Preparing for a panel job interview.

October 22, 2006 11:16 AM

How do I prepare for a job interview with a panel of 5-6 interviewers?

I've got an interview coming up this week and have been told that it'll be with a panel of 5-6 people. I've been through dozens of one-on-one interviews in the past few years, and for those I've evolved from "totally terrified" to "can pretty much do ok."

But I've noticed that I have a harder time when there's more than one person asking me questions -- it seems harder to get in the flow and focus, easier to let the nerves creep up. Any advice?

posted by footnote to Work & Money (10 answers total)

Don't pander to the crazy one, there will always be one, everyone else in the room knows they are crazy too. Bring a notepad and take down quick notes as they introduce themselves. Address them by name or title and frame your responses to the individual in terms of their connection to your position. Behave as if you are giving a speech, as in address your responses to everyone in both behaviour and speech, give each of them eye contact time. Be sure to stand and shake everyone's hand on the way in and the way out.

Otherwise, its just the same. :)
posted by stormygrey at 11:21 AM on October 22, 2006

Having been on both sides of the panel interview table, the one dynamic that I notice that is different is that the panel members might have a bit of performance anxiety asking questions in front of their peers. Even in a tight knit team of people who all get along well, there can be a hesitation in some people. Usually, one or two of the panel members will dominate the interview. You should try not to dominate the interview, unless perhaps to prime questions from the others.

Panel interviews have the potential, like 1-on-1 interviews, to really click and be a positive experience.

Remember that this is also your opportunity to figure out if this is some place that you want to work. A panel interview can provide more of a sense of how the members work together and get along.
posted by jimfl at 12:24 PM on October 22, 2006

The hardest thing is to make sure to make eye contact with everyone. It's entirely possible that one or two people might not even ask you questions, but they are present because they are going to be part of the hiring process, so don't ignore them. Try to circle around...start your answer by looking at the questioner, then rotate so that everyone in the room makes some sort of connection with you while you answer. If you makes you feel more comfortable, remember that group interviews are also awkward for the interviewers too. They all have different things they want to know about you, so a lot of their effort will be trying to insert themselves into the interview.

I would not recommmend taking notes...it will just distract you from focusing on the interview. Remember when you were in college and you were so busy taking notes on a lecture that you weren't able to fully process what the professor was saying? Try to find out ahead of time who you are speaking to, so that you can spend your time addressing the questions instead of trying to read your scribbles off of your notepaper.
posted by apple scruff at 12:56 PM on October 22, 2006

Jimfl is spot on about hiring the company. The idea of the gang bang is so that everyone can go at you from their area of expertise - you will be working with all of the people in the room at some point. Each has a topic area that they're supposed to bring up. They also want to know if they want to work with you.

Besides the one crazy one there will be someone who is actually in charge. She will not be obviously in charge at the beginning but just be aware that there is an uber boss at the table - if you can pick this one out of the lineup then you know whom to please.

With so many observers it is also imperitive that you avoid falling into trying to enhance your cred. BS will shine to someone at the table and it will lead the discussion as soon as you're gone. Enjoy.
posted by ptm at 1:03 PM on October 22, 2006

We do a lot of interview panels and they're not much different from one-on-ones except that they can be pretty intimidating. I prefer to have the HR Manager ask all of the questions with the other interviewers asking follow-up questions, but it seems like someone on the panel always insists on taking turns so they feel more involved. You obviously can't control that, but it makes it tougher to build rapport when each question comes from a different person.

I would second the advice you've been given so far:

You probably shouldn't take notes. You'll already be struggling to keep up with the pace of the interview and build rapport with each interviewer. However, I would suggest having paper handy in case you need to make a quick note about something they want from you (proof of education\certification, examples of projects, ect.). They should have already given each member your resume, but take a bunch of copies just to be safe.

The problem with panels is that there are usually a few people on it who don't interview on a regular basis (if at all). I fall into this category so I just keep my mouth shut and follow the HR Manager's lead. You might run into someone who asks you questions that make you look bad when their true motive is to make them look good to their peers. Rest assured that everyone else on the panel sees through that kind of bullshit and those questions probably won't hurt you. After each panel I did someone would say to me (in private) "I can't believe that jackass asked that question. What did that even have to do with filling this position?".

Most of the mistakes I've seen come from the candidate talking too much because they're nervous. A pause by the interviewer doesn't always mean keep talking. If you're not sure you've completely answered a question I would think it's appropriate to ask "does that answer your question?". The last panel I was on a candidate actually lost the job because of a comment he made during a pause while the next panel member was preparing their question.
posted by bda1972 at 2:10 PM on October 22, 2006

Just to clarify, I wasn't suggesting copious notes, just everyone's name in the order they are sitting. I just have a thing about using people's names, yet I can hardly remember names.
posted by stormygrey at 2:25 PM on October 22, 2006

I had to undergo a group interview for my current job, primarily because the people that were interviewing me were the guys I was going to be working with, so it was vitally important that they got the sense that I would—socially—would be someone they could get along with. Provided you're not trying to bullshit your way into a position you're not qualified for (which group interviews are excellent at exposing) don't worry about having all the answers to their questions. For instance, I was asked if I was familiar with a particular application framework, and when I honestly responded that I'd never even heard of it before, they replied, "Yeah, neither has anyone else!"

Concentrate on building a friendly rapport with the group so when you leave, they're left with a feeling of competency and agreeableness. If you only talk tech the whole time, that's all they'll take away from the interview, and all you'll be judged on. Teams need to know that you're someone they'll actually get along with 6 months down the line when the shit hits the fan and everything's on fire. They need to be reassured that they're not going to be gritting their teeth every time you open your mouth.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 5:09 PM on October 22, 2006

I hate the group style interviews because it feels like there is no breaks in the action. As soon as you answer, someone else is ready to fire another question at you. Hate that. So be prepared to slow down your answers a bit if needed to give yourself some mental peace.
posted by mmascolino at 9:23 PM on October 22, 2006

Be prepared to tailor your answers to the different styles that the interviewers may be seeking. It's a little harder to build rapport with the group, but it is well worth it as each interviewer will feel as though you're investing enough in the process.

I agree with mmascolino - pace yourself and don't allow it to turn into 'rapid fire' interogation. Definately think before you answer in that situation (not that you wouldnt normally, but a pause is useful).

I would be reluctant to hire someone who:

1) had no knowledge of my organisation or the job, (lazy interviewee)

2) didn't at least take a notepad along to the interview (nope, you don't have to use it, but writing can buy you precious moments), (appears a bit too smug if you turn up with nothing)

3) didn't have any polite questions about the nature of the job or somesuch at the end of the discussion. have something prepared, and make yourself sound keen rather than greedy (i.e. how will my role contribute to this goal of the project? NOT how much will i earn?)


Good luck!
posted by kaydo at 4:28 AM on October 23, 2006

Thanks everyone! You are all my favorites.
posted by footnote at 5:01 AM on October 23, 2006