Second or On-Site Interview

"Second" or On-Site Interview

In recent years, a hiring manager's first interview with a candidate is typically conducted via telephone or video. The first interview serves to screen applicants. If an applicant proceeds through the interview process, they will be given a second interview, sometimes called an on-site interview. 

The on-site interview is done at the location of the job or at an organization's corporate headquarters. In most instances, candidates are screened by a recruiter or hiring manager, then the on-site interview is conducted by a department supervisor or a hiring team comprised of people who will be working with the candidate.

Some organizations conduct multiple interviews with the same candidate during the on-site interview process. Because the on-site interview requires the use of valuable leadership time, employers usually want to make the most of having the candidate at their location. This is particularly true if a company has paid travel expenses for a candidate. 

Example: 

A recruiter or hiring manager screens a candidate and feels they will be a good fit for the position. At that point, the candidate will be scheduled for an on-site second interview, where they will meet the program manager or supervisor who will have a say in the final hiring decision. 

Now that remote work and hybrid work are increasingly common, the second or on-site interview might also be conducted via video interviewing tools. Despite not being physically present in the organization's premises, this second interview may still be considered an "on-site" interview for some as it is usually a panel interview that involves more people from the organization, such as the hiring team, potential co-workers or department heads.

The remote video "on-site" interview can have multiple stages and may take longer than a traditional face-to-face interview. It provides the employer with an opportunity to assess a candidate's communication skills, professionalism, and technological readiness, especially critical for remote positions.

Just like the traditional on-site interview, the candidate may be introduced to multiple people within the organization and may need to participate in group discussions or case study presentations. Preparations for a remote second interview should be as thorough as for an in-person interview, with candidates ensuring a quiet and professional-looking environment, testing their equipment, and dressing professionally.