Here's how you can navigate a panel interview.

Understanding the roles and interests of each panel member not only helps you tailor your responses but also demonstrates your proactive approach and attention to detail. This strategy can significantly enhance your chances of making a positive impression, as it shows you are not only prepared but also genuinely interested in addressing the specific needs and concerns of the team. Additionally, this level of preparation can help you build rapport with the panel, making the interview feel more like a collaborative conversation rather than a one-sided interrogation.

Navigating a panel interview requires preparation, poise, and engagement. Begin by researching each panel member to understand their roles and perspectives. During the interview, address each person by name and make eye contact to establish a connection. Listen carefully to each question, taking a moment to formulate thoughtful responses that highlight your skills and experiences. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly. Balance your attention among all panelists, ensuring everyone feels included. Finally, prepare insightful questions for the panel, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role and the team. This approach showcases your adaptability and interpersonal skills effectively.

Knowing your panel, what they do and who they are is very helpful. Before your interview, if you have their name and positions, use LinkedIn to learn more about each of them. Also important is addressing each of them by name and using their name throughout the interview. I find that few candidates will remember everyone's name and what they do because they are focused on their own answers. By addressing the panelists by name you will often stand out.

Research the panel members and their roles within the organization to tailor your responses appropriately. Prepare for a range of questions by practicing concise and relevant answers, emphasizing your experience and skills that align with the job requirements. During the interview, make eye contact with each panel member, addressing them by name when possible, to build rapport and demonstrate engagement. Listen carefully to each question, and if needed, ask for clarification before responding thoughtfully. Maintain a calm and confident demeanor, using examples to substantiate your points. Follow up with a thank-you email to each panel member, reiterating your interest in the position.

Before a panel interview, find out who will be on the panel and their roles. Tailor your responses to their specific interests, such as technical skills for a manager and cultural fit for HR. This shows you're well-prepared and considerate.

Research is crucial for any interview, especially with multiple interviewers. Know the company's mission, values, products, and recent news to confidently answer questions and show genuine interest. Understanding industry trends also helps you demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the company's future direction.

For a panel interview, practice answering common questions while engaging with multiple people. Make eye contact with each panel member and address them by name or title. This helps you avoid focusing on one person. Also, rehearse your answers to ensure they're clear and impactful for everyone.

Join or create a PRACTICE GROUP! I connected a few of my clients with similar profiles who were all going through a series of interviews to create a "panel exercise group". They've been practicing with each other, both as interviewers and interviewees, and the learning curve has been amazing! You can do the same with a group of friends or colleagues who are going through a career change. Or find practice groups on LinkedIn or Facebook.

In my experience, people remember how you made them FEEL more than what you said (assuming your answers were more or less good!). Connect on a human and emotional level with ALL panelists. Focusing on them will also remove the pressure you put on yourself and reduce the tendency to be overly self-aware and judgmental toward yourself.

During a panel interview, it's crucial to manage your eye contact intentionally. Distribute it evenly among all panel members to keep everyone engaged. Additionally, track their non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions. This feedback can help you adjust your answers and ensure you're connecting with the entire panel.

1. Breathe and relax: Take a few deep breaths before the interview and remind yourself to stay positive. It's perfectly fine to take a moment to think before answering a question. 2. Confidence under pressure: Staying calm shows the panel you can handle stressful situations, which is a great quality for any job! Bonus tip: Remember, the panel wants you to succeed too! They invited you for a reason, so focus on showcasing your skills and experience.

GOLDEN RULE to manage stress: Get in control of your THOUGHTS! The stress response starts in the brain! Stress is inevitable, but overwhelming stress that you can't control and that stops you is not. You never want to reach a stage of "fight or flight." So yes, you can use your body to calm down your nervous system (e.g., deep belly breaths are very powerful to tell your nervous system you are not stressed). But most importantly, you want to stop the stress response where it starts: in the brain. Get in control of your thoughts, before and during the interview. Acknowledge your fears & doubts, and replace them with more neutral (or even positive!) thoughts.

1. Thank everyone individually: Show your appreciation by sending a personalized thank you note or email to each interviewer. 2. Tailor your message: Mention something specific you discussed with each person. This shows you were attentive and interested in their insights. 3. Leave a lasting impression: This personalized approach can help solidify a positive memory of you in their minds. My tip: When crafting your message, you can also briefly reiterate your key qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.

Connect with your interviewers on an EMOTIONAL level. Remind them of something they said that truly inspired or energized you. Make the interaction about them more than just the job or the company. Ultimately, people seek connection and a sense of belonging, even among their team members and potential hires! This approach will distinguish you from the usual, generic follow-up messages!

Humans crave CONNECTION and BELONGING, even in professional settings like work or during an interview. You can foster this by being authentic and confidently showing vulnerability. Your interviewer will sense your energy, so avoid playing a role. Instead, focus on the positive emotions you want to experience regardless of the interview outcome, such as curiosity, excitement, joy, and a sense of belonging. Keep it simple, authentic, and human!