You did it! You got an interview for your dream job…so how do you make sure you get it? While you can’t fully control the outcome, you can extensively prepare in advance of the interview to improve your chances. Here is some insight into the four main stages of a job interview, and what you should expect to learn and discuss during each one.
First Interview: Introduction
The first interview is a chance for the recruiter or hiring manager to learn more about you, and for you to learn more about the company and its requirements. Of professionals polled on LinkedIn, 38 percent agreed that a good first interview lasts around 45 minutes, though anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour can still be a great conversation.
Questions for You to Ask:
- What are some specifics of the day-to-day responsibilities?
- What are the company’s values?
- What is your favorite part about working for the company?
- Are there opportunities for professional development?
Questions They Might Ask You:
- Tell me about yourself.
- What are your greatest strengths?
- What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
- Why do you want this job?
Second Interview: Determining the Fit
A second interview is usually conducted with the immediate supervisor for the role and may include some teammates as well. This conversation is intended to help everyone involved determine if you would be the best fit for the role. Statistics show you have between a 25-50 percent chance of landing the job at this point!
Questions for You to Ask:
- What would an ideal candidate achieve in the first few months of this role?
- What are the team’s biggest achievements?
- How does employee feedback get handled? How are employees given feedback?
- Are employees expected to work outside normal hours?
- What is the telecommuting policy?
Questions They Might Ask You
- What have you done to help someone succeed at work?
- What management style do you work best with?
- Describe a time you have failed and what it taught you.
- What would you improve about your current job?
Third Interview: Human Resources and Negotiation
Some companies may not have a third interview, but for larger organizations, a part of the interview process may involve either a conversation or email outreach from human resources. This is a sign you are being strongly considered for the position. In this interview, you can expect behavioral questions, as well as salary negotiations.
Questions for You to Ask
- Who held this position previously and where are they now?
- What problems does the person in this position need to solve?
- How would this employee be evaluated in performance reviews?
- What are the salary, benefits, and time off associated with this position?
Questions They Might Ask You
- What would you hope to learn in the first five months at this position?
- What training or education would improve your performance?
- How can you help the company or department achieve goals?
- Describe a time you have taken on duties outside the scope of your regular duties.
Fourth Interview: Getting the Offer
This phase of the process isn’t necessarily an interview in a traditional sense, but there are still things to ask and learn as you accept a job offer. When your future supervisor, department head, or head of human resources reaches out with an offer, these are some of the questions that can inform the final stage of conversation.
Questions for You to Ask
- Is there a vesting schedule for the retirement plan?
- How do employees accrue paid time off?
- When am I eligible to receive benefits?
- Can I have this offer in writing?
- When do you need a response?
Questions They Might Ask You
- How long do you need to consider the offer?
- How do you feel about giving notice?
- Are you excited about the opportunity?
- When can we follow up?
Woohoo! You did it—you got the job! Or, even if you didn’t, you most certainly learned something along the way about yourself and what you’re looking for in a job. Good luck and don’t forget your Alpha Kappa Psi brothers are always here as a resource.
