How to Handle Panel Interviews

After all of your hard work, you finally got the call for an interview. This is such an exciting time! The Human Resources associate sets up a date and time with you for the interview. Then she casually throws out to please plan on several hours for your interview as it will be a panel interview! OH NO – a panel interview. The terror starts to set in. You stumble through the rest of the conversation and set up the time for the dreaded interview.

So now you have to figure out how to handle this! A panel interview is really no different than a one-on-one. Even though it may be a lot more stressful – it’s still just an interview.

First of all relax. A panel interview can be terrifying but only if you let it. A panel interview allows you to really put your best foot forward and to get through a myriad of individual interviews all in one sweep.

• Introduce yourself to each panel member if time permits. If not, at least acknowledge each member by eye contact.

• Be prepared to write down the names and positions of each member. Usually in cases like this, the interviewers will give you a business card which makes it a lot easier to keep track of their names and positions.

• Respond fully to each question. When responding, look at the member who asked the question first and then make eye contact with each member around the table, ending up with the initial member.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification to any question that you may not understand.

• When answering a question, keep your answers in plain language – especially if the panel consists of individuals outside of your particular skill set. Don’t try to dazzle them, they know their job.

• Be prepared to ask questions of them, also. Come prepared with a list of questions based upon your research of the company and the position. Believe me; they are happy to talk about their company.

• When you see that the interview is coming to an end, make sure to ask if anyone needs to know more about you or about your skills. When you ask this question – make sure you look at each person on the panel.

At the end of the interview, treat it as you would an individual interview and thank all of the panel members. If the situation allows, shake hands with each person thanking them for their time – thanking them by name, if possible. There, now see – a panel interview really is a piece of cake!

By: Nancy Anderson, Staff Writer