Having to face a 5 person interview panel

phoenix999

I have an interview with a 5 person interview panel coming up. Anybody think that's rather excessive? Should I be making eye contact with just the person asking the question or what? And do I shake hands with the whole Panel or the just the Chairman? Don't want to look like a plonker. It's like going before a firing squad.

Stheno

phoenix999 wrote: »

I have an interview with a 5 person interview panel coming up. Anybody think that's rather excessive? Should I be making eye contact with just the person asking the question or what? And do I shake hands with the whole Panel or the just the Chairman? Don't want to look like a plonker. It's like going before a firing squad.

Nope not excessive, when they all introduce themselves, shake hands and say hello to each individual.

Any questions you are asked, make sure that you address the entire panel and not just the asker, so that you are using the opportunity to influence them all if that makes sense?

deelite

Answer the person who asks the question while at the same time engage the other four - kind of like when you're telling a story to a group of friends. Shake hands with all of them regardless, I mean at least they'll remember the one person who shook their hands. I had a five panel interview a couple of years ago and they explained that two of them were training to interview!!!

The very best of luck with the interview xx

phoenix999

Stheno wrote: »

Nope not excessive, when they all introduce themselves, shake hands and say hello to each individual.

Any questions you are asked, make sure that you address the entire panel and not just the asker, so that you are using the opportunity to influence them all if that makes sense?

Should you shake hands again when leaving? Or would you just thank them verbally?

Stheno

phoenix999 wrote: »

Should you shake hands again when leaving? Or would you just thank them verbally?

Thank every body for their time, but before that, make sure that you ask if you have answered all of their questions or if there is anything else they would like to ask.

Then thank them, assure them that you are interested in the job, and leave with the principal person who will escort you out of the building.

No need to shake hands all over again.

phoenix999

Stheno wrote: »

Thank every body for their time, but before that, make sure that you ask if you have answered all of their questions or if there is anything else they would like to ask.

Then thank them, assure them that you are interested in the job, and leave with the principal person who will escort you out of the building.

No need to shake hands all over again.

Thanks for that. Never been in front of a panel of more than 3 before. Just hoping I won't make an idiot of myself.

brian ireland

Best of luck.

tempura

Had this myself a couple of months ago, all good advice above, just to say, I went in super confident, all informed, had all my questions and answers ready, engaged everyone. Really wanted this job and did loads of research on the company, it was like a project to me, don't think I ever studied so much for an Interview in my life ! It paid off, got the job, so do your homework, it really makes the difference, especially when trying to sell yourself and your skills to more then one person.

However, bring some water with you, during the whole process my voice got a bit dry and shaky, really wished I had had a little glass of water with me. Just got a little overwhelmed with all the peeps asking questions and nerves kicked in ! Kept thinking " need water, need water " anyway, Got through it though. One of the people who interviewed me slags me about it now, so no biggie really.

Best of Luck, hope it goes well for you.