Here's how you can maintain calm and composure during a panel interview using mindfulness.

First off, let's start with some breathing exercises. Take a moment before the interview begins to close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling the air fill your lungs, then exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension you may be holding onto. Repeat this a few times to center yourself and quiet the mind. During the interview itself, it's essential to stay present and engaged. Mindfulness teaches us to focus on the here and now, so rather than getting caught up in worries about the future or dwelling on past experiences, try to stay grounded in the present moment. Listen attentively to each question, taking a moment to pause and collect your thoughts before responding

Mindfulness techniques can help maintain calmness during a panel interview. Practice deep breathing exercises, visualization, and body scans to calm nerves. During the interview, stay present, listen attentively, and take pauses. Manage stressful moments by accepting nervousness, reframe negative thoughts, and have an anchor point. Reflect on performance and express gratitude after the interview. This approach allows your true abilities to shine through.

Instead of feeling outnumbered and overwhelmed, try to think of a panel this way. The hiring team is eager for as many people to meet the candidate as possible. That means they care about who is hired. It’s also your chance to meet additional people on the working team to understand how you’d feel in the role. Listening carefully will help you assess both sides.

In one sense a panel interview is a relief. You can’t really tailor your answers to an individual like you would in a 1:1. So be authentic, tell them why you would love this job. (If you can’t find one real thing to love, authentically, they will be able to tell, so really think this through.). Avoid traditional corporate speak (my greatest weakness is I work so hard) and let your personality shine in each answer. If they don’t like that, it wasn’t the right job for you.

Start by centering yourself with a few deep breaths before the interview to stabilize your nerves and clear your mind. During the interview, remain grounded by focusing on the present moment and the physical sensations of your breathing. Pay close attention to the body language of the panelists, which can provide cues on how your responses are being received. If you notice signs of interest or engagement, such as nodding or leaning forward, tailor your communication to deepen that connection. This mindful awareness not only helps maintain your composure but also enables you to adapt your responses dynamically, creating a more impactful interaction.