I got a panel interview. Help!

Post Reply New Topic

Just got an intreview. It turns out to be a panel interviw with me being questioned by multiple people at one time. Ugh! I often have trouble putting my words together orally. This gets allot worse when I'm nervous. Anyone have any tips?

I can't say this is the best solution, but you could try taking control of the situation. If they toss many questions at you, insist on dealing with them one at a time and politely ask them to not interrupt one another.

If they want someone who can juggle several things at once, you are probably going to be toast anyway, but you might impress them if you manage to stay composed and retain some control over the flow of the questioning.

I've been to several panel interviews and they are usually very structured. Sometimes they even give you a sheet of paper with the questions on them so you can read along. The panelists don't all talk at once; sometimes only one of them asks questions, or they just take turns reading from the sheet of questions. They have multiple people there because their employment protocols require multiple opinions on the hiring decision. It's not so different from a regular interview, perhaps a bit more formal.

1. Keep a folder with copies of your resume handy. Enough for you and for them. That way you can literally all be on the same page.
2. Prepare some answers for standard interview questions ahead of time. Practice saying them in front of a mirror. Write down the ones that are likely to stump you on a sheet of paper, and stick that in the folder as well.
3. Bring a spare piece of paper and a pen and stick those in the folder. Take notes on their answers to the questions you've prepared for them. Also use it to write down any new information that did not pop up the initial job posting you responded to or research you have done on them since.
4. Bring a closed container of water with you. If you get a brain freeze or your mouth suddenly goes dry, take a sip.
5. Bring some tissue in your pocket or purse. Use it to covertly wipe your sweaty hands.

Before you go to that interview, have multiple people check your appearance (parents/siblings/friends). It would be silly to miss an opportunity because of your appearance.

You probably already know this, but just in case, remember that anyone you interact with is potentially part of your interview process- this includes everyone from the security guard to the secretary/receptionist.

Best of luck!

When we did interviews at the library, we had a scripted questions and each member of the panel took a section of questions. Just remember to make eye contact with each person as they address you. Don't be thrown if there are pauses for people to scribble notes. It's nothing negative. We had to have notes not just to remember the candidates but to compare and contrast the candidates at the end of the interviews.