Work Fanatic

Companies employ a number of interview scenarios for potential candidates when investigating their skill sets.  From one on one interviews to large conference rooms with multiple executives, each culture employs its own method of review.  The panel based interview, a common method used in large and small companies alike, is one of the most frustrating and intimidating for potential employees.  How to master it?

The panel interview is not meant to intimidate the potential candidate during the process.  It is normally a valuation of time, looking more at the team members who work for the company, than those that are considering being a part of the team.  Management is extended and the ability to set an hour out of their day and schedule multiple meetings is near impossible.  The panel allows for a one stop meeting, the ability to hear what peers ask potential candidates, and develop a common view on a potential employee all in under 60 minutes.  Questions are poised from multiple perspectives, allowing managment to see the impact of a position not only from their group’s view.  Groups tend to stimulate more conversation, feeding off one another and generating solid back/forth discussion.  It allows for the candidate to engage the group as a whole or indivdually, asking questions in general and getting comprehensive answers from varying business units.

The most effective method for mastering the panel interview is to be prepared.  If you are using a recruiter – inquire of who will be on the panel, what role they play in the company, and how this position effects them directly?  If not a recruiter, call HR and get a briefing from them.  If you can address personality, what they like in potential candidates, etc. – this all helps with preperation.  Going in unprepared is like going before the firing squad, you are certain to perish.  Take a look at the company as a whole, understand why this position is critical to them and potential questions they might ask.

Answering the questions.  When answering questions in a group, the way you answer them is the same in verbage but the body language needs to be different.  Address the person asking the question, but make sure to make eye contact with all members of the table.  Eye contact is critical and people want to ensure you are paying them attention.  Only addressing the person that presented the question can make people feel non-important and therefore can cast the wrong impression.  Understand your audience.  Who is in the room?  If your potential position reports to the manager, and the VP happens to be there – make sure you address him in all questions subtly.  Make a point to answer the question while also providing an understanding of how the role effects the company as a whole and not just that group.  VPs are interested in more strategic aspects, looking long term and seeing what you might be able to grow into 5 yrs from now.  Showing an understanding of the business overall exemplifies your business understanding.

Be calm.  If you have a tendacy to be nervous, take a cold shower before going to the meeting.  There is nothing worse than a sweating candidate in front of a large group.  Not only is it unattractive, but it makes you look as if you are hiding something and does not display confidence – all unspoken interview aspects that the panel is looking over in addition to your answers.

This is a popular subject as more and more companies employ the practice, so we will address this again soon.  Hope this is helps in getting you started.