Interview review: Important reminders for panel interviews

I’m Larry Polhill, and I’m living out a happy, quiet retirement. Aside from pursuing hobbies I never got to pursue back when I was working, I still take the time to help people with their job applications. It’s always been a passion of mine and I may very well be doing it until I can’t do it anymore.

Image source: gentlemansgazette.com

For today, I want to go back and talk about one of the topics I used to give lectures about – effective panel interviews. Yes, panel interviews can be very daunting especially for people who are going through it for the first time. There are things that have to be consciously avoided as well as things that need to be prepped beforehand.

Image source: careerdreaming.com

Let’s start with the things you shouldn’t be doing, or what I like to call the Larry Polhill no-nos. First off, being nervous is natural which is why you need to control small movements like playing with your pen or scratching your arm. Your body language may be enough to tell interviewers that you’re not ready for the job. Sit up straight and avoid slouching.

As for the things you have to do, you can start with greeting everyone when you enter the room. But if you’re the first person in the room, waiting for your interviewers, stand up immediately once they enter the room and greet them. Use a firm handshake. Try looking comfortable, but not too comfortable – this will make you appear confident and formidable. Take a few seconds before answering questions, and don’t act too eager.

As you can see, I put a heavy value on demeanor during interviews and especially during panel interviews.

Is there anything else you can add that can help people during panel interviews? Feel free to share them with us below.

Hi there! I’m Larry Polhill, a retired career consultant from Arizona. I give advice to people looking to land a job. Visit this page to learn more.

Proper Etiquette Tips During a Panel Interview

The way we behave and act during a panel interview can make or break our chances of landing that job, so we’ve to be extra careful about the simplest things we might be doing unconsciously, like fidgeting with a pen or repeatedly scratching an arm.

Image source: careerdreaming.com

Of course, these are not aspects of etiquette entirely, and most interviewers will not fault the interviewee for being a bit nervous. Yet body language is important, and the path toward getting hired begins with thorough mindfulness.

Greet everyone as your or they enter the room. Stand up if you’re first in the room and give each panel member a firm handshake. Show a sincere smile despite any feeling of nervousness.

Avoid closing your arms and slouching while being asked questions, as these can likewise exude insecurity. Sit straight without looking rigid. Even as your arms are kept open, keep your legs held together. This will make you exude an air of both confidence and professionalism.

During the actual interview, never rush to answer questions. Wait patiently for each question to finish, collect your thoughts, and reply without stuttering and stumbling. Project your voice as you answer, without shouting, so that everyone can hear you clearly.

Image source: gentlemansgazette.com

Of course, don’t take too long to answer. Focus on each individual question and don’t get caught up overexplaining even if you’ve felt your answer was incomplete. Finally, thank everyone individually and shake hands anew after the panel interview is done.

My name’s Larry Polhill, a retired career consultant from Arizona. I understand the daunting tasks that hiring managers and recruiters face, so I continue to offer insights for jobseekers to get ahead. More on my work and interests here.