How to prepare for a panel interview
Panel interviews are common at banks, NGOs and larger companies in Ethiopia. They feel intimidating, but they are predictable once you know how they work.
Know who is on the panel
Ask the recruiter who you will meet. Usually it is the hiring manager, someone from HR and a future colleague. Each is listening for something different: skills, fit and how you work with others.
Prepare five stories
Most questions can be answered with one of five stories: a success, a failure, a conflict, a time you led, and a time you learned something fast. For each, know the situation, what you did and what changed.
Answer the person, then the panel
Look at the person who asked the question as you start, then include the others as you continue. It keeps everyone engaged.
- Ask who will be on the panel
- Prepare five stories with results
- Read the company profile and recent news
- Bring two good questions of your own
Close well
Ask about next steps and when you can expect to hear back. A short thank you message to the recruiter the same day is always a good idea.
Every company profile on HireHabesha shows its hiring process step by step, so you know what is coming.