Second Interviews Are As Important As the First

Most people prepare endlessly for the first meeting with a company. Then, other than choosing a different outfit, they often forget to prepare as much if not more so for the second. See this as your chance to close, to go for the offer, and begin a new chapter in your life.

On a second interview you will most likely meet a different person with different questions. Even if the second interview seems similar, believe me, it's different.

When I interview someone, I always have them back for a second meeting, because then the first impressions are behind us, and I can really make my decision about whether this person will "fit in."



Closing is a scary word to most people who are not in sales because it sounds so much like a "hard sales technique." Before going on your next interview, you may want to practice closing, either with a friend or in front of a mirror. Adjust the wording to make it appropriate for your situation if you wish, but practice until you can ask for the offer confidently.

Here are four examples of asking for an offer that might make you more comfortable when making your pitch:

• "Mr. Employer, I've interviewed with several companies now and I know a good company when I see one. I hope you give me the opportunity to work with you in this company."
  
• "Ms. Employer, I enjoyed our time together. I especially liked the fact that your company is growing and you feel it's a family. I hope you will give me a chance to prove myself to you."
  
• "Mr. Employer, I am impressed with your company. I want this job, and I hope you will make me the offer."
  
• "Ms. Employer, I enjoy the atmosphere here, the job description sounds challenging, and I know I would be an asset to the company. I hope I'm the fortunate person who gets the offer."
  

Remember, if you don't ask you don't get, and this "close" could be the reason you get the job instead of one of the other candidates. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Most Asked Questions About Follow Up Interviews

• Should I wait to hear from the employer? Follow up is up to you, not the prospective employer.
  
• Should I send a thank you note after each interview? One thank you note is sufficient as long as it's not redundant and you make your point go for the close.
  
• How long does it take most companies to make a decision? This varies, but the average is two weeks from interview to offer to acceptance.
  
• How long should I wait before following up on a resume I sent out? My answer to this question has changed over the years. I used to feel you should call after four weeks, but I have discovered that it pays to be more aggressive than that.
  

Now I recommend what I call the 20/3 plan:

1. Look through the newspaper on Sunday. Circle 20 ads you are qualified for and put a star by the three most interesting ones.
   
2. Send out resumes to the 20 companies with a generic cover letter.
   
3. Mark your calendar to check back 10 days later. Then send a follow up letter to the three most interesting companies. The letter should ask if they received your resume and tell them that you are still interested and waiting to hear from them about the position.
   
4. If you haven't heard anything 10 days after sending the follow up letter, send the three companies a second follow up. Tell them you are still available and are very interested in a face to face meeting with someone in the company.
   

This program is surprisingly effective. Out of the hundreds of resumes a company receives, you will definitely be in the minority and stand a much better chance for a "live" interview.

I know this sounds like a lot of work and organization, but if you're looking for the Job of your dreams to fall out of the sky, it Just won't happen.

So get organized, Do your numbers and Get a job!

By the way, you can use this system weekly as the newspaper ads change...until you find a Job.