Today, the job market is a competitive place. This is due to a flood of College Degrees and the rise of digital applications.

In the past, Ireland has had a rather high unemployment rate but now, things seem to be changing. In the past year, we have seen unemployment rates drop and the job market is full of opportunities. The population of Ireland sits somewhere around 4.8 million people. So, it's important to market yourself in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd.

We all know that the first step to landing your dream job is to nail the interview process. And, if you're not well prepared, this can be the most stressful part of the process. By following these easy steps, you're guaranteed to have an edge on the competition and land the job if you make it to round two!

Learn from the First Interview

During your first interview, make sure to be mindful and listen. Then as soon as you can, after the interview, jot down a few notes about how things went. Try to note the key aspects of the job, who you met with or if they provided any other important information.

You're going to want to understand what your daily responsibilities are going to be. Taking notes can prepare you for what questions to ask during a follow-up interview. And, by taking notes as soon as your interview is over, the information will still be fresh in your mind.

Know the Agenda

Why are you coming in for a second interview? The answer to this question will be your preparation guide. When it comes to scheduling your second interview, be sure to ask who you'll be meeting with. And, it's also a good idea to ask if there's anything that you need to bring. By asking these questions, you'll be better prepared and that much likelier to land the job.

Since you've secured a second interview, you're going to need to prove that you are a good candidate for the job. Often, the second interview is to ensure that you are compatible with the team and the company values. Your interviewer is probably meeting with a few other candidates, so you're going to want to bring your best.

Do Some Research

The job market in Ireland is making a comeback so it's best to do a bit of research and prepare yourself. The internet is a wonderful tool and a great place to find information. Social media sites are also a great place to learn more about those who will be interviewing you.

Be savvy and do some research on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. These sites can supply you with vital information about your interviewer's background.

• How long have they been with the company?
• What skills and values do they have?

By answering these questions, you'll learn about the company and their line of work. Also, it can give you insight into the type of employees that they are looking for.

By researching your interviewer, you'll gain insight into who they are and what they need. This will give you some common ground to talk about during the interview. It will also increase your chances of carrying out a meaningful conversation. And, as they say, it's not always what you know, but who you know.

Prepare Questions

When the interviewer gives you the opportunity to ask questions, take it! Many interviewees do not capitalize on this moment. By asking relevant questions, you'll show that you're interested in the position. Furthermore, it also shows engagement in the interaction.

Remember that it's fine to write your questions down before the interview. This shows organization and that you are detail oriented. Here are a few specific questions that you can ask.

• What is the most challenging part of the job?
• How do you think an employee in this position can make a positive impact on the company?
• In the future, will there be any room for advancement with the company?
• When can I expect to hear about your hiring decision?

After the interview, you can finally relax. The hard part is over. But, that doesn't mean that you're done quite yet. Remember that your job is to make an outstanding impression. And, always, you must present yourself in a calm and professional manner.

Have a Plan of Attack

When interviewing for the second time, you want to be as prepared as possible. Be sure to know who you are meeting with and what questions to expect. It's also a good idea to bring a notebook and a copy of your resume, as well as any other documents that you might need.

Understand that you can go into an interview feeling confident if you do your homework. And, be sure to not leave the interview until you have a solid understanding of the job and what it entails.

Conclusion

You should now understand how to prepare yourself for your second interview. The most important thing is to be yourself and showcase your individual talents. And, remember, to flourish in any position, you need to feel comfortable and confident.

By following these tips you'll be landing that dream job in no time!