Panel interview can be similar to the traditional one on one job interview in content, but this kind of interview will quite different in context as it will involves the simultaneous presence of all decision makers, including the panel leader, and then with the interviewee in one combined interview. The recruiters is attempting to assess prospective candidates for an organizational position in order to determine whether they would or would not make a good fit.

Usually panel members will take turns in asking you as the interviewee, respectively, questions they deem relevant to the position is being interviewed for. Each interviewer’s may ask you some questions that tackle a specific area, for example professional experience, skill and even your behavioral attitude, etc.

Once all questions have been asked and answered, each panel member will rate the interviewee according to his or her own perceptions, conclusions and then a discussion is held by the members to decide whether you as candidate is suitable to take on the position.

How to prepare yourself for a panel interview?

• First, You have to do research for the company that invited you for this interview such as: background and structure, main business, organizational culture, etc. You have to be familiar with all of above prior the day of the interview.
• Take a note that it is very important to prepare mentally for the panel interview, where you will be surrounded by more than 2 professionals and you need to answer all their questions confidently and easily. This will give your confidence a great boost once you are there on the day of the interview.
• Be ready with your set of questions that you will ask to the panel members. Take a note that it is a two-way interview and you are not there just for answering questions, hence it is very recommended that you have your list of professional question.

What can you do on the day of the Panel Interview?

• You shall be relax and remember you have done your part, you have rehearsed, visualized and you know exactly how to go about this. You know what your major strengths are and you are simply there to communicate them to each and every panel member.
• Try to make eye contact with each panel member, greet them with a smile, and please try to note down their names and positions so that you know who to address your questions to at a later stage.
• Being in a panel interview means things are moving fast and questions follow each other in quick succession, hence take your time in answering every question individually. Stay alert and focus on doing justice to your answers without rambling or losing the thread.
• Don’t shy away from clarifying what the question is exactly if you think that a question is unclear? And me sure you understand the question correctly before you elaborate.
• Take the time to ask the questions you have already prepared in addition to any others that come up during the interview. It is your right to ask questions and it only showcases how interested and interesting you really are!

What should you do after the Panel Interview?

At the end of the panel interview, you should have the names and positions of your interviewers. Once you get home, then It is time for the thank you notes. You need to send a thank you note to each panel member separately thanking them for their time and communicating your enthusiasm for and suitability for the specific role!

That’s all the panel interview tips today.