If you’re searching for a new job, then you’d probably like to just skip the interviews altogether. They’re stressful, awkward, and can leave you feeling uncertain. But while a face-to-face with one hiring manager can be hard enough to prepare for, how can you possibly handle a panel interview?

First, take a deep breath. It might feel like you’re in the line of fire. But, as one of the top recruiting agencies in Houston, Murray Resources knows companies have several reasons for conducting panel interviews.

For starters, there are often multiple decision makers involved in the hiring process and it makes sense to get them all in one room at the same time to evaluate a candidate. Secondly, with a panel interview, employers get a variety of perspectives on each candidate, which can often make the hiring decision easier.

Now that you know the reasons companies conduct panel interviews, here are a few tips for helping you handle your next one like a pro:

Tip #1: Find Out Who’s on the Panel

When you’re scheduling the interview, ask who will be on the panel conducting the interview. Once you know the answer, you can then gain a clearer sense of the kinds of questions you’ll be asked. For example, if the panel mainly consists of people from HR, the questions you get asked will be different from thos a potential new manager and colleagues will ask.

In addition, you can do some leg work online to learn more about the backgrounds of each person on the panel (e.g. looking them up on LinkedIn). This will help you feel more in control and confident.

Tip #2: Tell Stories

Rather than walking into a panel interview feeling like you’re about to be interrogated, be prepared to bring your experience to life through different stories of your accomplishments. For example, if someone asks you what your biggest strength is, don’t just say “my positive attitude” or “my strong technical skills.” Illustrate your answer with a real-world example. Doing so will help you stand out in a sea of other candidates.

Tip #3: Engage Everyone

There may be a few people on the panel who seem “safer” than others. It appears they’re on your side. But when answering questions, don’t just make eye contact with them. In fact, it’s the ones who are more aggressive or don’t seem sold on your candidacy that you want to make more of an effort to engage. These are the people who are still on the fence and you need to do all you can to convince them you’re right for the job.

A final note: Don’t forget about the basics when it comes to a panel interview. Dress professionally, arrive ahead of schedule, bring several copies of your resume and smile and make eye contact.

If you need more help preparing for your next interview, call Murray Resources. As one of the leading recruiting agencies in Houston, we can assist you with the entire job search process – from crafting a strong resume to preparing for interviews to finding job opportunities that are a great fit for your skills and background.

Ready to get started? Contact us today.