Interviews are one of the important and recurring part of any professional's career. An interview is the assessement of your skills and whether you fit an organization or not.
Today, we dive into one of the most tough types of interviews; Panel Interview.
What is a Panel Interview?
A panel interview is one where an applicant is interviewed by a group or panel of people. The panel may include members from HR and hiring, company seniors or industry experts. Panel interviews are common in corporate hiring, government job recruitment and academic application processes. They may also be referred to as board interviews.
The biggest advantage of holding a panel interview is the diversity of experience and ideologies which a good panel can bring to the table. It means that the candidate is thoroughly vetted before being admitted to an organisation as a scholar or employee. It can rule out unfair biases and provide a balanced interview session and prevent bad hiring decisions.
However, the biggest disadvantage of a panel interview is how intimidating it can be for the interviewee! To help with that, here is a brief guide on how to prepare for a panel interview along with sample questions.
Panel Interview Example Questions
The questions asked in a panel interview depend on factors like the industry or discipline you belong to, the history and policies of the institution, the experience and practice of each interviewer, etc. Thus, it is a good strategy to prepare and expect questions according to these factors.
Besides this, you can ask others for help or familiarise yourself with general patterns of questioning. Here are some commonly asked questions in panel interviews along with tips to answer them.
How would you describe yourself?
For this answer, make sure the qualities you list are ones which are essential for your job profile. Keep your answer brief, and maintain a humble tone, but do not sell yourself short. Remember you have to convince the panel to bookmark you as a potential employee at the end of the session.
Why did you choose this job/career?
Answer this question honestly by speaking about what motivates you, personal anecdotes, relevant strengths, and role models from your industry. You can even cite the work of any of the panellists in fron of you as an inspiration! At the end, mention how the company/position you are applying for can help you in pursuing your dreams further.
What makes you a good fit for this institution?
This is where you can speak of your strengths as a professional and demonstrate your knowledge of the history and working of the institution. You can speak of how your qualifications are a fit for the role they are offering, how they are similar to any former famous employee, how your personal vision corresponds with the company vision, etc.
You may also practise an answer for this according to another common question: "Why should we hire you?"
What do you know about our company?
This is another question which is asked to test how well you have done your research before the interview. To answer this, mention briefly about the company's past, major achievements, recent work and other news, as well as the company's mission statement. You can identify key members of the company on the panel and address them directly while answering.
Where do you see yourself five years down the line?
This is a bit of a trick question because nobody can predict the future - but do not say this out loud. This question tests your goals and foresight, and whether they align with the company's vision. Through your answer, show a strong sense of aspiration, while keeping it realistic. Try to speak of specific and achievable goals, instead of using general flowery language.
You can draw inspiration from these possible answers as well.
How would you explain a complex problem/solution to someone who does not belong to your area?
This question tests essential qualities like problem solving, communication skills and leadership abilities. Since everyone on the panel may not belong to the same background or be aware of the same things, your answer will determine how well you can engage them all. Think carefully about the problem, draw from your knowledge, and explain any difficult terms you use for everyone's benefit.
What are your biggest strengths and weaknesses?
The qualities you mention should be relevant to your job position. But instead of simply listing a number of qualities, use examples from your life, especially to illustrate your strengths. While mentioning weaknesses, be honest, but also show a willingness to change and improve. You can even refer to panellists as inspiration, but take care not to say anything personal or informal.
You can refer to some sample answers here.
Do you have any questions for us?
This is usually asked as a concluding question but do not avoid answering it. What you ask can tell the panel how closely you have been listening to them. Instead of blunt queries about salary and benefits, ask critical questions which draw from the points made during the interview. Make sure not to ask any direct or personal questions to any particular panellist either. Keep your question relevant to the company and job profile.
While it is difficult to predict the exact questions you will face in a panel interview, the smartest strategy to tackle them is to do your research thoroughly and answer to the best of your abilities. And, of course, remember to be calm and confident.
How to Prepare for a Panel Interview?
To prepare for a panel interview, you should:
- Research the company and the panelists. Learn about the company's culture, values, and mission. Also, try to learn as much as you can about the panelists, such as their roles in the company and their areas of expertise.
This will help you to tailor your answers to their questions and to demonstrate your interest in the company.
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Practice answering common interview questions. There are a number of common interview questions that are often asked in panel interviews. Some of these questions include:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Why should we hire you?
Practice answering these questions in advance so that you can give clear and concise answers during your interview.
- Prepare your own questions. It is also a good idea to prepare your own questions to ask the panelists.
This will show that you are interested in the company and the position. Some questions you could ask include:
* What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?
* What are the biggest opportunities facing the company right now?
* What are the most important skills and qualities for this position?
* What is the company culture like?
* What is the training and development program like for this position?
- Dress professionally and arrive on time. First impre
Also, be sure to arrive on time. Arriving late will show the panelists that you are not serious about the interview.
- Be confident and positive. Panel interviews can be intimidating, but it is important to remain confident and positive.
Make eye contact with the panelists, speak clearly and concisely, and avoid fidgeting.
Here are some additional tips for success in a panel interview:
- Be prepared to engage with all of the panelists. Make eye contact and address each panelist by name.
- Be a good listener. Pay attention to the panelists' questions and answer them thoughtfully.
- Be specific and provide examples in your answers. Don't just tell the panelists that you are a hard worker or that you have strong communication skills. Provide specific examples of times when you have demonstrated these skills.
- Be enthusiastic and show your passion for the position and the company.
- Thank the panelists for their time at the end of the interview.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success in your next panel interview.
Panel Interview: Tips for Success
Here are 6 tips for success in a panel interview:
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Do your research. Before the interview, learn as much as you can about the company, the position, and the panelists. This will help you to tailor your answers to their questions and to demonstrate your interest in the company.
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Prepare your answers to common interview questions. There are a number of common interview questions that are often asked in panel interviews. Some of these questions include:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in this position?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Why should we hire you?
Practice answering these questions in advance so that you can give clear and concise answers during your interview.
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Engage with all of the panelists. Make eye contact and address each panelist by name. This will show that you are respectful of their time and that you are interested in what they have to say.
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Be a good listener. Pay attention to the panelists' questions and answer them thoughtfully. Avoid interrupting or rambling.
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Be specific and provide examples in your answers. Don't just tell the panelists that you are a hard worker or that you have strong communication skills. Provide specific examples of times when you have demonstrated these skills.
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Be enthusiastic and show your passion for the position and the company. Let the panelists know why you are excited about the opportunity to work for their company.
