How To Prepare For A Panel Job Interview

How to prepare for a job interview.

Panel interviews are becoming popular with Kenyan employers as they look for different ways to screen job seekers and spot the best talent. So as an active job seeker, you need learn on how to prepare for this job interview as eventually the jobs you are applying for will give way to an interview and it could be in any form ranging from a one-on-one to a panel interview.

For a panel interview, you get to sit on the interview table with a group of interviewers and they all get to ask their questions, remember they are all directed to you. So, do you know how to handle a panel interview? Here is all you need to know on how to prepare for a panel interviews.

Related Article: Interview Questions and Answers to Expect in Kenya 

How to prepare for the job interview before the day of the interview

1. Research the organization

Preparing for the panel interview is the same as preparing for any other job interview so do a background check of the company you are interviewing, this will help you answer questions and stand out from less-prepared candidates.

Related article: How to Research a Company Before a Job Interview

2. Compare your skills and qualifications to the job

Make sure you study the job specifications and your CV .Prepare for possible and likely questions and formulate answers that are related to your experience, skills and qualification. Remember recruiters are interested in relevant experience for the position they want to fill.

3. Plan on what to wear and what to carry

You do not want a situation where the clothes you had planned on wearing for the interview either do not fit or have tears, this will only make you look bad in front of the panel and also seem like you were not interested, thus did not make a point for preparing. To avoid this prepare in advance. Secondly make sure that all the documents you have been asked to carry to the interview are available; documents like pay slips may not be instantly available which calls for you to arrange on how to get one before the day of the interview.

How To carry yourself on the day of the panel interview

1. Engage with the whole panel

Make Eye Contact with The Whole Panel When answering question from one interviewer, also when you enter the interview room look at all of the interviewers. During the interview, try and remember the names of each person and address them accordingly. Give each interviewer the same amount of attention by addressing the whole team.

2. Listen and Answer Question Effectively

A panel interview can be tricky because you will be having a group of people sometimes asking questions all at once. So listen carefully to the questions, address one at a time and answer the questions with confidence explaining that you possess the skills and qualities to get the job done well.

Remember, if you prepare for the panel interview thoroughly, there will be nothing to dread. Looking for help on your interview preparation?

The writer is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers CV Writing, Job Placement & Career Advice. Email florence@corporatestaffing.co.ke