5 super-tips to help you blitz a second interview!

So you've made it past the phone screen and they want to see you again. Congratulations! You're on your way to making a mark with the hiring manager!

There are so many blogs on how to nail interviews but most of them don't talk about how to adjust to the different stages. Until now. Here are my top 5 tips to get noticed and hired from your second interview!

TIP 1 - Make an entrance!

Even in a video conference you can be sure to be remembered in a positive light.

• Make sure the lighting in your room is awesome.

• Make sure you are at eye level and have adjusted your settings to gallery view so you can see everyone in the panel.

• Dress the part! Be presentable. Wear that smart shirt or a quirky jacket that screams I'm confident, professional, and unique.

• Check your sound and ZOOM or TEAMS settings - you don't want to fuff around with the mute button or sound - it takes valuable time away. If you can use speakers or headphones.

• SMILE and greet your hosts with enthusiasm. Video interviews do not require you to be without personality - we want to see how you vibe :)

TIP 2 - LISTEN before you answer

Listen to the question intently and consider your response before blurting out an incoherent waffly answer. Clarify the question if you have to. Use work-related examples to prove your competency versus using motherhood statements. Be succinct and AVOID the following:

• Using too many acronyms. If you use one, make sure you define it.

• Using 'we' all the time. While we all work in teams, the interviewer wants to know your exact contribution, and unique perspectives to the problem at hand.

• Talking too fast.

• Being overly positive - every project has its complexities so don't oversell the story.

• Losing eye contact.

• Going into too much detail. I did this , then this , then this.....

• Instead, summarise your actions succinctly in a digestible example/story.

For instance, 'I inherited a complex project and did not have a proper handover as the predecessor had suddenly resigned. I first defined the project scope by analysing the information on the company's confluence page. I mapped what needed to be done and created a critical task and stakeholder reference sheet which was approved by my manager so we didn't miss any details. When I introduced myself to the project members I made sure I let them know what my role was and summarised my assumptions so they did not feel they had to start from scratch. It wasn't always easy but I was quick to troubleshoot issues and communicate expectations. We delivered on time and to budget and I feel that everyone trusted me as they could see I was proactively managing a difficult time-bound situation.'

TIP 3 - Prepare awesome questions

Prepare 2 questions to ask the interviewer which are genuinely useful to you and shows you have done your research and are curious, have paid attention to the job profile as well as first interview. Some great questions are:

• 'If I was the right person for the job, what are your expectations of me during the first 30/60/90 days?'

• 'Could you describe your style of management. What works and does not work for you?'

• 'Where do you vision the company/team to be in terms of #staff, types of customers, revenue in 2-3 years'

TIP 4 - Be Balanced

Be honest. If you do not have a skill then try and use an example that would transfer over. For example, if you are not across a particular technology but have used others which address the same outcome let the interviewer know how you can extrapolate from your current knowledge.

TIP 5 - Happy Ending

End well. Be human and avoid being robotic. Thank the panel for their time. Let them know you have enjoyed the process and would be open to feedback despite the decision. Smile on exit too!

Now you've got these tips in your toolbox, go forth and enjoy your interview. The whole interviewing and job search process is a lesson in personal branding. Be your own brand manager and use every connection as an opportunity to leave a good impression and build your networks! GO YOU!!!