Here's how you can ace a panel interview.

Doing research is also asking before hand who the panel are! No harm in trying to get that intel and going to check out bio’s, LinkedIn profiles, articles they might have written. Always nice that you can refer to them directly as a point of reference at the interview when talking about the organisation or giving examples to certain questions.

Prepare Thoroughly: Research the company, understand its values, culture, and recent news. Also, familiarize yourself with the panel members if possible. Not all companies would divulge who the panel would consist of due to security and privacy reasons. In that case, simply practice answering common interview questions and prepare specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experiences pertaining to the department/organisation goals and objectives.

Mastering a panel interview requires thorough preparation, and from my perspective, practicing answers is key. By anticipating potential questions and crafting clear, concise responses, candidates can effectively showcase their qualifications and suitability for the role. Moreover, using the STAR method to structure answers not only ensures organization but also enables candidates to tell compelling stories about their experiences. Tailoring responses to engage different panel members further demonstrates adaptability and communication skills, ultimately increasing the likelihood of success in the interview.

I actually LOVE panel interviews. It can be a total slam dunk for the candidate. Panel interviews sound like a scary thing right? There are some big opportunities to be had as you get to speak to more than just 1 or 2 people. Utilize your confidence, body language, and also your vocal cues to build repertoire and resonate with each one of them. Really dive into what they ask you about and what roles they are in at that company and play to each of their strengths and needs and concerns. You have the experience and background they like- you got the interview and made it to a panel... so let this give you some confidence that can allow you to make those amazing unconscious connections with the team that might bring you on as the next hire.

Start by coming into your interview by shaking everyone’s hand if culturally acceptable. It gives you that have that personal engagement with each panel member individually before the start of the interview. ‘Thank you for having me’, ‘Nice to meet you’ are nice each greetings that will evoke a smile from you and from them. They are just as keen to calm your nerves down as you are.

Telling your interviewer/s that you are nervous at the start of an interview takes a certain amount of confidence to do. And communicating that in the right way, with a smile and eye contact is a clever way of buying a bit of time to settle yourself down at the interview because the first thing that will be done is to reassure you that you will be fine, that they appreciate you are nervous etc. They may offer you a glass of water too! These are vital minutes to compose yourself. Remember that there is a difference between confidence and arrogance and most people can see through it!

Never leave an interview without 2.-3 questions for the interviewer/s. There are different questions you can ask from: ?? Describe a typical day at this organisation. ?? What are you expecting of me in the first 90 days of me starting my role here. ?? Where do you see me 5 years from now in terms of progression/development within the organisation. The very last question should always be: ?? what are the next steps Let them give you an idea when they will next be in touch or whether there maybe a second interview.

Like any good conversation, you need to connect with the panel. Prepare a list of questions to ask the panel members. This shows your interest in the position, the company and helps you gather the information you will need in order to make a decision if an offer were to be made.

Following up an interview with an email often leaves a reminder of a good impression that you may have had at the start of your interview in terms of keeping you fresh in the minds of the interviewer/s. It could be that final decider especially if the competition is so close between candidates. This is why it’s also important to ask for business cards at the end of an interview for the sole purpose of email them with 24-48 hours of your interview. The earlier you send a follow up email, the better!

Acing a panel interview goes beyond rehearsing answers; it's about showcasing alignment with the company's values and culture. By researching the organization beforehand and demonstrating genuine interest during the interview, candidates can make a memorable impression. Leveraging insights into the company's goals and asking thoughtful questions can further solidify their candidacy.