sammym:
Panel interviews are usually used so that you can get multiple perspectives on a particular candidate. I’ve had them before where I’ve had three individual meetings with directors (same day) and then a group ‘chat’. Usually, you have a first-round culling and then people you are taking seriously get the ‘investment’ of time to be taken seriously in this way.
Fundamentally they will just want to know if you can do the job, if you are the right fit for the company - and that you really want to work there.
Talk about your experience as a driver to show you can do the job. Give examples of your professionalism (make them up if needed) pointing out where you’d done something exceptional to get the job done properly. I’d probably wear a suit for this level of interview - if they are making you jump through these hoops it’s obviously what they want. But I’d judge it on how they dress really. If they wear a tie you should in this situation.
In terms of company fit - you want to appear confident, relaxed and level headed. Someone who can be relied upon. I’d throw in plenty of examples of teamwork (say you play a team sport etc…) give examples of your own time management etc… Don’t come across as arrogant. But definitely, aim to be confidence. It’s hard to believe in someone who doesn’t believe in themselves.
Finally they will inevitably ask you if you have any questions at the end. Do not interupt them with your questions before this. They will have a list of questions they want answering. However this is the chance you have to show them how much you want to work for. Ask about when they want someone to start. And IF you have the balls the last questions should be: ‘is there any reason I’m not perfect for this role?’. It’s great because it gives you a chance to iron out any doubts before you leave the room and most people won’t have the balls to do it and it will make you stand out.
Good luck with the interview. And feel free to ignore my ‘advice’ it works for me - and has done in different fields.
In other fields your advice would be generally right. If you’re going for a job in sales, you need to appear confident and relaxed meeting strangers under pressure. If you’re going for a job in management, you need to get along with peers.
But for a lorry driver, is it any help to play team sports, when for most of the day you are sitting on your arse and working alone for long hours, being expected to work things out for yourself? If you’re being expected to sleep in a wagon in a lay-by, is it valuable to show that you take exceptional care of your appearance? If you’ve got 25 years under your belt as a driver, do you really need to show that you “believe in yourself”?
I wonder whether this mentality is why many companies, when inexperienced HR personnel attempt to recruit directly, complain that they can’t find anyone! 
alluded to) or alternatively they could very well be a very forward looking Co who value each and every employee as a “team member” and as such offer wages and incentives that reflect that ethos. If it was me I’d go along to the interview and would in fact interview them to ascertain if they were worthy of my efforts. 
