While first interviews are often used to validate the experiences and skills listed on a resume, the second round is all about a deeper dive. Specifically, hiring managers want to learn more about “how you do what you do”. 

If you want to ace the second round, be sure you can effectively address the big three hows.   

1. How You Add Value – Interviewers want to know what makes you stand out from other candidates.

• Sample Question: What is your “go-to” skill and how would that personal X-factor be of value to our organization?
• Your move: Be specific: “In addition to those required for the job, I am also an accomplished (insert skill) which will help me achieve results by (insert rationale).”

2. How You Learn – Interviewers want to know what future value you might bring via continuous improvement.

• Sample Question: What’s the most impactful lesson you’ve learned recently and how has it changed you?
• Your move: Tell a story about a mistake you made or an insight you received and include how you incorporated that learning to produce greater results in the future.  

3. How You Lead – Interviewers want to know the breath of your influence and the depth of your impact.

• Sample Question: What experiences have made you an effective leader? 
• Your move: Anyone can rattle off the management positions they’ve held, or the volunteer work they performed, but leadership is measured by impact. Share a story about how people changed (for the better) by having interacted with you.

Sharing your career wins is always important, but describing just how you made them happen provides valuable insight and helps the interviewer see you in the desired role. So make sure you give them the full story. Share the how.

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Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko