15 Second Interview Questions to Expect (with Answers!)

Article

What are the key differences between a first and second interview?
What behavioural second interview questions should I expect?
What job-related second interview questions could be asked?
What general-fit second interview questions are typically asked?
What happens after the second interview round concludes?
FAQs

You’ve been asked back for a second interview – that means a set of second interview questions to prepare for.

At this point, you’re being seriously considered for the position.

You sailed through the first interview because you were well prepared.

Now you have to be hyper-focused: second interview questions will go deeper, and will be tougher, than what you handled in that initial conversation.

First-round interview questions typically focus on the applicant’s skills and experience.

Second interview questions are aimed at helping the interviewer or panel visualize you in the role.

Consequently, the second round can be much more involved.

For one thing, you can expect new faces. Follow-up interviews give you the chance to meet more people in the organization who have a voice in the hiring process.

It could mean that you are interviewing with someone else at a higher level on the team – so don’t underestimate the importance of showing up with a strategy.

To help streamline the hiring process, an employer might schedule a panel interview, on video or in person, so that a mix of senior executives, managers and potential coworkers can get to know you at the same time.

These questions delve into your past behavior to predict future performance. They assess how you handle challenges, work in a team, and maintain ethical standards.

1. Looking back, what could you have done to make a challenging workplace relationship better?

This interview question is attempting to find out whether you’re capable of rising above an unpleasant situation or learning from past mistakes, both highly desirable qualities. A bitter answer may indicate someone who holds grudges or simply can’t get along with certain kinds of people. A reflective, positive answer will show that you try to minimize personality conflicts — and don’t use them as excuses for failing to move forward. The employer is likely looking for a candidate who tries to be tactful and diplomatic but nonetheless stands up for what’s right.

2. Do you prefer to work alone or with other people?

A strong answer here is “both.” People who say they like working with information are obviously a good choice for technical positions. However, that may be a red flag if the interviewer perceives you don’t also enjoy communicating with others or that you lack collaboration skills. Even for highly technical jobs, these traits are valued. In Canada’s job market today, a mixture of technical and soft skills are in-demand amongst candidates.

3. Have you ever been in a work situation where you were asked to do something you felt was unethical?

This is another case where you should give specifics, if possible. The interviewer knows no serious job candidate is going to say that sometimes it’s OK to be unethical. But how you approach your answer and the anecdotes you share can increase the company’s comfort level with hiring you.

These questions aim to assess your experience, skills, and how they align with the job requirements.

4. Tell me again what interests you about this job and what skills and strengths you plan to bring to it.

Note that the question is not, “What are your skills and strengths?” but “What skills and strengths can you bring to the job?” Answer this question by outlining specific contributions you believe you can make to the company.

Check out more details on how to answer a related question: why do you want to work here.

5. Can you tell me a little more about your current/most recent job?

Note that the employer is asking for more than what you’ve described in your resume or during the initial interview. You should be able to give a short and precise summary of duties and responsibilities at your most recent position. Be careful not to sound negative about the job or your employer.

Get advice on how to answer: ‘What’s Your Reason for Leaving Your Job?’

6. Describe a professional achievement you’re especially proud of.

This request is designed not only to evaluable your career priorities but also to test your ability to clearly explain what you do. Avoid jargon and acronyms; instead, explain the significance of your accomplishment in simple terms. One idea is to highlight an anecdote that shows you can collaborate effectively with people in other departments or those outside of your field — a key characteristic of a good team player. Another helpful tip for answering this question is breaking down the achievement with by who, what, when, where, why, and how.

7. How did you change in your current/most recent job?

A convincing answer here shows adaptability and a willingness to take the bull by the horns, if necessary. Our suggestion is to talk about times you chose to approach a task or problem differently from other people. This highlights your creativity and resourcefulness.

8. What was the most difficult decision you ever had to make on the job?

This one tests your integrity and decision-making style. Make sure your answer aligns with what you’ve learned so far about the company’s culture and the standards it has set for its employees. Remember: transparency and honesty go far in any answer but especially ones about difficult decisions.

9. What do you think your current/past company could do to be more successful?

Second interview questions like this one, are meant to reveal whether a candidate can see and work toward the “big picture” in an organization. If you get this type of question, keep in mind that the employer is probing to find out whether you have a clear understanding of your current or past employer’s missions and goals and if you’ve worked with those objectives in mind.

10. Can you describe a typical day at work in your last job?

The interviewer wants to see how your current (or most recent) routine compares with the requirements of the job in question. And given how much has changed in business and the workplace since the pandemic, you may have a lot to say in response to this question. If you’ve been working remotely, for example, you may want to highlight your successes in transitioning to that situation. It’s OK to admit to any early struggles you’ve had, too. What’s most important is showcasing your adaptability, perseverance and resilience.

11. What sort of work environment do you prefer?

Plain and simple, with this question, the interviewer wants to find out whether you’re going to mesh well with the company and its work environment, as expressed in your own words. Weave your answer around your perception of the employer’s corporate style — as long as it’s truly what you’re seeking. Also, when addressing this question, consider where the company will expect you to work. Does the organization have a hybrid team right now? Does it intend to change part of its workforce in the coming months? And what is your preference for the long term?

12. If you got the job, what would you do in your first year to establish yourself?

Don’t be surprised if targeted (and tough!) questions like this one pop up among second interview questions. Conduct in-depth company research to show you know your potential employer inside and out. Also, be clear about what you can do in this job to make a quick and meaningful impact.

These questions aim to assess your experience, skills, and how they align with the job requirements.

13. Do you have anything you want to revisit from your first interview?

A less-than-ideal answer to this question is, “Not really.” So, before the second interview, take time to make a list of things that occurred to you after your last conversation that you may want to bring up. It shows how engaged a candidate is, if they are able to connect conversation between interviews. An example might be, “Could you please tell me a bit more about the company’s culture? I want to make sure I have a good sense of what it would be like to work here and be a part of the team.”

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14. What is your greatest weakness?

Yes, some managers still ask this question, even during the second interview. Be honest about an actual negative trait — but also follow up immediately with how you’re working to overcome it. Some examples of more acceptable weaknesses might include impatience with bureaucracies or the tendency to take on too much responsibility.

15. What would you consider an acceptable salary for this position?

There are numerous ways this question could be asked, depending on whether compensation has been discussed previously. Still, the last thing you want is to be caught off guard by a salary-related question. Consult Robert Half Canada’s salary calculator to learn what the market rate is for professionals with your experience and skillset. Also, during negotiations, don’t forget to ask about perks and benefits that would be important to you, such as flexible work hours and opportunities for professional development.

Get advice on How to answer: “What is your salary expectation?” in an interview.

At the end of the second interview, the interviewer will likely tell you what happens next (possibly a third interview) and when you will hear from them.

Or they could offer you the position on the spot. If the latter happens, don’t feel compelled to decide right then. Let the employer know you want time to decide and when they will hear back from you.

And, if they don’t mention next steps, be sure to ask when they will be in touch or if you should follow up.

Want to know how you can achieve more career success? Check out Robert Half Canada’s insights for landing a job.

Why do organizations hold second round interviews with candidates?

The first round often provides a general overview of a candidate's qualifications. A second round allows for a more in-depth exploration of specific skills, experience, and cultural fit. The second interview also often involves key decision-makers who need to evaluate the candidate directly before making a final hiring decision. For roles requiring specialized skills, a second interview might include technical assessments or challenges to evaluate proficiency.

Is the second interview more difficult than the first?

Generally, yes, the second interview is often considered more challenging than the first. Interviewers will delve deeper into your qualifications, experiences, and fit with the company culture. Since you've made it to the second round, the company is more seriously considering you, increasing the pressure. You might encounter more people, including potential team members or higher-level executives, and you could face technical challenges or case studies.

Does an invitation to a second interview mean I got the job?

No, an invitation to a second interview does not guarantee that you've got the job. While it's certainly a positive sign that the company is interested in you, it means they want to learn more about you and your qualifications. There are usually several candidates being considered at this stage. Think of it as a step closer to the job, but not a final decision.

How can I best prepare for a second-round interview?

Be ready to share your work samples (if relevant). You may be meeting with people who didn’t have an opportunity to see material you presented in your first interview. If you'll be meeting virtually, have digital versions of your information that you can quickly tee up for a screen-share or send via email. You might also consider providing interviewers with a link to a secure, online folder containing your work samples.

Review your resume and cover letter again to make sure you are providing consistent information about your skills and experience throughout the hiring process. It does not hurt to have a copy of each in-hand during the interview so you can refer to it.

Think about whether there a question from the first interview that you didn’t answer completely? Or did the interviewer mention that they wanted to cover a topic but ran out of time? Remember those loose ends from the initial interview. Prepare for them so you can respond with full context during the second interview.

What are hiring managers looking for specifically during a second interview with jobseekers?

Most hiring managers want a deeper understanding of your skills and expertise, evaluate whether you are a cultural fit for the organization, verify information you have shared, and assess your long-term potential.

What are some best practices after completing your second interview?

After your interview is complete, it is worthwhile to send a thank-you note expressing your gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position again. Also take some time to reflect on how the interview went. What went well? What could you have improved? Jot down important details about the conversation, including specific questions asked and your responses.

What are common mistakes to avoid in a second-round interview?

Not thoroughly researching the company and the role can hinder your ability to tailor your responses.

Assuming you've already secured the job can lead to complacency and a lack of preparation.

Speaking negatively about previous employers or experiences.

Will I be expected to prepare and ask questions again in a second interview?

During your second interview, you’ll likely be free to ask more questions than you did during your first interview. That’s good, because you’ll probably think of more probing questions as you learn more about the company, employees and the job itself. Be sure to ask thoughtful, open-ended questions (and leave the detailed compensation questions for later). These are examples to help get you started:

What do you like most about working for the organization?

What is your management style?

How do you measure the responsibilities and performance of those you supervise?

How would you describe your ideal employee?

What’s the greatest challenge that I would likely face in this job in the first year?

What are the 7 most common interview questions and answers?

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