Committee or Panel interview

Companies use this method when hiring for advanced positions or if they are just feeling nasty. During committee interviews candidates are questioned by several company personnel at once, this can be daunting but try to keep cool. Be sure to impress all of the interviewers; do not cater to just what one or two want to hear.

Tips: When an interviewer addresses you with a question, respond to the person that asked that question, while being conscious of how the others will interpret what you are saying.
Deliberate attempts to unnerve you Interviewers may try to test your nerve to see how you handle yourself under pressure. The interview may start out in a relaxed fashion with standard questions being posed, then the interviewer may change tack to launch into a hostile assault, for example "So you failed your A-levels, what makes you think you can handle the pace at our company?" You should be prepared for this and when it comes don't take it personally. Calmly answer each question as it comes.

General preparation before any interview

· Carry out research into the company, know what it's products are, its size, income, reputation, image, goals, problems. How many people do they employ and what is the company philosophy? Know the company’s origins; is it a family company, where and when was it established?
· Study any recent press cuttings about the company, and try to slip your up to date knowledge into conversation.


· You may like to practice your responses to some of the more common interview questions, and prepare a list yourself of questions that you want to ask.
· Prepare your interview resources before the day, you will need to take a couple of copies of your CV, a reference list, and if possible some examples of work you have done in the past.


· Dress professionally; even if you are going for an interview at a funky Dot COM company you should still portray a smart business image. It is recommended that both men and women wear a suit and sensible shoes. Women wear a moderate amount of makeup and simple jewellery. Men should be clean-shaven with a conservative tie and ironed shirt.