Depending on the role, the second-round interview will likely be conducted by senior partners/managers who you will either be supporting or working under and they will likely ask more in-depth questions. Bear in mind that there may be some repetition in questions that you were also asked in the first-round given you will be meeting with different people.

Why are you a good fit for this role?

You want to answer this question in a way that specifically addresses the position and what they are looking for. What can you offer and what are the company looking for? You want to show that you are motivated to do the job. The question is based on what you can bring to the position not what the position can give you.

Describe a time that you encountered a challenge at work and how did you handle it?

In asking this question, the hiring manager wants to know more about your ability to problem-solve and critically think. In answering this question, you want to have a real-life professional example of a challenge you encountered and how you worked to overcome it. Don’t just say what you did, explain how you got there and emphasise what you learnt from it.

How do you cope with change in the workplace?

As companies are constantly evolving and changing, the hiring manager wants to know that you are adaptable and will stay motivated during times of change. Yet another behavioural question, you want to show you are confident when placed in a situation of change and demonstrate how your personal skills helped you adapt to the change.

What are your short and long-term career goals?

Your answer to this question will obviously depend on the position you are going for, whether that be a legal support role or an associate lawyer position. The interviewer wants to know about your short-term goals to decipher whether you have a realistic view of the position and where it leads. Additionally, your long-term goals will demonstrate to the interviewer whether you have realistic expectations and whether the firm can meet them. They also want to know whether you will stay at the firm for a while or if you are merely seeking an ‘in-between’ role. It’s best to answer this question by stating what your short-term goals are and then your long-term goals, focusing on your career trajectory, primarily based on your success in the role you are interviewing for.

What are your salary expectations?

Whilst this question will have likely been asked in the first-round interview, you still want to be prepared to answer this in second rounds. Your salary expectations will have already been discussed with your Amicus Recruitment Consultant however you will also need to be prepared to answer this yourself. If you go into the interview prepared, you will be able to negotiate a salary package that meets both parties’ expectations.

Do you have any questions for us?

As the interview draws to a close, you will be asked this question and you may feel daunted as you will be thinking you have already covered everything during the course of the interview. However, with this question it is best to respond with a question rather than politely say no as doing so could leave the interviewer with the impression that you were not engaged during the course of the interview. As you can almost guarantee this question will be asked, its best to go into the interview with some pre-prepared questions. Think about questions relating to the role, the company or questions about yourself! Either way, make sure you have a question up your sleeve.

A successful second interview will depend upon your readiness and ability to answer the questions in a well-informed manner, so be prepared for these questions and more! And, as always, our Amicus Recruitment Consultants are here to help and support you in every way in the lead up so don’t hesitate to reach out.