Kareen Cox
Career Writeer  

While the panel interview can be seen as stressful, with adequate preparation, the following tips from veteran business manager and résumé writer Kathi McNaughton, can assist you with your interview:

1.        Make a good impression during introductions. Greet each interviewer with a firm handshake and a smile. Call the person by name, not only as a courtesy to the person, but also as a way of connecting the name to the person so you can call each interviewer by name during the course of the interview.

2.        Answer questions fully but be careful not to ramble. Giving good detail in answers is good but don't add irrelevant information. This is where your research on the company will help tremendously. Your answer can be relevant to that specific company. You can also make relevant reference to answers given to other questions.


3.        Ask relevant questions regarding the company, the department and the specific duties your job will entail. It is important that you ask what your job will involve, so that you have a clear understanding of what you would be expected to do. You should ask questions as though you have already been hired for the position. You have the right and responsibility to ask questions. The interview is as much for your benefit as the employer’s.

*Kareen Cox is coordinator, career resources
at the HEART Trust/NTA. kareen_cox@heart-nta.org