Panel Interview?

Question

I have a panel interview coming up and even though I have been on many interviews and I am very confident in my skills I have never been on a n interview with more than three people. Suggestions? Tips? Experiences?

Answer 1

Number one, don't be nervous.

Make sure you meet everyone and shake their hands. Try to remember their names and call them by name when speaking to them.

Most important: When they ask you a question, make sure you answer to everyone in the room. Not just the person who asked it. Make eye contact with everyone when answering but don't make it look like you're trying to.

Don't read from your resume, make sure you know what is on it and only use it to remind yourself of something. They have all seen it, too, and know what is on it. It's your job to expand what is on the resume.

Make sure you thank each and every one of them for their time.

If interested; ask for the job. Just like you would show interest if only one were present. It's more effective when there is a large group.

Answer 2

Prepare, prepare, prepare. Research the company. Have information relevant to the position you are applying for. When time comes for the interview, make sure you learn everyone's name on the panel when introduced. Ask them to repeat it if you don't get it. Look at everyone on the panel when responding to a question, not just the person who asked the question. Most of all, know when to STOP talking. There is NOTHING wrong with silence in an interview, even if they are writing notes, etc. Do not feel the need to fill the silence with drivel. Get there early so you can find a parking place, find where you need to be and will not not feel rushed. Good luck!!

Answer 3

Remember to look down the line at all of them and smile when you say hello/goodbye, thanks for your time.

Remember to look at all of them when you answer a question, not just the person that asked the question. Smile. Don't be fazed by people scribbling away, they're probably just writing what you said so they can distinguish you from the other applicants. If there are more than 3 or 4 on the panel, chances are that some of them will just be observers; there perhaps to ensure that the interview is conducted fairly.

Above all, try to relax; just cos there are more people doesn't mean the questions will be any harder than normal, or that there will be loads more of them!

And...best of luck!

Answer 4

Hi, the company i work for uses panel interviews as a first stage whereby most candadites are eliminated and only a select few remain.

Panel interviews are designed to show how the applicants work with other people; are they team players or not, are they dominant relaitive to the others or not, are they too bossy, too laid back etc.

Ideally, you should try and talk more than the rest, be vocal about your opnions but ask the people around you for their opinions too in order to show a team spirit. Ask the interviewer questions in order to sound curious and able to answer his/her questions in a better and more effecient manner.

Be respctful to the opinions of others, even if you think they are wrong. Do not be afraid to question the basics, companies are interested in people with creativity and an approach to dealing with tough situations.

Worst thing to do is to be quiet, and simply answer the questions you are asked, joke around and try to dominate the debates but not too much, give other people the chance to talk and express their opinions too.

Good Luck

Answer 5

I have had several of these and they can be very intimidating. Basically as each person asks a question, it becomes and individual interview. Look them in the eye and address them as though there is no one else in the room. Bring enough resumes so that each person can refer to it and bring one for you to refer to as well. Greet and say goodbye to each person individually with a firm hand shake. Remember, they asked you to come there and they want you to be there. Try not to stress to much and good luck!