also understand the particular expertise that your firm has - transaction types or business sectors where it is active. Find some recent transactions that the firm has completed and be able ask smart questions about some of them.

You may be asked if there are any other firms or companies that you are interviewing with. If you are interviewing with other investment banks, you can be honest and say that you're taking the opportunity to get to know the investment banking landscape. You want to communicate that you're most interested in the firm you are speaking with and be able to give good reasons why.

Most banks will see it as a plus that you are interviewing elsewhere and may be more inclined to try to hire you. If you don't have other interviews with banks, be sure to network and talk to people at other banks. If you can respond that you've at least been doing some networking in the industry, you'll come across as a stronger candidate.

Know Your Financial Models
Candidates should also know what they'll be working on when they come to investment banking. Having a basic understanding of pitches, deal execution and the ebb and flow of the corporate finance office is important.
To that point, you should also be familiar with some of the financial models you will likely be using - discounted cash flow, comparable companies analysis, precedent transactions analysis (sometimes called M&A comps) and LBO analysis.
Understanding how these models work and the theory behind them will help you to answer a lot of the technical questions that might get thrown at you in an interview. Know the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and how to calculate the weighted average cost of capital (WACC). Know how to un-lever a beta.

Know the Marketplace
Be sure to get up to speed on financial markets. If you can read financial news regularly and follow the reports of an economist or two, you'll be prepared to answer questions that might get thrown at you about the markets:
"Where do you see interest rates headed over the next six months and why?"
"Where did the Dow close yesterday?"
"Do you have any stocks that you follow? Tell me about them."

Brain Teasers
Another type of question you may encounter in an investment banking interview is a brain teaser. These questions are meant to catch you off guard and see how your mind works.
"How many golf balls will fit inside Yankee Stadium?"
You should be able walk through your thought process and come to a logical answer, even if it's not the right one. You could say:
A golf ball is a little over two inches in diameter, so you could fit about five across in one foot of space or 125 in a cubic foot. It's about 400 feet from home plate to center field, so Yankee Stadium is about one thousand feet long.
It's shape is like a half sphere, so you could use the formula for the volume of a sphere - four thirds pie r cubed - divided by two to calculate the volume in feet. Then you multiply by 125 to figure out how many golf balls would fit.
That would be an adequate answer to a brain teaser. If any of your assumptions are wrong, it doesn't matter as much as your logic. Get out a piece of paper during the interview and write out your assumptions if you need to. Get a hold of a list of brain teaser questions and have someone practice with you.

Ask Good Questions
Before the interview is over, you should always ask some good questions. There has been a lot of change in the investment banking landscape, so there are lots of great questions to ask:
"How has the merger with such-and-such firm gone?"
"How has the role of private equity changed since the financial crisis?"
"Do you foresee a surge in M&A activity in any of the industries you work with?"
There are many more questions out there. You will usually be given an opportunity to ask questions, and this is your chance to take control and show that you're prepared. Write some smart questions out before the interview and take them with you. No matter what questions get thrown at you, you can at least demonstrate that you can ask smart questions - a valuable skill in investment banking.

Final Touches
When you finish the interview, be sure to smile and thank the firm for talking with you. Try to get a hold of business cards and send thank you emails when you get home.
For on-site interviews, be sure to treat everyone you encounter with respect including administrative assistants, analysts and associates. Even analysts may have the opportunity to comment in the hiring process of associates, so it's important to make a good impression on everyone.
Be patient with the hiring process. Ask about the firm's hiring timeline and respect it. Don't follow up until after their deadline has past.
Investment banking interviews can be some of the toughest you will come across in your career, so be sure to take preparation seriously. Focus on coming across as a bright, confident and likable candidate, and you will put yourself in the best position to get hired.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

How To Clear 4 Phone Interview Hurdles

As the popular movie line goes "you had me at hello'. Sometimes first impressions says it all. Sometimes you can wow the company during your first hello and then there are other times you can blow it. Examples of some blunders are the first date that lasts only 30 minutes, the sports team tryout that lasts only 15 minutes and the scheduled 45 minute phone interview that lasts for only 10 minutes. It should be clear that these are not good signs that the results will be positive for you. Clearly I understand there will always be exceptions to the rule.

Like the other examples above you can control the phone interview so that you achieve positive results. Its clear many companies have reduced their recruiting budgets and operate with limited resources. In the past jobs were posted and qualified candidates would be called in for face to face interviews. Keep in mind that most local companies will receive hundreds of resumes for each position posted. For regional and national companies this number could approach a thousand resumes per job posting. These companies will not commit HR time solely to screening and interviewing hundreds of candidates. Those days are gone and the current candidate selection approach is to have your initial interview via telephone to eliminate unqualified candidates.

Phone interviews are designed for only one purpose and that is to prequalify you for the position while reducing the candidate pool. This prequalification is needed because it allows the company to save time and money during the selection process. Good news for the selected candidate is that you will get a chance to interview for the job. This is a great opportunity for you to present your qualifications and experiences for the position. Your preparation for a phone interview should be viewed with just as much importance as your preparation for a face to face interview.

Today's Job Candidate must view the phone interview differently than the face to face interview. Keep in mind that you must make it past this interview or there will be no face to face interview. The four hurdles you must clear:

1. Preparation. You must prepare for the job by researching the company. This should include knowing what products and services the company offers plus know their competitors. Take time to review the company's mission and vision statement. Do your homework and make sure you are qualified for the job by matching your resume to the job description. If you do this you have cleared the first hurdle.

2. Phone Presence. Let's face it; this is a tough one. You can have the best qualifications and may be ideal for the job; if you can't present well over the phone you will not clear hurdle number 2. Can you clearly present your qualifications during the phone interview? A proven way to assure that you are answering questions correctly and not rambling is to use the STAR technique when answering questions. [S] Situation [T] Task [A] Action [R] Results. Some HR Professionals will listen for STAR responses to determine if you are communicating clearly. Standing during your phone interview will help reduce anxiety as well as allow your voice to project more confidently. If you do this you have cleared the second hurdle.

3. Index Cards. Having index cards handy will allow you to have notes to refer to during your interview. If there are key points you want to capture about the company or position, you will want to make sure you include on the index cards. Every interview will end with a "do you have any questions for me"? You are guaranteed not to forget because you have your questions already prepared and in front of you. If you do this you have cleared the third hurdle.

4. Close. Yes you must close during your phone interview. You have to show that you are excited to be considered for this job and you want to be a part of their team. "Jane Smith, thank you for allowing me to present my qualifications to you this morning. I know my years of experience and professional accomplishments will be a tremendous asset to your organization. I am excited for the next step. Do I have your support to advance me to the next stage of the interview process"? Bottom line; companies want to know that you are enthused and want to be a part of their team. If you do this you have cleared the final hurdle and crossed the Phone Interview finish line.
Utilizing proven interview techniques can be the differentiator when competing in today's tough job market.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

4 Powerful Tips For IIM MBA Admission Personal Interview Round

Here are 4 useful tips that will elevate your chances for clearing that all-important Personal Interview.

1. Show initiative by researching the chosen career objective.
If you picture yourself in finance, do some research on what differentiates Trade Finance from Merchant Banking and how Investment banking differs from Private Equity? You do not have to show your exact chosen area as even the Personal Interview panel knows you cannot make such an early decision already, but having knowledge of the basic differences of these different fields shows a heightened sense of awareness

2. Show composure under pressure by replying well thought-out, meaningful questions.
When you are asked a question, pause for 2 seconds to think the answer through. Don't blurt the first thing that comes to your mind (I don't know). For example if asked a question on - "How would you solve the dispute between the ASEAN and India's bilateral trade agreement" Your reply should be "Well there are 3 parts to the issue (1) Final duty levied (2) Point of origin of goods and (3) Sensitive agri- commodities effect on Indian farmers" - from there you can frame your further reply

3. Show your savvy by connecting your own educational experience and achievements to the specific needs of the chosen career profile.
This is particularly important if you are young fresh out of college, and don't have any job experience. Stress upon the activities that you have performed; you have run a youth group, that may have sharpened your leadership skills. If you published the campus newspaper, you will certainly have communication skills. Talk about how these skills make you right for the job.

4. Show energy through your body language and tone of voice.
Sit up straight in the chair, lean forward slightly to listen as the interviewer speaks. Nod and smile appropriately to show you understand. Inject enthusiasm into everything you say. Nobody wants to hire someone who sounds bored with the job before he or she has even got it!
Using these tips to prepare well will improve your chances in the final Personal interview round.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com