2nd interview today (Updated)

[49erinnc]

34 and with the same company going on 14 years now so I haven't had any job interview experience. I went on my first interview for a new job, last Tuesday and did fairly well. I met with the HR Director for about 45 minutes and then met with the guy that would be my boss for another 45 minutes. HR Director called me back on Thursday to say they wanted me back in for a 2nd interview to meet with the guy that would be my boss' boss (VP Supply Chain). I go today at 4:30pm but really have no idea what to expect with this one. This will be with a "suit" guy and I'm a little uneasy as to what it will be like.

If anyone can clue me in as to what this one will be like compared to the first one, I would appreciate it.

 

[Vette73]

I work HR now and every person is different. So don;t try and think about it to much. Be honest and just tell them everything you have done and what you can do for them.

 

[ATLien247]

My guess is that the VP has the final call on whether you are hired or not. If you can instill in the VP that you will be a good fit in their company culture, then you'll have done your part to get the job.

 

[49erinnc]

I'm just nervous because this guy seems more intimidating. The guy I met on Tuesday was easier to relate to and someone that would be really involved with my position on a day-to-day basis. So that interview dealt with the actual grind of what I could expect every day. But today's interview is with his boss. And this is someone who's over in corporate in the big office who I'm sure will have the final say in the hiring process.

I was just curious as to how this interview will differ from the first one. I think the toughest part for me is asking questions. I asked quite a few on Tuesday and I'm really not sure what else there is I need to inquire about. But when he asks if I have any questions, I don't really feel good about saying "No, I believe everything has been covered."

 

[Chewy]

Obviously everyone's different, but my advice is just to be confident and be ready to answer those typical, general questions like "why do you want to work for us?", "where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?", and "why are you leaving your current company?". You should be asking questions during the interview, so hopefully by the end, you really won't have any questions left. Don't worry about it too much.

Do you bring in one of those leather binder things that have a notepad inside? If so, google for interview questions to ask and write them down - the one I always like asking is "What drew you to the company?" They eat that one up and talk all day. Good luck.

 

[49erinnc]

Originally posted by: Chewy

Do you bring in one of those leather binder things that have a notepad inside? If so, google for interview questions to ask and write them down - the one I always like asking is "What drew you to the company?" They eat that one up and talk all day. Good luck.

Yep, definitely have the leather binder for notes. I like the "What drew you to the company?" question. This guy has only been there about a year FWIW. If anyone has other universal questions I could ask, that would be great. I want most to be specific to the job but it certainly wouldn't hurt to have a few like the one Chewy suggested to help get me through the interview. I'll poke around online for some tips as well.

 

[JJChicken]

Originally posted by: Chewy
Obviously everyone's different, but my advice is just to be confident and be ready to answer those typical, general questions like "why do you want to work for us?", "where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?", and "why are you leaving your current company?". You should be asking questions during the interview, so hopefully by the end, you really won't have any questions left. Don't worry about it too much.

Do you bring in one of those leather binder things that have a notepad inside? If so, google for interview questions to ask and write them down - the one I always like asking is "What drew you to the company?" They eat that one up and talk all day. Good luck.

'What drew you to the company?' That's Gold my friend. Thanks!

 

[Chewy]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
Yep, definitely have the leather binder for notes. I like the "What drew you to the company?" question. This guy has only been there about a year FWIW. If anyone has other universal questions I could ask, that would be great. I want most to be specific to the job but it certainly wouldn't hurt to have a few like the one Chewy suggested to help get me through the interview. I'll poke around online for some tips as well.

Only you know the specific company-questions to ask...check out their website and see if anything catches your eye. And even better that he's only been there for 1 year - can give you a perspective that will be somewhat similar to what you're looking for (hopefully). And love yer handle - been a 9er fan my whole life and this should be the year we get back up on top.

Originally posted by: Allen Iverson
'What drew you to the company?' That's Gold my friend. Thanks!

you're most welcome...good luck to you too

 

[jandrews]

you sound like you have your head on your shoulders, one job for 14 years shows your dedication and you are in your 30s an age that companies love to hire since you are either secured with a house or a family and are likely to stick out to a job. I think your strong points are your dedication and sounds like your hard work. Just make mention that you are really looking for a career and long term employment, I am sure you will do well good luck!

 

[49erinnc]

Update: 2nd interview went great. Met with VP of the department I'd work in and feel I did very well. Then they took me to interview the President of the entire company. That was totally unexpected but I did fine with that as well.

I have no clue if I'll be offered but if I am, what is the proper/professional way to handle an offer that's a little lower than you are willing to work for? I know the pay range but I have a feeling that if they offer, they will offer around the middle of the range, which was a $10K range. I'm not okay with that figure but I don't want to put them off with how I respond. Any tips if the first offer is too low?

 

[sao123]

Originally posted by: 49erinnc
Update: 2nd interview went great. Met with VP of the department I'd work in and feel I did very well. Then they took me to interview the President of the entire company. That was totally unexpected but I did fine with that as well.

I have no clue if I'll be offered but if I am, what is the proper/professional way to handle an offer that's a little lower than you are willing to work for? I know the pay range but I have a feeling that if they offer, they will offer around the middle of the range, which was a $10K range. I'm not okay with that figure but I don't want to put them off with how I respond. Any tips if the first offer is too low?

that depends on
a)what you make right now (and how many years you been there)
b)what is the pay range they might offer you.

 

[habib89]

just ask if they can give you more. when i had my interview, i told him what i wanted, he got back to me saying he's gonna offer $xxxx and i said well i was really hoping for something closer to the $xx, and then he met me half way which made me very happy... so don't price yourself out, just be reasonable and straight forward with him.