Here's how you can master a panel interview.

Make sure to ask exactly what the company means by "Panel Interview". For some companies, it will be a series of 1:1 interviews done separately, but you will speak with each member of the "panel". For others, it will be a few individuals attending your interview at the same time. In both cases, it's important to understand the background of each panel member and how you would potentially collaborate with that person on the job.

Research, research, research! The more you research an organisation, its values, competitors, initiatives, etc the more empowered you will be to have confident conversations with the interviewers, answer the competency-based questions they may ask, and develop a bank of questions to ask the panel at the end of the interview. When asked "Do you have a question for us" NEVER say "No I am fine thank you" as this shows a lack of motivation and commercial awareness. Ask at least 2 and no more than 3 questions of the panel, don't make the questions too complicated, instead ask genuine questions that inform your decision-making and demonstrate your passion and motivation for wanting the job.

Es importante que investigues de tu panel, para entender que están buscando, si validar tu experiencia técnica, validarte como candidato, o resolver dudas. Por lo que no solo debes investigar a tu panel, también a la organización para que tus respuestas estén vinculadas a la organización, su misión y valores. Intenta hacer contacto con todos, ya que tendemos a buscar con el que hacemos un mejor rapport. Entonces ve a todos, asegúrate que todos están entendiendo tu mensaje. Muchas veces nos impone que sean dos o más personas entrevistándonos, pero no hay nada que temer, es tu oportunidad para conocer la organización, para brillar, y conseguir el puesto que estás buscando

Prepare thoroughly by researching each panel member's role and the company's values and goals. Practice addressing questions from different perspectives and maintaining eye contact with each panelist. Showcase your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively by actively engaging with all members and tailoring your responses to their interests and concerns.

Before entering a panel interview, it's vital to know who will be sitting on the other side of the table. Research the panel members, their roles, and backgrounds within the company. This insight enables you to tailor your responses to their interests and expertise, demonstrating thorough preparation. Addressing panel members by name and referencing their work or department during the interview personalizes the experience and helps build rapport with each member. This approach enhances your chances of making a positive impression and standing out as a candidate.

In a panel interview, balancing eye contact and engagement with each interviewer is crucial. Practice this by conducting mock interviews with friends or family members acting as a panel. This helps you become comfortable directing your attention to multiple people. When answering a question, start by making eye contact with the person who asked it, then periodically shift your gaze to include other panel members in your response. This approach demonstrates your ability to engage with each interviewer and fosters a sense of connection with the entire panel.

The majority of your eye contact should go to the person who asked the question, but also include all panelists as you respond. Stay with each person, briefly - then move on.

Structuring your answers is crucial for conveying clear and concise information. Utilize the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize responses to behavioral questions. This technique enables you to deliver a comprehensive story about your past experiences while staying focused and avoiding tangents. It also showcases your ability to organize your thoughts and communicate effectively, skills highly valued in any role. By employing the STAR method, you demonstrate your capacity to provide structured and impactful responses during the interview process.

In a panel interview, adaptability is crucial. Emphasize your flexibility by sharing examples where you successfully navigated changing circumstances. Highlight your willingness to consider feedback from various perspectives and your ability to quickly devise solutions to unexpected challenges. Demonstrating adaptability shows you can thrive in dynamic environments.

As opposed to round robin interviews, where you will interview one-on-one with each interviewer, a panel interview is designed for you to interview with everyone at once. It is critical to engage and “lock eyes” with each interviewer. But you must first research and have an understanding of their individual roles and how they will interact with yours. This will guide you to be prepared for what they will want to know about you (and vice versa!). But my favorite thing about panel interviews is that the interviewee gets a birds eye view of the panel’s team dynamic. Who dominates? Who seems to submit? Are they jovial with one another? Watch their eyes. It can really let you into the company’s cultural dynamic!!

Engage all panel members by maintaining eye contact with each, addressing your answers to the whole panel, and posing thoughtful questions to different members based on their roles. Show active listening by acknowledging and building upon their points. This inclusive approach creates a dynamic interview experience and leaves a lasting positive impression.