How can you navigate panel interviews?

Scheduling a panel interview instead of a series of individual interviews can make the hiring process more efficient for everyone. Take the time to research each member of the panel before your interview. Learn their names and job titles, and study key details such as their major accomplishments and important initiatives they've undertaken in the company. During the interview, address each member of the panel by their name to demonstrate your investment in the hiring process.

Panel interviews are great ! The best approach is to do your homework and research about the company, the role, and panel members. One should focus on their core strengths and knowledge, and an applicant should always try to address all the members during the discussion. Panel interview also is a great platform to showcase your different abilities to a wide variety of people who would connect due to their vivid backgrounds and personas, so make the best of it.

To adeptly navigate them, it is crucial to uphold eye contact with all panel members, respond comprehensively to each inquirer, and customize your answers to accentuate your unique skills and personality. In addition, thorough preparation, diligent practice, and unwavering confidence will undoubtedly fortify your success – rest assured, you possess the capability to excel!

Researching panelists before a panel interview is crucial to understand their roles, responsibilities, interests, perspectives, and accomplishments. Use LinkedIn to find out their names and titles, learn about their roles and responsibilities, read about their accomplishments, and look for common ground. Prepare questions to ask them, showing interest in their perspectives on the company. Use LinkedIn to find out their education, experience, skills, company bio, blog posts, recent news articles, and ask for insights from a company contact. Start a conversation by asking questions, sharing an anecdote, offering an opinion, and making a suggestion. These tips will help you make a great impression and increase your chances of getting the job

First, prepare as you would for an interview with 1 interviewer. Research, research and research. If you can secure the names of panel interviewers review their LinkedIn profile, you many have something in common and also provokes some questions to ask. Make eye contact with everyone on the panel at least once during each question, but concentrate on the person asking the question. You can also see their reactions to your answers. Be aware too of body language both from the interviewers and yourself. Use your hands to strengthen the message but don't raise too high. Have additional resumes and ensure each panel member has your resume before the interview. At end ask each for their business card and send a hand written Thank You note.

After you've used the STAR technique, complete the thought with "what you learned". You can discuss what you learned about yourself or about teams.

Panel interviews often use behavioral questions to assess a candidate's skills and experience. By describing specific situations, tasks, actions, and results (STAR), the interviewer can gain a better understanding of how the candidate would handle similar situations in the future. To prepare for behavioral questions, think of stories from your past experience that demonstrate your skills and competencies. Use the STAR method to structure your stories, ensuring they are concise, easy to understand, and relevant to the job you are interviewing for. Practice your stories out loud to become more comfortable and make a great impression on the panel.

I always advise my candidates to take the time to write these stories out on paper, preferably by hand, a day or two at most before the interview (or review them a day or two before). There is something about writing them out that solidifies them in your memory. Then practice sharing them out loud, either by yourself or with a trusted friend or family member who will give you constructive feedback. You could also record yourself to assess where you may wish to change up a story for clarity, use different wording, or refine your presentation.

The key to navigating the STAR is giving as much information as possible while remaining succinct Be careful not to talk yourself in a circle. Take a second to think about your response, and the end point of what you want to communicate.

Preparing stories using the STAR method is a powerful strategy. It helps in demonstrating skills effectively. These stories should be concise, specific, and directly related to the job. Practicing them aloud ensures smooth delivery during the panel interview. It's a structured approach to showcase achievements, challenges, and learning experiences, providing a comprehensive view of your capabilities.

If you watch people being interviewed on talk shows, they begin answering questions by looking at the person who asked the question, then speak to another panelist and then another and finish by speaking to the questioner. This keeps everyone engaged in person. Online, it is helpful to keep the panel in gallery view and say, "Excuse me if I don't make eye contact with you as I answer questions. This reminds them of that and gives you permission to just speak to the questioner.

Engaging with each panelist individually is crucial in a panel interview. It demonstrates respect, confidence, and a balanced approach. Using their names and acknowledging their perspectives shows genuine interest. However, it's equally important to be polite, avoid interruptions, and maintain professionalism throughout. This approach helps build a positive impression with the entire panel.

In my opinion panel interviews can be intimidating so preparation is key especially for nervous interviewees. I would suggest reviewing the job requirements focusing on the key outputs. Share projects that you have worked on that are relative to the Job. It is always beneficial to explain your answers and give examples. Also maintain eye contact with your panelists and show enthusiasm for the role during the interview.

Panel interviews provide an excellent opportunity to showcase your unique value proposition and make a strong impression. To showcase your strengths, be prepared, specific, use data and evidence, be passionate, and confident. Research the company and position to understand the skills needed, and share examples of past success. Use data and evidence to support your claims, and start your answers with phrases like "In my experience, I have...", "I am confident that I have the skills and experience to...", "I am passionate about this opportunity because...", and "I believe that my unique value proposition is..." to make your answers credible and persuasive.

In a panel interview, it's essential to present your strengths effectively. This is your opportunity to shine and demonstrate how your skills align with the role and company culture. Backing up your claims with examples and evidence adds credibility. Additionally, using positive body language signals enthusiasm and passion, leaving a lasting impression.

In a panel interview, asking insightful questions can help you learn more about the role, company, and expectations. To do this, use research information, pay attention to panelists' introductions, ask open-ended questions, and avoid asking personal, trivial, or negative questions. Focus on specific questions like the biggest challenges facing the company, growth plans, company culture, opportunities for professional development, and the strengths and weaknesses of the team you would be joining. Additionally, ask about the company's values, goals, challenges, onboarding process, and benefits. By following these tips, you can gain valuable insights into the company and the position, demonstrating your curiosity, preparedness, and motivation.

Do your research on the company, the position, what is happening in their industry. This shows engagement with the bigger picture and that you are on top of changes and trends.

Asking insightful questions at the end of a panel interview is crucial. It not only demonstrates your preparation but also reflects your genuine interest in the role and company. Crafting questions based on your research and the interview itself shows your engagement. Opt for open-ended queries to encourage discussion and gain valuable insights. Remember to steer clear of overly personal or negative inquiries. This way, you leave a positive and professional impression.

The "Here's what else to consider" section is an excellent platform for sharing examples, stories, or insights that don't fit into previous sections. It allows for disagreements with panelists and offers a different perspective on the industry. Examples include a specific example from your experience, a story showcasing your personality and character, an insight about the company or industry, a disagreement with a panelist, and a different perspective on a topic discussed. By incorporating these elements, you can demonstrate your confidence and critical thinking skills, showcasing your unique perspective in the industry.