Panel Interview Tips to
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When you enter the panel interview take a little time to engage with each interviewer. As you are introduced make eye contact with each panel member, shake hands firmly and greet them using their names. Pause with each handshake and try not to rush through it, it gives the impression of nervousness. |
When you sit down in your panel interview, take out your pen and paper and ask if they mind if you make some notes during the interview. First, note down their names as they are seated, if you don't already have this information written down. You will use their names when you respond to their questions, this demonstrates good communication skills, so it is important to know who is who! Answering Their Questions When preparing your answers to common interview questions remember to highlight your full range of abilities, skills and knowledge to meet the expectations of each interviewer. Behavioral interview questions are commonly used in panel interviews. Develop relevant examples that demonstrate what you are able to bring to the position and company. Ensure you consider the perspective of the panelist who asked the question when delivering your interview answer. Most importantly make sure your response effectively answers the panel interview question. When answering questions use these panel interview tips.
Make initial eye contact with the person who asked the question and them include the other panel members in your answer. Scan from one face to the next, pausing briefly on each. Focus on speaking to each individual and then, as you finish your answer, return your focus to the person who asked the interview question.
Stay calm and answer each question thoroughly. Use the name of the panel member who asked the question when you start and finish your answer, while your focus is on that individual.
A good strategy when answering panel interview questions is to cross reference a question with one that has already been asked by a different member. For example, "To expand on my answer to Frank, my experience in customer service also includes .....". This way you are reinforcing the positives you have already discussed and are addressing the concerns of two panel members at once.
Panel members are likely to take notes during your interview answer, don't be intimidated by this. Use it as a reminder that you need to speak clearly and concisely.
Asking Meaningful Questions
Bring a list of prepared questions to the panel interview. There should be questions that you can address to different members of the panel relevant to their different organizational roles. Knowing who are the panel members beforehand helps facilitate this, but if you are unable to do this use your knowledge of the company and position to prepare questions for the different organizational roles such as human resources, line management, technical, finance etc. For example you could address a question about company culture to human resources and a question about the priorities of the position to the line manager. Go to the list of interview questions to ask to help you with this.
Closing the Panel Interview
At the end of the job interview ask the question, "Is there any other information you would like?" Let your eyes go from one panel member to the next as you wait for their response.
One of the most important panel interview tips. Shake hands and thank each interviewer personally at the end of the interview, again using each person's name. Get each person's business card so that you can properly address a thank you letter to each panel member.
When writing your thank you letters to the panelists refer to each one's area of interest and personalize your comments to make them relevant to that person's particular role. For more information on panel interviews go to What to expect from a panel interview
Understand the Group Interview and how it differs to a panel interview.
Panel interviews are commonly used for the Management Interview and the Project Management Interview. The panel interview tips will help you feel prepared and confident no matter how many people you have to face.
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