Whether it's your first or nth time doing a job interview, the experience can be intimidating -- more so if it's a panel interview. Just imagine two to five people asking you a series of questions, all trying to evaluate whether you're the right fit for the job.

Fortunately, you can turn such a nerve-wracking situation into an opportunity to stand out and secure the position. With the right preparation, attitude, and approach, you'll leave a lasting impression on the interviewers. Here are five hacks to help you ace your next panel interview and take the next step in your career.

When visiting a restaurant, you'll most likely first check out its menu, ambiance, and service to know what to expect. Similarly, researching interviewers allows you to understand their background and what they're looking for in a candidate. So, start by finding the interviewers on LinkedIn, the company website, and other social media channels. If you can't get the information you need, you can ask the recruiter for some background about the panel.

Know their roles in the company, accomplishments, interests, and values. Panel members may include your potential supervisor, executives, the HR manager, and team members. While the HR representative may focus on assessing your soft skills, cultural fit, and salary expectations, the supervisor is interested in your technical skills and contributions to the team. By giving personalized responses based on each interviewer, you can show your eagerness to work in the company.

Showing up 10 minutes early makes a huge difference. It sets a positive tone for the day ahead and allows you to mentally prepare for the panel interview. You can also use the extra time to stay organized, review your notes, and simply calm your nerves. If it's a panel interview via Zoom, you can check your audio and camera settings and ensure everything is working fine.

Arriving early reflects your work ethic and shows that you value the interviewers' time. It signals your professionalism, commitment, and reliability. First impressions last, so you'll want to be remembered as that punctual and prepared candidate, not the sweaty, out-of-breath late-comer.

When one member of the panel asks you a question, maintain eye contact with that person. As you answer, scan around the room, and look at the other members of the panel to build rapport with each of them. For instance, if your potential supervisor is the one asking you, don't forget to acknowledge other members with brief eye contact. This will also help you gauge their reaction and adjust your responses if necessary.

Engaging the panel members equally shows that you can communicate effectively and that you value their roles and insights. While the executives may have significant influence, the other panel members are just as important in the hiring decision. So, listen actively and respond to them thoughtfully for a smooth conversation.

Nail your panel interview by using the PDW approach: Paint the Picture, Dive into the Details, and Wrap up. This method lets you deliver clear, concise, and impactful answers, helping you stand out from other applicants.

Let's say you're asked about the time you handled a project that changed requirements midway. Paint a picture by saying, "As a former project manager, I led a team of translators and editors for a multilingual content project. When we were halfway through, the client decided to change content-specific guidelines and timelines."

Afterward, dive into the details of how you managed the situation. For instance, "I immediately set up a meeting with the client to clarify the changes and make sure we're on the same page. My team and I reorganized our priorities and reallocated tasks. We sent our outputs in batches for faster client feedback while also incorporating the team's suggestions to streamline the process."

Wrap up by saying, "As a result, we finished the project on time while maintaining quality. The client appreciated how we accommodated their new demands, and our flexibility led us to more collaborations. This experience highlights the importance of teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication, which I'm excited to practice in the company."

Finish the interview strong by following up with questions that only members of the panel can answer. These should be based on your research of the company and panel. For example, you can ask the executive, "Given the company's focus on sustainability and innovation, how can this role contribute to long-term goals in these areas?"

For your potential supervisor, you might ask, "What are the team's priority projects" or "What are the team's goals for the next six months?" By asking insightful questions, you can further show your genuine interest in the role, the company, and the people you may be working with.

Panel interviews may feel more overwhelming than one-on-one setups. But they're an opportunity for you to showcase your skills and advance your career. By being prepared, punctual, engaging, and strategic, you can improve your chances of getting hired. Download our free interview kit for more strategies to nail your interview and land a rewarding role!