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How to Cope With Panel Interviews
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All interviews are daunting whether you are being interviewed by one or more people. Many interviews for well paid jobs are conducted by more than one person. You should prepare for a panel interview in exactly the same way as you would prepare for any other interview. |
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If possible, try to establish how many people are on the panel prior to interview and their roles in the organisation. It is often included on the paperwork you receive inviting you to interview but if it isn't, the company will probably be happy to give it to you. Having knowledge of who panel members are and their role enables you to prepare your questions so that during the interview you can address you question to the relevant person by name. |
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Try to stay focussed and calm when you enter the room as it can be quite daunting! If you have not had an interview for a while or are the nervous type, interview coaching is a good idea. |
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Try to make a good first impression and although it is difficult, try to remember their names. Make eye contact with each panel member, shake hands firmly and greet them using their name. It is always tempting to rush through this part of the interview, but this first impression can be crucial. Taking your time will also help to calm your nerves. |
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Answering questions in a panel interview is no different to answering questions in any other type of interview. This is what you have prepared for. This is your opportunity to highlight your skills and abilities in relation to the role and your opportunity to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Remember to answer the question! So many interviews fail because the interviewee doesn't listen carefully or where they don't think carefully enough about what the interviewer is trying to find out about them. Always address your answer to the panel member who has asked the question, remembering to make eye contact with them predominantly but also other panel members too. |
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As with any interview, use relevant examples to demonstrate what it is you can bring to the position applied for. If possible, try to consider your answer from the panelist's point of view. For example, if the panelist asking the question is from Human Resources, try to incorporate an aspect of Human Resources in your answer. This is where your initial research as to the members of the panel will come in handy. |
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As part of your preparation for interview, you also need to have put together a number of questions that can be addressed to different panel members relating to their role in the company or organisation. For example, you could address a question about the priorities and expectations of the role to the line manager. |
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Once the panelists have asked all their questions, you could close by asking them if they require any further information from you whilst making eye contact with each one individually. Once the interview is concluded, make sure you shake hands with each individual panel member and thank them using their name. |
Other relevant Career articles......
How to behave at an Interview
Telephone
Interview Advice
Interview
Questions you may be asked
Challenging Interview Questions
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