Ways to Impress a Panel Interview

1. Take a Good Look at Your Resume

Your resume is going to be your mirror in the interview spot. So better take a good one. Don’t boast nor underestimate the power of a clear and concise resume. Every word should be understandable and explainable to you. It is much appreciated if you have proof documents pinned as well.

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Along with this, bring enough copies of your resume and other documents so that everyone on the other side of the panel can have their own copy for further review. Also don’t forget to bring a notepad and pen  

2. Dress Up Professionally

Dressing professionally for a panel interview is crucial as it significantly affects the first impression you create. While your answers matter, your appearance is equally important. Make sure to get a decent haircut, polish your formal shoes, and iron your clothes to avoid any wrinkles or creases. 

Opt for monochrome colors like white, navy blue, beige, or black for a clean and sophisticated look. Remember, dressing professionally shows your seriousness and respect for the interview process, and can positively impact your chances of getting hired.

3. Focus on Your Body Language and Facial Expression

During a panel interview, it’s natural to feel nervous, but it’s important to control your body language and facial expressions. Be conscious of your actions and avoid over-excitement or appearing too casual. When entering the room, greet each panel member with a smile and maintain eye contact. 

Take your seat when asked to and avoid fidgeting or making unwanted hand or leg movements. It’s essential to practice your body language and facial expressions beforehand to ensure you come across as confident and professional during the interview. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to identify areas that need improvement. 

With practice, you can develop a confident and composed demeanor that leaves a positive impression on the panel.

4. Prepare Questions for Interviewers

When you’re in a panel interview, you will likely be given the opportunity to ask questions of your own. This is a chance to show your interest in the company and gain a deeper understanding of the role and its responsibilities. It’s important to prepare in advance and develop questions specific to the company, the role, or the interviewers. 

Also, consider what matters most to you in a job and form questions around those topics. These questions can provide valuable insights into the role and the company culture, helping you assess whether it aligns with your needs and career goals. By asking thoughtful questions, you demonstrate your interest in the opportunity and your commitment to making an informed decision.

5. Give Time to Each Panel Member

Each member will be asking questions on their turn. Respect their time and act at your pace. Don’t beat around the bush unnecessarily. Don’t ramble or go off-topic, as this can make you come across as unprepared or unfocused. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to admit it and promise to follow up with more information later. 

Maintain healthy eye contact with each panel member as you speak, and don’t forget to smile. Showing respect and professionalism to each panel member can leave a positive impression and improve your chances of success.

6. Pause and Answer

Sometimes the answer lies in the attitude of the question. So think twice before you give your final answer. Pausing for a few seconds can help you formulate a thoughtful and concise answer, and can prevent you from rambling or going off-topic. It’s also okay to ask for clarification if you don’t fully understand the question. 

By taking your time and answering thoughtfully, you can show the panel that you are a composed and confident candidate who is capable of handling challenging situations with ease. It shows your intellect to think before you act. Prepare an answer in your mind before presenting.

7. Follow Up is Important

A good handshake, smile, and decent thank you are a must at the end of the session. Follow up within 24 hours with the respective judges. Ask for true feedback so that you can act accordingly. Analyze your performance based on the preview.

Have you ever gone through a job interview where you see a long table with several chairs on each side and sitting at the table are the members of the interview panel, who introduce themselves to you as a panelist? It is called a Panel Interview. In this article, we’ll explore what is Panel Interview and how you can impress panel interviewers.