A panel interview could be requested if you have a job interview with a company that emphasizes teamwork. Panel interviews feature numerous representatives of the firm speaking with an applicant, as opposed to standard interviews, which often only involve the applicant and one interviewer. You can approach panel interviews in a manner that demonstrates your ability to maintain attention and get along with others with experience. In this article, we at founderactivity will be looking at a bunch of panel interview questions and explain how to effectively respond to them.
What is a Panel Interview?
A team of 2 or more interviewers conducts panel interviews. Typically, the panel of interviewers will include a number of corporate employees who will be in the same room with you. In some instances, the panel will question several candidates at once with panel interview questions.
Most likely, at least one question will be asked of you by each panelist interviewer. If there are several candidates for the position, the interviewers may ask each one a question at a time.
Why are panel interviews used?
Similar to how you might consult a number of close friends before making an important choice in your personal life, businesses employ panel interviews to solicit feedback from various decision-makers on potential hires. A strong hire is likely to result from an agreement that can be established among a number of stakeholders because various people have different opinions. Additionally, candidates may profit from the fact that an important choice isn’t left up to the judgment of a single individual in this situation.
Logistics also have a role. A corporation can simply arrange a panel interview and kill two birds with one stone instead of having to schedule individual interviews with numerous different people involved in the hiring process.
And finally, when interviewing for roles requiring a high level of technical ability, panel interviews might be helpful. For example, engineers who report to operations managers might not have the specialized skills required for the position, therefore the hiring manager might ask an expert to join the panel in order to assess such talents more accurately.
Why do employers use panel interviews?
Employers frequently choose to interview people in this manner for a variety of reasons. It enables them to gather a thorough understanding of a candidate’s advantages and disadvantages from many angles. By promoting open conversation among panelists as they compare their impressions of the interviewee, the chance of prejudice in the selection process is reduced. They can make better hiring judgments as a result of having a more thorough grasp of each candidate’s fit for the position.
In a panel interview, several people from the company gather to assess an applicant all at once. By avoiding the need to arrange separate meetings with every member of the hiring team, this can save time. A panel interview is a handy and effective technique for well-prepared candidates to speak with several members of the recruiting team and possibly influence them with one outstanding performance.
How to prepare for a panel interview
With a few additional factors to take into account, the preparation procedures for a panel interview are basically the same as those for a typical interview.
Prior to anything else, be sure to take meticulous note of the date, time, and place of your interview. Also, make sure to arrive early for your planned window. When you are late, you not only impede one individual but also a large number of people. Avoid postponing a panel interview at all costs because it’s far harder to locate a time slot that works for everyone’s schedules than it is to do so for a single interviewer.
Next, research the panel members beforehand so that you can prepare. Learn a little bit about each individual you will be speaking with during the interview, such as their position within the organization and previous employment history. Ask each interviewer at least one well-thought-out question in advance.
Your perceived degree of confidence is greatly influenced by eye contact. In one study, it was discovered that participants with higher self-esteem broke visual contact less often compared to those with lower self-esteem, who did so more frequently. Instead than gazing at the person who asked the question, try to divide your time across the panelists when giving your responses.
Panel Interview Questions and Answers
The focus of a panel interview is frequently on your behavior at work and your capacity for team dynamics. Your responses to these panel interview questions can help you present yourself as a trustworthy, outgoing candidate who the interviewers can count on to join their team.
1. Tell us a little about yourself
Multiple interviewers can assess how well you could fit into the workplace by conducting a panel interview. You might find it helpful to approach panel interviews like a discussion as they are more social than standard interviews.
However, keep your response concentrated on your professional background, abilities, and traits. Think about the corporate culture, how your professional accomplishments might help your possible employer, and how you can utilize your response to address every person in the room as you prepare for this question.
SAMPLE ANSWER – “I have had my own graphic design business for more than four years. I enjoy brainstorming marketing programs with my members of the team and incorporating their comments into the projects I have made because design is typically a very collaborative process. Teamwork is one of your organization’s main values, as you mentioned before, and learning how highly your company values communication makes me even more eager to join your team.”
2. What would a coworker say about you?
You have the opportunity to show off your interpersonal skills in response to this panel interview questions. Consider the person you get along with the best at work and what they may say about you when answering this question. Be truthful in your responses and emphasize your best qualities.
SAMPLE ANSWER – “I make an effort to express my gratitude to my employees. My coworkers would remark that I respect their abilities and foster a positive work atmosphere. When I come across someone who does great job, I make sure to convey to them how valuable their contribution is. This raises team morale, and I believe my coworkers value it.”
3. Have you ever had a disagreement with a superior or coworker? What were your techniques?
This panel interview questions has two purposes: to assess how you manage difficult circumstances and to determine how well you can honestly evaluate your behavior. Take into account a situation where your response to a challenge differed from that of your manager or coworker. Describe how you resolved the conflict and made efforts to guarantee greater communication going forward. In your response, be sure to compliment your coworkers or superiors and emphasize the lessons you took away from the situation.
Use the STAR method to ensure that you are able to exhibit your skills when responding to panel interview questions about particular circumstances. Utilizing the STAR approach, you talk about the:
- Situation: Give a concise description of the circumstance.
- Task: Specify your part in the scenario.
- Action: Outline the steps you took to put the issue into perspective.
- Result: Describe the outcome of your actions, whenever feasible using quantitative data.
SAMPLE ANSWER – “One time, I had a disagreement with a coworker on how to carry out a marketing campaign via email. That day, when our team meeting was over, I spoke to her privately. I gave her the reasons I believed my suggested course of action would be effective and enquired about her thought process. After having a really candid conversation about our viewpoints, we came to the conclusion that each of our approaches dealt with distinct issues. We discussed an altogether new plan that would take into account both of our points of view once we had that knowledge. In the end, our dispute strengthened our relationship and helped us come up with a stronger strategy for the campaign.”
4. What makes you want to work here?
You can discuss your professional objectives and how they relate to the role by responding to this panel interview questions. Employers are interested in your professional objectives and how the employment fits into those ambitions. How effectively you would blend into the workplace culture could potentially be a topic for your response. Do some background research on the business and the role before the interview to be ready for this question. Adapt your response to the business.
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Since Sunshine Technologies is committed to developing technology that is suitable for the classroom, I am seeking employment there. It is crucial that we provide primary pupils the resources they need to succeed, which is why I would dearly want to play a role in that. In addition, my role as the field lead puts me right in schools, where I would want to observe how your effort directly affects the pupils. I would be quite satisfied in this employment because it is meaningful.”
5. Why should we hire you?
Utilize this opportunity to highlight the distinctive qualities and talents you have that would be of particular value to your potential employer. Think about all that you have to give when preparing for this panel interview questions, including your achievements, experience, education, training, and personality. Focus on your strengths and distinctive features in your response.
SAMPLE ANSWER – “I have spent the last 6 years working in the entertainment sector. I have learnt a ton about efficient marketing techniques and PR methods over that period. That experience is evident in the work I do at Media Corp. Due to my dedication to market analysis, I began as an intern and eventually advanced to the position of media executive. I am driven by my own goals and skilled at media analysis, which maintains us up to date on current trends in communication. I would put my knowledge of marketing analysis to work as a marketing analyst to raise the profile of your business.”
6. What Interests You About This Position?
Panel interviews, one-on-one interviews, and even quick conversations with recruiting managers all include this question. It is a panel interview questions that, regardless of the interview setting, you can almost always count on hearing.
The purpose of this panel interview questions is to determine whether your career objectives line up with the job. The recruiting manager is looking for evidence that this position is more than a means of support or a stepping stone to another. Employers need workers who are committed, eager to stay aboard, and captivated by the business’s objective.
The ideal method to answer is to discuss your long-term professional objectives while also adjusting your response to the advantages that the organization and role offer. Prepare a response based on your research, focusing on this function and how it may contribute to your overall goal.
7. What Do You Know About Our Company?
Here’s a challenging panel interview questions that looks unexpected. Why would interviewers want to know what knowledge you have about their business?
In the end, this panel interview questions seeks to demonstrate your commitment to the position. Opportunities can just appear in front of people’s faces. Perhaps they apply for a position without giving it any thought. But before they realize it, they’re well into the hiring procedure and about to be hired for a new post.
Your seriousness about the position will be tested during the interview. Knowing a lot about the business demonstrates that you performed your research. It is obvious that the hiring process is significant enough that you should learn as much as you can about it.
Discuss your knowledge when responding to this interview question from the panel. Don’t be scared to discuss what attracted you to the organization and always bring everything back to the role.
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Before this interview, I took the time to research their company. I am aware that you have assisted over 70 firms in expanding their staff, making you the largest recruitment firm in the area. Your continued success throughout the years is explained by your strong adherence to your beliefs. All of your staff members must support your goals and demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism, which I am prepared to do. You are one of the greatest workplaces in our area since you also honor diligence and hard effort.”
8. Which Work Environment Preferences Do You Have?
Every organization has a unique workplace and culture. Regardless of how qualified you are, a lack of workplace compatibility can have a detrimental effect on your performance and job satisfaction in general. Additionally, nobody likes to work with a person who is unwilling to participate.
Here is where completing your homework in advance pays off. Discover the culture’s characteristics. Is the company stern and really professional? Is it more carefree and enjoyable?
Once you know, adjust your response.
9. Why Are You Seeking a New Position?
In order to determine whether this job is a good fit for you, interviewers ask you about your professional goals. Determine whether the position will keep you engaged and interested.
Even if you have the best credentials and abilities, if you are not enthusiastic about your work, it will show in your performance. The duration of those people’s employment with the organization is uncertain because they don’t really have a reason to be there.
Answer honestly while keeping the organization and position in mind. Discuss the position you seek and firmly establish your links to it. Your objective when responding to this panel interview question should be to reiterate that you will like working in this role.
10. How Do You Deal with Workplace Conflicts?
Disagreements at work frequently arise, however they should never become so hostile as to have a negative effect on business.
The purpose of this panel interview question is to determine your approach to conflict. Do you deal with it and move on, or do you allow it fester?
Consider your prior experiences and pick one that represents you best (obviously). Consider describing what you did to resolve the situation and emphasizing that it had no impact on your work output or the relationship with the coworker. Aim for positivism and tell the tale to highlight your excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
11. Why do you think you are the best candidate out of everyone else?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “I have been in this business for eleven years, so I have plenty of experience. Over the course of my career, I have collaborated with many organizations and had a variety of jobs. When starting a new career, it is crucial to be able to manage change and blend in effectively in team situations. Additionally, I have no trouble inspiring my staff to produce excellent results, which benefits the business.”
12. Have you ever handled a difficult customer? How did you act?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “As a store manager, I once had a customer who came in with a defective equipment that he had bought from us two years prior and requested a free repair because it was covered by a guarantee. The warranty was particular and did not cover hardware; it only covered software. When I only told him that his device’s body and screen were not covered by the warranty, he grew enraged and asserted that he understood how warranties worked. After letting him yell, I calmed him down and described what hardware and software components were. He gladly left the store after I was able to negotiate a discount with the store.”
13. Have you had a difference of opinion with our boss?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Yes. I once had a disagreement with my supervisor. He made a request of me that was against the rules of the organization. She refused to listen to my attempts to explain why I could not. I maintained my position and stuck to my principles. I’m pleased I stood my ground and rejected greed, even though I had to work nights for the remainder of the week following the argument.”
14. Describe your resume to us.
SAMPLE ANSWER – “I worked as a business development assistant for Xyz Company after receiving my master’s in economics and business administration. Here, I greatly benefited the business, improved communication with the marketing division, increased customer satisfaction significantly, and oversaw the execution of a continuity plan. After three years, I became a business development manager for DEF Company, where I grew their clientele, oversaw multi-million dollar projects, and developed fresh marketing and sales strategies. The company had double the revenue it had when I arrived by the time I was leaving.”
15. What attracted you to this field?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Technology has always intrigued me. My family was made up of engineers and programmers, which encouraged me to pursue a career in this area. In our family, someone was frequently discussing a programming project or typing something onto the desktop computer. When I reached adulthood, I trained myself how code, and I have not turned back since. I entered this sector as a result of my passion and curiosity, which has contributed to my success.”
16. What motivates you for this position?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Right now, this job has everything I am looking for in a career. With this employment, I will have the ability to take on fresh challenges and grow in my career. I would like the opportunity to join a brand-new company and gain knowledge from your skilled and knowledgeable personnel. My long-held ambition to manage people is something else that this job can help me realize. If given the chance, which I eagerly await, I am certain that I will put in my utmost effort in order to provide excellent outcomes.”
17. Describe a difficulty you overcame at your most recent job.
SAMPLE ANSWER – “In my previous firm, where I was the head of operations, I found that the majority of the systems were obsolete and consequently not very functional. When I accepted the job, the annual budget had already been created and approved, but I felt that something needed to be done. I scheduled a meeting with the senior management and outlined how better systems would enhance business operations. I had to even dig up a few of my earlier audits. Although the majority were emphatic, I was able to gain the CEO’s heart and confidence so that he pushed for money despite the fact that the budget had already been authorized. Following it, the organization benefited significantly.”
18. What is your greatest strength?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “My greatest strength is my ability to speak and write with clarity and persuasion. I have developed exceptional communication abilities throughout the years. I can easily explain facts, control expectations, and inspire others because to my strong communication abilities. These abilities have also been helpful to me when working in teams. They will definitely have a big part to play in this, I am sure.”
19. What is your biggest success?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Although I have accomplished a lot in my job, my greatest success is in my personal life. With a handful of friends, we launched a program in our neighborhood that helped the poor and orphaned. We were able to expand it and attract a few sponsorships that shared our idea. When I was chosen as chairman, I went one step further and made the decision to turn it into a nationwide movement. I got in touch with various organizations, regional authorities, companies, and potential sponsors, outlining what we were undertaking and why it was vital. In my 2 years as the chairman, the majority of them answered, and we were able to enroll 5000 underprivileged kids and orphans in school, something I do not take for granted.”
20. What would your previous boss say about you?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Given that my former boss served as my mentor since I entered the organization about five years ago, we had a tight relationship. I wanted someone to lead the way and taught me a few basics about the entity because I was still learning. When I first started working there, he was a manager of a lower cadre, but we were able to maintain our friendship until he was promoted to top manager of the sales and marketing division. He is therefore qualified to define me and would say that I am assured, willing to learn, and truthful. He also saw that I was enthusiastic during all of our interactions. He certainly has a lot to say, in my opinion.”
21. Do you have any experience that is relevant to this job?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Yes. In my previous positions, I effectively handled a variety of teams and projects, which has given me the necessary skills to be successful in this management job. I have developed my leadership abilities over the years, therefore I am confident in my ability to do a good job.”
22. How will you help improve our current team?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “The team currently will not be a an exception my usual goal of making a positive contribution. I intend to contribute to the team all the knowledge and abilities I have gathered over years and put them to use. I’ll share what I know with them and take notes from them, which I think will have a big impact on how we run things. I also enjoy inspiring individuals around me so that the team always has a leader that pushes them to perform at their highest level.”
23. How Would You Describe Our Culture?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Prior to applying for this job, I had to learn further about your workplace culture, and what I learned strongly echoes my personal values. I really connect with the professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to others that you are founded upon. Irrespective of my position, I enjoy helping others because I firmly believe that helping others is the best possible thing one can do for them. Regarding professionalism, I always try to act in the most appropriate manner while handling problems because doing so ensures better outcomes. Last but not least, I enjoy working on projects with other people in both my personal and professional lives.”
24. How Do You Plan To Handle the Pressure of This Job?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “I am convinced that my work experience in this industry has equipped me to manage any pressure I may encounter in my endeavors. Generally speaking, I am an excellent planner, which helps me minimize pile work and last-minute rushes, which are the two main sources of job pressure. Additionally, I have strong multitasking abilities that will be useful under these circumstances. I’ll manage minor responsibilities concurrently without sacrificing the level of my work, which will undoubtedly help ease the load.”
25. If you could, what would you change about this situation?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “I place a high value on collaboration. Even though your business values, supports, and encourages teamwork, I think there is still room for improvement. In order to increase teamwork, I would start by switching your office from a closed to an open structure. An open workplace design also implies that staff members will not waste much time hopping from office to office looking for assistance. To increase client happiness, I would also increase the size of the service counter at the entrance.”
26. In five years, where do you see yourself?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “I prefer to focus on the now and try to make the best of my current situation. I therefore cannot say that I have given the following five years much thought. I am convinced that I won’t be where I am in my profession, though, because I love making improvements and moving up in my career. I will have acquired new abilities and improved working methods to help me reach new heights. In order to increase my efficiency, I also intend to enroll in at least three courses relevant to my field of work.”
27. How Well Do You Think You’ll Get On With Your Managers and Employers?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “I firmly believe in preserving positive relationships with every person at work, therefore I typically make sure that I get along well with my bosses, supervisors, and coworkers. I intend to follow directions and adhere to company rules, which is among the best methods to maintain a good reputation. I’ll also adhere to deadlines and respect limits. Finally, I want to manage expectations and hit every goal set by using all the abilities I have learned in this profession.”
28. What Do You See As The Primary Obstacle In This Role?
SAMPLE ANSWER – “Due to your outstanding workplace practices and stellar reputation, I’ve always wanted to work for this organization. Given that I have worked in the hospitality sector my whole professional life, this will be my first job in the retail sector. I will consequently need to adapt more quickly to prevent falling behind. The good news is that I can readily adapt to change. Since I am a beginner student as well, I will not need much time to understand how you operate. I am eager to start working here.”
Questions to ask an Interview Panel
A panel interview typically concludes with an opportunity for the candidate to ask questions, much like in a standard interview. You can direct your questions towards specific panelists or at the entire group. Here are some examples of panel interview questions.
29. Please elaborate on what it is like to work with (company name).
You will know if one of the panelists works in your potential department or has held the position you are going for because you did your research on them. This is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your research and gather insightful first-hand information about what a typical workday entails.
30. What are the most important tasks you want this person in this position to complete?
Showing an interest in the job’s requirements demonstrates your commitment to meeting them if you get the job. Additionally, it will guarantee that you are fully aware of the objectives you would be pursuing.
31. I read a news article about the business on the company website. Could you please elaborate on that?
It could change the firm’s direction or indicate that new opportunities might be on the horizon for its employees if the company recently made news for a new product, a change in management, a merger, or any other event. Therefore, if you’re thinking of working there, it is probably something that you’d like to understand more about.
32. What kind of work normally follows this position?
While it is important to avoid getting ahead of yourself—after all, the employer is only interested in hiring someone for this position rather than the one above it—still it’s a good idea to learn about potential development chances if you land the job and do well on it.
What are the panelists looking for?
Typically, panelists seek out the same details that traditional interviewers do. They want to find someone who has the ideal combination of the necessary training and expertise for the position. In addition, the interviewers want to know how well the prospects fit the culture and values of the business. More particular, the panelists will focus on the candidates’ capacity for success under pressure, interaction with panelists, and rapport-building. Once hired, this can help establish whether the applicant will contribute to the organization and fit in well with their team.
What industries use a panel interview?
Among the most popular formats for job interviews is the panel discussion, particularly for positions where working in a team is essential. In fact, according to studies, it is used to screen applications by 48% of hiring managers from diverse industries. However, in some industries, this kind of interview is more common and might even be needed as part of the hiring process. These include government entities, sizable non-profit organizations, financial services firms, and consultancy firms. The preparation for a panel interview is a crucial part of the job search process for candidates in these industries.
What happens during a panel interview?
After an applicant has completed successfully a screening interview, panel interviews are frequently held. The panelists typically identify themselves and provide a brief background on their roles within the business before to the start of the real interview. They might also include an explanation of the interview’s objectives and details on the panel’s composition. This aids in establishing the discussion’s tone and getting the candidates ready for what the future holds.
Normally, before the interview, each panelist will prepare a list of questions they want to ask each applicant. Once the conversation starts, they will switch off asking questions and talking about each other’s answers. A choice about whether or not to offer the post to the candidate. Additionally, you can be asked to carry out a task associated with your position or give a presentation on a certain subject. The panelists will then deliberate once the meeting is over and decide whether or not to grant the applicant the job.
How to Respond to a Panel Interview Invitation?
In order to confirm your availability when invited to take part in a panel interview, it is important to react right away. The panelists will see that you are eager for the job and driven to pursue it if you respond quickly. A delayed response, on the other hand, can be interpreted as a lack of interest, which may be damaging to your candidacy.
It is in your best advantage to notify the employer as soon as possible if you are not able to accept the invite for some reason. To explain the problem and provide a specific date on which you will be accessible, you can either contact them or write them an email. This demonstrates your initiative and dedication to career prospects.
Tips to Remember for Panel Interviews
We will discuss top tips for acing the panel interview in this part. Here are some things you may do to raise your chances of succeeding and winning over the panel.
1) Be fair to all panelists
It is crucial to treat everyone equally during a panel interview, regardless of their place and level of seniority within the organization. Even if you might feel more at ease speaking with some panelists than others, you should treat them all with the same respect and professionalism during the interview. It will demonstrate that you are a team player who can be counted on to get along with others if you treat every panelist with the same civility
Try not to vary your responses in response to the questioner when responding to the panel. Instead, treat every interviewer equally and respond to the questions in the same way.
2) Conduct yourself naturally during the panel discussion.
Some candidates frequently mistake a panel interview for a typical Q&A session. But rather than a one-sided information exchange, this is truly a conversation between you and the interviewers. In order to encourage open dialogue between you and the panelists, it is crucial that you take the time to get to know them. You may distinguish yourself from other applicants by making the interview informal and participating in a fruitful exchange of ideas.
In order to assess how informal your talk can be, observe the panelists’ body language and degree of formality while you speak with them. Pay attention to everything they have to say and look for chances to thoughtfully address their points. Use shared interests and knowledge to establish a connection and demonstrate your suitability for the role and the firm. As a result, your comments will sound more casual and pertinent to the topic at hand without being awkward or overly wordy.
3) Be ready for follow-up questions
Given that there are various decision-makers participating in the interview process, you will probably be questioned more after providing an initial response. These questions are typically open-ended, meant to delve further into your understanding and assess your capacity to react correctly under pressure. Therefore, it is crucial to give thorough responses that demonstrate your understanding of the issues and your ability to back your views with concrete examples.
Prepare a number of instances of pertinent accomplishments and experiences that you can use as examples when answering follow-up inquiries. Make sure to pay close attention to each question and comment during the panel interview. Before proceeding on to the following panel interview question, inquire with the panel whether more clarity is required. By adopting this strategy, you will be able to give a concise response that is accurate and serves as a solid foundation for receiving the job offer.
4) Ask the panel thoughtful questions.
The panel interview involves both sides. It’s an opportunity for you to learn more about the business and the position as well as for the interviewers to really get to know you better. As a result, it is crucial to quiz the panel during the interview with pertinent questions. By doing so, you will be able to demonstrate your enthusiasm for and interest in the position and present a strong case for your application. In addition, the panel’s varied perspectives can offer insightful information that can aid in your decision-making regarding whether the role is a good fit for you. Let’s look at a few sample queries you might use.
33. What about working for this firm do you love the most?
34. What phrase best sums up the environment of your business?
35. How did previous workers succeed in this position?
In conclusion, when sitting before an interview panel, you might anticipate being asked some of these questions. To improve your chances of landing the job, make sure to prepare the finest responses to provide the interviewers. The way you present yourself to the interviewers will affect how well you do in the interview, so don’t forget to prepare yourself nicely. We hope the best for you!
A hiring manager asks a job candidate, “When do you find you’re most productive?” The candidate responds, “When the bills are due.”
