6 effective tips to prepare for job panel interview

8/2/2019 6 Effective Tips to Prepare for Job Panel Interview

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6 Effective Tips to Prepare for JobPanel Interview

"Panel Interviewing is usually done to put together the people involved in thedecision making process and interview the applicant at the same time."

Panel Interviewing is usually done to put together the people involved in thedecision making process and interview the applicant at the same time, hence

making it more time efficient. The interviewers are usually a mix of peoplelike the HR staff, the manager, team leader, who have different roles duringthe interview. Each panel interviewer will take turns to ask questions, and

decisions can be made immediately as they can discuss right after themeeting.

The next 6 tips are going to help you further with making your interview asuccess as you prepare for a panel interview.

1. Research

As an interviewee, it is always best to research about the companyyou're applying at and familiarizing your self with facts about the

company. This should always be done whether you prepare for a one-on-one interview or prepare for panel interview. Organize good answers

to usual interview questions and put together questions you wouldwant to ask the interviewer. Always take into account the various

people you will be conversing with.

2. Dress up Nice and Appropriate

Wear something appropriate for the panel interview. To be sure inmaking a good impression, always wear business attire. This will make

you look professional and smart since the way you dress up alsoconveys your own personality. Dressing up professionally would

suggest your seriousness about taking on the job. Men should wear theideal pant suits or long sleeves with collars, formal shoes and may

include putting on their best ties. For women, aside from the pant suit,they can also wear knee skirts, casual pants, decent blouse or sweater

and moderately high heels. It is much advisable to wear few

accessories for the interview like a wrist watch and a few jewelry itemsto appear neat and simple.

3. First Impressions Last

During a panel interview, it is usually difficult to build a rapportbetween you and each panel member. Make an effort to prepare an

excellent introduction for a lasting first impression. Anticipate on
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making eye contact and firm handshakes when introducing yourself.Remember to never be in a hurry to do handshakes because it might

make you look unconfident and nervous. Practice being polite andattentive and ask them if they mind that you take notes during the

interview. It is always safe and helpful that you ready yourself with a

pen and paper so that you can note down your interviewer's name asthey are seated in case you'll forget them. Good communication skills

could also be demonstrated by you if you use their names as yourespond to each of their questions. Being courteous is the key.

4. Answer Questions with Confidence

In preparing for panel interview, always take note to highlight theextent of your skills, knowledge and abilities to meet each interviewer's

expectations, as you prepare for answers to common interviewquestions. Formulate, beforehand, examples that would demonstrate

what you can offer to the position and to the company and consider theinterviewer's perspective when conveying your answer. Concentrate on

answering one question with one interviewer at a time. And alwaysspeak clearly and concisely when answering questions to each of the

panelists.

5. Ask Questions which are Meaningful

It's best to prepare yourself with a list of questions to each of thepanelists, whom you already have researched beforehand. Or if notthen that of the information you gathered about the company, its

operation and its organizational structure. Asking relevant questions atan appropriate time would indicate that you are very much interested

and is full of initiatives. Although avoid interrupting the interviewer andasking questions that appear to be challenging them where they mightknow nothing of. These might break attempts at establishing rapport

with your panelists.

6. Be Healthy

Overall, the best main tip to remember is to be on your finest conditionwith regards to your physical and mental state. Make sure to get

enough rest and sleep the night before the panel interview. Thisincludes eating a good healthy meal and not going to the interview onan empty stomach. In doing this, it will allow you to think more clearly,

making you more rejuvenated and energized for that big day.

y name is Princess I. Turla. I was born on October 29, 1990 in Pag-AsaLamao,Limay,Bataan. I live there for a length of time and had a pleasant


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childhood with a lot of comfort of my family. I am the 2nd to the eldestdaughter of Eduardo A. Turla and Emelita I. Turla. My father is a contractual

Project Supervisor and my mother is a plain housewife. I have 2 brothers and2 sisters whom I really love.

I attended my Grade school at Lamao Elementary School and finished my

secondary at Lamao National High School. Last 2010, I graduated Bachelor ofScience in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Bataan Peninsula StateUniversity. I am so happy and proud of my self once I received my diploma. It

is one of my achievements.As a 4-year course graduate, Im looking for a job that suits my skills and

abilities and I applied to Jollibee as Management Trainee but then they hiredme as a service crew. I accept it and just enjoy the job. Here I learn and

develop many things and I am so much thankful.Just like other people, I love to watch TV, surf the net esp. on the social-

networking sites, I really love to travel and go to other places I never visit. Ihave talent in hosting, dancing and cooking also in baking pastries. I love to

deal with other people, talking to them and taking care of them.I am a happy and friendly person, with self confident and know how to dealwith different types of people. I am easy to get along, approachable and

trustworthy person. I love to help people, enjoy meeting new friends and talkwith them. I am serious and focus on what I am doing especially when it

comes to work. Im a hardworking and honest person. I gave my excellentwork to my career to let not the company failed on me. Because I want the

company to achieved goals to the benefit of all.I am a motivated and determined person especially on work; I really work forwhat is best. I am always punctual, a team-player and dedicated to work alsoI am multi-tasked person. These are my strength. Being a workaholic person

is my weakness, I keep on working until the job is completely done. I loosemy patience when my work is not completed within the time.

My long term-goal is to become a successful hotelier/ restaurateur. I want tomanage and own business and I know I can achieve it step by step. My shortterm goal is to gain employment here because I know I can help and develop

my knowledge, skills and abilities. I also want to be a part of the team tolearn new skills and be challenged.

I know that my dreams will be achieve step by step and Im sure that thiscompany will help me to become a better person for the future.

50 Most Asked Job Interview Questions and How toAnswer Them

1. Tell me about yourself.Keep the answer job or skill related.

2. Tell me about your dream job.Don't mention a specific job. Say something generic like, "I want a job
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where I love the work and the people I work with."

3. Why did you leave your last job?Never refer to a major problem with management or say undesirablethings about your supervisors, co-workers or the organization. Keep

smiling and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as anopportunity, or a chance to do something better.

4. What is your weakness?Always try to give a positive answer. For example, "It takes me a longtime to get ready in the morning, so I set my alarm two hours ahead of

my time in for work."

5. What are your strengths?Sell yourself. Say how you can be a desirable employee for the

company.

6. What do you know about the type of work we do?Do a research about the company before going to the job interview.

7. Why should we hire you?This is your chance to show why working for the company is importantto you and why you think you will fit in. Don't mention other applicants

for comparison.

8. Tell me about a suggestion you have made.This will show that you care about the company's growth. Use anexample that was accepted and successful, especially one that is

related to the position.

9. Do you consider yourself successful?You should always answer yes. Success doesn't necessarily have to be

big ones, just mention how you have achieved goals you have set foryourself.

10.Why have you been unemployed for such a long time?Mention the activities you have done that would help market yourself

like trainings or short courses you attended, or for example say, "I gavebirth and had to take care of my baby and this experience taught me

so much about patience and time management.

11.What do co-workers say about you?Recall good things that your co-workers have said like, "My manager,

Mr. Santos, once told me that I am a very organized person".

12.How long would you expect to work for us if hired?Don't give a specific answer. Say something like, "I plan on staying for


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long." or "As long as we both feel I'm doing a good job."

13.Do you think you are overqualified for this position?Regardless of your qualifications, state that you are very well qualified

for the position. Or you may say something like, "I don't think I am

overqualified, but I am fully qualified."

14.Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?If you had, always explain yourself in a way that implies you did not

want to, but had to.

15.Are you applying for other jobs?Be honest. If you are considered an asset to the company, they just

might give you a good salary offer to get you to work with them,instead of the other companies you are applying to.

16.Describe your management style.Mention how you deal with your subordinates or your projects like, "Iprovide team members with effective guidance and motivation to

complete assignments on time so our projects succeed." Or you cansimply say "For me, good communication among members is the best

way."

17.Are you a team player?The answer should always be a yes then cite examples. You may

mention situations where you were part of a group or organization, andthe activities you've had that show you worked well with them.

18.What is your philosophy towards work?Don't give a monologue here. Say something short and positive like,

"My philosophy is to do my best at all times."

19.What position do you prefer on a team working on a project?You may say you are comfortable with any position in the team, may it

be the leader, or follower. This shows that you can lead a team but atthe same time also able to follow directions. This shows you are

flexible.

20.Have you ever been asked to leave a position?

If you have, be honest and never say anything negative about yourformer boss or company. Focus on saying positive like how much you

have grown from the experience.

21.What irritates you about co-workers?Do not speak badly of your past co-workers, as this reflects a flaw onyour attitude, not theirs. Divert the negativity posed by the question.


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Assure the interviewer you get along well with fellow co-workers.

22.Why do you think you would do well at this job?Mention your skills, experience and interest.

23.What is more important to you: the money or the work?You can say something like, "Both are important because everybody

needs money to live but job satisfaction is also important."

24.What has been your biggest professional disappointment?Mention something that was beyond your control but show acceptance

and no negative feelings.

25.What would your previous supervisor say your strongest pointis?

There are many good qualities you can mention but be sure to give an

example or a situation to back your answer. Or if you have arecommendation letter you may say, "I believe my supervisor wouldsay that my strongest point is that I'm reliable, hard-working, efficient,

timely, and responsible. I know this because he has written it in myletter of recommendation. Would you like to see it?"

26.Tell me about a problem you had with a supervisor.Never mention a problem or anything negative about your supervisor.

Try to think and then come up with none.

27.Are you willing to work overtime? Nights? Weekends?This is up to you. Be totally honest.

28.Tell me about your ability to work under pressure.You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an

example that relates to the type of position applied for.

29.How do you propose to compensate for your lack ofexperience?

You may point out that you are a quick learner and hard worker. Orstate experiences that may not be from work but are somewhat relatedlike for a managerial position, you may cite experiences you had as a

leader in a school project.

30.Do your skills match this job or another job more closely?Never give the interviewer the impression that you are more interested

on other jobs.

31.Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.Talk about having fun but at the same time accomplishing somethinglike a team building you had where you gained a good relationship with


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your co-workers.

32.Would you be willing to relocate if required?Be honest. Discuss with your family beforehand, assuming this question

should come up.

33.What motivates you to do your best on the job?Some examples are challenge, achievement, recognition, integrity.

34.How would you know you were successful on this job?You can say something like, "When I have achieved all the goals that

were set and I have given more than what is expected of me."

35.Are you willing to put the interests of the organization ahead ofyour own?

Just say yes. This is a test of your loyalty.

36.What qualities do you look for in a boss?Be generic and positive. Some examples are fair, competent, good

motivator.

37.How do you see yourself five years from now?If you answer that you have not thought about it or you have no plansyet, the interviewer could conclude you have no vision and goals. Saysomething that is achievable but not too low as this could imply you

lack initiative. It should be consistent with the objective on your resumeand the skills you mentioned you have.

38.What have you learned from mistakes on the job?Mention mistakes you've had but be sure to focus more on the lessons

you have learned from that mistake.

39.Do you have any blind spots?Don't say something specific but just say everyone has them that's whyworking as a team is very important to point out and cover each other'sblind spots. This answer diverts the question to how you are as a team

player.

40.If you were hiring a person for this job, what would you look

for?Mention qualities that are needed for the position that you have.

41.Tell me about a time when you helped resolve a disputebetween others.

Pick a specific incident and what role you played in its resolution.

42.Describe your work ethic.


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Emphasize benefits to the organization. Things like, determination toget the job done and work hard but enjoy your work are good.

43.What are your expectations from this job/company?You will be able to answer this question well through company research

and self-assessment. Think as if you are already part of the company.You may say something like, "I expect challenging tasks."

44.Do you have references?Contact your references ahead of time and have their names and

contact details ready

45.Do you have any questions for me?Always prepare questions, but those that are not answered in the

company's website or those you have not discussed. Asking questionsshows you are interested to know more about the company or the job.

46.Why do you think you will be successful at this job?You can say something like, "Basing on my research of the companyand the job description, I can say that I have the skills and experience

you are looking for.

47.What do you think of the last company you worked for?As always, never say anything negative about the last company youworked for. You can say you learned a lot from the company and the

job, and you consider it an important stepping stone in reachingeverything you have achieved.

48.How do you handle criticism?You can say something like, "I see criticism as an opportunity to

improve my work." Then give an example where you were criticizedand you handled it in a positive way like, "My manager once told methat the reports I gave him were unorganized so I tried to review my

past reports and asked if he had any preferences. I followed mymanager's suggestions and reconstructed my reports. My manager was

happy with all the reports I handed him after that."

49.Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities?Employers ask this especially if the position you are applying for is

higher than your former position. This is for them to gauge if you are upfor the challenge of the new position. Give a positive answer and show

them you are the job.

50.What are your activities and interests outside of work?Say something about your interest and how it can help you on the job

you are applying for. Like basketball can teach you team work, or


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baking can teach you accuracy. If you are applying for a job thatrequires you to be fit, you may mention physical activities that you do

like swimming or any other sport.

Ten Tough Interview Questionsand Ten Great Answers

Mental fear of the unknown is often what produces the physical symptoms ofnervousness. In addition to preparing yourself physically, you need to

prepare yourself mentally. The best way to prepare mentally is to know whatmay be coming. Fear of the unknown can only exist when there is an

unknown. Take the time to understand some of the standards when it comesto interviewing questions.

The following are some of the most difficult questions you will face in thecourse of your job interviews. Some questions may seem rather simple onthe surfacesuch as Tell me about yourselfbut these questions can have a

variety of answers. The more open ended the question, the wider thevariation in the answers. Once you have become practiced in your

interviewing skills, you will find that you can use almost any question as alaunching pad for a particular topic or compelling story.

Others are classic interview questions, such as What is your greatestweakness? Questions most people answer improperly. In this case, the

standard textbook answer for the greatest weakness question is to provide aveiled positive such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work.

Wrong. Either you are lying or, worse yet, you are telling the truth, in whichcase you define working too much as a weakness and really do not want to

work much at all.

The following answers are provided to give you a new perspective on how toanswer tough interview questions. They are not there for you to lift from thepage and insert into your next interview. They are provided for you to use asthe basic structure for formulating your own answers. While the specifics of

each reply may not apply to you, try to follow the basic structure of theanswer from the perspective of the interviewer. Answer the questions

behaviorally, with specific examples that show that clear evidence backs upwhat you are saying about yourself. Always provide information that showsyou want to become the very best _____ for the company and that you havespecifically prepared yourself to become exactly that. They want to be sold.

They are waiting to be sold. Dont disappoint them!

1. Tell me about yourself.

It seems like an easy interview question. Its open ended. I can talkabout whatever I want from the birth canal forward. Right?


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Wrong. What the hiring manager really wants is a quick, two- to three-minute snapshot of who you are and why youre the best candidate for

this position.

So as you answer this question, talk about what youve done to prepareyourself to be the very best candidate for the position. Use an example

or two to back it up. Then ask if they would like more details. If theydo, keep giving them example after example of your background and

experience. Always point back to an example when you have theopportunity.

Tell me about yourself does not mean tell me everything. Just tell mewhat makes you the best.

2. Why should I hire you?

The easy answer is that you are the best person for the job. And dontbe afraid to say so. But then back it up with what specifically

differentiates you.

For example: You should hire me because Im the best person for thejob. I realize that there are likely other candidates who also have theability to do this job. Yet I bring an additional quality that makes me

the best person for the job--my passion for excellence. I ampassionately committed to producing truly world class results. For

example . . .

Are you the best person for the job? Show it by your passionateexamples.

3. What is your long-range objective?

Make my job easy for me. Make me want to hire you.The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are

doing to reach those objectives.

For example: Within five years, I would like to become the very bestaccountant your company has on staff. I want to work toward

becoming the expert that others rely upon. And in doing so, I feel Ill befully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might bepresented in the long term. For example, here is what Im presently

doing to prepare myself . . .

Then go on to show by your examples what you are doing to reach

your goals and objectives.4. How has your education prepared you for your career?

This is a broad question and you need to focus on the behavioralexamples in your educational background which specifically align to

the required competencies for the career.

An example: My education has focused on not only the learning thefundamentals, but also on the practical application of the information


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learned within those classes. For example, I played a lead role in aclass project where we gathered and analyzed best practice data from

this industry. Let me tell you more about the results . . .

Focus on behavioral examples supporting the key competencies for thecareer. Then ask if they would like to hear more examples. Enhance

your career opportunities by getting the training you need, find topdegrees and schools near you!

5. Are you a team player?

Almost everyone says yes to this question. But it is not just a yes/noquestion. You need to provide behavioral examples to back up your

answer.

A sample answer: Yes, Im very much a team player. In fact, Ive hadopportunities in my work, school and athletics to develop my skills as a

team player. For example, on a recent project . . .

Emphasize teamwork behavioral examples and focus on your opennessto diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team abovethe individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to

questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so beprepared.

6. Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? Howwas it resolved?

Note that if you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper tofind a conflict. The key is how you behaviorally reacted to conflict and

what you did to resolve it.

For example: Yes, I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones,but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved. I'vefound that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other

persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, thenI seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .

Focus your answer on the behavioral process for resolving the conflictand working collaboratively.

7. What is your greatest weakness?

Most career books tell you to select a strength and present it as aweakness. Such as: I work too much. I just work and work and work.

Wrong. First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness isdeceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.

You should select a weakness that you have been actively working toovercome. For example: I have had trouble in the past with planningand prioritization. However, Im now taking steps to correct this. I juststarted using a pocket planner . . . then show them your planner and

how you are using it.
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Talk about a true weakness and show what you are doing to overcomeit.

8. If I were to ask your professors to describe you, what wouldthey say?

This is a threat of reference check question. Do not wait for theinterview to know the answer. Ask any prior bosses or professors in

advance. And if theyre willing to provide a positive reference, ask themfor a letter of recommendation.

Then you can answer the question like this:

I believe she would say I'm a very energetic person, that Im resultsoriented and one of the best people she has ever worked with.

Actually, I know she would say that, because those are her very words.May I show you her letter of recommendation?

So be prepared in advance with your letters of recommendation.

9. What qualities do you feel a successful manager should have?Focus on two words: leadership and vision.

Here is a sample of how to respond: The key quality in a successfulmanager should be leadership--the ability to be the visionary for the

people who are working under them. The person who can set thecourse and direction for subordinates. The highest calling of a true

leader is inspiring others to reach the highest of their abilities. I'd liketo tell you about a person whom I consider to be a true leader . . .

Then give an example of someone who has touched your life and howtheir impact has helped in your personal development.

10.If you had to live your life over again, what one thing wouldyou change?

Focus on a key turning point in your life or missed opportunity. Yet alsotie it forward to what you are doing to still seek to make that change.

For example: Although Im overall very happy with where Im at in mylife, the one aspect I likely would have changed would be focusing

earlier on my chosen career. I had a great internship this past year andlook forward to more experience in the field. I simply wish I would havefocused here earlier. For example, I learned on my recent internship

then provide examples.

Stay focused on positive direction in your life and back it up withexamples.

In reviewing these responses, please remember that they are only to beviewed samples. Please do not rehearse them verbatim or adopt them asyour own. They are meant to stir your creative juices and get you thinkingabout how to properly answer the broader range of questions that you will

face.


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6 effective tips to prepare for job panel interview

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