You are in : Jobs > Career Articles

Interviews

Ace your panel interview

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:43

Panel interviews can be incredibly stressful and nerve-wracking and are by nature designed to reveal how applicants react in high pressure situations says recruitment consultant Peggy Mckee. Follow these tips and remain cool under pressure the next time you are forced to speak to a panel of long faced judges.

Mckee challenges potential interviewees to renew their thinking about the purpose of an interview. She says success originates in the mind, and urges applicants to realize that ‘You have a responsibility to allow them to see the skills sets that you have’.

Mckee reminds applicants that their role is to help the panel make the right decision, ‘which is to hire you’. If you go into the interview room with this mind set you are more likely to be relaxed and succeed.

She makes an interesting observation that ‘the judges probably aren’t very excited to be there either’. The truth is that the interviewers would probably also prefer to conduct a one-on-one interview where no-one can judge their questions. Bear this in mind during your next meeting.

Of course preparation is still the most important aspect of the interviewing process. ‘There’s nothing like preparation for making interviews go better, for giving you confidence and relaxing your nerves.’ Excessive nervousness before an interview may be a sign that you are poorly prepared.

‘Do your research, know the job, know the company, know yourself and the people that are interviewing you’ says Mckee. She advises those who work with a recruiter to speak to them about the client and the types of interview questions that can be expected. It is also a good idea to question the recruiter about their personal interaction with the company to gain an understanding of the organisational culture. Recruiters are often able to provide insider tips on what a client is looking for in a potential employee.

Applicants should be cognisant of their body language and presentation. ‘Lean forward, smile, make eye contact and be sure to shake everyone’s hand with a firm handshake.’ Shaking hands with the panel will set the tone for the rest of the interview. Mckee encourages applicants to shake hands with panel members before and after every interview. ‘This takes a lot of confidence, but that is what they want to see’. Interviewers are there to assess every action or response of the applicant to determine whether the interviewee could successfully represent their organisation.

McKee encourages applicants to ask questions, however not in the conventional way. Typically an interview coach would advise an interviewee to prepare questions and raise them towards the end of the interview, but Mckee recommends that applicants ask questions for clarification during the interview. Questions like ‘is that what you mean’ or ‘did I answer that question in full’ or ‘what have you found to be effective when this situation has occurred’ are good examples. According to Mckee ‘this creates a back and forth type correspondence’ which puts interviewees in a better light and levels the playing field. It is a welcome alternative to the traditional ‘shotgun’ style interview, where applicants are forced to respond to questions in a reactive setting.

Wrap up the interview by obtaining feedback says Mckee. Ask how well you did and confirm that you’ve answered all their questions and that they have no objections. Reiterate your interest in the position and conclude with a brief summary of your qualifications and why you are the best person for the job.

Watch recruitment consultant Peggy McKee, owner of PHC consulting in her video ‘How to ace panel interviews- get hired today’

view more interesting video's on the Skills Universe