Panel interview questions to ask candidates
A panel interview is more complex than a one-on-one session, so it’s helpful to agree on a list of panel interview questions in advance.
These questions also offer a broader approach to the interview process, involving a combination of topics. Participants from different departments or with varying expertise can assess the candidates’ responses for a more holistic evaluation.
1. What is your preferred working style?
Panel interviews often include one or more employees who are typically familiar with the open position, such as a colleague or a direct supervisor. This question can help determine if the candidate has a working style similar to the existing team or department. For example, if the individual expresses enthusiasm for collaboration and communication, they might work well on a small team.
Share details about the position, the working environment and the management style to help the applicant determine whether the position is right for them.
2. Can you tell us about a challenging work scenario?
Asking about past opportunities for improvement is a way to learn more about the person’s challenging experiences and how they reacted to them. It’s also useful in a panel interview format, as it can help ensure an objective evaluation. This can be particularly important when discussing workplace challenges, as bias can be unavoidable in one-on-one interviews.
The most important part of the candidate’s answer typically relates to the lesson they learned. This wisdom can make them a more effective employee, particularly if they’re in a coaching or management position.
Discussing failures requires vulnerability, honesty and reflection. The candidate’s answer can also help you assess their self-awareness.
3. Can you share a time when you had to influence someone without having direct authority?
Your open position may not be a leadership role. However, most positions still require decision-making. The candidate may share how they’ve enacted change by using their expertise or establishing trust with colleagues.
4. How do you ensure clear communication when interacting with people from different backgrounds or expertise levels?
Context is an important aspect of communication, providing insight into how a message is interpreted. Consider whether candidates mention building trust so others can understand their intentions or relying on active listening to ensure others feel heard.
This question is particularly helpful in a panel interview where people with different backgrounds may be present.
5. What would your priorities be in the first 90 days if you were hired?
This question lets the candidate express their interests and goals with the company. Consider how they approach the onboarding process and whether they expect to adapt to the role’s responsibilities quickly.
If you’re hiring for a leadership position, candidates may also share changes they hope to implement if hired.
6. Can you tell us about a time you managed a conflict at work?
Conflict management is an essential skill for team-based employees. Asking about past conflicts can help you learn the candidate’s communication style. A panel interview setting also helps interviewers assess whether the candidate practices empathy.
Consider whether the candidate handled the situation professionally, demonstrated respect for the other party and managed their emotions effectively.
Candidates who can deal with conflict constructively often perform well in a team environment. They know how to handle complex situations and learn from them to improve future communication and performance.
7. Do you have any questions?
This is one of the most important questions to ask during a panel interview. It’s an effective way to close out the session, giving the candidate an opportunity to express their thoughts.
Other panel interview questions to consider asking
8. How do you approach working with cross-functional teams with differing priorities?
9. For [specific task or challenge], what process would you follow to ensure quality and efficiency?
10. In our department, we often face [specific challenge]. How would you handle that?
11. Describe a project where you had to ensure alignment across various departments. How did you do it?
12. How do you prioritize when faced with multiple urgent tasks?
13. What tools or methods do you use to stay updated in your field, and how have they benefited your work?
14. Describe a recent [technical or role-specific] project you worked on. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?
15. How do you handle situations where your message is misunderstood?
