EEEEK!  Yeah, that’s probably what went through your mind when you were told by the hiring manager, “Be sure to block off 2-3 hours of your day for the interview.  You’ll be meeting with myself and your (x number) of co-workers.  We’ll be interviewing you together”.  I think this panel style process is becoming more and more prevalent with the shrinking job market and hiring managers becoming increasingly pickier.

Some of the things that I’ve done in the past to make sure that I don’t stumble upon my words and I say the right answers, is to do some recon.

I’ve asked how many people will be on the panel, what are their names and titles, and duties.  Remember, you’re there to interview them and vice versa.  If you can’t get any extra information prior to the meeting, ask for it up front during the meeting.  That way you will have an ad-hoc plan in your head as to how to answer to your strengths to the proper person.

The other thing I’ve done was to ask who I will be reporting to.  The hiring manager isn’t always the person you’ll be reporting to.   The hiring manager could be bringing you in to interview you to see how well you’ll be on the team but working under one of his other subordinates.

I’ve also taken the time to befriend the receptionist.  He/she is a very valuable asset when it comes to filling in the blanks when you need to send individual thank you notes to the panelists (of course you’ll be reiterating how well you fit the job description).

Anyone else have any other tips on how to handle the dreaded, “panel style interview”?