What to expect
- You may meet a recruiter or hiring manager by phone, video, or in person.
- Be ready to discuss your experience, interest in the role, and availability. The format may also include role-specific questions.
INTERVIEW PREPARATION
Know before you go.
Choose the interview ahead of you. Get clear on what to expect, what to have ready, and what you want to learn.
Every employer’s process is different. Rounds can be combined, repeated, or skipped. Choose any stage and follow your interview invitation.
FIRST INTERVIEW
Connect your background to the role.
Explain what you bring, why this opportunity interests you, and what you’d like to understand about the job.
What to prepare
- Read the posting and employer’s website. Pick two responsibilities that connect to your experience.
- Practice a short introduction and two real examples from work, study, or volunteering. Explain your own contribution.
What to bring
- The résumé you applied with, the job posting, and a short list of questions.
- A way to take notes and your contact’s details. Keep these handy for phone or video interviews too.
What to ask
Choose questions that haven’t already been answered.
- “Which responsibilities will need the most attention at the start?”
- “What are the next steps, and when should I expect an update?”
Your focus: Make the connection between your experience and this opening easy to follow.
AFTER YOUR FIRST INTERVIEW
Turn the conversation into a plan.
Save the first-round facts
Note who you spoke with, the role’s main priorities, and any questions you struggled to answer. Pick one answer to practice before another conversation.
Make your interest specific
Send a short thank-you within 24–48 hours. Mention something you learned about the role and one relevant part of your background that makes you interested.
Prepare for a possible next round
Record when to expect an update. Prepare two examples tied to the priorities you heard. If another invitation arrives, confirm who you’ll meet and the format.
Preparation and follow-up guidance: Harvard’s interview guide.
SECOND INTERVIEW
Show how you work.
Build on the first conversation with specific examples. Learn how the team makes decisions and gets things done.
What to expect
- You may meet your potential manager, future teammates, or several interviewers.
- There may be deeper follow-up questions or an exercise. Ask for the agenda instead of assuming the format.
What to prepare
- Review your first-round notes. Prepare examples of solving a problem and working through a challenge with others.
- Explain the situation, your task, the action you took, and the result. Use details you can support.
What to bring
- Your résumé, previous notes, and questions for the people you’re meeting.
- Requested work samples or a portfolio, if relevant. Check sharing permission and remove confidential details.
What to ask
Use what you learned in the first round.
- “How does this team work together when priorities change?”
- “What would strong performance look like in the first few months?”
Your focus: Go beyond a list of skills. Show the choices you made and what happened next.
AFTER YOUR SECOND INTERVIEW
Build on what you learned about the team.
Connect the conversations
Compare your notes from the recruiter, manager, and teammates you met. What did you learn about expectations and how the team works? Write down anything that still needs clarification.
Follow through on your promises
Thank the people you met, referring to a different discussion point for each. Send any requested or promised work sample by the agreed deadline and channel. Ask your recruiter to forward a note if needed.
Decide what you need to learn next
Consider whether the responsibilities, support, and working arrangements fit your needs. Choose your most important unanswered question for the next conversation, and confirm any assessment or preparation requested.
Later-round preparation and follow-up: Swarthmore’s interview guide.
THIRD / LATER INTERVIEW
Resolve the questions that matter.
Use this conversation to address remaining questions on both sides. A later round is still an interview, not a guaranteed offer.
What to expect
- You may meet additional decision-makers or complete a presentation, case, or practical assessment.
- A third interview may not be the final one. Confirm what this round will cover and who will attend.
What to prepare
- If there’s an assignment, confirm its scope, time limit, and delivery format. Rehearse explaining your reasoning.
- List what you still need to know: responsibilities, support, work arrangements, or hiring timeline. Raise unresolved practical questions with the appropriate contact.
What to bring
- Any requested presentation or work sample, plus an accessible backup copy.
- Your notes from earlier conversations and an accurate availability date. Provide references when requested and with their permission.
What to ask
Clarify expectations and the decision process.
- “What support will be available while I learn the role?”
- “Is there anything else you need from me before the next decision?”
Your focus: Leave with a clearer picture of the work and the next step in the process.
AFTER A THIRD OR LATER INTERVIEW
Close the loop and plan for the decision.
Send a focused follow-up
Thank your interviewers and connect your interest to a priority discussed in this round. Include a brief clarification or requested information, rather than repeating your entire application.
Track what happens next
Confirm whether another round, references, or a decision comes next. Note the contact person and expected date. If that date passes, send one polite check-in asking for an updated timeline.
Be ready to make your decision
List what you still need to evaluate the opportunity. If an offer arrives, request the written details and response deadline, then review the role, pay, benefits, and working arrangements. Keep your search moving while you wait.
Further guidance: University at Albany on later rounds and CareerOneStop on following up.
- Confirm the plan. Check the time zone, location or meeting link, format, and contact person.
- Plan your arrival. Allow travel time, or test your camera, microphone, and connection. Follow the requested check-in time.
- Ask for what you need. Contact the recruiter ahead of time about access needs, adjustments, or equipment instructions.
External guides open in a new tab. Skill & Stride is independent and is not endorsed by the organizations linked here.