These interviews tend to be quite structured, and are usually associated with either government sector or senior exec roles. Every member of the panel has a particular role to play and will be focusing on a specific aspect of the interview. The key thing is to understand who is doing what and then manage the answers to their questions. Read on to discover three essential tips on how to survive a panel interview.
1. Know the Audience
Find out who will be on the panel and learn as much about them as possible – Google and LinkedIN, followed up by your real world contacts will be able to help with this. Have a copy of your CV ready for each person, and think of specific questions you can ask each of the panel members at the end of the interview (to demonstrate that you really have done your homework).
2. Directed Answers
Once you understand your audience, you will able to customise your responses to interview questions. For example, a representative from HR will want to know that you will fit into the organisation, the hiring manager (your new manager) will want to know that you are you easy to manage and easy to train while the CEO will want to see that you have potential and will you be a good ambassador for the organisation.
There are two steps to this:
1. Direct your response at the person asking the question
2. Every now and then ask the whole group if your answer aligns with their view of the organisation
A senior executive who was interviewing for a role gave an answer to the CEO, then looked at me and said “I’m sure HR has their own views on team building, what do you think?” He went straight into my good books, and all I could think was “ Wow, I hope his references are good as it sounds like this guy sees the value of HR and will be great to work with.”
3. Solid Endings and Swapping Business Cards
Thank each person individually at the end of the interview and try to get hold of their business card or contact details. Make a note about the interviewers personal characteristics on the back of each business card after the interview then send an individualised email to each person.
During a lengthy recruiting process, you may see the same faces a few times. Remembering that the quieter woman with long brown hair was Bronwyn will make you look like someone who pays attention and really wants to be part of the team.
Finally, keep things in perspective, if you have gotten an interview you have made the first cut and the “team” really want to see what you have to offer. If you find the prospect of a panel interview petrifying, interview coaching really can help. As always, if you have any tips to add on how to survive a panel interview, please email sarah@employmenow.co.nz.