What are the most effective strategies for handling a panel interview?

1 Research the panelists

Before the interview, try to find out who will be on the panel and what their positions and responsibilities are. You can use online sources, such as LinkedIn, the company website, or social media, to learn more about their backgrounds, interests, and achievements. This will help you tailor your answers to their specific needs and goals, as well as show your interest and enthusiasm for working with them. You can also prepare some relevant questions to ask each panelist, which will demonstrate your curiosity and initiative.

2 Practice your answers

A panel interview may involve a variety of questions, from general to technical, from behavioral to situational. You should prepare your answers for the most common and relevant questions, such as why you want to work for the company, what are your strengths and weaknesses, how do you handle challenges and conflicts, and how do you approach a specific task or project. You should also have some examples and stories to illustrate your skills and achievements, using the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to structure your responses. Practice your answers with a friend or a mentor, and ask for feedback on your content, tone, and body language.

4 Follow up after the interview

After the interview, you should send a thank-you note to each panelist within 24 hours. You can use email or a handwritten card, depending on the formality and culture of the company. In your note, you should restate your interest in the position, highlight your main qualifications and contributions, and mention something specific that you learned or enjoyed from the conversation. You should also address any concerns or questions that the panelists may have raised during the interview, and provide any additional information or documents that they requested. A follow-up note is a great way to reinforce your positive impression and stand out from other candidates.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?