The Panel Interview

How to complete The Panel Interview

Facing three or more interviewers at once is a different beast than a one-on-one: questions come from multiple directions and you have to read several reactions simultaneously. Getting through one composed proves you can hold your own under pressure.

1. Get each interviewer's name and role at the start and jot them down so you can address people directly
2. When answering, make eye contact with the person who asked, then briefly include the rest of the panel
3. Pause and take a breath before answering hard questions instead of rushing to fill silence
4. Prepare two or three strong stories you can flex to different angles, since panels probe from varied perspectives
5. Have a question ready for each interviewer to show you registered them as individuals

Tips

• If two people ask at once, answer one and say you'll come back to the other, then actually do
• Treat a skeptical or quiet panelist as neutral, not hostile, and don't over-index on one frown
• Send a thank-you that references something specific from at least a couple of the interviewers

What counts as done

You completed an interview with three or more people questioning you at the same time and held your composure through it.