Tips on how to Survive a Panel Interview
If you are preparing for a job interview, you should also prepare yourself to face a panel during the interview. Most job interviews have a panel which has between 3-5 people who ask the interviewee a few questions and later on will each give their position on the candidate.
Facing a panel of interviewers can trigger feelings of apprehension, cause panic, anxiety or even in some cases stress to the interviewee. Most job seekers often have a wrong perception of panel interviews.
This is usually due to the tension in the air which makes the interviewee feel uncomfortable or uneasy. All job seekers should understand the role purpose of a panel interview and simply follow a few tips given below on how to survive a panel interview.
A panel interview usually consists of various decision makers who ask the interviewee a few questions as a way of testing the interviewee in various areas which are usually related to the position that the interviewee is being interviewed for.
Each interviewer’s question will test the interviewee in various areas such as professional experience, skills, behavioral attitude, communication skills, work ethics etc. After the interview session each member on the panel interview will write their remarks or comments and reward marks to the interviewee accordingly.
A discussion is held between the panel interview members and they then decide whether the candidate is suitable for the position which the interviewee was being interviewed for.
How to survive a panel interview
The best thing for you to do is toprepareadequately for the interview. The first order of business when preparing for a panel interview is to carry out more research on the company’s background and vision or goals.
Research more about the company
You should read about the company’s products or services and its role as a market player. You have to become familiar on what the company does and operates before the day of the interview. By the time you walk into that interview room you should have enough information on how the organization operates and how you fit in within the company's vision and goals.
Prepare yourself mentally
You should prepare yourself mentally for the panel interview by envisioning yourself in the interview room surrounded by 3-5 professionals and you are answering all their questions with confidence. Try and avoid crowding your mind with thoughts of failure, you should believe in yourself and walk to that interview room with confidence.
Rehearse!
The best way for you to overcome the anxiety and panic which is experienced by most interviewees is to visualize the interviewers’ questions and how you will answer each question. Practicing your answers will boost your confidence and will eliminate all the fear that most interviewees have when going for a panel interview.
You should also prepare a set of questions that you will ask the panel members. Write down a few intelligent and professional questions related to the job that you are being interviewed for.
You can also practice in front of a mirror and try out a few facial expressions and various body postures which will make you look confident and professional. This will also help you to master the art of personal introduction and will help you to prepare adequately for the panel interview.
What you should do on the day of the panel interview
Avoid being tense on the day of the interview, you should relax and remember that it is only a panel interview not a firing squad. Focus on your major strengths and try as much as possible to communicate them to the panel.
Maintain eye contact when answering questions or communicating to each panel member. You should also remember to greet the panel with a smile and confidence and try and relax as much as possible before the interview begins.
Listen attentively to every question being asked by the panel and make sure that you think through your answers before you give an answer. You should also be audible and clear when answering questions being asked by the panel interview members.
Ask for clarification if you have not understood the question well. Asking the panel a few questions will make you appear and feel confident and will also show the panel how enthusiastic and intelligent you are.
