Scroll Top

“What is the most common mistake people make in the SECOND interview?”

ESS Candidate Newsletter – MARCH 2024

Columbus, OH – MARCH 2024

In this month’s, ask the recruiter, we talk about the mistakes to avoid in interviews.

Introduction – Aaron Wandtke
Recently Filled Jobs
Ask the Recruiter What is the most common mistake people make in the SECOND interview?”

Introduction:

The job market continues to evolve. The unemployment rate for January was 3.7%. That is the same rate we had for the last three months. Even though the rate remains low, we see that companies are slower to hire, and companies want to interview a larger group of candidates. Back in 2020 and 2021, companies were hiring extremely quickly. Today companies have slowed their process once again, which coincides with more people willing to change jobs.

Fortunately, we have seen market conditions change over the years and we have seen versions of this before. To help in these conditions, it is important to have more people on your team. This means using more people and resources to help look for jobs. This also means employers have access to more resources than they do in a tight market. If there is anything I can do to help support your search or help you recruit for your team, please let me know.

Ask the Recruiter – “WHat is the MOST COMMON MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE IN THE SECOND INTERVIEW?”

Feeling nervous, excited, anxious, uncertain, and so many other emotions are common for the first interview with a potential new employer. There is so much uncertainty in the first interview that it is natural to feel so many emotions. After the first interview, a lot of those emotions may disappear a little or maybe altogether and that makes way for the number one mistake people make with the second interview. People think there is a different relationship between the employer and the interviewee.

Some of the common feedback we will hear are examples such as, “He was way too casual during this meeting,” or “She gave off the feeling that she already had the job.” We like to remind candidates that every interaction via email, phone or in person is part of the interview. The interview process does not stop until you have an offer in hand. Any conversation prior to the offer, even if it is to review benefits or a “just formality” meeting, is an interview.

Some companies intentionally try to make people comfortable enough to let their guard down. This can happen when meeting with the same person multiple times or meeting someone for coffee or a meal. Helpful reminders:

  • Mentally prepare for each interaction – do your homework and come prepared. This includes having prepared questions for each person you speak with.
  • Physically prepare – most interviews are video interviews so prepare both your appearance and your background.

If you would like other suggestions on how to best prepare for the second interview or other interviews late in the process, please let me know.

I can be reached at 614-885-8490 or by e-mail at aw@ess123.com.