what is a panel interview

A panel interview is a type of job interview where two or more interviewers from the company meet with a candidate at the same time. The panel can consist of potential supervisors, managers, team members, HR specialists, and other decision-makers within the company. Panel interviews are common in various industries, including higher education, health care, government, and the corporate world, especially for senior positions with significant demands and responsibilities. The purpose of a panel interview is to streamline the hiring process, as multiple decision-makers can meet the candidate at once, saving time and resources. Panel interviews can include various components such as delivering a presentation on a specific topic or performing a job-related task, and candidates may be asked questions about their experience and how they would handle different challenges related to the position they are applying for. Engaging with each interviewer individually and maintaining eye contact with the person asking the question are essential strategies for success in a panel interview. Panel interviews are used to evaluate candidates in a unique dynamic and can help remove bias in the applicant review process.