https://www.michaelpage.com.hk/advice/career-advice/interview/how-succeed-panel-interview
A panel interview is a hiring process where you talk to multiple interviewers. Each interviewer asks you different questions, and the process usually lasts longer than a regular, one-on-one interview.
Those asking the questions could be professional recruiters or employees from different departments within the organisation. Candidates can expect to undergo an intensive interview process with this interview format. There are several steps, however, that you can take to improve your chances of success.
Many candidates find this interview format particularly intimidating, but with the tips below, group interviews can be a great way to show off your best skills.
If you know who will be interviewing you, be sure to do your research on them before your interview. Know their names and job titles. Study key details such as their achievements and important initiatives within the company.
Panels often consist of individuals who will work with you in separate but connected processes, so make sure you enable them to envisage what it will be like to work with you in the future. Use follow-up questions to highlight your understanding.
During the entire panel interview, address each panel member by name to show you are invested in the hiring process. However, you may not always know who will interview you on the panel.
And in many instances, you may not even know you would be facing a panel of interviewers. If that is the case for you, fret not. Maintain eye contact and stay confident.
Ensure you have plenty of business cards and copies of your resumes available. Bring extra copies! Be prepared for any questions or comments from the panel members.
You may be asked to supply samples of your work during the panel interview process. Remember that this is your chance to shine, so do not succumb to the temptation of false modesty. Be prepared for follow-up questions too.
Build rapport with multiple interviewers as well as you can. During a panel interview, talk with each panel member individually, as there will not be just one hiring manager to impress.
When talking with only one panel member, look at them while speaking. Also, when answering general questions, pay close attention to how much time you spend talking about yourself.
Turn the panel interview into a conversation by referring to previous interview questions. Pay attention to non-verbal clues and face all the panel members when speaking.
It is a good idea to adapt your attitude as a job candidate as you go along, and if possible, combine the art of friendly conversation with just the right amount of professionalism. Watch your body language carefully and you will stand out from multiple candidates.