Last updated on May 25, 2024

Here's how you can ace a panel interview.

Facing a panel interview can be daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn this challenging situation into a showcase of your qualifications and interpersonal skills. A panel interview typically involves multiple interviewers, often from different areas of the company, who will assess your fit for the role and the organization. This format allows various perspectives in evaluating a candidate and can be efficient for the hiring company. For you, the interviewee, it means preparing to engage with multiple personalities and answer questions that may cover a broad range of topics.

1 Research Thoroughly

Before you find yourself in the interview room, make sure to do your homework. Research not just the company, but also the panel members if their names are available beforehand. Understanding their roles within the company can provide insight into the types of questions they might ask and the perspectives they bring to the table. This knowledge allows you to tailor your responses to resonate with each panel member's interests and concerns, demonstrating that youâ€™re not only well-prepared but also highly interested in the position.

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Jamuna Rani Govindaraju

Executive Director - SICCI/Advisor - SME Centre@SICCI/ Organisational Management Expert/Breaking the glass ceiling with a sledgehammer-first female ED in 98 years!
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Research the Panel Members: Try to find out who will be on the panel beforehand, if possible. Research their roles, backgrounds, and areas of expertise to tailor your responses accordingly. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the panel interview format, including the number of interviewers, the structure of the interview, and the topics that will be covered. Be prepared for different styles of questioning and interaction. Practice Active Listening: Please pay close attention to each panel member when they ask questions or provide feedback. Listen carefully to the questions asked and address all aspects of the question in your response.

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2 Practice Responses

Practicing your responses to common interview questions is crucial, especially considering the diverse nature of a panel. You want to articulate your answers clearly and confidently to show that you can handle pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, providing concrete examples that highlight your skills and achievements. This approach will help you deliver comprehensive and well-thought-out responses that address the question from multiple angles, satisfying the different interests of the panel members.

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3 Engage Everyone

Engagement is key in a panel interview. Make eye contact with all panel members, not just the person asking the question. By doing so, you create a connection with each interviewer and show that you value their presence. It's also important to address the group as a whole when answering questions, while occasionally directing a part of your answer to the individual who posed the question. This balanced approach demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively within a team setting.

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Jamuna Rani Govindaraju

Executive Director - SICCI/Advisor - SME Centre@SICCI/ Organisational Management Expert/Breaking the glass ceiling with a sledgehammer-first female ED in 98 years!
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Make eye contact with each panel member throughout the interview to demonstrate confidence and engagement. Avoid focusing solely on one interviewer, as this may give the impression of ignoring others. Address Each Panel Member: When you respond to questions, please address each panel member individually, if possible. You can use their names or titles when appropriate to personalise your responses and show respect.

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4 Manage Stress

Panel interviews can be stressful, but managing your stress is essential for performing well. Before the interview, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization to calm your nerves. During the interview, take a moment to compose yourself if needed before responding to questions. Remember that it's okay to ask for clarification or a moment to thinkâ€”it shows that you're thoughtful and thorough. Keeping your stress in check will allow you to remain focused and personable throughout the interview.

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5 Follow Up

After the interview, don't forget to send a personalized thank-you note to each panel member. This not only shows your appreciation for their time but also reinforces your interest in the position and your attention to detail. Tailor each message to reflect something specific from your interaction with that panel member, whether it's a topic you discussed or a question they asked. This personal touch can make a lasting impression and set you apart from other candidates.

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6 Continuous Learning

Remember that every interview is a learning experience. Reflect on your performance and take note of what went well and what could be improved for next time. Consider asking for feedback from the panel if it's appropriate, as this can provide valuable insights for your professional development. Continuous learning and improvement are key aspects of staff development and will serve you well in your career, whether you secure the job or not.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Barbara J McAdoo

Building Ethical and Successful Teams | Empathetic and Effective Change Management
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You may not know ahead of time that you're going to be facing a panel. First, remain calm. When responding, speak to the person asking the question while also observing the other members of the panel...pay attention to body language,as you may be able to determine the decision maker. Be sure to ask questions yourself...you may have to adapt your preparation slightly since you're dealing with multiple people. Remain calm, and treat the conversation as the business meeting it is. Remember that you're where you are in thjs meeting because you have something others want and need. Your skills have value...present yourself and your skills and experience with confidence. Pay attention to the way panel members interact to ensure fit.

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Directory

Here's how you can ace a panel interview.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Research Thoroughly

2 Practice Responses

3 Engage Everyone

4 Manage Stress

5 Follow Up

6 Continuous Learning

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Staff Development

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Directory

Here's how you can ace a panel interview.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Research Thoroughly

2 Practice Responses

3 Engage Everyone

4 Manage Stress

5 Follow Up

6 Continuous Learning

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Staff Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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