Second or On-Site Interview
Written by
Tiffany ClarkAbout the Author
Tiffany is an experienced workforce development expert with extensive experience in the public sector, course development, and online learning.
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The VidCruiter Editorial Team offers practical recruitment advice, drawing on insights from seasoned professionals. Our award-winning content, supported by industry specialists, underscores VidCruiter's dedication to innovation in recruitment.
Last Modified
Apr 17, 2024"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.
Related Terms
Case Interview
refers to a technique in which a candidate faces challenging business situations that require investigation and solving in a real-time environment.
Group Interview
is a term that refers to an interview that consists of one or more company representatives interviewing multiple candidates simultaneously.
Panel Interview
is a term that refers to a scenario where more than one company representative interviews one applicant. In panel interviews, the company representatives are usually from different departments and can include a human resources team member, hiring manager, and department supervisor for the available position.
Panel Group Interview