INTERVIEW PANEL

How To Conduct Yourself During a Panel Interview

A panel interview can be nerve wracking for sure.  Several pairs of eyes staring at you, watching every move, taking notes, listening to every word you say – wow!  It unnerves even the most skilled sales professional.  But there are several things you can do to prepare for the onslaught and how to conduct yourself during the inquisition.

1.) Find out with whom you will be interviewing with and try to get a background on each person. This way you can ask warm gracious questions, make comments and compliment them about their past.

Before the Interview

2.) Find out exactly what role each person has in the company so that you can ask questions about their role and how you can help them

3.) Bring copies of your resume and/or a PowerPoint Presentation for each interviewer.  You must make each interviewer feel important and inclusive during the interview.  Leave them information for their review. Bring extras just in case.

4.) Have a prepared list of questions for each person. 

5.) Remember to have 3-4 reasons why this company should hire you.  This should be indoctrinated into your head and part of your elevator speech

During the Interview

1.) Think about the message you are trying to convey, and not about your audience.You know yourself and your accomplishments better than anyone- just focus on why you are the best person for the job.  Subconsciously your audience will magically disappear!

2.) Keep your head on a swivel.  When one person asks you a question, it is IMPORTANT that you not only look at the interviewer, but look at each person in the room.  Do not exclude anyone!

3.)If you do not know the answer to a question, let them know that you do not know the answer but will get back to them.  They will respect your honesty, BUT MAKE SURE that you follow up!

4.) Divide and Conquer.  Remember that you are selling yourself to each person in the room.  Make sure that you ask probing questions to each intervener asking what you can do to make his /her job easier

5.) Relax!  Have fun.  Chemistry is vital.  You want to fit in.  Assess the mood in the room and act accordingly.  Listen- you are interviewing them as well, and if their demeanor does not suit YOUR style- perhaps this is not the company you want to join!

6.) Ask for each person’s business card or e-mail address for a follow-up e-mail

After the Interview

1.) Send a customized thank you note to each person.  Do NOT send a blanket e-mail.  If possible, send them within the hour after the interview.  Or as soon as possible.  The debriefing takes place almost immediately, and you want to hit each person while he/she is deliberating.

2.) Contact your recruiter

3.) Do a self-review.  What can I have done better?  What mistakes did I make?  What else do I need to know about this company?  Is there a question or two that I need further clarification on?  Is there something else I need to tell them about me?

4.) If your potential immediate supervisor was not a part of the panel, e-mail that supervisor to let him /her know how it went!  This person could be your advocate!

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