Which of the following terms refers to a group of interviewers working together to question and rate one applicant?

Which of the following terms refers to a group of interviewers working together to question and rate one applicant?

Group interview refers to a type of interview where more than two people are involved.

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Group interview definition

Group interview refers to a type of interview where more than two people are involved. It can mean that a number of candidates are interviewed together at the same time (known as candidate group interview) or that one candidate is interviewed by more different department representatives at the same time (known as panel group interview).

Advantages and disadvantages of a group interview

One of the biggest benefits of a group interview is how it's speed so it saves time. It offers a chance to compare candidates side by side and to examine which candidates rise to the top.

On the other hand it provides less time to get to know individual candidates, requires strong interviewing skills in the selectors and gives advantages to the most dominant candidates of the group, which won’t necessarily be the best people for the job,

Group interviews are more suitable when recruiting for roles that require alpha-type personalities, such as sales or management roles.

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  1. Interviewing
  2. Panel Interviews: How They Work and How To Prepare for One

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated August 11, 2022 | Published October 7, 2019

Updated August 11, 2022

Published October 7, 2019

Which of the following terms refers to a group of interviewers working together to question and rate one applicant?

Image description

A person sits before three individuals during a panel interview.

Unlike traditional one-on-one interviews, panel interviews allow multiple people to assess your skills and qualifications at once. Collecting a variety of opinions can help your potential employer make a more informed and effective hiring decision.

In this article, we’ll define the panel interview, discuss how they work and give you tips to help you approach this type of interview with confidence.

What is a panel interview?

A panel interview features a group of people who ask questions and decide if you’re the right candidate for the job. When panel interviewers work well together, they can combine their strengths to ask the most effective and comprehensive interview questions.

A panel interview can also give you the chance to demonstrate how well you work in a collaborative environment by interacting with multiple people at once.

Related: 125 Common Job Interview Questions and Answers (With Tips)

How employers select panel members

Interview panel members are usually individuals who know the culture of the company and the job requirements well. Members might also include people who will be interacting with you regularly.

For example, if you interview for an assistant police chief position, the panel may include the fire chief, assistant city manager and police chief. These individuals would likely be able to ask you questions that are crucial for the position. They may also want to assess your personality to decide if you would fit in with the current staff.

Interview panels may also consist of diverse employees to ensure that a variety of people participate in the hiring decision. Each member can provide different insights into your experience, qualifications and personality.

Related: 21 Job Interview Tips: How to Make a Great Impression

How does a panel interview work?

Companies often schedule panel interviews when multiple candidates are applying for a position. Conducting interviews in one day makes it easier for the panel to make a hiring decision since each candidate’s answers are still fresh in the interviewers’ minds.

During the interview, the hiring manager often leads the panel. A recruiter or member of human resources can also lead the interview if the hiring manager wishes. After first-round questions, panelists can ask follow-up questions based on your previous answers.

For example, the hiring manager might ask what skills make you qualified for a senior computer engineer position. You may answer that you have 10 years of experience working in the computer industry and have led multiple teams on challenging projects.

A panel member could then ask you to elaborate on the details of one of these projects and how you successfully led the team to complete it. Your answer to this question shows your interviewers how you have handled previous situations and how you might act at their company if given the position.

After the questions, the panel leader will conclude the interview. They may also let you know when to expect their final hiring decision.

Related: Interview Question: “What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?”

How to complete a panel interview

Follow these steps to effectively prepare for a panel interview.

1. Prepare for your interview

Once you find out who the members of the panel are, try to research them online. If you don’t know who will be on the panel, you could politely ask your potential employer to send a list of the panelists’ names.

You can look them up on a professional networking site to understand their role and length of time at the company. Knowing their particular position and duties can help give you talking points for the interview.

Related: How To Prepare for an Interview in 11 Steps

2. Greet everyone in the panel

At the start of the interview, address each panel member with a general greeting like “Hello” or “Nice to meet you.” During the interview, as each of the panelists speaks, be sure to give each member your full attention to show you care about what they have to say and that you value their input.

Related: How To Greet in an Interview (With Examples and Tips)

3. Engage with all panelists

Interacting with each panel member could ensure that you make the best impression on the individuals most responsible for the hiring decision. You can show your engagement by answering each panelist’s questions with equal enthusiasm and giving thoughtful replies. At the end of your interview, thank each member by name to show you respect them and appreciate their time.

Related: Group Job Interview: What It Is and How To Succeed at One

4. View the interview as a conversation

Treating a panel interview like a group conversation rather than a question-and-answer session can make the interview more relaxed and cooperative. In the conversation, focus on your strengths and what makes you excited about the role.

Make sure to also prepare some questions of your own. If your interviewers see you actively participate in the conversation, it may be easier for them to see you as a potential member of their organization.

Related: How To Introduce Yourself in an Interview

In this video, Jenn, a certified Career Coach, shares how to create a strong first impression, tell a concise, compelling story about who you are, and how to convey confidence while doing it.


What is a group of interviewers called?

A panel interview is a meeting format with several interviewers and one candidate. Panel interviews are typically used to get in-depth information about the candidate from several different perspectives for an important or competitive role.

What is the person called who asks questions in an interview process?

In common parlance, the word "interview" refers to a one-on-one conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee. The interviewer asks questions to which the interviewee responds, usually providing information.

What is it called when a series of one to one interviews with different interviewers take place?

There are two types of group interviews--group and panel. A group interview consists of a single interviewer interviewing multiple candidates at the same time. Group interviews are most common in industries like food service, hospitality and retail.

What is it called when a researcher conducts an interview with a group of people all at the same time?

Structured interviews are excessively used in survey research with the intention of maintaining uniformity throughout all the interview sessions. They can be closed-ended as well as open-ended – according to the type of target population.