Third interview - what to expect?

[Smorgs]

I'm hoping to restart my career after a (much longer than originally planned) break to support my family.
I applied for a job earlier this month and was really pleased to get a call straight back from HR/talent acquisition for a screening interview. I was a bit rusty but it went ok and I was called back for an interview with two managers the following week. Again I thought it went ok but I felt I was a bit rusty answering some questions.
It's a week later and I've just had an email from HR/talent acquisition again today to schedule a call tomorrow and I'm really panicking - is this just a call to say 'thanks but sorry you weren't good enough' or could it be another interview to talk more about the details of the job? If so, what kind of preparation should I do for it?
I'm tying myself in knots as I really, really want this role now.....

Would they schedule a call just to tell you that you didn't get the job? Maybe they want to schedule a call because they want to tell you that you did get the job and give you some more info. Fingers crossed for you OP!

I suppose I don't know what the form is these days - I sort of expected the managers to contact me if I'd got the job and HR handed the unpleasant talk of telling me I was unsuccessful.

If it is an interview, does anyone know how I should prepare for it?

I doubt it’s a third interview. They probably want to make an offer but want to provide additional details. Start thinking about what you want in terms of pay and hours/wfh.

Thanks @Stresa22 - if that's the case, any tips on negotiating salary when you're not in a strong negotiating position (returning to career after 10+ year break)? They've told me the salary bracket - obviously I'd prefer it to be towards the top end...

Some will say to start negotiating at the high end and be prepared to accept lower and I tend to agree with that. It may also be an option to request a salary increase at the end of your probation period. That would need to be put in your contract though.

In terms of how you would word it: “Thank you for the initial offer of X but I am thinking along the lines of Y as I bring stability and fresh thinking to the role.” Something like that.

Ok, thanks I'll try and rehearse some negotiating lines today.
Think I might still assume they are calling to tell me I was unsuccessful though, just so I don't get my hopes up too much!
Thanks for the advice 💐

I was in this exact scenario and the call from HR was to say no to the job I applied for but offering an alternative position. Equally, I’ve also had a third interview where it was literally a quick chat with the overall team manager as a final check for them to ‘sign off’ on the recommended candidate.

@Piffpaffpoff ahh ok, that's interesting. Well I'm going to take the call with an open mind and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Well it was a no as I first suspected. Oh well, it was all a bit too good to be true anyway. Back to the job search I go. Thanks for all the advice anyway....

@Smorgs i think that’s appalling! Scheduling a call just to say no! So you’ve dodged a bullet, it’s clearly quite an inconsiderate organisation!!!