select max(sal) from emp where sal < (select max(sal) from 
emp)

select e.sal from emp e where &2>(select max(count{a.sal})
from emp a where a.sal > e.sal order by desc
)

I would say that Raj has given the correct answer in general.

In most cases the interviewer restricts the parameter to be
written in the query as it might effect the performance.

Select TOP 1 salary from (select Distinct TOP 2 salary from 
employee orderby salary desc)

Oracle 10g Using : Find 2nd Highest Salary?

SELECT * FROM emp e WHERE 2=(SELECT COUNT(DISTINCT salary)
FROM emp x
WHERE x.salary >= e.salary);

Answer :

   EMP_NO EMP_NAME                     SALARY   
--------- ------------------------- --------- 
      107 SARABOOT                     550000

Dear 
here i am sending new ans u can give the value in parameter

 SELECT SAL,NO FROM(
SELECT  SAL ,ROWNUM NO FROM 
(SELECT DISTINCT SAL FROM EMP ORDER BY SAL DESC)) WHERE NO=:N


Regards,

Samad