The panel interview can be an incredibly helpful tool to use to receive a better understanding of a candidate. Multiple perceptions are revealed through the process which can provide for greater reflection.
This reflection occurs not just after the interview when you discuss the candidate amongst yourselves, but it also occurs during the interview itself. You’re not the only one asking the questions!
This increased perception for both yourself and your colleagues allows for a far enhanced evaluation. It also can provide greater objectivity and consistency along reaction to the candidate. Maybe there was a detail you or someone else overlooked? The panel can help bring it to attention.
If you are the hiring manager or business leader who simply doesn’t like to interview or lacks the past experience, a panel interview with your HR expert can provide you with the opportunity to more fully engage in the hiring process.
In a post on Ragan’s HR communication, adapted from Workforce Online, the panel interview is considered. The author offers a couple suggestions for interviewers.
- If the panel is large enough, consider assigning individuals to cover certain sections of the candidate’s history and different work experience.
- Ask your fellow interviewers to use their own experience in the business to develop specific, insightful questions. This is especially useful for very technical positions.