Panel Interview?

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing, Orthopediacs.

How does a panel interview work compared to face to face. I am having that next week and wonder if I need to be prepared for something totally different than the previous interviews I went on?

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

The major difference is that instead of a single person asking you questions, there are several. They typically take turns, and then afterwards they compare notes on how you interviewed. It can actually be an advantage because there's more than one opinion in making a decision on whether to hire or not.

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Specializes in Adolescent & Adult Psychiatry.

Hello there!

The panel interview is indeed a face-to-face interview where you will probably sit across the table from a nurse manager, RN staff, maybe a unit director, and other ancillary staff that have a few minutes to spare for the interview. It will be their time ask you questions to see if you would be compatible with their team (i.e. do you have a sense of humor? What is your time management like? Are you willing to help out your staff including non-nurses? How do you work under pressure? Are you willing to commit to the position at least 1-2 years?, etc). I could obviously go on and on with the questions they will ask, but the key is to not be intimidiated by the many eyes that gaze upon you. They can smell fear and anxiety from a mile away so obviously, you won't be working too well under pressure!

However, if you do feel a little nervous before the interview, which a lot of people do, just go in and pretend like you're talking to a bunch of classmates about some nursing research (corny, I know!). But it will help you calm down and in the big picture, you are discussing research. You are the subject being studied, you know enough about yourself, so show them you know your stuff and be confident in your abilities. Their questions will be "snooping-level" at best; they just want to see if "hmmmm, can we work well with this person and are they a good fit for the unit?"

Go in there with flying colors (except for the colors of your dress suit!) and show them you're perfect for the job! To be honest, it's a lot less stressful than the one-to-one interviews IMO; those are just filled with interrogation, awkward glances and interesting silent moments! Makes me wonder if a cop is going to arrest me as I walk out the door...

^^^To be long-winded in my posts is an understatement for me so Good Luck to you and I wish you the best! ^_^

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing, Orthopediacs.

Thanks. I am trying to get prepared. Now if I get the nerves under control we will be good.

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