A one-on-one job interview can be nerve-wracking, but when you add three to five other individuals sitting across from you, firing questions your way, it can become some people’s worst nightmare. However, with preparation and practice, you can present yourself as a confident and excellent candidate, even in the face of this intimidating format.

The Purpose of Panel Interviews

Panel interviews are frequently used by companies to gain a more comprehensive perspective on you as a candidate. They seek evaluations from individuals both above and within the role you’re interviewing for. Here are some potential panel members:

• Hiring manager
• Head of the team or department (which could include a Vice President or CEO)
• A teammate with whom you’ll collaborate frequently
• An evaluator of the technical skills required for the role
• Someone assessing culture fit (possibly another teammate or an HR representative)

Depending on the company’s approach, the panellists may ask you a predefined set of questions or have the flexibility to craft their own. Regardless, you should be ready to respond to a mix of technical, skill-based, and situational or behavioural questions.

While facing a lineup of individuals critically evaluating your every word can be stressful, CareerSherpa founder Hannah Morgan emphasises the shared goal between you and the panellists: “Don’t let the feeling of being outnumbered scare you. Everyone is there for the same reason – to determine whether you are a fit for the role. This is true for the interviewee as well.” Like any job interview, use this opportunity to assess whether you would thrive in the company’s environment.

Navigating the Panel Interview like a Pro

Before the interview, inquire with your HR contact about the interview format and the names of the panel members. This way, you won’t be caught off guard when you encounter a group waiting to speak with you. For an added advantage, research each panellist on LinkedIn or the company’s website to understand their roles and how they might relate to the job you’re pursuing. This will help you anticipate the types of questions they might ask and identify any shared connections.

During the interview, resist the temptation to focus solely on those who react warmly or express enthusiasm for your responses. Instead, heed Morgan’s advice and direct your attention to everyone in the room. Convince those who appear distant or unconvinced that you are the right fit for the position. While answering one person’s questions, maintain eye contact with other panel members to gauge their reactions to your answers.

Taking notes during the interview can be beneficial for recalling who said what or identifying individuals to follow up with. However, be sure to seek their permission by saying something like, “I hope you don’t mind if I take a few notes.”

Be mindful of your body language during the interview to avoid appearing closed off to certain panel members due to poor positioning or lack of eye contact.

Ending the Interview Positively

Just like any other interview, strive to conclude on a positive note by expressing gratitude to each individual for their time, offering a firm handshake, and conveying warmth through your smile. You can go the extra mile by sending a follow-up thank-you note. Morgan suggests either sending personalised notes to each panellist (avoid using a generic template, as they may compare them) or sending a note to the hiring manager that acknowledges each panel member, allowing the manager to pass on your sentiments as appropriate.