Posted this in the other thread but putting it here so hopefully more people will see! Have an interview for Sheffield homes on the 6th, and am getting scared already! The information letter also said that it will be a panel of 3 people, which seems scary, seeing as it is only a clerical type job.....
Anybody had any experience of panel interviews or just any other help and advice for interviews?? Only had one other interview before, and that was pretty informal, so am getting bit stressed! Any help would be appreciated-Thanks!!:)
Jen

panel interviews are ok, dont worry ,means theres more chance of them liking you!!!

just make sure you smile at them all and respond directly to the person talking.

i normally shake all their hands when starting and ending the interview to try and make a good impression.

make sure you listen to what job each panel member does, then at the end you can ask the correct person the questions that yo uhave i.e career progress, working hours, job description etc

they will ask the same questions that one person would, so dont panic :)

thats good advice
the only add on would be make good eye contact with all of them, and whilst predominantly respond to the person asking the question, make sure you address them all

I like to think that panel interviews exist because if they pick the wrong person they cannot blame an individual for getting it wrong, also nobody is brave enough to do a one on one interview and it takes the pressure off the interviewer.

I agree with the above, just see it as a way to meet people you may be working with, be pleasant with them all, converse with them all and try not to panic!

I dont think thats necessarily true classic, in both places Ive worked we've relied on panel interviews because of the specialist knowledge required which often spans several areas. I have a business/finance/it/HR background but previously have needed someone with knowledge of medicine or education for example otherwise I could be being fed a line, likewise I needed to test knowledge on my areas

hi there jen !
at your interview just be yourself and you will be fine.
The folks at "Sheffield Homes" are very friendly and approachable.Dont worry.
Remember that if they dont choose you then its THEIR loss.
Best wishes from René
(www.reneseren.co.uk)

Hi Jen,

don t worry, just because there are 3 of them!
If you go to the career service at one of the universities in sheffield, they can give you a little booklet with hints on how to do an interview. i guess it s pretty straight forward stuff, but it might be good to read through it.
jen

Most jobs with Sheffield Homes / Sheffield Council will have a panel of 3 or more people.

Don't worry about it though, be well prepared do some research, take notes with you and ask them some questions.

Thanks for all the help everyone:) Just trying to think of questions they are likely to ask now and writing down my responses so they will hopefully sink in a bit more!! 3 days to go...:S

I dont think thats necessarily true classic, in both places Ive worked we've relied on panel interviews because of the specialist knowledge required which often spans several areas. I have a business/finance/it/HR background but previously have needed someone with knowledge of medicine or education for example otherwise I could be being fed a line, likewise I needed to test knowledge on my areas


This sound more like my last interview, there was two departmental managers and an HR manager, they are just covering their bases, any point raised will be covered by the relevant manager

Sorry to answer the night before the interview, but I didn't see this earlier - the interview should be based around the essential criteria/job specification. Sheffield Homes normally only short list people who meet the criteria for the job, so remember, you've passed the first hurdle. What you said previously about putting together some questions yourself is really good preparation. Its likely they will ask about your understanding of equalities issues, and look for enthusiasm about providing a quality service to customers. Each member of the panel will ask you questions, but thats nothing to worry about, they aren't looking for a slick delivery, they are looking for someone who they feel can do the job.
Hope this helps, and good luck!

Well thanks muchly for all the help:) It went OK I think, was a bit nervous and waffley, but hopefully not too bad! And your right, they are very friendly! :D