Panel Interviews

Panel interviews are commonly used for senior positions, and involve one candidate simultaneously being interviewed by several people. The panel usually includes those who will be the superior and peers of the employee, and may also include representatives from different departments. For employers, this interview format saves time, makes it easier to compare the merits of different candidates, ensures that all interviewers are conveying the same message, and helps ensure that the new hire will be a good fit in the workplace. Candidates often find that panel interviews help them to develop a more rounded picture of the workplace. However, the prospect of facing multiple interviewers intimidates many people, so here are some tips to help you excel during a panel interview.

• Prepare for the interview in the same way you would for any other interview, by researching the employer, practicing answers to common and difficult interview questions, etc.

• Try to obtain the name and job title of each panel member before the interview.

• Introductions are a crucial time for building rapport. As you shake hands, say each person's name, smile, and look him or her in the eye. Make a personal connection – take a few seconds to make a brief, relevant comment to each person.

• Remember that different panel members are looking for different qualities. For instance, while interviewing for a new nurse manager, a staff nurse might look for strong nursing experience, while the HR person might look for excellent communication and managerial skills. Talk about previous accomplishments that showcase your range of abilities and demonstrate that you have something to offer each panel member.

• When answering a question, start by looking at the interviewer who asked the question. As you proceed, make eye contact with each member of the panel so that you're addressing everyone. When you wrap up, return your focus to the person who asked the question.

• Panel interviews generally use a standard set of questions for all candidates, like in a structured interview. To be authentic and to stand out, pay attention to the content of what you say and how you structure your answers, as well as to your tone of voice and body language.

• Panel interviews tend to be more fast-paced than one-on-one interviews. Be sensitive to the interviewers' verbal and nonverbal cues, and speed up or slow down your responses as needed.

• Pay equal attention to every panel member, and do not assume that one person is more important than another. Address each panel member by name and try to connect with each person briefly during the interview.

• Relax – don't consider the panel interview a firing squad! Think of it as a small group presentation that you are delivering.

• Ask meaningful questions that relate to one or more interviewer. Some people recommend that you ask the panel how suited they think you are to the role. This question will prompt the panel to remember your qualifications and positive traits, and allow them to raise any concerns which you can address immediately or in your thank-you notes.

• At the end of the interview, shake hands with everyone, and make sure that you get everyone's contact information.

• After the interview, send a personalized thank-you note to each person. In your note, try to address any particular questions or concerns that person brought up during the interview.

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Sheng Wang

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