Panel Interview 101: Game On

This series is intended to inform the reader regarding panel interviews from a professional perspective gained through experience on both sides of the table. Professional attire, proper decorum, and other baseline considerations are assumed.

If you have not read Introductions, this piece builds on topics discussed there.

Having successfully made your way through the first portion of this process, it is critical that you build on the introduction and maintain those connections previously established with each panelist. A strong introduction will ensure that the door remains wide open as you maximize the opportunities in the next portion of the panel interview.

A strong introduction will ensure that the door remains wide open as you maximize the opportunities in the next portion of the panel interview.

Following the introductions, there are typically two subsequent phases in a panel interview. These include a thorough review of key elements found in your resume or curriculum vitae and a dedicated block of time for questions from the panel. The order in which these occur is irrelevant, but you should be prepared for the interview to move along either path.

...you should be prepared for the interview to move into either line of questioning.

If several members have not previously reviewed your resume or curriculum vitae, they may ask you to highlight past roles, experiences, and skills directly relevant to the position under consideration. Individual members on the panel will likely follow-up with questions cued by elements of interest as you discuss them. Well developed responses will strengthen your engagement and connection with the panel.

Well developed responses will strengthen your connection and engagement with the panel.

During the question and answer period, it is critical to communicate a theme of collegiality while also demonstrating an understanding of contemporary challenges and opportunities. The panelists are prospective coworkers, and they will generally ask questions focused on your background, the prospective role, or a combination of both. Responding in a respectful and assertive manner, while making sure to ask clarifying questions, will assure that you are answering the intended line of questioning. This thorough approach will also reinforce your ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

...communicate a theme of collegiality while also demonstrating an understanding of contemporary challenges and opportunities.

This is also a useful phase to bring more to the table than may be anticipated by the panel. If you have experience with a relevant project, this is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your skills to the panel. Ensuring that any supplemental materials are well organized (eg, binders, folders), visually appealing (eg, color, graphs), and easily understood will impress your audience and further enrich their perception of your engagement. Any demonstration should focus on enhancing the impression of skills that may not be fully appreciated on a resume or curriculum vitae. A properly delivered demonstration also shows superior initiative, leadership, and a desire to contribute to the team.

A properly delivered demonstration also shows superior initiative, leadership, and a desire to contribute to the team.

The round table will eventually pivot toward questions focused on past challenges and your problem solving skills. Maintaining a positive or neutral tone is critical when responding to questions regarding challenges and problem solving. The panel will be most receptive to forward looking answers that focus on your ability to navigate through challenges via collaboration, process improvement, and team solutions. Emphasizing the importance of the team and effective collaboration will help navigate these questions.

Maintaining a positive or neutral tone is critical when responding to questions regarding challenges and problem solving.

As the interview progresses, your responses will begin to form a picture of your communication style. Even so, it is always useful to specifically identify your typical or preferred styles of communication. Demonstrating an ability to engage effectively with the panel will validate your answers regarding preferred communication styles and methods. Specific examples are appropriate and critical when addressing communication styles. How do you routinely communicate? What does your communication look like during times of conflict? When facing deadlines with short turnarounds, what is your preferred method and style of communication? Remember, the lowest form of communication is email and the highest form is face-to-face engagement.

Demonstrating an ability to engage effectively with the panel will validate your answers regarding preferred communication styles and methods.

As the panelists conclude their questions, they will have gathered a significant amount of data on who you are as a professional and potential coworker. If successful, you will have demonstrated the ability to engage and contribute to the group while further enhancing their understanding of your background and experience. Each panelist should be left with a strong impression of what it would be like to work with you, how you may add to or fit in their culture, and whether they see you effectively contributing to the team.

...you will have demonstrated the ability to engage and contribute to the group while further enhancing their understanding of your background and experience.

In the final piece, Finish Strong, we will discuss strategies to successfully navigate opportunities as the panel interview comes to an end.

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Competency & Credentialing Institute, Healthcare Information Management and Systems Society, Project Management Institute, Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, Defense Health Agency, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government. Any citations are for reference only. References are not endorsements.