How to Survive a Panel Interview

A panel interview is the exact opposite of a group interview. During a panel interview, you will meet with two or more representatives from the company with which you are hoping to be hired. It is often called a "firing squad" because it's meant to make you nervous. Panel interviews are understandably nerve-wracking because you are faced with more than one hiring manager. You must respond to questions from each of these individuals, sometimes fired one after the other.

Surviving a panel interview is accomplished by reducing your stress and anxiety levels. Look at it as more of a conversation than an interview, and you'll be more comfortable. Sometimes you won't know that you are facing a panel interview until you arrive, so always prepare for whatever the company and hiring managers might have in store for you.

Introduce Yourself to Everyone

Rather than waiting for one of the hiring managers you've already met to introduce you, shake hands with everyone in the panel interview and introduce yourself warmly. This shows initiative and a comfort with group situations, which will certainly improve your chances of being hired. Furthermore, it indicates that you aren't intimidated by the panel format, even if you are secretly quaking in your loafers.

Make Eye Contact

Obviously, a panel interview won't involve several questions being asked at once, but you will be expected to answer questions by each manager in attendance. Spread the eye contact around so that you engage every person present. For example, if Hiring Manager A asks the question, respond first by looking at Hiring Manager A, then at Managers B, C and D. You want to make everyone on the panel interview feel as though you are speaking to them.

Take Notes

You may need a few seconds here and there to collect your thoughts, and taking notes serves two valuable purposes. First, when you are writing down things you are told, you can be formulating the answer to a question or getting your bearings. Secondly, taking notes shows that you are interested in the position and eager to learn everything there is to know about it.

Stay Calm

Hiring managers know that panel interviews are intimidating and nerve-wracking for the interviewee, so don't feel as though you have to act a certain way or feel a certain comfort level. Stay calm and answer questions slowly and deliberately. One of the pitfalls of the panel interview is that interviewees are often so rattled that they fire off responses without really thinking them through. Take your time, and you'll have a better experience.

Remember Names

Depending on how many interviewers are holding your panel interview, it might be difficult to keep names straight. However, if you want to get the job, you should write down the names as soon as you are introduced and address which interviewer by name as often as possible. People always respond better when their names are mentioned; it's human nature.

Give Everyone Equal Attention

Believe it or not, there can be a hierarchy among hiring managers during a panel interview just like there might be a hierarchy among factory workers. Make sure that you give all of the hiring managers equal attention unless one appears to be in charge. At the end of the interview, if you have noticed that one manager has been quieter than others, ask him or her specifically if there are any further questions. Inclusion is a large part of the schmoozing game.