Need help urgently/desperately. Thanks.
Hello. Am really hoping to get some advice on the following scenerio. Please help.
Here's my story and the case background: i started work in a production company dealing with marketing and logistics at a young age, didn't even complete high school. But I eventually went to college as a mature student and got my basic degree. I started on my first job (after uni) last year, but quitted 5 months into the job (backroom operation of a financial institution) as i was unhappy with what i was doing, and partly to care for a sick family member. It's been half a year now and I am now ready to get back into the workforce.
I went for an interview last month for a research position (financial media) after being successful in an online test. Thought it went well, but i received a rejection email 2 weeks later from the interviewer (who is the co-owner) stating a lack of relevant experience. I politely replied the email, stating my continued interest and to keep me informed of any new position.
Now they sent me an email (1 month after being rejected) and ask me to go in for an 2nd interview for the same position I was initially rejected for. This time, it will be conducted by a senior supervisor, not the co-owner who interviewed me the first time round. The senior supervisor also called, and when I asked if I should prepare anything, he said it will be "mainly an informal 2nd round interview".
What should I expect from such a scenerio? I suspect they might make me an offer but I am not too confident of that happening, given the fact that they have rejected me once. One of the reasons they called me back might be the original candidate they have preferred, backing out I suppose. Or they simply want another researcher in this particular office.
Can anyone provide an insight to what type of interview this would turn out to be? What kind of questions to expect etc? I am in my late late twenties now, and I do not have a career to speak of. It has been a few weeks since I sent out a bundle of resumes, but no one called yet, and being unemployed gets my spirits down and add to the anxiety attacks. I really want to do well in this interview and maybe clinch the job.
Thanks in advance for any kind of help.
*Additional info:
-I've got quite a positive reference letter by my last employer, despite being there only for a short period of time.
-The 1st interview with the co-owner of the business was mainly about my history, achievements, describe myself, strengths weaknesses etc, as well as various facets of the industry. What else can the 2nd interviewer (supervisor) ask?
Usually the second interview consists of more indepth questions about your relevent work experience. The first interview was to get to know you. The second interview digs deeper into your knowledge of that respective field.
Be prepared to answer specific questions and to show your best efforts if you want this job. You might also want to ask questions about their company, the work involved, etc.
Thanks OCSurfCity. But those that you've mentioned were mostly covered in the first interview.
Any other suggestions, anyone?
Cheers.
Just because questions were asked in the first interview doesn't mean they won't be asked in the second interview, especially since you are meeting with someone else. The first interview is designed to find if your qualified and will be a good candidate. The second interview will probably take a more abstract approach. Finding how you'd deal with certain instances, what your work philosopy is, etc. It's also important to really research the company and be ready to answer questions like "What do you know about our company" or "How will you use your current abilites towards this position." Go in with a positive attitude and don't think about what has happened. Don't dwell that you were rejected the first time around. You obviously left a good impression which is why they remembered you a month later. My guess would be the original offer fell through or there is too much work for the first person, so they want to bring you in to work with someone that has more experience that you can learn from.
With any interview, phone, first, second or eighteenth, be positive and honest. Show what you can bring to the company and you'll do well.