How to prepare for group and panel interviews in Australia is one of those topics that makes people nervous. Group and panel interviews involve multiple interviewers, which can be intimidating. I’ve done group and panel interviews, and I’ve watched friends do them. Some went well. Others were overwhelming. The difference was understanding how to prepare and what to expect.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve done group and panel interviews, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Some approaches worked well. Others didn’t. The difference was understanding how to engage with multiple interviewers effectively.
So here’s everything I know about preparing for group and panel interviews in Australia, based on what actually works.
What Are Group and Panel Interviews?
Let me start with this, because understanding what they are helps you prepare.
Group interviews involve: multiple candidates being interviewed together, group activities or discussions, and observing how you work with others.
Panel interviews involve: multiple interviewers interviewing one candidate, different interviewers asking different questions, and assessing from multiple perspectives.
But here’s what I’ve learned: both are common, especially for professional roles. Don’t be intimidated. Prepare thoroughly, and you’ll do fine.
How to Prepare: What Actually Works
This is the practical part, and here’s what works.
Research all interviewers: if you know who will be there, research them. Understand their roles and what they might ask.
Prepare for different question types: technical questions, behavioural questions, and role specific questions. Different interviewers might focus on different areas.
Practice engaging with multiple people: practice making eye contact with different people and addressing questions to the person who asked them.
But here’s what I’ve learned: preparation matters more for group and panel interviews. There are more people and more questions. Prepare thoroughly, and you’ll handle it better.
During the Interview: What to Do
This is important, because how you engage matters.
Make eye contact with all interviewers: don’t just focus on one person. Engage with everyone.
Address questions to the person who asked: but also include others in your answer. Show you’re engaging with the whole panel.
Stay calm: multiple interviewers can be intimidating, but stay calm. Take your time, and answer thoughtfully.
But here’s what I’ve learned: engaging with multiple people takes practice. Don’t just focus on one interviewer. Engage with everyone, and show you can work with different people.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s what I’ve seen go wrong, so you can avoid these mistakes:
Focusing on one interviewer. Engage with all interviewers. Don’t just focus on one person.
Being overwhelmed. Multiple interviewers can be intimidating, but stay calm. Take your time, and answer thoughtfully.
Not preparing for different question types. Different interviewers might ask different types of questions. Prepare for various question types.
But here’s what I’ve learned: these mistakes are avoidable. Engage with all interviewers, stay calm, and prepare for different question types. Preparation helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many interviewers are usually in a panel?
Usually 2 to 4. It varies by company and role. Don’t be intimidated by the number. Prepare thoroughly, and you’ll handle it.
Should I research all interviewers?
Yes, if you know who will be there. Research their roles and what they might ask. It helps you prepare better.
How do I make eye contact with multiple people?
Look at the person asking the question, but also glance at others. Don’t just stare at one person. Engage with everyone.
What if different interviewers ask conflicting questions?
Answer each question thoughtfully. If questions seem conflicting, address both perspectives. Show you can handle complexity.
How long do group or panel interviews last?
Usually longer than one on one interviews. Often 45 to 90 minutes. Be prepared for longer interviews.
Should I bring anything?
Bring copies of your resume, a notebook for notes, and any relevant documents. But check if they’ve asked you to bring anything specific.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for group and panel interviews in Australia requires thorough preparation and the ability to engage with multiple people. Research interviewers, prepare for different question types, and practice engaging with multiple people. Don’t be intimidated. Prepare thoroughly, and you’ll do fine.
Don’t focus on just one interviewer. Engage with all interviewers, make eye contact with everyone, and show you can work with different people. Preparation and engagement make a difference.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Engage with everyone. Don’t just focus on one interviewer. Make eye contact with all interviewers, address questions appropriately, and show you can work with different people. Preparation helps, but engagement matters too.
If you’re still preparing for group or panel interviews, research interviewers, prepare for different question types, and practice engaging with multiple people. Don’t be intimidated. Prepare thoroughly, and you’ll handle it well.
