Here's how you can navigate a panel interview with multiple interviewers.

Thoroughly research the company and its interviewers before the panel interview. Understand their roles and backgrounds to tailor your responses accordingly. Familiarise yourself with the company’s culture, values, and recent achievements. This preparation demonstrates your genuine interest and equips you with valuable insights to address specific questions effectively.

Obtain a list of the panelists including their full names, titles, & email addresses. Research them by reviewing the company's website, LinkedIn, Google &/or Glassdoor. Determine the skills you have that are required & make notes on a copy of your resume in the margins of stories (with results) you can tell to demonstrate that you're a strong match. Strive to make eye contact with everyone to be viewed as engaged & likeable. Direct most of your responses to the person who asks the question OR is leading the panel. Be present by smiling & nodding. Ask questions focused on the company, culture & job. If you like what you're hearing, tell them & ask about next steps. Email customized thank you notes to everyone to sell yourself one last time.

Practise responses to common interview questions, focusing on clarity and conciseness. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Rehearse with a friend or in front of a mirror to build confidence. This preparation ensures you articulate your skills and experiences convincingly during the panel interview.

Navigating a panel interview can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, you can impress every interviewer. Start by researching each panel member's background to tailor your responses to their interests—showing you're detail-oriented and prepared. Practice responses that consider various perspectives, such as cultural fit for HR and technical skills for a department manager. During the interview, engage with everyone: make eye contact with the person asking the question and include the others by addressing the group. This approach not only showcases your respect but also your ability to communicate effectively in a team setting.

Address each panel member during the interview, making eye contact and acknowledging their questions. Engage everyone by varying your gaze and responding thoughtfully to each person's queries. This inclusive approach demonstrates respect and attentiveness, helping you build rapport with the entire panel and leaving a positive impression.

Don’t be scared to ask the interviewer to repeat the question rather than you answering and not making sense because you’re talking about something unrelated to the question. Also make eye contact with all your interviews.

Listen carefully to each question before responding. Take a moment to understand the query fully and formulate your answer. This demonstrates active listening skills and ensures your responses are relevant and well-considered. By attentively addressing the panel’s concerns, you show respect and a keen interest in the conversation.

This is so important especially if you’re interviewing for a supervisor or management role. Being calm and answering all the questions in a calm manner showing you may be able to handle a stressful situation.

Maintain composure throughout the panel interview, even if faced with challenging questions. Breathe deeply and stay focused on delivering your responses calmly and confidently. Managing your nerves effectively helps you think clearly and project a professional demeanour, leaving a positive impression on the interviewers.

Navigating a panel interview can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can excel. Active listening is crucial; focus intently on each question and the person asking it to ensure your responses are thoughtful and precise. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if needed, as it demonstrates your engagement. Stay calm by taking deep breaths and pausing to collect your thoughts, showcasing your composure under pressure. Post-interview, send personalized thank-you notes to each panel member, referencing specific discussion points to leave a lasting, positive impression. These steps will help you stand out and showcase your professionalism and attentiveness.

After the interview, send a personalised thank-you email to each panel member. Express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role. Mention specific points from the interview to reinforce your enthusiasm. This courteous follow-up demonstrates professionalism and keeps you fresh in the interviewers' minds.

It's easy to go into a panel interview feeling outnumbered, so you must shift your mindset on this proactively. This is your chance to really shine! You get to show multiple people at once how amazing you are. When a panel sees your evident talents, your confident demeanor and you project your light across the table, you are able to harness a sense of group support. Instead of thinking about what could go wrong, think about a panel as a golden opportunity to kill many birds with one stone. Think about the many ways this can go right!