As intimidating as one to one interviewing is, a panel interview can be brutal. Here are some of my thoughts for Prepping for Panel Interviews. www.jobsearchpowermeter.com

1. Preparing for Panel Interviews
By
Marshall J Karp MA NCC LPC
Just when you think job interviewing cannot be any more stressful, along comes a panel
interview. A panel interview is when more than one person interviews you at the same
time. More and more companies are using this approach and their reasons could be to
save hiring process time, get simultaneous impressions and consensus, and spread the
hiring responsibility and accountability around. Your best defense is a good offense and
prior preparation is crucial for doing well and, probably, besting the competition.
1) Same Interview Rules Apply
Just as you would prep for a regular interview, you will need the same time and
amount of preparation effort for the panel. The more quality preparation, the
more ready you will feel. The opposite is equally true with the less prepared you
are, the more nerve racking this experience can be.
2) One Question at a Time
The key to success in a panel interview is that even though it is disorienting
having the questions coming from several people, they cannot all speak at once,
so just take things one question at a time.
3) Be Professional
Look professional, act professional, sit up straight, do not slouch, smile, do not
use slang, do not cuss.
4) Who are the Panel Members?
When the call comes that the next step is a panel interview, ask who will be
sitting on the panel and write their names down. Just as you would research an
individual’s LinkedIn profile, you will research the panel members’ profile.
5) Take the Lead
When you are ushered into the room, approach each panel member, shake
hands, and go through the introductions. Do not passively sit and wait for the
grilling to begin. You will get things off to a good start by setting an enthusiastic
tone.
6) Treat this as a Meeting
Don’t look at this as a job interview, look at it as a meeting and you are in charge.
Look at this as a staff training session and you are the leader. Ask if you can
start off and give your 30 second pitch. Make your case that you are the best
candidate for the position. Take their questions. Make a closing statement about
what you would bring.

2. 7) Handouts
In the vein of looking at this as a meeting or training session, you could make
and take in packets of information for every panel member containing your
resume, letters of recommendation, and certificates. You could direct them to
the handout item as you speak. Just be sure to pass the packet out after your
opening statement. If you pass the packet out as soon as you start, you might
not have their full attention as they will be looking through the material.
8) Head on a Swivel
A major complaint heard from interview panel members is the candidate not
making eye contact. When someone addresses you, locate, look, and listen to
them!
9) Practice
Practice your interview behavior and responses at least five times. The more
you practice, the more you will get your rough spots out of the way. Better to
make your mistakes and gaffes during rehearsal than the main event.
10)Practice Panel Interviews
Getting together with several of your job hunting associates, passing out a list of
questions, having them shoot questions at you, and practicing can really sharpen
your panel interview skills. At least try to get a few friends or family members
together to help you.
11)Fear Desensitization
The main reason for individual or group practice is to desensitize and acclimate
you to this unfamiliar and potentially frightful situation. A side benefit will be that
one to one interviews will seem so much less complicated after this.
12) Shake Hands When Done
Just as you started, when it is time to go, stand up, make eye contact, shake
everyone’s hands, and thank them for their time and attention. Let them know
that you would enjoy working with them.
13)Thank You Note
When you get home, send everyone one on the panel a thank you note. Of
course, this pre-supposes that you asked and noted everyone’s names or got
their business cards while you were there.
14) Bring Your Positive
Above all else, be at your positive best. Presenting a positive attitude can make
the difference between a lesser qualified candidate getting an opportunity over a
more qualified individual. Keep that positive on from the moment you hit the door
to the moment you hit the door.