How To Prepare For A Panel Interview...

A panel interview suggests that the hiring company is interested enough in bringing you on board to invest the time of multiple members of their staff, not a free proposition.

Preparing for this interview isn't that different from preparing for any other type of interview. In order to succeed in a panel interview, your actions will be similar to a one-on-one interview setting. You need to provide relatively concise answers that address the questions you are asked and that, when appropriate, include specific examples from your past and reference how your experience can be an asset to the company.

One common pitfall in a panel interview is focusing your attention solely on whoever appears to be the most senior person in the room, especially if other interviewers seem deferential to that person. While the majority of your attention may go to this senior interviewer, be sure to ask questions of, and sometimes address answers to, the other people in the room. (However, don't turn into a lighthouse, with your eyes constantly scanning the room.)

As with every interview, your body language and eye contact are important. Still, there is a bit of added pressure for you to express positive emotion in a group interview. Emotions are infectious. If you can win over one or two people with positive emotions, you are more likely to win over everyone in the group.

Anxiety or negativity can similarly spread. So, in addition to your body language, be mindful of how you speak. Speak well of yourself and of others. Be confident and upbeat.

To build rapport with the interviewers, one valuable trick is to learn their names. To help you remember, repeat each person's name in three or more sentences: "Alan has a blue tie. Alan has a white shirt. Alan is sitting to my right." Then, when another interviewer asks you a question, you can say, "I think Alan mentioned previously that..." Alan now feels recognized and may become your ally.

(If you know who your interviewers are ahead of time, do some homework to learn more about who these individuals are.)

Lastly, rather than sending just one Thank-You Note, you'll be sending a Thank-You Note to each panel member.

Recap: Preparing for this interview isn't that different from preparing for any other type of interview. Review your resume. Practice answers to critical interview questions. Dress the part, and make sure you know who your contact is when you arrive.

For Interview Success Formula member's you can create a customized plan which will give you very specific suggestions on how to approach the panel interview differently.