You walk into the panel interview.

Four people. All staring at you. Taking notes.

They fire questions rapid-fire:

• "Tell us about yourself."
• "How do you prioritize?"
• "Describe a time you failed."
• "What's your management style?"

You're trying to remember who asked what. You're repeating yourself. You're losing track. You're spiraling.

By question 12, you're completely in your head: Am I talking too much? Did I already say that? Why is that guy frowning?

Panel interviews aren't designed to stress-test you. Okay, maybe some are. But mostly it's about being efficient. Either way...

Here's how to not spiral:

1. Bring a notepad.
​ Write down names and questions. Shows you're organized. Buys you 3 seconds to think.

2. Direct your answers strategically.
​ If the question is about calendar management, make eye contact with the hiring manager. If it's about culture, look at the HR person. Shows you understand stakeholder management.

3. Use the "bridge" technique.
​ When you've already answered something similar, acknowledge it: "That's related to what I mentioned earlier about X, but I'll add this angle..."

4. Have atleast 3 core stories ready.
​Most questions can be answered with variations of the same examples. You don't need 20 different stories. You need 3 great ones you can adapt.

The Interview Ready Playbook ($47) includes:

• The panel interview survival guide (structure, timing, strategy)
• How to prep "hero stories" that answer 80% of questions
• What to do when you blank on a question mid-answer
• How to read the room and adjust your approach
• The follow-up email template for panel interviews

$47 to walk into panel interviews prepared, not panicked.

Panel interviews aren't harder.

They're just higher-stakes.

Preparation makes all the difference.

Christina Torres​
​Chief Creative Officer
​Run & Tell That - Copy. Career. Culture.
​w: www.runandtellthat.co e: christina@runandtellthat.co​