Top 10 Tips for Excelling in a Panel Job Interview

Top 10 Tips for Excelling in a Panel Job Interview




Top 10 Tips for Excelling in a Panel Job Interview

By Kathleen MacNaughton


Of the different types of job interviews, the one that can seem the most intimidating is the panel job interview. This type of interview consists of several interviewers posing questions rather than one on one. The interviewers are often a combination of an executive level manager, department manager over the position being applied for and an employee in that department. The interviewers can all be management level, too. Panel interviews are known for rapid questions with an eye to see how well an applicant handles stressful situations. Though this type of interview is definitely an advantage for the interviewers, it can be to an applicant's advantage, as well, if handled right.
Preparing for the interview is critical for it to be a success. It actually begins with submitting your resume and application for the position. That preparation is done no matter what type the interview is. When you receive the notice that you will have the panel interview, preparing for that specific interview begins with the phone call to set the time and place for the interview. Begin by writing down the time and place and repeat it back to the person you are speaking with to be certain you have it correctly. This is also a good time to try to find out the names of the interviewers if known. Then you begin the more in-depth preparations. The ten tips below will help you excel in a panel job interview.

1. 
   Research. Learn everything you can about the company, the department you would be working in and the specific position you are applying for. This will help you formulate questions to ask and answers to give as well as helping you feel a little more at ease with the interviewers.
2. Rehearse. Practice every part of the interview you can, from the introductions to the close of the interview. Friends and family can help to get accustomed to rapid questions. This is a good time to formulate the questions you would like to ask, such as those regarding the specific duties you would be expected to carry out and what procedures there might be that relate to certain aspects of the job.
3. 
   Dress for success. Use care in selecting your clothing for the interview. You should go with business dressy. This means coat and tie for men. For women, there is a bit more choice. A modest dress, or a business type suit of slacks or skirt with a jacket are very appropriate. The first impression needs to be one of a person who is serious about doing his or her best for the company, so jeans and t-shirt or anything too revealing won't do.
4. 
   Be prompt. In fact, arrive a few minutes early. Not too early or the wait could be long enough for you to begin fidgeting. About ten minutes is good. Just long enough for you to relax and not feel rushed. Present yourself to the receptionist as soon as you arrive. Be polite and amiable when giving your name and the purpose of you visit. This is where you begin showing one of your best assets -- your smile.
5. 
   Bring a copy of your resume for each interviewer and a note pad for taking notes during the interview. Don't assume that each person will already have a copy. Even if this is the case, it will show preparedness to have them with you. Taking notes during the interview will demonstrate a serious attitude about the position.
6. 
   Make a good impression during introductions. Greet each interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile. Call the person by name, not only as a courtesy to the person but also as a way of connecting the name to the person so you can call each interviewer by name during the course of the interview.
7. 
   Answer questions fully but don't ramble. Giving good detail in answers is good but don't add irrelevant information. This is where your research on the company will help tremendously. Your answer can be relevant to that specific company. You can also make relevant reference to answers given to other questions.
8. 
   Make eye contact. This is very important as eye contact conveys confidence and leadership qualities. When answering each question, start and end with eye contact with the questioner, then also make eye contact with the other interviewers. It should appear natural, so don't move as though just going back and forth.
9. 
   Ask relevant questions regarding the company, the department and the specific duties your job will entail. Yes, that is right, what your job will entail. You should ask questions as though you already have been hired for the position. One very good question to ask is to be given a tour so you can see your work environment.
10. 
    Close the interview strongly. This can be just as important as starting the interview. Again, give a firm handshake to each interviewer and thank each one by name for the pleasure of the opportunity. Maintain your poise until you are completely out of the building. Follow up with thank you a letter to each interviewer.

Following these tips can help you make the most of a panel job interview and turn it to work in your favor.
Kathi MacNaughton is a prolific writer, editor and web entrepreneur. She also has more than 20 years of experience in recruitment and staff development that she transformed into content on http://www.Powerful-Sample-Resume-Format.com - For more great job interview tips, see http://www.powerful-sample-resume-formats.com/job-interview.html

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Top 10 Tips for Excelling in a Panel Job Interview

Panel Interview Advice

Panel Interview Advice





Panel Interview Advice

By Linda Matias


The panel interview can occur in any industry, and the number of interviewers can range from two to eight (or more). In order to succeed, follow the tips below:
Eye contact - Not knowing where to look during a panel interview is a concern for many. As a general rule, you should start answering questions while making eye contact who asked the question. Then you should look around to the other interviewers and finish answering the question while making contact with the person who asked the question.
Ask Questions - Determine the leader of the group, and direct questions to her/him at the end of the interview. The leader is usually the person who makes the initial introductions and/or asks the most questions during the interview. For specific questions that only a person in a specific department can answer, ask the individual representing the department.
Remain Focused - The good/bad cop scenario is when one interviewer is friendly and another is harsh. This method is used to determine how you will react in stressful situations. Keep your cool, and do not let the interview to get under your skin.
Respect Silence - Do not feel the need to fill every empty space. Silence is a strategy interviewers may use to get you to reveal information you ordinarily would not. Avoid falling into the trap. When you finish answering a question, stop talking.
Follow-up Letters - Send a thank you letter to every interviewer. The focus of each letter will differ depending on the job title of the interviewer. For example, the supervisor of your department will be interested in your teamwork and productivity skills, while a member of a partnering department will be interested in your ability to work collaboratively with his/her respective division. To ensure you get the spelling of everyone's name and email right, ask for everyone's business card.
In many ways, a panel interview mimics other types of interviews in that the interviewers will want to hear about your knowledge, skills, and abilities. A good way to find out whether or not a panel interview is going to take place, ask when making interview arrangements.
Certified in all three areas of the job search, Certified Interview Coach� (CIC), Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW), Linda Matias is qualified to assist you in your career transition, whether it be a complete career makeover, interview preparation, or resume assistance. She is also the author How to Say It: Job Interviews (Prentice Hall Press). You can contact Linda Matias at linda@careerstrides.com or visit her website http://www.careerstrides.com for additional career advice and to view resume samples.

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Panel Interview Advice

Top Tips for Preparing for a Panel Interview

Top Tips for Preparing for a Panel Interview





Top Tips for Preparing for a Panel Interview

By Samantha Joy Pearce


Most people find any interviews, let alone a panel interview a daunting prospect and there are very few people who enjoy the process. However, do not let this put you off; you can still prepare yourself as well as possible to face this challenge.
In today's job market most interviews are conducted by more than one person to ensure fair-play and equality, therefore, preparation for a panel interview is no different to any other interview preparation and indeed, it is all about preparation!
There are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself for a panel interview and listed below are a few of the top tips.
� Try to establish how many people are on the panel prior to interview and their role in the organisation. This information should be accessible from the Human Resource department but is also often included on the paperwork you receive inviting you to interview. Having prior knowledge of panel members and their role in the organisation enables you to prepare in such a way so that during the interview you can address your question to the relevant person by name.
� Do your research on the job. Try to talk to the named person on the advert so that you can gain a better understanding of the role. If you can make an informal visit, great. You can then use this information during your panel interview.
� When preparing your answers, look to highlight your skills and abilities in relation to the role, pulling on your strengths and remember the interview is your opportunity to demonstrate your excellent communication skills.
� Practice asking yourself questions and then answering them pulling out relevant information in relation to that question. Remember to answer the question asked and keep checking that your answers make sense in relation to the question. If possible, get some friends to act as a panel so that you can practice answering the question, making eye contact with each member of the panel. Try to use the name of the panel member who has asked the question at the start and finish of your answer.
� Practice speaking slowly and clearly, taking your time to ensure you are understood. Practice breathing and perhaps counting to five before answering a question so that you can compose yourself and steady your nerves.
� Practice using relevant examples of your previous work or skills to demonstrate what it is you can bring to the position applied for. Often it is worth trying to think of your answer from the panelist's point of view. Let's say the panelist asking the question is from Finance, try to incorporate an aspect of Finance in your answer. If you can practice linking your answers also, this is even better. For example, "To expand on my answer to Paul, I have also worked in..." This will demonstrate to the panel that you have been listening and that you have the ability to link themes.
� Pull together a number of questions that can be addressed to different panel members in relation to their role in the organisation. For example, you could address a question about staff management responsibilities to Human Resources or the line manager. This way you can demonstrate that you are confident asking questions and that you have done your homework in relation to the role.

These are a few tips to help you prepare for a panel interview and this list is by no means exhaustive. However, if you follow these simple tips you should be well on your way to completing a successful panel interview.
Do you need help with applying for a new job? Then use the professional application form writing and editing service from Words Worth Reading Ltd.

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Top Tips for Preparing for a Panel Interview

Tips For Surviving a Panel Job Interview

Tips For Surviving a Panel Job Interview






Tips For Surviving a Panel Job Interview

By Lenny Keitel


Congratulations! Your persistence and well crafted resume has opened the corporate doors for an initial job interview with a representative from the Human Resources department. You have already performed your research and due diligence on the company and now prepared to allow your personality, confidence, and experience help you to impress your interviewer.
After a highly positive and encouraging initial screening process, you receive an invitation for a follow-up interview to meet several members of the company. You're jubilant and ecstatic over the exceptional news. Your hard work and diligence is beginning to pay off!
You now have the opportunity that you've been preparing for; to inspire the interviewer with the innate skills, talent, and resourcefulness that will help make a successful company even more successful! It is your shining moment!
A Disarming Revelation
You arrive in advance of your scheduled time, well groomed, portfolio in-hand, ready to meet your interviewer. After a few minutes, you are cordially greeted by a company representative and subsequently escorted into a spacious corporate conference room. You are advised that you will be participating in a 'panel' interview with six or eight employees representing several relevant multi-disciplinary sectors from within the corporation.
As a candidate, you had no visibility that you were entering an environment where you will be barraged and grilled by a myriad of employees with diverse personalities and roles for your follow-up interview. Stunned, stressed, and intimidated, this is not the type of intimate one-on-one interview you expected. Your choice is either to compose yourself and embrace the challenge at hand or, remain anxious and negatively convey your stress and dazed emotional state to members of the team. The prudent and professional course is to adapt, gain control of the situation, and forge ahead with confidence.
Why a 'Panel' Interview?
Today's challenging economic climate demands a high degree of agility, composure, and straightforward thinking at all levels. Corporate openings are thin, consequently, companies are far more discriminating today when screening and interviewing potential candidates. Companies scrutinize, and place significant importance on the ability of an individual to effectively interface with other team members as a potential trustworthy and professional colleague.
Employers want to hire candidates who are positive, enthusiastic, strong communicators who inspire their colleagues. Additionally, employers seek candidates who can effectively confront stressful situations (such as a panel interview) with self-confidence, poise, exhibiting a well balance demeanor and level temperament. Although the situation is somewhat disarming, if you were well prepared for the personal, 'one-on-one' interview, you will rise to this new challenge.
The Benefits for the Candidate
Although weighted in the company's favor, the panel interview is also of significant benefit for the interviewee. Prior to all participants settling in, you have a unique opportunity to introduce yourself and be greeted by each of your future team members. Representing a cross section of selected departments from within the company, you will gain insight into the caliber, demeanor, and attributes of the employee the company recruits.
Intuitively, you also gain a first-hand assessment as to how the team interacts with each other, and more importantly, how you will fit into the team. During this introductory phase, you may even encounter one or two 'coaches' on the team who may tactfully share helpful and inspiring tips to place you at ease. Invariably, several participants may also have been subjected to a similar gauntlet. An added benefit for the candidate is that a key decision maker is typically present. As such, you have a platform to impress this individual with your research, expertise, and thoughtful questions.
The Corporate Benefits
From a corporate perspective, time is a precious commodity in a tough economic climate when staffing is thin. Meeting concurrently with multiple staff members (and potential colleagues), is a big time-saver for everybody. It is far more cost effective as opposed to organizing multiple meetings and interview visits. It's also easier to gain general consensus on a candidate with one interview session as opposed to multiple individual sessions.
The panel interview is an excellent litmus test to determine how well the candidate will conduct himself or herself under a stressful environment. Unlike a standard interview, a group questioning forum can engender a level of stress that reveals hidden characteristics and idiosyncrasies which may not emerge in a typical one-on-one setting (comparable to Captain Queeg in the Herman Wouk novel - "The Caine Mutiny"). Employers are also interested and curious if you possess the requisite skills, disposition, and spirit to mesh and execute your responsibilities with other team members under varying business climates.
Getting Through a Panel Interview
It is difficult to build rapport with each member during a panel interview; especially in a large conference room that is neither warm nor friendly. Consequently, introductions are vital to creating the right first impression. The following are a few helpful pointers to help get you through a panel interview:
Know Your Interviewers - Record the name of each panel member, their seating position, title, and area of responsibility (especially the most senior representative).
Your 'Elevator' Speech - Regardless of the type of interview, always be prepared to provide a brief synopsis of yourself to an interviewer. This includes your experience, specific areas of expertise, key achievements, growth, and accolades.
Take Notes - Always be prepared to take notes, recording key elements or comments to respond to later in the meeting if appropriate. It's also an excellent 'delay' tactic should you elect to respond to a specific or tough question later in the interview.
One Question at a Time - Remain calm, concentrate, and answer each question (one-at-a-time), from the individual panel member in a thoroughly focused and thoughtful manner; as though you were participating in a 'one-on-one' interview. As such, you help maintain the decorum for the interview.
Maintain Eye Contact - Help establish a rapport with the panel member asking you the question with solid 'eye contact', and by referencing their name. Feel free to momentarily glance at other members when responding, however, always return with full eye contact to the member asking the question.
The 'Group Instinct' - Try not to let your guard down. As a member of a group, interviewers tend to be more direct and forthright. There's a natural curiosity to uncover what kind of person you really are (beyond your expertise). Never get too personal about yourself and your shortcomings!
Ask Relevant, Thoughtful Questions - Candidates are often judged as much by the relevance and intelligence of their questions as by their responses to the various inquiries from the panel members. Your questions should reflect the due diligence and research which you have performed on the company. Try to ask at least one introspective question for each panel member. It's your turn to gain insight into the company and specific impressions from the panel.
Closing the Panel Interview - Toward the end of the interview, typically the most senior representative will thank you for your time and for being so patient and tolerant during a rather stressful session. At this moment, you should inquire to determine if there's any additional information that the team requires. Scan each member for a response. If no further information is required, express your gratitude for their time and for considering you for the position.
Don't' Forget a Follow-up 'Thank You' Note to each team member. Do not send out a 'generic' note to each member.
In Summary
Typically, a candidate is advised if a follow-up up interview will be structured as a 'panel' session. Unfortunately, an HR representative, or your initial interview contact, may not be aware of such circumstances until it's too late. Even if advised in advance, a candidate will never be at ease in an atmosphere where you are getting a barrage of questions from every direction. The fact is, a candidate should never walk into an interview 'cold'. You've worked hard to reach this point. Regardless of the change of circumstances and venue, always be prepared. There are very few members of the interview team who would have escaped a comparable event unscathed! According to prominent former Notre Dame and New York Jets football coach Lou Holtz, - "If you try to fight the course, it will beat you"!
Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes, a premier resume writing service with a penchant for crafting impressive resumes that inspire and motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal. We differentiate our clients with a unique "signature" or brand, positioning them a 'cut-above' other candidates. Our clients consistently project a superior level of self-confidence and positive image that sets them apart.
Lenny is a former Director of Professional Services and Information Technology (IT) with Fujitsu. During his accomplished career, Lenny's broad business experience includes - staffing and retention, strategic business planning and consultation, employee career development, client relationship management and, forging new business alliances. Innovation, creative writing skills, and a competitive spirit underscore Lenny's tireless passion to help job seekers enhance their competitiveness and become top-quality candidates in today's challenging global economy. Our clients directly benefit from our unique insight into complex internal corporate tactics and dynamic factors potentially impacting staffing selections.
Lenny has a B.S. Degree from the City University of NY (CCNY). He is a featured guest columnist for the Times Herald Record specializing in creative resume writing and effective interviewing techniques. He is a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Counselors (PARW/CC), and has authored numerous related articles for syndication around the globe. Lenny has also appeared as a resume expert guest on talk radio.
Lenny Keitel Hudson Valley Resumes info@hudsonvalleyresumes (email) (845) 782-6714 (phone/fax)
website - http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com

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Tips For Surviving a Panel Job Interview

Preparing For a Panel Interview

Panel Internet Tips: Preparing For a Panel Interview



Preparing For a Panel Interview

By Cinthia Mcdonald


So you finally got a job interview invitation and you couldn't be happier. You're now one step closer to landing your dream job. You now receive a call from the company representative advising you to prepare for a panel interview. As if a single interview is not stressful enough; even more so with panel interviews.
Though less common, panel interviews are very possible. And because they are quite not the ordinary, more often than not, the company will inform you regarding the matter ahead of time. Just so you can prepare well. And you definitely should.
Panel interviews can be nerve-wracking. The thought of speaking in front of 2 or more people being questioned can be quite challenging. Here are some tips to survive and hopefully pass the panel interview with success:
You would need to be in your best possible condition, be physically and mentally prepared as they say. Get adequate rest the night before your interview. A good night sleep will keep your mind afresh and sharp the next day. You would definitely need that for your big day.
Also, avoid going to the interview with an empty stomach. Get yourself a good (preferably healthy) meal prior your interview. This will give you a steady supply of energy needed both by your mind and body.
If you're an experience job seeker and have been to numerous interviews before, you now have some ideas on what they will ask you -common interview questions about you, your education or previous work experience, etc. Try to practice some lines - especially the "introduce yourself" part, so to start off the interview with confidence.
Get to know more about the company and job position your applying for, the job description to be exact. Learn as much as you can about the organization. Familiarize yourself with the company's history, mission and vision, and policies. Dig dipper if you must so you won't necessarily look clueless on the interview itself.
Dress appropriately. The importance of proper dress code couldn't be stress even more. The phrases "dress to impress" and "dress for success" should guide you well. Come in perfect business attire. Wear your best tie if you must. If you have a silk necktie, you should not have any second thoughts of wearing it, especially if it will make you look smart.
Prepare your own set of questions ahead of time -your concerns, expectations, or questions about company policies etc. Panel interviews are rarely one-sided. Often times, they would give you a chance to ask some questions too. Doing so also indicates your level of interest for the job. Of course, don't ask silly, unrelated questions. Be smart, professional, and courteous. List your questions prior your interview and preferably, memorize them too. It's quite annoying to see you glancing on a piece of paper while all eyes are on you.
Of course, as with one to one interviews, it's also natural to feel some level of nervousness. But don't let this get on your way. Relax and keep your poise. Yes, this is easily said than done, but being able to keep your emotions in control will go a long way.
Here's another tip - During the interview, take one question at time.
Cinthia McDonald invites you to check out the latest mens cufflinks offered at Cufflinks-and-ties.com. Specialists in silk ties, mens neckties and mens accessories, you're sure to find something to your liking.

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Panel Internet Tips: Preparing For a Panel Interview