What to Expect at a Third Interview

What to Expect at a Third InterviewWhat to Expect at a Third InterviewIf youre still standing after the second job interview, you should be proud. Most applicants never make it to the first interview. And if the company wants to bring you back for a third interview, your chances of being hired are better than average.Weve already given you advice about what to expect from a second interview, but a third interview is different. Heres what to keep in mind when you meet the hiring manager for the third time.Expect to keep your guard upAt this stage, the hiring manager - and their team - are evaluating your fit for the overall workplace culture. So expect behavioral questions.Many managers are assessing in the third interview whether they want to invest in bringing you on board and training you.Candidates need to prepare throughout the entire recruiting process or risk losing out on a potential job offer, says Kim Thomas, senior manager, talent acquisition at Robert Half. Their skills, competencies and experience are still being evaluated, even at the stage of a third interview.Thomas says hiring managers often want more information about how job candidates have responded to tough situations in the past, and she recommends that interviewees prepare for these types of questions. This will help you briefly describe a particular situation, the specific action you took and the result or outcome, she says.SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOGExpect a longer interview that involves more peopleThe higher-ups dont have time to meet with every candidate. However, when the company is preparing to make a final decision, at least one of the divisional leaders or senior executives may want to meet the individuals in serious contention for the position. So expect to meet with - and be grilled by - the heavy hitters during the third interview.Its also possible that your second interview did not produce a consensus. For example, maybe you impressed the hiring manager, but another job candidat e is the favorite among someone in HR. You could be called back so senior leadership can break the tie.Expect intensive questions that can determine fitHiring the wrong partie is an expensive, time-consuming and labor-intensive mistake that companies try to avoid at all costs.During the third interview, expect questions that reveal such things as your ability to be a team player and engage in cross-department collaboration, your preference for working in a quiet environment versus a more animated setting, and whether you take a conservative approach to work or are a risk-taker.Companies also will use the third interview to learn how you react in certain, tricky situations - your reaction if you were to catch another employee doing something unethical, how well you manage stress and how you prioritize competing deadlines.Expect to ask more in-depth questionsDuring the first two interviews, you may have asked general questions about the company however, youll be expected to have more profound queries during the third interview. Examples of these types of questions includeHow will this position be assessed during a performance evaluation and what does success in this position look like?What are the shared characteristics of your fruchtwein successful employees?What are the shared characteristics of the employees who were not successful?What is the most pressing problem the person in this position needs to solve?Who held this position previously and where are they now?Expect to engage in salary negotiationBe prepared to talk about compensation and benefits. Make sure that you know what your skills are worth, based on your research regarding salary trends and calculations. If youre not happy with the salary offer, dont express this during the interview. Take some time to think it over and weigh your options. Perhaps the health plan is superior to other offers you have received, the bonus is larger, or youve determined that this job will offer much better work-life balance.These are just some of the conversations that you can expect during the third interview. By anticipating and preparing for the most likely scenarios, you can cement your standing as the best person for the job.