Panel Job Interviews: how to succeed

So many bright and competent individuals become a bag of nerves when they are about to take a panel interview, they become flustered on entering the room only to meet a panel of interviewers instead of the one or two they were expecting. For these reasons panel interviews can be very intimidating
Although this type of interview is said to be fairer and valid they do tend to be more detailed, thorough and rigorous since the individual faces experts from the various sections of the organization. The days when a single manager carries out an interview is passed you now have input from various sections of the company such as top management, personnel, supervisor and human resource.
The office was also the place to carry on an interview now there is the new trend of doing a panel interview in a highly formal dinner or luncheon setting..Doing this can capture how well the individual is able to communicate at social functions as well as how well he is adept in social graces which is extremely important to the company especially if the job is a high profile one;
Applicants should always bear in mind that although they need the job the company also needs them, and should use this fact as an indicator to build their self confidence and sell themselves efficiently. Knowing this, one should stay positive; and keep calm while answering thoroughly in a clear and concise manner. There is no harm in saying you are not knowledgeable of a particular question that you really do not know. Do not try winging it and ending up looking stupid. Say you do not know but you will research it. The key to any interview is to be prepared. Here are a few tips from (Karen Cox, coordinator of career resources department HART.NTA-Jamaica) that will help you stay positive and help to prevent you the embarrassment of say you don't know to a question which as an interviewee you really should have known.

1. Please remember to dress properly for the interview
2 Learn all you can about the company especially in the department in which you are seeking employment. This research will help you to come up with some possible questions that will most likely to be asked.
3. Practice every part of the interview by rehearsing and by answering the possible questions from start finish. Seek the help of family and friends use them as critiques.

1. When answering questions have eye contact with the person asking the question. People who do not do this are assumed to be dishonest and some times of dubious character. Meeting the interviewers eyes is an indication of one's confidence, leadership qualities and integrity

2. Never drop your guard as you come to the end of an interview be just as vibrant and positive as when you began. Remember you must leave a lasting impression because the panel will discuss you after you have left the room. One good clincher is to firmly shake each interviewer's hands calling him by name ,thank them for extending to you the opportunity to know more about the company.