Panel interviews can be nerve-wracking! However, all you need are the right strategies for success!
I was recently asked, “If we are in an interview setting with 4 members, how often should we shift eye contact among various panel members?”
Making meaningful eye contact during a panel interview is one of the most powerful nonverbal communication skills you can use to impress the panelists. Shifting (and sustaining) eye contact between panel members is key!
When interviewing with a panel, here are some tips on making eye contact:
- Try not to constantly glance between panel members.
- If your thought or answer to a question is one word or one sentence:
- Maintain eye contact with one person, state your answer, then look at the others. This establishes inclusion among panel members. You don’t want to focus on just one person throughout the panel and you don’t want to shift rapidly between the people. Communicate a thought, answer or response then move to another individual.
You will want to ensure that you give all decision-makers on the panel equal amounts of attention, even if one panel member acts as a facilitator and others are less talkative than others.
It may seem intimidating to take part in panel interviews, but with thorough preparation and a confident attitude, you will be able to ace them. Consider researching your audience, preparing thoughtful responses, engaging with the panelists, listening actively, displaying a team player attitude, asking intelligent questions, and following up with a gracious thank you. With these strategies, you’ll increase your chances of getting that job offer and standing out from the crowd.
To watch the full video of how to ace a panel interview, click here!
What is your strategy for establishing eye contact? I’d love to hear what you have to say.
Click here to learn to Pronounce, Project and Present with Greater Clarity and Greater Confidence with 10 Simple Tips!
Copyright 2023,
Jayne Latz, is an corporate Speech-language pathologist, communication change agent and trainer. She is President and Founder of Corporate Speech Solutions, LLC which works with organizations and individuals to ensure they deliver their message in a clear and concise manner with confidence. Our goal is to empower clients to communicate effectively, confidently and concisely in all situations; whether leading a team meeting, speaking at a conference or in everyday conversations. For more information contact Jayne Latz at
Email: Jayne@corporatespeechsolutions.com
Phone: 917.841.2965
Website: https://www.CorporateSpeechSolutions.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCommunicationTrainer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaynelatz/
