Much like phone interviews, panel interviews are becoming popular too. Hiring companies are looking for ways to become more efficient, and getting all the “hiring heads” in one room to interview candidates all at once is a step towards that efficiency. Interviewing procedures are being modified so that all those involved in the hiring decision can meet, question, and later discuss each candidate.
Of all interviews, a panel interview can be the most stressful because you find yourself trying to sway several decision-makers rather than one or two. Unlike that old bit of advice — try to relate to the interviewer — it can be difficult, if impossible, in a panel interview when there are so many faces staring back at you.
I do have some great strategies for making your panel interview progress more effectively and generate a better return from your efforts.
4 TIPS TO HELP YOU BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN A PANEL INTERVIEW
1. Bring a Cheat Sheet / Outline Key Talking Points
Doing your best is a great way to approach this type of situation. Much as you’d prepare for any interview, you should bring a list of highlights that you’d like to mention during the interview. Your interviewing “cheat sheet” should focus on key assets you’ll bring to the position. Remember, you’re not writing an essay but an outline of all the key notables about you that need mentioning. Ideally, you should know what’s on the sheet COLD, but if necessary, glimpse at your notes from time-to-time just to make sure you haven’t overlooked something important.
2. Take Names and Use Them
Individuals like to hear his or her name during a conversation. It’s important to know who is interviewing you, so ask their names and write them down within your notes — in order of where each is seated. Don’t be afraid to use their names or ask questions throughout the process.
Another great technique to utilize within a panel interview, or within any other group setting, is to cross-reference the latest question with a previous one.
For example, if you answered a question by Jane Doe, and you can incorporate that answer into another question asked by Frank Doe, you’ll start navigating the outcome of the interview.
An answer might be:
“I understand why you are asking specific questions about my acquisition skills, Frank. As Jane mentioned a few minutes ago, acquisitions are a vital aspect to businesses your size and without a trained and seasoned acquisition clerk at the helm, it can cost your company money. To answer your question, and expand upon what Jane asked earlier, I …”
Do you see where I’m going with this?
This answer is now tending to the concerns of two individuals on the panel, rather than one.
3. Take Notes
During the process, members of the panel will mention specifics that you will need to remember. Just as you jotted down the name of each panel member, you can also make notations of each person’s concerns or specific questions.
For example, the department manager may have focused his or her questions on specific administrative portions of the job. Adding important yet little tidbits into your thank-you letter will help set you apart from other candidates and reflect your attentiveness.
The key is to mark down items that are relevant to each interviewer — and use it! Although they are a team and have one common goal, each has differing concerns.
4. Make Eye Contact
Sure, it’s difficult to give enough eye contact to each individual without making your head and neck look like a lawn sprinkler. But try your best to look individuals in the eye and ensuring to speak directly to each person equally, focusing most on the one who asked the interview question you’re answering of course.
A panel interview can make any jobseeker feel outnumbered. It’s important to remember that you are an asset to their business, and they obviously feel you’re a viable candidate, or they wouldn’t have scheduled the interview. Stay positive, remain calm, and answer each question thoroughly and effectively.