Getting a second interview is typically your goal when you attend a first interview.

Unless the job you’re applying for has a one-interview process to be followed by a job offer to the successful candidate, you will most likely be trying to get invited back for a second interview.

For more senior positions you might even come back for a third and subsequent interviews. Sometimes companies have processes in place that result in multiple interviews for potential employees.

What actually happens in the second interview of course largely depends on what happened in the first interview.

Often, the first interview is a Human Resources (HR) interview. This is when you get interviewed by a member of HR to determine whether or not you are someone who would fit with their company.

The HR interview might focus on what some job searchers often sarcastically refer to as “touchy-feely” questions but don’t treat this interview as a joke.

You might be surprised at the power that HR wield in some companies. I’ve seen some HR staff turn down job candidates even when the hiring manager liked them.

Also, don’t expect to be able to go into the HR interview and “wing it.” In other words, make sure you prepare for this interview as you would any other interview.

If your first interview was with the hiring manager, the second interview might be a more in depth discussion with the same hiring manager and/or you might meet up with one of their peers (ie. another manager) or perhaps you’ll meet up with people you’d be working with should you get the job.

In this case, the questions you face tend to be more in depth than before. At this point, the company has shown interest in you so they will want to gain more information about you and your suitability for the job.

You also need to gain more knowledge about the company and the people you’d be working with.

Some companies might hold a panel second interview where you get interviewed by several people at once. I’ve experienced this several times myself.

When you’re leaving the first interview try to get a sense as to what the next step in the process is.

If you find out that you have been invited to a second interview try to find out who you’ll be meeting with and what each person does. This will help you get a better sense of what the second interview will entail and what you will need to prepare for.

Carl Mueller is an Internet entrepreneur and professional recruiter who has written an ebook for career-minded individuals: http://www.RecruiterSecretsRevealed.com

Recruiter Secrets Revealed sheds light on job search and career management “secrets” that you can use to supercharge your career and distinguish yourself from other job searchers.

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When interviewing for a job, it’s vital to make a good first impression. Unless you are hired, it will likely be your only opportunity to make an impression in front of that employer. Although your resume may get you in the door, in order to get the position you desire you must also do well on the interview. Here are some tips for succeeding with the interview process.

A job interview lets your prospective employer meet with you to make sure you have the job skills necessary to perform the job adequately and also determine whether your personality will be a good fit with the co. If you wish to impress your interviewer there are a few things to keep in mind. These things are: 1) Be prepared to ask and answer questions. 2) Dress appropriately. 3) Show off your positive personality traits.

People often don’t prepare for their interview. They don’t anticipate what they will be asked and also haven’t prepared questions about their prospective employer which would show the interviewer that they know about the company, or are interested in the job they would be asked to perform.

Dressing properly is a big thing in your favor. Many applicants dress so inappropriately that they make a poor first impression. Quality is better than quantity is a good strategy. Better to have one or two good outfits than a dozen from a discount store. Conservative yet stylish is also a good rule of thumb. It is also important to be friendly, easygoing, and likable. No one wants to interview a combative or depressed person.

Above all, don’t be discouraged when you don’t get hired. There’s usually another opportunity just around the corner.

Find more career and employment
tips at pftown.com

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Most men today hate wearing suits. There are two reasons for this. Many men grew up wearing jeans, t-shirts and running shoes. As such, any “dress” clothes seem uncomfortable to them. Secondly, men who wore “dress” clothes from time to time in their youth wore poorly constructed, poorly fitted suits, jackets and trousers made out of inexpensive materials. The perfect interview suit must fit right, be the correct color, the proper fabric and feel comfortable.

The Cut.

There are two acceptable cuts for men’s suits. These are the traditional European cut which is a bit fitted and the classic American cut which is looser and more boxy. Both cuts are available today in two or three-button jackets (never wear one or four buttons). The American suit is usually more traditional looking. The European suit is more fitted and looks tailored. While I like and wear double breasted suits, they are not appropriate for interviews - even with law firms or the State Department.

The Right Color.

There are two colors that are acceptable for men’s suits: dark blue and gray. The blue is navy blue. Grays in dark (or charcoal) and medium are fine. Light gray is questionable for interviews. The suits can be solid, pin stripe or chalk stripe. Regardless, they should look classic and muted - not like those worn by race track enthusiasts or mob bosses.

Fabric.

The best fabric is year round weight 100% wool. In the dead of winter heavier wool is acceptable. Summer weight wool or even poplin (dressy cotton) can be work in late June, July and August. A very small percentage of polyester is acceptable for strength. The fabric should not shine or have a patterned texture.

The Right (Comfortable) Fit.

For a man’s jacket to fit properly in must be the right size and cut. Also, it must be tailored to adjust it in various places. Try on suit jackets until you find one that is comfortable in the back, chest and shoulders with the top (if two button) or middle (if three button) button closed. The fingers should be able to just curl under the hem (bottom) of the jacket if it is the right length. You MUST wear a dress shirt to try on a suit jacket. A polo or tee-shirt will not do. If the jacket fits properly in the chest, shoulders and back (look at the 3-way mirror in the dressing room), now try on the trousers.

Trousers whether plain front or pleated front need to fit in the waist, crotch and the seat. The length will need to be tailored. If the pockets pull, the trousers are too small. If the pants droop much below the belly button, then the wait is too big. You need a dress belt and dress shoes to wear when trying on the suit trousers (not running shoes!). More on that below.

Tailoring.

The suit jacket should be tailored in several areas. The back should not have a bubble, wrinkle or hump. The collar (or “cape”) and lapels should lie flat and not “wing out”. The sleeves should EACH be measured from the tip of the thumb. Whether to show some cuff shows is a matter of personal taste. I prefer to show a little shirt cuff. Nothing else on the suit jacket should need to be tailored if it is the right size and cut.

The trousers must fit at the waist. Try them on with a dress belt. They also must fit at the seat. Try to sit in them unless you stand all day. They should not pull in the front. The length of the trousers is important. Dress shoes are necessary to get the proper fit. Running shoes or flip-flops are not to be worn when getting fitted for an interview suit. Some men prefer the trousers to just touch the top of the shoes with NO break (think of a dent in the front crease). This looks best with cuffs on the trousers. Some men like to have a slight break in the front of the trousers. This looks best with a plain hem and no cuffs. It is a matter of personal choice and style. Too big a break looks sloppy and says the suit is cheap or does not fit right.

After Tailoring.

After the tailoring is complete, try on the entire suit with a dress shirt and shoes again. Make sure it has been pressed. Try on the jacket and trousers. Look at them in the 3-way mirror. Then take off the jacket and look at the trousers front and back. If you see any wrinkles, bags or pulls or if the sleeves or legs are uneven have the tailor mark it again and have the suit sent back for additional adjustments. When trying it on again, remember the dress shirt and shoes too.

A properly tailored suit in the right cut, color and fabric when matched with a crisp dress shirt, a traditional patterned or striped tied, conservative belt and well-shined dress shoes project an image that says all the right things about the candidate at any interview. Confident, resume in hand, the rest is up to you!

George F. Franks, III is the founder and CEO of Franks Consulting Group - a Bethesda, Maryland based management consulting and leadership coaching practice. He is a member of the Institute of Management Consultants and the International Coach Federation. George can be reached at:
gfranks@franksconsultinggroup.com
Franks Consulting Group is on the web at:
http://franksconsultinggroup.com
George’s weblog is:
http://consultingandcoaching.blogspot.com

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