How to Ace a Panel Interview?
Having to appear for a one-on-one interview is stressful enough, so having to be interviewed by an entire panel can be nail-biting. But panel interviews are beneficial considering how much time they save and how many people you meet that you will prospectively work with. The key is to convince every one of them of your aptitude for the job.
Use the following tips to impress all the panelists at your next interview:
1. Focus your attention on each of the panelists
When introducing yourself, look at each one of them as you ask for their business cards or their names.
Don’t stare at one person alone. While answering, make it a point to look around at everyone and not just the person who asked you the question. Smile and nod to build a confident impression.
2. Presume that you’ll be asked to repeat yourself
Chances are you’ll be asked to clarify what you’ve said. He/she might need more information for absolute clarity. Also, different panelists respond based on their agenda. A peer might delve into the technicalities of the job, whereas the boss might be more concerned about the tenure of your previous jobs.
Even if you have to repeat information from earlier interviews, do it patiently and thoroughly.
3. Observe whom you’ll need to impress the most
It’s easy to spot who’s in your favor and who isn’t. Rather than focusing on the interviewer who seems likely to back you up, try to impress the unimpressed. By doing so, you establish your ability to read the audience and tackling problems.
If you can face someone who will layout challenges for you, it demonstrates that you can meet any demand that the job may pose. Besides, winning over the stiffest interviewer will influence others’ decisions.
4. Prepare for all sorts of questions
Apart from the regular questions, expect questions that wouldn’t usually come up in other kinds of interviews. Have a few anecdotes ready that display your abilities, especially when answering behavioral style questions. As always, practice the answers to such questions to avoid fumbling.
5. Thank all the panelists at the end
Thank each one of the members. Later, prepare thank-you notes that you can drop off at the receptionist. You’ll gain bonus points for your civility.
When you think of the chance you’re being offered to meet and bond with your prospective colleagues, a panel interview seems less intimidating. Walk-in with your prepared anecdotes, answers, and a good amount of confidence to secure your appointment for the job.
6. Ask a lot of questions
An interview is a two-way process. Asking a lot of questions give the impression that you are very focused on the job.
When you ask your questions, you can direct a question to a specific person or the entire panel.
How many questions should you ask in your panel interview?
If the panel is 4 people, prepare 5–6 questions.
7. Follow up after the interview
Send a follow-up email after the interview thanking the interviewers and ask for a review of your performance. After 3–4 days of the interview write another email about the result.
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#happyinterviewing #hacktheinterview #interviewbuddy
This is a handwritten article by Team InterviewBuddy.
InterviewBuddy offers online face-to-face practice interviews with senior industry experts across the board.
