8 Tips: How To Prepare For a Virtual Panel Interview

In this video, I will share with you how to prepare for a virtual panel interview.

Why am I talking about this today? Well, one of my clients in the Purpose-Driven Career program just got to the third round of interviews at one of her dream companies, and this one is going to be a panel interview. 

What is a panel interview? A panel interview is when you've got 3-5 people sitting in front of you from different departments within the company, each with their own set of questions, goals, and pain points. 

About ten years ago, I had the experience of a panel interview, and I was intimidated because I wasn't expecting it. Unbeknownst to me, they were interviewing me for a more V.P. role. I thought I was interviewing for a manager role. Then, they started asking me high-level questions that I had difficulty answering. I felt my face turn bright red, sweat started rolling down my face, and I said to the firing squad, "am I interviewing for the music manager role?" they looked at each other confused, and one of them said, "no, you are interviewing for the V.P. of Music role." We all laughed and realized a miscommunication between themselves and the recruiter.

I know the feeling of being on a panel interview. Yes, a panel interview can be scary, but it's all about preparation so you can feel as confident as can be going into it.

Here are eight tips to get you prepared and feeling confident for your virtual panel interview:

1. Do your research on your interviewers: Most likely, the company will share with which departments will be present. If you don't get the names, ask the H.R. person or the recruiter so you can do some research on Linkedin and social media on each individual before your interview. Take notes on each one so you can reference them if needed during the interview.
2. Prepare personalized questions for each interviewer: Think about what questions they need to ask you. What are their pain points, concerns, goals? How will you solve their problems? What kind of behavior questions might they have for you? (Example: Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you handle this experience?) Have your career success stories ready to go based on the job requirements. 
3. Just in case they don't have your resume handy, have an email with each of your interviewer's emails along with your resume attached ready to fire off. (ninja preparation move!)
4. Tech and environment: Test your internet connection. Have a PLAN B. For instance, turn on your mobile hotspot. Consider a virtual background, and this goes without saying - make sure you are in a quiet environment. Now, we can't control a baby crying or a dog barking, but do your best to minimize distractions that could take you out of the zone.
5. Be ready for the rapid-fire questions: Your interviewers might chime in at once. If you need to gather your thoughts - take a breath, take a sip of water, or pretend to take notes as a way to create space to gather your thoughts. Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you need to understand the question more clearly. I know this is a virtual interview, but try to divide your attention equally between all interviewers. As you explain your answers, make eye contact with all panel members. Engage with everyone as well as you can and end up back at the original asker.
6. Dress for success: Choose your outfit based on the company culture and dress code. Check out the company's website on the "About Us" page, perhaps they have photos of employees working together. You could also ask your recruiter or the person you've been dealing with so far.
7. Mentally/physically prepare: Hold back on having too much coffee beforehand to avoid jitters. Do some visualizing of you acing the interview, go on a walk in nature to calm the nerves, and try to transform the nerves into excitement.
8. After the interview: Don't forget to send a thank-you note to each interviewer within 24-48 hours. This will set you apart from the competition. In addition, it will give you a chance to solidify your interest in the role and add anything you may have forgotten to say in the interview. 

I know many of you are reading this post want to make a career change into a more purpose-driven profitable career, but are unsure about what comes next. Unfortunately, this blog post comes later after you've got the clarity and know exactly where you are heading. So if you are uncertain about what you want next, I invite you to schedule a 15-minute brainstorming session with me to work out how I can help you. So book your free 15-minute brainstorming call here.

P.S. And, whenever you're ready... here are four ways we can help you get unstuck and grow your purpose-driven career:

1. Watch a free Masterclass: Clarify the fastest path to land a more fulfilling and purposeful career & beyond. Identify any limiting beliefs and self-sabotage patterns to start creating an inspiring vision of your future dream career. Learn how to implement the 4-step game plan our clients are using to develop a job that they look forward to every day a solid plan to achieve. Watch the free Masterclass right here: https://bit.ly/purposedrivencareersmasterclasssignup

2. Download my "Purpose Driven Career Quiz" workbook: If you're struggling to figure out what you want to do next career-wise, then download my new workbook "Purpose Driven Career Quiz" to see just how far (or how close!) you are to landing a purpose-driven career!https://bit.ly/PurposeDrivenCareerQuiz1

3. Join our FREE Purpose-Driven Careers Facebook Group and connect with other driven professionals who are learning how to make the impact, earn the income, and create the freedom they desire in their life and career: https://www.facebook.com/groups/purposedrivencareers

4. Work with me privately: If you'd like to work directly with me to build a career of your dreams... schedule your complimentary Career Strategy Breakthrough Call with me so we can clarify your fastest path to finding and landing your dream role and create a strategy for you to make it happen... Please apply for your FREE call with me here: https://bit.ly/purposedrivenbrainstormcall