What’s the most feared type of job interview? The panel interview, of course. Rather than facing an interviewer one-on-one, you’re fielding questions from a group of people inquiring about your background, skill set and why they should hire you. It can certainly be a nerve-wracking experience, to say the least.
However, as one of the leading employment agencies in Kansas City, Morgan Hunter can tell you that if you do your prep work ahead of time, you can absolutely ace your next panel interview. Here are some tips on how:
Find Out Who’s on the Panel Ahead of Time
When you’re scheduling the interview, ask who is going to be on the interview panel. Once you know the names of the individuals, you can do some research on them ahead of time. Check out their bios on the company website and look to LinkedIn to learn more about their background. You’ll feel far more confident walking into a panel interview when you know a little bit about the people you’re facing.
You can also find out whether you share any common ground (e.g. alma mater or previous employer) with one of the interviewers. At the right time, you can make a comment like: “It’s always great to meet a fellow grad from ABC College.” Knowing those you’re interviewing with ahead of time may also give you some insight into the kinds of questions you’ll be asked.
Ask Questions
As you research people on the panel, create a list of questions you would like them to answer, which will show your interest in the job and help create a more balanced conversation. Some questions you can ask include:
- Why did the last person leave this job?
- What are the top goals that need to be achieved for the person in this role (within 60 days, 90 days and one year)?
- What are the three main factors you will be using to make a hiring decision?
- What do you like most about working here?
Arrive Prepared
Make sure you get to the interview on time (a few minutes ahead of time is even better) and bring copies of your resume to hand out. Bring extra copies too, just in case there are more people than you expected.
Talk to Each Person on the Panel
When answering questions, don’t favor one or two people. Make sure you direct your attention to each person on the panel. Relax, smile and open your gaze up to the entire room. Even when one panel member asks a question, don’t look only at them when answering. Look at those around you, as well, which will help you build rapport with all panel members and project an image of confidence.
Win Over Those on the Fence
In a panel interview, it may quickly become apparent who is on your side…and who needs a little more convincing. While it can be tempting to focus only on friendly faces in the crowd, make sure you pay attention to those who haven’t quite made up their mind about you. Winning over nay-sayers will prove that you have the ability to read a crowd, think on your feet, and offer a persuasive argument.
Need more help finding your next great job? Contact Morgan Hunter. As one of the leading employment agencies in Kansas City, we’ve helped thousands of job seekers find great opportunities…and we can help you too by giving you access to the information, tips, advice and connections you need to land your next job.
Contact us today if you’re ready to learn more.