Interviews can be terrifying. The thought of sitting in front of a complete stranger and having them decide if you pass or not can make you nervous. Most candidates are surprised that they begin to stutter or even have sweat palms and this is just them talking to one person. No wonder the thought of a panel interview makes so many applicants freeze up.
Most people walk into a panel interview thinking it’s just a regular interview with more people. But the truth is, panel interviews come with their own dynamics, expectations, and pressure. It’s not just about answering questions, it’s about how you manage the room, connect with different personalities, and still tell a clear, consistent story.
If you’ve ever walked out of a panel interview unsure how it went, you’re not alone. These settings can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not sure where to look, who to talk to first, or how to balance your energy across the room. The good news? With the right prep, you can absolutely take control and turn that intimidating table of interviewers into allies.
Here are five practical things you need to know to walk into any virtual or in-person panel interview and actually leave an impression that lasts.
1. You’re Being Watched by Multiple Eyes But You Can’t Please Everyone
In a one-on-one interview, you’re building rapport with one person. In a panel, you’re managing the energy of a group and chances are, each interviewer has a different background, focus, and agenda. One may be assessing technical skill, another may be evaluating how you fit into the team, and another may just be clocking how you respond to pressure.
According to HR expert Dana Brooks (Senior Talent Manager at a Fortune 500 firm), “Panel interviews are about balance. We’re not just listening to what you say, we’re watching how you adjust to the dynamic.”
How to fix it:
Make eye contact with each panelist throughout the interview. Don’t just talk to the person who asked the question, scan the room and involve everyone. If it’s virtual, alternate between looking into the camera and briefly glancing at each interviewer’s face to simulate eye contact. And don’t forget to use people’s names if introduced. It builds connection and shows attention to detail.
Our top readers enjoyed reading: 10 Common Interview Mistakes and How to Fix Them
2. Don’t Assume Everyone Has Read Your Resume
One of the most common mistakes in panel interviews is jumping into jargon or references without context. It’s tempting to assume that because they all have your resume, they know who you are. But in reality, only one or two might have actually read it in full.
Why it hurts:
You end up sounding vague or assuming too much, which can make it hard for quieter panelists to follow your story and they might be the decision-makers.
How to fix it:
Start strong with a brief recap of who you are, what you bring, and what you’re hoping to do next. Think of it as your anchor. Repeat key accomplishments with a short context so no one feels lost. Example:
“At my last role, I led a team of 5 through a full CRM migration in just under two months. We reduced lead response time by 30%—which helped marketing close campaigns faster.”
Remember to keep your answers specific, clear, and easy to follow.
3. You’re Being Judged on Group Dynamics Too
Panel interviews often reveal how you interact with multiple stakeholders, something you’ll likely do on the job. The way you handle different personalities, interruptions, or even moments of silence tells your interviewers how well you’ll collaborate.
Why it matters:
An internal survey by SHRM found that 63% of hiring managers use panel interviews to assess “team fit” more than technical ability.
How to fix it:
If two interviewers ask questions at once or cut in, pause politely and say something like:
“Great questions from both of you. I’ll take the first one about team management, then circle back to the second.”
This shows confidence, clarity, and calm under pressure. Also, if someone hasn’t spoken for most of the interview, find a natural way to loop them in by saying, “I’m curious if that lines up with your experience, Alex?” This shows emotional intelligence and helps build rapport.
4. Don’t Wait Until the End to Make Your Impact
Many candidates try to save their “best self” for the final question, thinking they’ll wow the panel with a big finish. But in reality, panelists form impressions fast—and they’re often hard to change. If you start off uncertain or ramble, you’ve already made the room hesitant, even if you end strong.
How to fix it:
Nail your first two questions. Practice your response to “Tell us about yourself” and “Why are you applying for this role?” These usually come early and can either set you up or throw you off. Use a tool like Lightforth Interview Prep to practice with timing, tone, and structure.
If you only have 30 minutes and four interviewers, every second matters.
5. Virtual Panel Interviews Require Extra Presence
On video calls, people zone out faster. There’s more room for awkward silence, missed cues, and tech delays. In virtual panels, your energy and presence need to work harder than in person.
How to fix it:
– Speak slightly slower than usual.
– Pause briefly after questions to make sure no one is trying to chime in.
– Smile often and use gestures to emphasize your points (but stay natural).
– Close all other tabs. Distractions show.
According to Lisa Hu, a remote hiring manager at a fast-growing startup:
“I’ve seen amazing candidates fail virtual panels just because their lighting was poor, their energy low, or they kept looking at notes. Your setup matters more than you think.”
Use Lightforth’s Interview Prep feature to simulate virtual panel questions and get feedback on eye contact, posture, and tone—especially for Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams.
Our top readers enjoyed reading: What Recruiters Look for in Interview Answers (And How You Can Nail Them)
Panel Interviews Are a Performance—So Rehearse
The most successful candidates don’t just answer questions. They perform. Not in a fake way but in a prepared, present, and polished way that makes interviewers feel like you’re already part of the team.
One last tip: After the interview, always follow up with a thank-you email addressed to each panelist if possible. Mention one insight or moment from the conversation that stood out. This small touch can leave a big impression.
Lightforth Can Help You Prepare for Panel Interviews Like a Pro
From practicing for group interviews to learning how to tailor your pitch for different personalities, Lightforth Interview Prep gives you real-time, personalized feedback to help you improve every time you rehearse. You’ll learn how to stay calm, concise, and charismatic even in high-pressure panel scenarios. Whether you’re applying virtually or in person, we help you show up like someone worth remembering.
FAQs
Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions some people have about Panel Interviews
What is a panel interview?
A panel interview is when you’re interviewed by multiple people at once—usually 2 to 5 interviewers from different departments. Each person may ask questions based on their role or what they want to know about you. It’s designed to see how you handle group settings and assess your fit from multiple perspectives.
How do you introduce yourself in a panel interview?
Keep your introduction short, confident, and relevant. Start by greeting the panel politely, then give a brief summary of who you are, your professional background, and what you’re looking for. For example:
“Good morning, everyone. My name is Jordan Smith. I’m a digital marketing specialist with 4 years of experience helping brands grow their online presence. I’m excited about this opportunity because I admire your work in X and would love to contribute to your goals in this role.”
What is expected in a panel interview?
You’re expected to stay calm under pressure, answer questions clearly, and engage with all panelists—not just the one asking the question. Be prepared for follow-ups, questions from different angles, and scenarios that test your problem-solving or communication skills. They’re not just looking at what you say, but how you handle the group dynamic.
Is panel a type of interview?
Yes, a panel interview is one of the most common types of interviews used by companies. Others include one-on-one interviews, group interviews (with other candidates), technical interviews, and behavioral interviews.
How do I greet a panel of interviewers?
Start by making eye contact and smiling. You can say something like:
“Good afternoon, it’s great to meet you all. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today.”
If you’re introduced to each interviewer, greet them one by one and repeat their names to show attentiveness. Example: “Nice to meet you, Ms. Rodriguez. Hello Mr. Lee, thank you for having me.”