Second Interview Strategy

[Asterix]

Need your advice chaps.

I've just been informed I've been shortlisted for a second interview for a position I'd really like to get.

It looks like the possible dates next week for the interview with the MD will be Monday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Strategy: Do I go for the Monday and hope I blow his socks off and set a very high standard or do I wait until the Thursday and hope to be the guy that leaves the best impression last.

I have no idea how to go about such things as the initial interview I had last week was the first I've had in over 20 odd years!

Also, is there any time of day that would be preferable. For me it would always be first thing as I'll be fresh.

[John145]

If I was in your position I'd try not to worry about the competition. If they like you enough to invite for a second interview it's unlikely there are many others going for seconds, if any.

Just think about your own game and don't worry about any possible competition.

Good luck.

[GT03ROB]

Don't worry about it, just focus on being best man for the job.

[hornetrider]

Kind of above but... pick Monday. Weekend to fully prepare with no work on your brain.

(Oh wait, are you over there with funny weekends? If so... ignore )

[Asterix]

Thanks all.

I think first thing Weds or Thurs will be best - I'll be fresh, uncrumpled and can then jettison the suit jacket and tie and at least look less conspicuous when I get back to the office after.

They've also already contacted all the work and personal references I provided at the first interview.

[Jerry Can]

it depends on how long you like waiting for an answer. I'd go with Thursday as it will be the least amount of time before they make their decision.

[DJRC]

Strategy? Seriously? Turn up, interview, fk off.

How hard can it be? If you aren't confident of ambling into the interview and demonstrating that you are the best chap for the job within a cpl of minutes then don't bother turning up at all.

Strategy FFs!

[Asterix]

DJRC said:

Strategy? Seriously? Turn up, interview, fk off.

How hard can it be? If you aren't confident of ambling into the interview and demonstrating that you are the best chap for the job within a cpl of minutes then don't bother turning up at all.

Strategy FFs!

Read the brief knumbnuts - I haven't gone through the interview process for nigh on 20 years, mainly because I've been headhunted all the way along. This is a Director level position, one I'm assuming you're familiar with being well built and goateed yourself, and it's a cracking job, in a very interesting industry with a cool company.

I'd like constructive advice from those with experience because, frankly, I'm nervous regardless of how confident I am and I know I'm uniquely qualified - if you can't help, then kindly fk off.

Smiley?

[oldnbold]

Well said

[Olf]

Did a Monday morning interview a little while ago. Didn't go well. If you're not a Monday type of guy wait till Wed!

[GlenMH]

Asterix said:

They've also already contacted all the work and personal references I provided at the first interview.

Crikey - that's a bit cheeky. I hope you didn't nominate anyone that could make your life difficult in your current position.

As others have said: think about which days of the week you are best on and go for one of those. Monday would be a complete no-no for me.

[Asterix]

References: No, no problem there - all good friends, both commercial and personal, who I forewarned.

Interesting line from their invite for the 2nd interview - "We would prefer if we could do the interview on Monday if possible as it gives us more time if you need to provide notice to your current employer."

They said at the first interview they'd like the person to start at the beginning of November and it leads me to believe that I'm pretty much the favourite. No chickens counted etc... but I'm guessing it's mine to fk up.

DJRC - Sorry for the comeback - I've been on the other side many times, and have interviewed candidates for C level positions, just never been on the receiving end at this level. This position is truly awesome and a dream for me. At 45yrs old, this could well be my defining career point.

It's a very PH job too. I can't list the company right now but I'd be the Sales & Marketing Director for a company that does stuff like this - http://www.newcentcorp.com/ - it's an easy reference. I'm ex-Army and have been a top Communications guy in Dubai for over a decade.

Hopefully, stars are aligning.

[Asterix]

Oh! 2nd meeting is on Monday at 4:30pm.

[GlenMH]

Asterix said:

Oh! 2nd meeting is on Monday at 4:30pm.

Good luck!

[DJRC]

Asterix said:

DJRC said:

Strategy? Seriously? Turn up, interview, fk off.

How hard can it be? If you aren't confident of ambling into the interview and demonstrating that you are the best chap for the job within a cpl of minutes then don't bother turning up at all.

Strategy FFs!

Read the brief knumbnuts - I haven't gone through the interview process for nigh on 20 years, mainly because I've been headhunted all the way along. This is a Director level position, one I'm assuming you're familiar with being well built and goateed yourself, and it's a cracking job, in a very interesting industry with a cool company.

I'd like constructive advice from those with experience because, frankly, I'm nervous regardless of how confident I am and I know I'm uniquely qualified - if you can't help, then kindly fk off.

Smiley?

It was constructive numbnuts...take the hint. fk it I can't be arsed with hints so I'll make it blatant...your strategy doesn't matter. After 20yrs you should know your stuff inside out and be convinced you are the best man for the job. No ifs no buts. If you don't consider that to be the case then be assured that somebody else equally qualified will be and that attitude alone will get them the job. Because things being equal...they don't doubt themself, you do. And that frankly in a leadership position is just duff.

And yes I'm familiar. But I'm fat rather than well built these days and no goatee.

[Asterix]

DJRC said:

Asterix said:

DJRC said:

Strategy? Seriously? Turn up, interview, fk off.

How hard can it be? If you aren't confident of ambling into the interview and demonstrating that you are the best chap for the job within a cpl of minutes then don't bother turning up at all.

Strategy FFs!

Read the brief knumbnuts - I haven't gone through the interview process for nigh on 20 years, mainly because I've been headhunted all the way along. This is a Director level position, one I'm assuming you're familiar with being well built and goateed yourself, and it's a cracking job, in a very interesting industry with a cool company.

I'd like constructive advice from those with experience because, frankly, I'm nervous regardless of how confident I am and I know I'm uniquely qualified - if you can't help, then kindly fk off.

Smiley?

It was constructive numbnuts...take the hint. fk it I can't be arsed with hints so I'll make it blatant...your strategy doesn't matter. After 20yrs you should know your stuff inside out and be convinced you are the best man for the job. No ifs no buts. If you don't consider that to be the case then be assured that somebody else equally qualified will be and that attitude alone will get them the job. Because things being equal...they don't doubt themself, you do. And that frankly in a leadership position is just duff.

And yes I'm familiar. But I'm fat rather than well built these days and no goatee.

Perhaps, here's where we differ - History is littered with people that didn't doubt themselves and made fundamental errors because they we're full of their own grandiose. I'm not one of them. If you didn't think I had my own ideas, you're wrong. I threw it out to the 'massive' for additional ideas and more experience - I'll still make the final choice based on instinct, knowledge and advice. That's what commanders do, weigh up all the options with as much intel as possible then make an executive decision?

..and I'll kill it come Monday.

Edited by Asterix on Saturday 27th September 00:22

[GT03ROB]

Asterix said:

DJRC said:

Asterix said:

DJRC said:

Strategy? Seriously? Turn up, interview, fk off.

How hard can it be? If you aren't confident of ambling into the interview and demonstrating that you are the best chap for the job within a cpl of minutes then don't bother turning up at all.

Strategy FFs!

Read the brief knumbnuts - I haven't gone through the interview process for nigh on 20 years, mainly because I've been headhunted all the way along. This is a Director level position, one I'm assuming you're familiar with being well built and goateed yourself, and it's a cracking job, in a very interesting industry with a cool company.

I'd like constructive advice from those with experience because, frankly, I'm nervous regardless of how confident I am and I know I'm uniquely qualified - if you can't help, then kindly fk off.

Smiley?

It was constructive numbnuts...take the hint. fk it I can't be arsed with hints so I'll make it blatant...your strategy doesn't matter. After 20yrs you should know your stuff inside out and be convinced you are the best man for the job. No ifs no buts. If you don't consider that to be the case then be assured that somebody else equally qualified will be and that attitude alone will get them the job. Because things being equal...they don't doubt themself, you do. And that frankly in a leadership position is just duff.

And yes I'm familiar. But I'm fat rather than well built these days and no goatee.

Perhaps, here's where we differ - History is littered with people that didn't doubt themselves and made fundamental errors because they we're full of their own grandiose. I'm not one of them. If you didn't think I had my own ideas, you're wrong. I threw it out to the 'massive' for additional ideas and more experience - I'll still make the final choice based on instinct, knowledge and advice. That's what commanders do, weigh up all the options with as much intel as possible then make an executive decision?

..and I'll kill it come Monday.

Edited by Asterix on Saturday 27th September 00:22

....and too much confidence can rapidly turn into arrogance....which is not a positive trait. Good luck in the interview, a touch of nerves always helps, not matter how good you think you are.

[worsy]

Monday, still thinking about the weekend and not looking forward to a week of work
Weds, been into work, motivation to get out fresh in mind, weekend long way off
Thursday, weekend starts tomorrow, looking forward to it.

I'd go Weds.

[Asterix]

First off - thanks all for the comments.

Secondly - I got the job received the offer half an hour ago.

Cheers guys.

[Justin Cyder]

Asterix said:

First off - thanks all for the comments.

Secondly - I got the job received the offer half an hour ago.

Cheers guys.

Close call. Lucky DJ Remote control weighed in with the handbook of never-failz tips.