How to ace a Panel Interview for a Professional Position

There's nothing more nerve-racking than interviewing for a new job. It can be even more stressful when interviewing with a panel for a high-stakes professional position. Ace a panel interview for a professional position by being prepared, looking your best and staying calm.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look your best. A panel interview means that you might be standing instead of sitting for your interview, and there will be several people critiquing your appearance. Polish your shoes, paint your nails, keep your jewelry tasteful and iron your best suit. Look well put-together and professional to everyone on the interview panel.

2. Bring something for everyone. If you've been asked to provide a resume, list of references or samples of your work to your interview, bring enough copies for everyone on the interview panel. This will make you look well-prepared and give all your interviewers the chance to get to know you better. Keep your copies organized so you can hand them out quickly without a lot of sorting and shuffling.

3. Maintain eye contact with everyone in the room. In a panel interview, every member of the panel will weigh in on whether or not to hire you. Speak to every member of the panel when answering questions and look them all in the eye. Eye contact conveys respect as well as confidence.

4. Be friendly. It's important to be professional and articulate during your interview, but make sure you still come across as down-to-earth and approachable. If you are too cold or calculated, the panel might get the impression that this is how you will be with clients and co-workers, which could negatively affect their decision to hire you.

5. Answer questions articulately. Don't stammer, say "um" or use incomplete sentences. Avoid shuffling your feet or fidgeting when you answer questions because this will distract the panel from what you're saying. If someone asks a particularly tough question, take a deep breath and pause to give yourself time to answer. Intelligent, thought-out answers will make you look poised and articulate to the interview panel.

6. Know your stuff. Learn as much as you can about the company and the position you're applying for before the interview. This will allow you to be acquainted with the company's history and it's mission and you'll be able to ask any questions about the position during the interview.

Resources

• Here are great interview tips for any executive or professional.
• These interview tips can help you ace a professional interview.

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[pridgeway]

on 5/8/2009 Excellent advice. I would say the same things if I were to write an article like this. Oh I did!