The Panel Interview...How to Handle it!

For an anxious job seeker, nothing can be more alarming and intimidating than a panel job interview! If your palm begins to sweat and twitch before a one-on-one interview, you can imagine your plight when a prospective employer informs you that you’ll be meeting with not one, but five people—all at the same time! Panel interviews can take you by surprise, but a growing number of companies are using them to effectively find candidates and expedite the interview process.

However, the reason behind conducting panel interviews is not to intimidate you; rather, it’s a time-saving technique to meet with people that you are most likely to interact with in the new organization and collect their thoughts all at once. An invite to attend a panel interview in fact signifies that you are a top contender as such interviews are typically the final step in the hiring process. In reality, you stand an excellent chance of getting the offer.

So, read the following survival tips to feel more in control while facing a group interview:

Acknowledge everyone in the room:

Sometimes, panel interviews are more of a peer interview. The main goal of the potential employer is to see how you would intermingle and “fit-in” as a new team member. So focus on the chemistry and connect with all individuals on a personal level. Remember to look at each person while introducing yourself. If possible, do a bit of research and find out the names of every Interviewer. You can also check out company website for photos. You are likely to feel less intimidated if you walk into a room already being able to put faces to the names.

Build a rapport with the entire panel:

Building a rapport with several evaluators becomes difficult at times but it is definitely not impossible. So, while fielding questions, avoid gazing at a single person as this can make you look more “frozen”! Instead, relax and smile, and open your gaze to the others in the room. Even when a single person in the group asks you a question, look around at the others while answering it. Doing this will make you look confident and also help you build a rapport with the entire panel at the same time.

Gear up for follow-up questions:

Beyond the fast pace, this kind of interview also typically evokes a lot of follow-up questions than usual. Multiple panelists mean multiple perspectives—and what might satisfy one interviewer may spark extra inquiries from the others. So make sure you’re equipped with several anecdotes and examples to explain your experience and background. There can be some awkward moments of silence as well when you have several people asking questions. Don’t let that bother you. Avoid filling up the dead spots with words, you are better off just sitting tight and waiting for the subsequent questions.

Know your stuff:

Avoid embarrassment of any sorts by familiarizing yourself with industry jargon. Check out the website of the company and business magazines for clues. If there are terminologies you’re not acquainted with, learn what they mean and use them in context. It’s absolutely acceptable to carry your own set of notes to ask the panelists. You can also keep reminder notes to prompt you if you actually get stuck for words. But remember they are for emergency only! If you find yourself overwhelmed or tongue-tied, a quick glance at them can help you refocus. Sometimes, simply knowing they are there can help you relax!

Remember your Thank You!

If you are given business cards of every single panelist, then you must follow up with a personal thank you note for each. This is vital as it can leave a great lasting impression!

Don’t dread panel interviews! Instead see them as a constructive opportunity. Stay composed, be honest and answer questions as best as you can. Then, breathe a sigh of relief—that you survived!