March 8, 2012
How to survive the dreaded panel interview
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The job interview process may seem like fairly changeless process over the decades -- candidates put on nice clothes and meet with a potential supervisor or human resources representative (or both). Usually a second round of finalist interviews is then set up and an offer is usually made soon after.
Well, those days are largely over, thanks to a sluggish economy and a greater emphasis by the employer on getting the highest return on investment from employees. These days, the lengthened interview process can seem more like a six-week apprenticeship.
One of the more challenging trends in this era of candidate mega-vetting is the panel interview. I've participated in a few of these grueling affairs, in which three to as many as eight managers attend the interview, all asking probing questions and posing various scenarios to see how the candidate will handle everyday challenges.
Beyond the obvious time savings of having more people in the organization evaluate a candidate at once, these panel interviews are a great way to determine how the interviewee reacts to group dynamics and responds to pressure situations. They also ensure that candidates are evaluated from a wider range of viewpoints. But job seekers should not treat these events the same way they view one-on-one interviews. Here are a few pointers to make sure you don't end up a deer in the headlights the next time you see eight pairs of eyes staring back at you over conference table.
Study up on the panel -- I'm like a broken record about interview preparation, but I feel I have to be since so many interviewees don't do enough about it. You don't have to know every employee but, at the very least, you should find out as much as you can about the major players in the department in which you're applying. It's perfectly acceptable to ask the hiring manager who will be in attendance, which will further demonstrate your interest in the position and a willingness to learn.
Speak directly to each person -- Questions will most likely be asked one at a time, but they will probably come from all of the people on the panel at some point. Even if most of the questions come from one or two people, make sure you make eye contact with everyone in the room and try to tie your answers in with other panel members. This is where your research will come most in handy. By knowing more about the company and the executive team, the easier it will be to formulate answers that will relate to all of the panel members and demonstrate your range of knowledge.
Ask questions about each panelist -- In most of these situations, there will be at least one or two interviewers who will not say as much. Make sure you share your focus with these people anyway by asking questions about their roles in the organization, how your role would intersect with theirs and how you can help make their jobs easier. By acknowledging as many people as you can, you may gain valuable allies when the hiring manager has to make that tough final decision.
Treat the interview as a presentation -- For most job interviews, the hiring manager, in a sense, runs the show. In a panel situation, there is rarely a true leader, so it will be up to you to take the reins. Rather than merely answering the questions as they come, treat this interview for what it really is: A presentation about you to an audience. Be prepared with several anecdotes about previous job roles and responsibilities you've had and try to tie them into the other departments that are present. Pay particular attention to major achievements in your career and any problems you were able to solve.
Be enthusiastic -- It's easy to get intimidated by a panel, but it's very important to show that you are happy and comfortable with these people. Remember to smile and try to be conversational. If you get tripped up on a question, ask for a little clarification and take your time with your answers. In most cases, it's not a "right answer" the panel is looking for but a demonstration of your thought process that counts. This is your time on the stage, so be sure to shine.
Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.
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Karen Burns is the author of The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl, a career guide based on her 59 jobs over 40 years in 22 cities.
Lisa Quast is a certified career coach, mentor, business consultant, former corporate executive and author based in the Seattle area.
Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.
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This is great advice, Randy! Much of the prep for a panel interview is the same as you should be doing for any job, but multiplied by the number of people on the panel. I especially appreciate your advice to connect with each interviewer in some way rather than only paying attention to those who are most interactive. I am attaching a link to a blog I recently wrote that has some usesful specific tips on how to prepare; "Distinguish Yourself - Interviewing Tips for Job Seekers" (http://springboard.resourcefulhr.com/?p=1935)
If you must bow and scrape to corporate power in order to feed and clothe yourself do it without question.
After getting the job, accept whatever abuse and humiliation that comes you way without hesitation.
Does the work you will be doing help make the world a better place? Who cares! Get the money. get the new car. get the nice house.
Who ever dies with the most toys wins!
My current job required an interview with a six person panel and it was intimidating but I did my best to stay calm and focus on answering the questions as best as I could.
I followed a lot of these same tips. The idea of asking questions, especially to those who don't ask many questions of their own, is a good idea I didn't think of it at the time.
I focused on staying calm, thinking through my answers, not rushing, and speaking directly to each interviewer. It paid off because I made it through the competition (10 other interviewees).
The job search is tougher than ever these days but all job seekers can do is be persistent, sell yourself and your strengths and stay confident. Best of luck to those in the job searching mode, your hard work will pay off!
By the way @John Drabble, my job actually does help others and the challenge of the screening process just made me appreciate getting the job that much more.
Remember, the interviewees want to find a good employee as much as the candidates want to find good jobs. It goes both ways.
I recently applied for a job posting at a company even though I am employed by another company. About a week later I received an email invitation to attend an all day panel interview session with multiple candidates. Is it smart for me to take a day off and attend? I do not know any specifics about the job they are hiring for. What if i see other candidates there that I know? I do not want to jeaporize my current position, but I would like to learn more about what the new company has to offer. Suggestions?