| Second
Interview: Office or Plant Visit |
| |
| 1.
Purpose of the Visit |
If
you are being seriously considered by an employer, you will
usually be invited to visit one of the employer's locations
for further interviews. The main purpose of the office or
plant visit is to determine if there is a good match between
you and the organization. A second purpose is to give you
an opportunity to meet other staff. An invitation
for a second interview is not a job offer, but it is a vital
step in the process of evaluation for both the organization
and you. |
| |
| 2.
Before the Visit |
|
If
you are unable to visit the office or plant at the suggested
time, call the representative as soon as possible to
arrange an alternate date. All invitations should be acknowledged
promptly even when you are not interested.
Here's a quick checklist of things to do once you have
been contacted for a second interview.
- Find
out the name, phone number and job title of the person
coordinating the interview
- Request
a detailed agenda, outlining the day
- Be
clear on the travel arrangements, including the firm's
reimbursement policy
|
| |
| 3.
The Visit |
| The
office or plant visit usually takes a full day or half day.
If you are interviewing with an organization in New Jersey,
the process may entail several short visits rather than
one longer visit. |
| |
| 4.
The Interviews |
|
Second
interviews are typically longer (often 45-60 minutes)
and more in-depth than the typical 30-minute campus interview.
Sometimes you will meet other candidates who are interviewing
the same day. Normally, after meeting with a human resources
manager, you will meet one or more co-workers and higher
level executives. One of the most important interviews
will be with your prospective supervisor.
In addition, you may be given a tour of the facilities,
spend a day in the field or possibly take a series of
tests.
The day can be tiring, but it's your best chance to find
out the specifics of the position and how you will fit
into the organization. It is also your best opportunity
to convince the organization why they should hire you.
Be prepared. Make sure that you can describe your previous
accomplishments and strengths, and articulate your short-
and long-term goals. Have some good questions for the
personnel manager, your would-be supervisor and
other managers. Brush up on the employer. Be familiar
with current news on the organization. Bring a few extra
copies of your resume and a copy of your transcript.
While visiting the employer, evaluate the working environment
as well as the position. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do
the people seem friendly and enthusiastic?
- Do
you like the facility?
- Is
the equipment state of the art?
- What
do the work areas look like?
- What
are your impressions of your potential supervisor?
|
| |
| 5.
Travel Expenses |
Some
employers will prepay travel expenses, while others will
reimburse you after you present receipts. The
usual policy for employers is to pick up relevant expenses,
including transportation, meals, hotel, cabs and rental
car.
If you are visiting multiple employers on the same trip,
prorate expenses. Don't take advantage of employer hospitality
and keep your arrangements reasonably priced. As a general
rule, spend the employer's money as you would your own money. |
| |
| 6.
After the Visit/Responding to Offers |
Send
a thank you letter or email message, even if you are not
interested in the position. Mention the names of the key
people you met that day. If you receive an offer, it is
acceptable to negotiate for time if you are completing other
interviews.
When accepting an offer, it's a good idea to call your new
employer to make it personal. Follow up with a confirmation
in writing. Once you have accepted an offer, you have made
a commitment. If you are rejecting an offer, be sure to
call or write to the employer in a timely fashion (writing
is often easier than calling). Remain professional and courteous-you
might work for or do business with that employer later in
your career. |
| |
|
Sample
Schedule for an Office or Plant Visit
(Schedule may vary)
|
| 9:00
Arrival. |
(Always
plan to arrive early.) |
| 9:30-10:00 |
Interview
#1: Human resources manager.
This may take the form of a general introduction to the
day rather than an interview. |
| (10:00-11:00) |
(Some
organizations will ask you to take a test measuring your
math and verbal skills.) |
| 10:00-10:45 |
Interview
#2: Manager
This is usually one-on-one, but may involve two or more
people. |
| 10:45-11:30 |
Interview
#3: Manager |
| 11:30-12:15 |
Interview
#4: Manager |
| 12:15-1:30 |
Lunch.
This is usually with recent graduates and personnel representatives.
You may have a
chance to talk to a Rutgers graduate. Although it may be
informal, it is still part of the interview
process. |
| 1:30-2:15 |
Interview
#5: Prospective Supervisor |
| 2:15-2:45 |
Interview
#6: Department Head |
| 2:45-3:30 |
Tour
of the facilities |
| 3:30-4:00 |
Human
resources wrap-up. Next steps. Travel expenses. |
| |
|
| |
