How to Ace a Panel Job Interview

There are many factors in impressing several people at once in a job interview.
Your experience and education may hold you back, but there are ways you can impress a panel of interviewers that may give you the advantage over your competitors.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Prepare - Have a document to hand out to every person on the panel, including anyone sitting on the sidelines, so print extras before you enter the room, or ask for photocopies if you need more. Don't leave anyone out. Often the seemingly lowest ranked person in the room, holds the most decision-making power. The document should include as much information as possible, broken into clear, concise sections, such as 1. What I would do for your company if hired. 2. My perception of what my role is in this job. 3. Why I should be hired for this position. If you are the only person who does this, you will be one step ahead of your competitors.

2. Look everyone in the eye when speaking - Many people don't even know that they have latched onto one person and speak to them almost exclusively in an interview. And don't just speak to the males on the panel. Even in the case that they hold superior positions, one negative comment from one of the females on the panel when the decision is being made, could put you behind in the rankings. It is common courtesy to look everyone in the eye when you are talking. Be aware of who you are addressing during the interview. It is easy to get carried away and only focus on one person.

3. Answer the questions with authority - If you are being interviewed by a panel, you are applying for a job that usually holds some authority, so act that way. The panel is hiring you because they need guidance and management in that area. If there is an area you are not strong in, be honest and ask intelligent questions about it. But make sure that the panel hear about the areas where you have strengths.

4. Your appearance is important so dress appropriately. As a manager, or executive, you should already know all this, but more importantly, be aware of your demeanor during the interview. Giggling at a question shows nervousness, tapping your pen shows irritability, fidgeting shows that you are uncomfortable. Never put your arms behind your head during an interview, but mimicking others' behaviors a little shows you are a likable person. Smile when appropriate. Being too serious means that you could be difficult and unpleasant to work with.

5. Know exactly what you are applying for - It is amazing how many people get to executive positions and have not clarified in their own minds exactly what the job is. Do as much research about the title and position as humanly possible. And develop opinions about what you will be doing. Learn a little about your predecessor by asking their assistant about them and what they did. What were they good at? Where did they fail? What took up most of their time? ... In the interview you can tell the panel that you interviewed the assistant and researched the job. This is more than many people do, so you are giving yourself the advantage.

6. After all this advice, don't stress out too much about the interview. Your research and hand-out should help you if you stumble a little in the interview. Panel interviewers are professionals and know if someone is stumbling due to nervousness. It is not a bad thing if you have come prepared. It shows you are human.

Resources

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[johnnyutah]

on 5/9/2009 i had to do this last month...your tips are awesome..thanks for sharing How to Ace a Panel Job Interview 5*