What sets strong candidates apart in second interviews for roles?

[MidlifeChange]

Has anyone here either regularly interviews candidates or is someone who tends to be successful at interviews?

I have a second interview coming up for a role I really want, and I’m trying to work out what successful candidates actually do that perhaps I’m missing.

The last time I got a job directly as the result of an interview was over 20 years ago. Since then I’ve often received positive feedback, but not the offer. The exception was a Civil Service interview where the feedback was pretty brutal. Most of my previous roles have been through previous colleagues or temp to perm and I’ve just been given the job as they know I can do it.

I have ADHD and I know that interviews aren’t my natural strength. I tend to overthink things, struggle to remember prepared answers under pressure, and can come across differently in an interview than I do in the actual workplace. I’ve asked for interview questions in advance before as a reasonable adjustment, but on one occasion I felt it may have counted against me, so I’m hesitant to do that again.

This particular job would make a huge difference to my life. I’m unemployed, a single parent and currently need to secure somewhere to live, so I know I’m probably putting a lot of pressure on myself.

For those of you who are consistently successful at interviews, or who sit on interview panels, what do the strongest candidates do that sets them apart? What are the common mistakes candidates make? And if you struggle with interviews yourself but learned to get better at them, what helped?

I’m looking for honest insights rather than reassurance, as I’d genuinely like to improve.

Personality and team fit. Getting through interview one means you could do the job - you’re appointable. Day 2 is about whether you’re the right person for the job.

It’s useful to prepare answers to the more obvious questions and to practice saying your answers out loud a few times so they come out smoothly and confidently. Try to keep your answers - and general discussion - natural, but also concise and to-the-point. I have rejected a few candidates recently for poor communication skills: rambling, long-winded answers.

Thanks that’s helpful. I do sometimes struggle to know how long an answer to give and worry that I’m talking for too long but I’ve also been told my scores aren’t high enough as I didn’t give enough info. It’s hard to get the balance right when nervous. I’m going to be practicing answers out loud for the next few days and I’m sure that will help.