2nd & 3rd Interviews – Nail It! Don’t Blow It!

You have been on a 1st Interview, maybe even a 2nd interview. The hiring manager has told you that they are very interested in hiring you – you’re their first choice. But, before they can extend an offer, they just need you to meet with the top boss – a “blessing interview”. You’re assured that you’re already going to be hired and that it’s just a routine introduction that nobody has any problems with. The decision to hire you has already been made.

Don’t believe it! Nobody is brought back in for another interview if they have the job 100%. And no one is put into the interview process if they don’t have some influence on the final decision to hire. Rather than “blessing interview” it should be called a “veto interview”. Nobody’s getting hired that doesn’t really connect with the boss on that last meeting.

I have witnessed quite a few finalists lose the job because they didn’t prepare and take the last interview seriously enough. No matter how much you may have impressed 10 other people in previous trips to the company, the last meeting with the anyone at the company may well be the most important of all the meetings.

The best rule of thumb is, TREAT ALL 2ND INTERIVEWS OR SUBSEQUENT JUST LIKE A FIRST INTERVIEW. No matter what you are told by the hiring manager, a recruiter, or your friend at the company, don’t let the fact that “you’ve practically hired”, go to your head and have you let your guard down. Assume there are always at least three equal finalists or that you’re maybe even the underdog. Prepare for that last meeting, further research the company, prepare interview questions, review your strengths, reasons for change and goals, be ready for whatever they might throw at you. (see previous blogs for ideas on these subjects).

It’s also not the time to let your appearance slide. Dress sharp, shine your shoes, get your hair trimmed or styled if it needs it. If anything, you need to look more “together” than you did on previous meetings.

Be ready to tell that individual why you want the job, why you’re excited about the company, how you feel like you can contribute to the organization, and how the opportunity fits into your career progression.

Also, be sure not to leave the meeting without expressing your appreciation for them taking the time ot meet with you and that you sincerely hope that you’ll be able to together. And when you get home, get a thank-you letter or thank-you card in the mail (again see previous blogs on thank-you letters). Maybe you’re expecting an offer before the thank-you letter would get there. Well it’s certainly no big deal if they get the thanks and you’re already going to work there. And it could absolutely be the slight nudge needed to get you the offer if the final decision maker is at all on the fence about the offer.

Please share your ideas or experiences on “blessing interviews” as comments to this blog.