How to nail a 2nd interview? Is this overkill?

[SapphosRock]

I really want this job.

It's currently between me and 1 other. We both have 2nd interviews with 2 senior directors next week.

I am thinking of doing a brief presentation for them on how my skills match the job requirements even though I already did a presentation in the first interview (to different people).

Is that overkill?

I imagined it would be along the lines of:

Interviewer: Tell be about the time when you lead the project in (area of expertise)?

Me: I have prepared a brief presentation showing how I did it in my previous role and how would plan to do it in this role

And what if they asked you more questions that you have prepared presentations for?

So-

Them: Tell us about a time you had to lead a team through a time of organsational uncertainty.

You: Sure thing, here’s a presentation I prepared earlier.

Then: Tell is about a time where you had to work with difficult stakeholders to achieve a goal.

You: Let me just open PowerPoint.

Then:
Tell us about a time where you failed to prepare for all eventualities?

You: Um

^ More questions than you have prepared for.

If candidates lack the self awareness to know what they don't know, and haven't even given any thought about how they mightbegin to address any gaps, I'm not really interested in hiring them. Same here! If a candidate can't admit their gaps that is a big problem, we all have areas we need to work on.

I'd have the slides ready. It shows preparation and initiative. But as others said you have to assume they have structure for the interview and will want to follow it.

As established OP, do not do the presentation! I don't even know how that would work anyway, unless you knew exactly what they were going to ask.

My advice to shine as you'll have already demonstrated your skillset- do some research on the company culture, and try and demonstrate how you'd be a good fit for that. Chances are both you and the other candidate can do the role just fine, but if you have got through to the next stage and want to stand out then showing how you'd fit into the company and the team is probably a good idea. Good luck!

Think of some pertinent, probing questions to ask.

I always think second interviews are more about you being a good fit for the department and with the hiring manager. Let your personality come through a bit.

Also think more about what YOU want to know. Why do you want to work for them, what don't you know about the role or company. This is your time to interview them. And fgs don't do the presentation.

I agree with PP that a 2nd interview is often about whether your face will fit.

I recently changed jobs, and now that I've been in the role for a little while, it's obvious that I was chosen because of my aptitude as well as attitude. I get on well with the team, we share the same general outlook for our role in the org. The interview process is dictated by the employer, so follow their lead, but also don't forget you need to suss out if you would enjoy working with them, too. Good luck!

the best advice on this thread is from @AlexaShutUp, and they echo everything i would have suggested as someone in HR who interviews candidates very regularly. at this point they’ll likely know you could do the job, and will be more interested in HOW you would do it / how you might fit into the existing team. good luck!

@valnevavaxx

As established OP, do not do the presentation! I don't even know how that would work anyway, unless you knew exactly what they were going to ask.

My advice to shine as you'll have already demonstrated your skillset- do some research on the company culture, and try and demonstrate how you'd be a good fit for that. Chances are both you and the other candidate can do the role just fine, but if you have got through to the next stage and want to stand out then showing how you'd fit into the company and the team is probably a good idea. Good luck!

This ^^

They wouldn’t be wasting a directors time if they didn’t think you could do the role. They want to see now which person Is the best fit for the role & the team.

Thanks so much everyone for the advice. Feeling nervous but done lots of preparation.

Know the company inside out and have lots of questions for the directors.

Good luck!

How did it go?

I think it went pretty well. Thank goodness I didn't do the presentation.

They are letting me know the middle of next week, will update if I get it or not.

Good luck!