Giving a presentation at interview

[Kevlarhead]

I've gone for a job, but I've been told I need to give a 10 minute presentation to the interview panel.

I'm slightly worried, as I haven't done a presentation in years (not since leaving uni) and I wondered in anyone out there knew what interviewers look for in a presentation. (Aside from the ability to stand and talk at the same time)

[PeachesMcLean]

Well done for getting an interview. What sort of job is it for? Unless it's particularly technical, remember that the majority of what they'll take away with them is not what you said but how you said it, so try not to get bogged down in the detail and complicated ideas.
Keep it really simple, say just three ideas, introduce them at teh beginning and recap at the end.
Whatever you do, speak slowly and clearly.
In fact, making an effort to speak more slowly can calm me down if I'm nervous.
Do you have to use anything like powerpoint or slides?

[Mij]

As someone who both had to do a presentation when I got my last job, and then had to watch other people's when I hired my own maternity cover (it was a very small organisation!) I can say with total confidence that... it completely depends. Wow. What I help I am.

No, let me reconsider. I know I want it to be ten minutes or less - so practice in 'real time', say it out loud. To the mirror, to your DP, to the cat, the baby, whoever.

Only use technology if you're absolutely certain that your laptop will talk to their projector/your disc will work in their laptop etc etc. There's nothing worse than you and panel members having to crawl under the desk trying to work out which cable is the offending trouble-maker. And the trailing-edge technology approach can be quirky and interesting - some of the best presentations I've seen have used cardboard and balloons (although I'd think twice about the magic tricks if you're going for law partnership...)

Style is important, but substance and clarity more so. Unless you're applying to be a powerpoint demonstrator, keep visuals simple, the message strong and the language crystal clear. In my experience if you try to second guess what you imagine they want to hear, you'll trip up. Ditch the buzz words and make sure that every single blooming sentence actually means something. Some of the bollocks I've had to sit through has made me so mad I've had to physically restrain myself from leaping up and yelling 'but what are you actually doing to do you dozy bint'.

Depending on the job (can you say what it is, btw?) take a punt on being a teensy bit edgy. They might be looking for someone to give the job/department/company a kick up the arse, in which case arse-licking won't get you anything except, perhaps, a kick in the face from the person who does get the job.

Hmm. I think maybe I've had too much diet coke this evening...

[blondehelen]

When interviewing the things that put me off an applicant on presentations are

typos
not answering the question/topic
sitting down when presenting
if powerpoint, too many animations

Things I like are well structured presentation where people are able to talk around the slides without reading word for word. Dynamic and edgey as posted before. I like a copy of presentation too as it help in the appointing process especially if alot of applicants

HTH and good luck

[flowerybeanbag]

It depends whether they are assessing your presentation skills (ie you will be doing similar for the job) or your knowledge.

I'm sure you will be able to make a judgement on that. Sometimes it's both of course, but it's usually one more than the other ime.

Make sure you know it inside and out, and around as well, as there will be questions afterwards (or should be). Have notes to glance at but don't read from them or anything, have them as a crutch, you should know it so well you feel confident doing it.

Mij & Peaches have excellent advice. I would add unless you are going for some sort of creative type job, use powerpoint if at all possible. Make sure the technology etc will support it, (by phoning HR and asking about facilities/availablity of technical staff to assist with set up or whatever) but do use it. In this day and age unless there are logistical reasons why you can't, it's not good enough to rely on overheads or whatever.

And good luck!

[flowerybeanbag]

x-post blondehelen, brilliant tips there as well, agree with all of that!

[PeachesMcLean]

Can't believe I said slides. What century am I in??? (haven't seen a slide since approx 1997)

[ja9]

powerpoint presentation - use as few slides as poss

[Kevlarhead]

It's powerpoint.

I've got the email the .ppt to them the day before, and they have everything set up at their end. Presumably this means the tech stuff is their problem, and I just have to show up and talk.

"It depends whether they are assessing your presentation skills (ie you will be doing similar for the job) or your knowledge."

Bit of both. It's a job with the NHS involving stats, so presumably they want to ensure I know my p-value from my elbow, and that I can talk at people interested in crack cocaine use in the locality.

Target time is ten mins, which is long.

"Whatever you do, speak slowly and clearly."
I'll be having a handful of beta blockers beforehand, which tend to have that result.

[MegaVegLech]

I've had to present in every job I've gone for and I've used the same one every time.

I do a ten minute presentation on how to make a cup aof tea.

All my old bosses have remarked that it was genius and the only one they ever remembered,


BTW I don't work for Tetleys or PG

[Kevlarhead]

Oh, and I stammer when I get stressed. This is going to be a barrel of laughs...

[Kevlarhead]

I wish I could do it on tea, but they've already given me the title "Understanding of the Concepts of Qualitative and Quantitative Research".

[MegaVegLech]

Great add tea into the presentation.

Seriously get thee some Bachs flower remedy.

[Kevlarhead]

Bump. Anyone else got any 'what not to do' type advice?

[Kevlarhead]

Well... that was a complete king farce...

The desk's covered in spots of water, the laptop's got water on it, something drips on my head... and they deny there's a problem, say there's nothing wrong with the aircon and that someone may have dripped their drink on the desk (implying I'm a liar in the process).

And they asked me to hurry up, (3 mins into 10 min presentation) and couldn't wait to see the back of me.

Bunch of areholes, what a total waste of time.

[CristinaTheAstonishing]

Sounds v unprofessional. You're better off without them.

I too had to do a presentation on that topic about 18 months back. I thought it was excellent - and so did they. Didn't get me the job, though...

[PeachesMcLean]

What a waste of your time To rush you three mins into a 10 min presentation???

Well better luck next time. At least you've had the practice of putting the presentation together.



Idiots.