Panel interview tips

Panel Interview

Panel Interview is a rather commonly used interview method. In such an interview, candidates shall be requested to answer questions of several interviewers who are employees of the company. These interviewers may ask the candidates to show their skills and qualifications or describe again the details in their resumes, nevertheless. In addition, the candidates may be asked to resolve a certain problematic situation raised by the panel. In such a panel interview, the interviewers seek to know how well a candidate can utilize his or her knowledge and skills in real-life situation.

Panel interview tips

Below are some tips for you if you are going to take a Panel Interview:

1.  Learn as much about the company and the job as possible; also, find information about the department you are applying to work in:

This information shall be greatly useful for you in answering possible questions raised by panel members. Also, it may get you closer to the panel as the interviewers shall be greatly impressed when they are interviewing such a candidate who has quite knowledge of their company and the job.

2.  Practice answering possible questions; get used to the process of a Panel Interview:

You should try to get a hold of the process of a Panel interview, from introduction, answering question to ending the interview. You may consult your family members or friends who have experienced such an interview for advice. Make a list of possible questions raised by each of panel members and try answering them.

3.  Bring additional paper with you to the Interview:

Remember to give to each of panel members a copy of your resume so that they may know about you and more importantly, pay attention to you before the interview. Maybe they have gotten a copy of your resume already, this way shall make them impressed as seeing how prepared you are.

4.  Be Impressive with Your Introduction:

Welcome the interviewers with a kind handshake and a smile. Calling the interviewers by name is courtesy and friendlier.

5.  Answer fully but not ramblingly:

Being detailed is good; however, too much irrelevant detail will be ramble and useless. For example, you can use information that you have researched about the company in your answer but don‘t go too much for telling about your experience in working for another company. Another way is to refer to your previous answer to avoid repeating anything you have mentioned.

6.  Make sure your eye contact with the interviewers during the interview:

Keeping eye contact is very important. It shows confidence and honesty in your answers. When you start answering a question, make sure you look first at the interviewer who raises such question. When you are about to finish your answer, look at this interviewer again. Just be natural with this. Not everyone can do this without practicing though, so try your best.

7.  Ask questions about the company, recruiting department or the job requirements:

Although you may have read the job description, you should make a question about what the job requires. Receiving answer from the interviewers shall be much more detailed than from a job description list. This makes the interview like a discussion between colleagues in the same company. Asking questions in an interview is always a good thing to do. It‘s for your own benefit and for the interviewers‘ benefits as well.

8.  Finish your interview with a positive attitude:

Finishing a panel interview is just as important as when you start it. Leaving a good impression after you leave is always beneficial to you. Shake hand with each of the panel members and thank them for their attention and support. Remember to address them by their name which will be a more friendly way to do. State your willingness to learn more about the company and the job and keep your proper gesture until you have left the company.