Panel InterviewI just found out that my interview at a Museum next week is a panel interview. It will include the current Office Manager (the position I am applying for), Director of Operations, and Director of Marketing and Member Services. I know it' s good to have eye contact with the person who asked the question, then move on to the other members on the panel, and close the response focusing back on the person who posed the question. But does anyone else have any tips, previous experience, advice? I take a portfolio with me for each of the panel members. If I am unsure of the number I take extras. Office Max has great portfolio covers by the way. Now I am in a different business so my insert would be different but in my portfolio is at least two things and sometimes a third;
Those three things are specific to my industry and generally to the job I am interviewing for. You would need to decide what makes sense for the type of industry and job you are interviewing for. The reason for the hand out is simple, it allows you to use reference material. Gives your audience something to look at and a something to direct attention to. Shows your commitment as well, especially if you have taken some time to customize the second handout towards them.
My fellow above has pointed out some very good pieces of information and some very inspired tips. You yourself have managed to enhance some things about panel interviews. But to say this type of interview is more difficult than being in front of a firing squad....a little bit exaggerated. The thing with the "panel" interview is that yes, you are being "fired at" with questions, by more than two persons. I am not sure I would offer any tips re panel interviews. They are not that big of a deal. I have been through them a couple of times in the past years and I never found them more stressful than any individual interview. Eye contact is natural anyway and every interview is a little test so nothing will be new about that. I would get appropriate sleep all that previous week if possible so that you look healthy and feel ready. Bring multiple copies of everything you would bring to any other interview. If there is a portfolio involved, make sure it looks OK. Museum people may not expect the typical business uniform unless you are applying for the "office" side of the business, so if you are on the curatorial side you may be allowed more flexibility in dress. However, dressing like an art student may not help you. Other than that, you have no reason to be apprehensive. I just found out that my interview at a Museum next week is a panel interview. It will include the current Office Manager (the position I am applying for), Director of Operations, and Director of Marketing and Member Services. I don' t like panel interviews because you need to talk down to one person at the same time you are talking up to the other person. The current Office Manager is going to feel a need to show off to her boss, so she' ll interrupt you and ask questions that will make you look dumb. Meanwhile you need to demonstrate that you have a good command of the requirements at the same time that you are saying things that she completely already understands. It is a frustrating situation to me. Every response to your posting has been good advice. Be rested, be prepared, and be confident. Keep a pad of paper handy for notes. They are going to take notes, and so should you. Draw a quick diagram of the panel, their current positions, and their names. That way you do not have to remember them on the spur of the moment. When the current Office Manager asks a question, focus most of your attention to that one person. Frame your answer to demonstrate how your skills and experience can meet the challenge of that position' s question(s). But be ready to also relate how your answer will benefit the Director of Operations or the Director of Marketing. There may be cross-over responsibility. Shift eye contact and focus when the current Office Manager' s question also relates the needs of the Director of Operations (for example). Some people hear with just their ears, and others "hear" with their eyes as well. Perhaps there may be a flip chart in the interview room. Use it to "draw" an answer with words, figures, etc. Use one side of a page to identify key qualifications and responsibilities as they see the position. Then add your skills and experience opposite the key qualifications and responsibilities to demonstrate why you are the most logical candidate for the job. When asked a question, don' t feel pressed to immediately answer. Look pensive, scratch your chin, and slowly respond -- even if you already know the answer. It is OK to think before you speak. If you don' t know the answer, say so. They will know if you are faking an answer. This is a "sales call" and YOU are the product. Be the best you can be. Demonstrate why and how you are the best candidate for the job. Sell every member of that panel. And this may sound a bit corny, but tell them "I want this job!" And mean it. | |
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