Job interviews can be stressful and nerve-racking. But when you walk into a room with not just one interviewer, but a panel of three, four, or more, the pressure can feel like it’s cranked up to a whole new level. It’s natural to feel anxious in these situations, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can walk into that room cool, calm, and collected. Panel interviews are not meant to overwhelm you—they’re designed to see how you handle pressure and if you can fit into the team.
So, how do you keep your nerves in check and show the best version of yourself?
Instead of seeing a panel interview as a daunting experience, think of it as an opportunity to engage with different parts of the company all at once. For example, take Toyin, a marketing professional. When she went into a panel interview, she was nervous, but she realized each panelist had a different focus. The HR rep was interested in her cultural fit, while the marketing manager asked detailed questions about her campaign experience. By adjusting her mindset, Toyin treated it like a roundtable discussion, which helped her feel more at ease and connected with each panel member individually.
Each panel member is likely there for a specific reason, and they’ll be asking you questions that align with their role. For instance, James, an IT specialist, went into a panel interview where one panelist focused solely on his technical expertise, asking how he handled system crashes. Meanwhile, another panelist from the business side was interested in how he communicated technical issues to non-technical stakeholders. Knowing this ahead of time, James researched his interviewers, and prepped for both technical and non-technical questions, which gave him an advantage.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when multiple people are staring at you, but staying present can make a huge difference. Imagine Maria, an engineer, who found herself in a panel interview with five people. She felt the pressure to answer quickly, but she realized that rushing would only increase her anxiety. Instead, she focused on making eye contact with each person, addressing them directly, while also including the rest of the panel in her responses. By staying calm and centered, she managed to keep her nerves in check and give clearer, more thoughtful answers.
When panel interviews seem rapid-fire, it’s important to remind yourself that it is okay to take a breath before responding. Emeka, a finance analyst, was asked a complex question about forecasting by one of the interviewers. Instead of rushing to answer, he paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. This brief pause allowed him to structure a clear and comprehensive response. His willingness to take a few seconds showed the panel that he remained composed under pressure and was confident in his knowledge.
Panel interviews sometimes include tough or unexpected questions. Claire, who applied for a leadership role, was caught off guard when asked how she handled failure. Instead of feeling confused, she took it as an opportunity to share a story about a project that didn’t go as planned but taught her valuable lessons in teamwork and adaptability. By staying positive, Claire demonstrated her ability to manage challenges and turn setbacks into learning opportunities.
A great way to turn the pressure around is by asking insightful questions yourself. When it was Owen’s turn to ask the panel about the company’s future projects, he took the chance to ask about their plans for expansion and how they measured success. This impressed the panel, as it showed that Owen was thinking strategically and was genuinely interested in contributing to the company’s growth.
Conclusion
Handling pressure during a panel interview is all about shifting your perspective, preparing for different types of questions, and staying composed. It is normal to feel nervous, but how you manage that pressure is what will leave a lasting impression. Whether it is taking a moment to pause before answering, or asking thoughtful questions that showcase your interest, remember: you are not just being judged on your answers – your calmness, confidence, and adaptability are just as important.
Take these real-life examples as inspiration and walk into your next panel interview ready to impress!
Contributed by Agolo Eugene Uzorka, CEO? Lead Consultant, Eugene + George Consulting Limited (www.eugenegeorgeconsulting.com)
