If you thought preparing for a one-on-one job interview was stressful, things can really seem fraught with anxiety when you have a panel interview scheduled. Some companies prefer this time saving method that allows several department heads and hiring managers to sit in on an interview at the same time and chances are, you’ll probably have to deal with at least one panel interview during your move up the ladder.
The good news is, panel interviews can be a lot of fun! And with some preparation, you’ll be able to banish any worries you might have and get completely prepared for this experience. Here’s what you need to know before you head into a panel interview.
Do Your Homework
Just like you would want to research the company and the person interviewing you, you’ll want to do the same before a panel interview. This time, you’ll want to research each person who will be on the panel. This will help you feel more confident and you’ll be prepared for any specific areas of questioning they may have.
Be Prepared for a Wide Variety of Questions
This brings us to the next obstacle, when you have a wider variety of people doing the interviewing, you’re going to have a wider variety of questions. Don’t get stressed out by this prospect. Instead, think about each person’s position in the company and go over any questions you may have.
Prepare Your Own Questions
At the end of the interview, it’s a very nice touch to ask each person on the panel their own question, geared towards their specialty. Many candidates do not take this opportunity and doing so will help you stand out from the crowd.
Fall Back On Their Original Job Listing and Illustrate
Take the original job listing with you to the panel interview and make some notes ahead of time of the skills you have that meet those needs. Illustrate to the panel how your skill set fits their requirements.
Incorporate Storytelling
Don’t be afraid to make your interview more human by adding some storytelling. Instead of just answering questions, take the time to illustrate how you’ve handled something in the past and how you worked through a problem. By telling a story, you won’t be talking at the panel, but rather with them and this will help endear you to them.
Take Some Notes
It’s entirely appropriate to make a few notes during the interview process, particularly when someone has something meaningful to say. While you don’t want to transcribe the entire interview, taking notes will show that you are engaged and that goes a long way with a panel.
Want more help figuring out the job interviewing process? The pros here at Solopoint Solutions are here to help!