Career expert offers tips on acing a second job interview

Bravo! You've shown you're a qualified applicant and have been invited to a second interview. The odds of being hired have increased, but question will be tougher and you'll likely be expected to meet - and impress - more people.

"Feel fine because they like you, but be on your toes because they're not 100% convinced," says Maureen McCann, senior career consultant with Graham Management Group of Toronto.

Consider these dos and don'ts:

•Find out in advance what the plan will be and who will be interviewing you. Find as much as you can about them using tools like Google and LinkedIn.

•Find out how much time you need to dedicate to the interview and brush up on correct etiquette. If you're going out for lunch or dinner, for example, be aware of the establishment's dress code.

•Don't drink alcohol, unless you're being interviewed for an alcohol-related company. If you do have a drink, limit yourself to one n analysis your performance in the first interview. "Get a coach for mock interviews," McCann says. "Talk to your references and let them know how they can help if they get a call earlier than your second interview."

•Set goals. "Make a list of five things you're going to talk about before you go the interview," McCann says.

•Build a rapport with interviewers, then ask what the ideal candidate looks like and how they'll recognize necessary qualities or skills.

•Build on the research you did for your first interview. Review sources like trade publications and industry associations.

•Don't be caught off guard if asked about salary. Try to save that conversation until there's a job offer with a response like, "I'm sure you're a very fair company and I'm willing to consider your very best offer when the time is right." But suggest a salary range if pressured to reply.

•Reiterate your interest in the job when the interview ends. Inquire about when you can expect a reply.

•Send a handwritten thank-you card within 24 hours.