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Home Blog Presentation Ideas How to Give A Compelling Interview Presentation: Tips, Examples and Topic Ideas

How to Give A Compelling Interview Presentation: Tips, Examples and Topic Ideas

Interview presentations have now become the new norm for most industries. They are popular for sales, marketing, technology, and academic positions. If you have been asked to deliver one for your job interview presentation, prepare to build a strong case for yourself as a candidate.

Giving a general presentation is already daunting. But selling yourself is always the hardest. Spectacular credentials and stellar expertise don’t count much if you cannot present them clearly, which you are expected to do during your interview presentation.

So, let’s prime you up for the challenge. This post is action-packed with job interview PowerPoint presentation examples and will teach you the best way to do a presentation without stressing too much!

Table of Contents

What is an Interview Presentation?

What should an interview presentation look like, how to prepare for a job interview presentation: the basics, define your structure, what slides to include, how to come up with 15-minute interview presentation ideas, how to conclude your interview presentation, how to prepare for an interview: the final tips, what to do at the first interaction with the company elevator pitch for interview, presentation design tips, how to overcome presentation anxiety, tips on maintaining positive body language throughout the presentation, your final act.

An interview presentation, also known as a job interview presentation or interview portfolio, is a formal and structured way for candidates to showcase their skills, qualifications, and suitability for a specific job position during an interview. It goes beyond the typical Q&A format of interviews, allowing candidates to demonstrate their expertise through a prepared presentation. Employers commonly request interview presentations in various industries, such as sales, marketing, technology, academia, and management roles. These presentations serve several important purposes: assessing communication skills, evaluating cultural fit, measuring expertise, analyzing problem-solving skills, and observing presentation skills. While the specific format and requirements of interview presentations vary widely, candidates typically receive guidelines from the employer regarding the topic, duration, and any specific criteria to be addressed. In essence, an interview presentation is an opportunity for candidates to make a compelling case for their candidacy, showcasing their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the job. It requires careful preparation, effective communication, and the ability to engage and persuade the interview panel. A successful interview presentation can significantly enhance a candidate’s chances of securing the desired position.

Think of your interview presentation as a sales pitch.

Your goal is to convince the human resources team that you are the best candidate. The kick here is that you will present to a warm audience – you already impressed them enough with your resume to be called in for an interview. We recommend generating a strategy and presentation based on a 30 60 90 Day Plan .

Employers request interview presentations for a few simple reasons:

• To assess your communication and public speaking skills.
• To understand whether you are the right cultural fit for the company.
• To develop a better sense of how well-versed you are in the domain .

So, your first job is ensuring your presentation fits the criteria. Review the company’s job description again and jot down all the candidate requirements. Take the time to read about their company values and mission. Be proactive and ask precisely what you should cover during your presentation.

Most interview presentations will differ in content and style, but here’s a quick example to give you more context:

[ Use This Template ]

Before you get elbow-deep in designing that PowerPoint for a job interview presentation, do some scouting and reach out to the HR team with a few questions.

You want your presentation to be on-point and technically accurate, so ask your contact the following:

• How long should an interview presentation be? Fifteen minutes is the golden standard, though some employers may ask to cut it down to just 10 minutes or extend it to 20-25.
• Who exactly will be present? A conversational presentation would undoubtedly be welcomed by your peers and a team leader but may appear too casual for the senior managers or board of directors.
• Does the HR team have a particular agenda in mind? Ask some leading questions to understand what kind of skills/experience they want you to demonstrate. If needed, use a proper agenda slide to include your content.
• What’s the IT setup? Should you bring your laptop? Do you need an adapter to connect to their projector? What kind of presentation software have they installed – PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides?

Everyone appreciates clarity.

In fact, 89% of professionals state their ability to communicate with clarity directly impacts their career and income.

Your presentation should flow, not rumble. Make sure that your story is easy to follow and your key message is easy to digest, remember, and pass on. If you want people to retain your main points, opt for the following structure:

Source: this infographic was created with  3 Steps Editable 3D Ladder Infographic

Here’s an interview presentation example styled in this fashion.

What is: The company’s presence in the Middle East is low. Only 15% of revenues come from the top markets.

Why this matters: The UAE fashion market alone is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% during the next five years.

What could be: I have helped my previous employer open a flagship store in Dubai, have a lot of industry contacts, and am familiar with the local legislature. Your brand can expect a 17% revenue growth within one year of opening.

You can find even more ideas for designing your presentations in this post .

The choice of slides will largely depend on whether you are asked to talk about yourself or present on some task that you will be required to do as part of your job (e.g., create marketing campaigns).

Most interview presentation templates feature the following slides:

• Opening Slide
• Quick Bio/Personal Summary
• Career Path
• Education timeline
• Key Skills and Expertise
• Case studies/examples of the problems you have solved at your past jobs
• Your vision for your future role.
• What exactly can you bring in as the candidate (we will come back to this one later on!)

Can’t figure out where to start? Check out our AI PowerPoint generator to create an entire interview slide deck in a couple of clicks, or just download a job interview template . Swipe down to learn from the either of the following job interview presentation samples.

Typically, a talent acquisition team will suggest broad interview presentation topics for you. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, they may ask you to develop a sales presentation for some product (real or imaginary).

Some employers will request a short presentation about you or your hobbies to understand whether you are a good “fit” for the team and share the company’s values. Remember this: your audience will be assessing your aptitude for the role, no matter which topic you were given.

In fact, the interviewers at this point don’t care that much about your experience and skills. They want to know how you can apply those to solve the company’s pressing problems – meet sales targets, improve ROI from social media marketing or help them earn more revenue.

Your job is to make an educated guess… predict the most wrenching problem, and pitch your “magic pill” during your interview presentation.

I know what you are thinking – but how do I find the right opportunity/problem to tackle?

Businesses across different industries pretty much struggle with the same generic challenges related to either of the following:

Your topic should clearly address one of these areas and offer a potential roadmap for solving some specific problem within it.

Let’s say that you are applying for a sales role. Clearly, you will want to tackle the “customer audience” set of problems. To refine your idea, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you think of a new customer segment the company should target? Who are they, what do they want, and how you can help the company reach them?
• Do you have a network or experience to identify and pitch new clients?
• Can you think of new collaboration opportunities the company could use to attract a whole new niche of customers?

So a sample job interview presentation about yourself should include a series of Problem & Solution Slides , showing exactly how you will address that issue if the company hires you.

Here’s another PowerPoint presentation about yourself for job interview example worth using – incorporate a case study slide, showing how you have successfully solved a similar problem for your past employer.

Wrap up your presentation by laying out the key steps the company needs to take. Give an estimate of how much time it will take to tackle the problem, and what changes/investments should be made.

Your conclusion should tell this: “Hire me and I will solve this problem for you in no time!”.

Source: StockSnap

Dial-Up Your Power

Take a deep breath and strike a “power pose” before you enter the room.

According to her research, power posers performed better during interviews and were more likely to get hired. Another study also proved this theory: unaware judges gave major preference to the power-primed applicants. So yes, pep talks do work!

The first 30 Seconds Count The Most

What you do and say in the first 30 seconds will make the most impact. Psychological  research  shows that listeners form opinions about your personality and intelligence in the first 30 seconds of the interview. So be sure to start with a compelling opening, framing exactly how you want to be perceived.

Try To Appear Similar to the Interviewer

Lauren Rivera, a professor from Kellogg School,  came to the conclusion that interviewers tend to hire “people like them” .

Even the top human resource management folks fall for this bias and tend to base their evaluations on how similar a candidate is to them, instead of trying to decide whether the person’s skill set is ideal for the position. So to be liked, you will have to act relatable.

Back up your statements with facts

To deliver a presentation with a bang, you can make use of pre-analyzed facts to support your hypothesis. Make sure to do your homework, study the company and its competitive landscape, and do the professional work you would have done as a member of the company crew. At some point in your interview presentation, you go “off the script”, and pull out a bunch of documents, supporting your statements.

For example, you can give away a quick plan indicating a number of things the employer could do today to save money, even if they don’t hire you. Make sure to be meticulous; your work will speak for you. But giving away this work will show the employer your commitment, skills, and focus.

And that’s exactly how to make your job interview presentation stand out. Most candidates just ramble about their skills and past career moves. You bring specificity and proof to the platter, showing exactly what makes you a great hire fair and square.

Within a selection process, there are many interactions (interviews and dynamics) that you must successfully complete in order to be the next selected candidate. One of your objectives in this first interaction should be to generate a great first impression in the company. For this, we recommend using the Elevator Pitch for Interview technique.

The Elevator Pitch for Interview will allow you to present yourself in a solid and professional way in less than 60 seconds, in order to generate an outstanding first impression.

What is an Elevator Pitch for an Interview?

The Elevator Pitch is a condensed speech about yourself that aims to generate engagement in no more than 60 seconds. Entrepreneurs widely use this type of speech to persuade investors and job seekers in job interviews. Your Elevator Pitch for the Interview will generate a great first impression to the employer and be better positioned than other candidates. If your goal is to make a convincing presentation in a job interview, your Elevator Pitch needs to be well crafted.

How to Make an Elevator Pitch for an Interview

There are many ways and tips to make an excellent Elevator Pitch for a job interview. This section provides you with essential advice to make your interview more convincing.

Identify your target

You need to know to whom you are presenting yourself. Is it a recruiter? or an executive?. Your Elevator Pitch will change depending on the receiver.

Comprehend the needs of the hiring company

Make an advanced study about the search requirements for the job position. Identify your strengths. Highlight them. Demonstrate your experience. Identify your weaknesses. Show that you have a profile that seeks constant improvement

Create a clear, concise, and truthful Elevator Pitch

This point is critical. Your Elevator Pitch must be clear, concise, genuine, and impactful. Go from less to more. Generate a real hook in your audience. Try not to go off-topic or talk too much, and be brief in everything you want to say.

Speak naturally and confidently

If you can speak fluently and naturally, you can show a confident profile. Show you know what you are talking about and what you want.

Elevator Pitch Example for Job Seekers

This section illustrates an Elevator Pitch Example targeted to Recruiters. It will help you put together your own.

“My name is [NAME]. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, I have spent the last five years accumulating professional experience as a Project Assistant and Project Manager. I have successfully managed intangible products’ planning, strategy, and launch these past few years. I was excited to learn about this opportunity in Big Data – I’ve always been passionate about how technology and the use of information can greatly improve the way we live. I would love the opportunity to bring my project management and leadership skills to this position.”

Ways to avoid common mistakes in your Elevator Pitch

Keep in mind the following points to avoid making mistakes in your Elevator Pitch for an Interview.

Don’t hurry to make your Elevator Pitch

The Elevator Pitch lasts approximately 60 seconds. Do it on your own time and naturally, as long as you make it clear and concise.

Do not always use the same Elevator Pitch for all cases

One recommendation is not to repeat the same Elevator Pitch in all your interviews. Make changes. Try new options and ways of saying the information. Try different versions and check with your experience which generates more engagement and persuasion.

Make it easy to understand

Articulate your pitch as a story. Think that the person in front of you does not know you and is interested in learning more about your profile. Don’t make your Elevator Pitch challenging to appear more sophisticated. Simply generate a clear and easy-to-understand narrative, where all the data you tell is factual and verifiable.

Don’t forget to practice it

Practice is the key to success. Your Elevator Pitch for Interview will become more professional, convincing, and natural with practice.

How to End an Elevator Pitch?

An essential aspect of ending an Elevator Pitch for an Interview is demonstrating interest and passion for the position. You have already presented yourself and established that you have the necessary background for the job. Closing with phrases revealing passion and attitude will help reinforce your pitch.

We recommend you use expressions such as:

“I have always been interested and curious about the area in which the company operates, and it would be a great challenge for me to be able to perform in this position.”

“I have been interested in moving into your company for a while, and I love what your team is doing in IT.”

“I would like to advance my career with an employer with the same values. I know that thanks to my profile and experience, I can make excellent contributions to your company.”

Keep It Visual: Use visuals like images, graphs, and charts to convey your points effectively. Visuals can make complex information more accessible and engaging. Consistency Matters: Maintain a consistent design throughout your presentation. Use the same fonts, color schemes, and formatting to create a cohesive look. Practice Timing: Be mindful of the allotted time for your presentation. Practice to ensure you can comfortably cover your content within the time limit. Engage the Audience: Incorporate elements that engage the audience, such as questions, anecdotes, or real-world examples. Interaction keeps the interview panel interested. Use White Space: Avoid cluttered slides. Use white space to create a clean and uncluttered design that enhances readability.

Presenting during a job interview can be nerve-wracking. Here are some strategies to overcome presentation anxiety:

• Practice: Practice your presentation multiple times, ideally in front of a friend or mentor. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll become.
• Visualization: Visualize yourself by giving a successful presentation. Imagine yourself speaking confidently and engaging the audience.
• Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing can help calm nerves. Take slow, deep breaths before and during your presentation to reduce anxiety.
• Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your qualifications and the value you bring to the role.
• Focus on the Message: Concentrate on delivering your message rather than dwelling on your anxiety. Remember that the interviewers want to learn about your skills and experiences.
• Arrive Early: Arrive at the interview location early. This gives you time to get comfortable with the environment and set up any technical equipment you use.

Maintain Good Posture: Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back. Good posture conveys confidence and attentiveness. Make Eye Contact: Establish and maintain eye contact with your audience to show confidence and engagement. Use Open Gestures: Employ open gestures, like open palms and expansive arm movements, to convey enthusiasm and openness. Smile and Show Enthusiasm: Genuine smiles and enthusiastic facial expressions demonstrate passion and eagerness. Control Nervous Habits: Be mindful of nervous habits like tapping or fidgeting, which can distract your audience and convey anxiety.

Stop fretting and start prepping for your interview presentation. You now have all the nitty-gritty presentation tips to ace that interview. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the design part, browse our extensive gallery of PowerPoint templates and cherry-pick specific elements ( diagrams , shapes , and data charts ) to give your interview presentation the top visual appeal.

Here you can see some 100% editable templates available on SlideModel that could be useful for preparing an interview presentation.

1. Versatile Self-Introduction PowerPoint Template

Use This Template

2. Professional Curriculum Vitae PowerPoint Template

This a sample of PowerPoint presentation template that you can use to present a curriculum and prepare for a job interview presentation. The PPT template is compatible with PowerPoint but also with Google Slides.

3. Modern 1-Page Resume Template for PowerPoint

4. Multi-Slide Resume PowerPoint Template

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HR, Human Resources, Interview, Job, Resume Filed under Presentation Ideas

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Interview presentation preparation tips

The interview presentation is becoming more common in the hiring process. It gives employers a better overview of your general aptitude and provides you with an opportunity to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience. But how should you prepare for an interview presentation? What should you include? What if it goes wrong?

4th Jun, 2021

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What is an interview presentation?

As you progress further in your career, particularly to executive level, you may be asked to give a presentation for interview. Perhaps you’ve been asked to conduct research and present your findings to a panel, complete a task and show how you approached it, put together a business plan and present your ideas, or even give a presentation about yourself and how you would excel in the role. Whatever you are presenting about, how you approach it should remain the same.

Many people find giving presentations intimidating, especially during an interview when you’re already nervous, but it’s something that you may have to do throughout your career – the sooner you tackle this skill, the better.

Why are you being asked to do a presentation for a job interview?

Many employers opt for a presentation-style interview as it gives a better overview of your general aptitude when compared to, or combined with, a traditional question and answer interview, like a competency-based interview . The interviewer is looking for proof that you can do the job and that you possess the required skills and traits.

Additionally, if you put time and effort into your presentation, this will highlight to the hiring manager that you are committed to the role and enthusiastic about joining the company. How many times have you been asked in an interview ‘Why do you want this position?’ or ‘What is it about this role that attracted you to it?’. They want to know how much you want this position, rather than just any position.

How to prepare a presentation for an interview

Where do you start? What should you include? The presentation is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, experience, and communication skills as well as your organisational skills and diligence – so start with the job description and person specification and pick out key skills and traits that the company is looking for. Then you can prepare your presentation around what they want to see.

For example, if the business is looking for someone creative, pay great attention to the style of your presentation. If it is looking for someone who is a confident public speaker, spend more time perfecting your speech. If attention to detail is paramount in the role, double and triple check your spelling and grammar. This is a great starting point and gives you something to build your presentation around.

What to include in an interview presentation

Although you may be tempted to go all out and show your potential employer that you are committed to the job, don’t fall into the trap of creating a 30-slide presentation with reams of text. Try to keep each slide short and significant and aim for no more than 10 slides. This ensures the information you deliver is memorable and will help you to stand out from other interviewees. Some interviewers may even give you a specific amount of time for your presentation, make sure you factor this in and don’t go over the time limit – otherwise you may appear to have poor time management skills.

Another way to make sure your presentation engages hiring managers is to include a range of formats to help you illustrate your points. Include graphs, statistics, diagrams, video clips, and images to help break up large volumes of text and maintain the attention of the interviewers.

If you are conducting research as part of your presentation, include quotes from industry leaders and/or research pieces. This gives your points authority and demonstrates your commercial awareness.

You should also try to incorporate the company’s colours, fonts, or style in your presentation. This will show that you have done your research and highlights your brand awareness.

Finally, check your spelling and grammar thoroughly! Small mistakes can really undermine the content of your presentation.

Tips for presenting at the interview

Presenting is a skill which can be learnt. Even if you are not a confident public speaker, the more you practice, the better you will become.

Present confidently and enthusiastically - Remember to speak clearly, make eye contact, and use open body language.

Don’t just read the slides - There is nothing worse than watching a presentation where the presenter has their back to you the whole time just reading reams of text from their PowerPoint notes.

Try not to talk too fast - Make sure you breathe, and take your time.

Practice, practice, practice - Ensure you are well rehearsed so that you are familiar with the structure of your presentation and are able to deliver it smoothly. If possible, practice your presentation with family members or friends to get used to speaking in front of other people.

Arrive early to give yourself time to set up the presentation and settle any nerves - Get comfortable with PowerPoint and presentation equipment. Make sure you know how to work any projectors, screens, or remote controls before you begin to avoid any awkward stumbles or pauses.

Stay within the allocated time - If you have not been given guidance on length, aim for the 10-minute mark. Time your presentation when you are practising to make sure it will fit within the time limit. If you need to reduce the content of your presentation, cut out the least relevant or weakest points.

Be prepared to adapt - You may have practised your presentation in a certain way, but the interviewer might not respond accordingly. Be prepared to be interrupted by questions or further discussion unexpectedly.

Breathe and try to enjoy it - By relaxing, you will find yourself presenting better and, if you enjoy it, your interviewers will respond to that and be better engaged with what you are saying.

Tips for keeping the interview presentation simple

It can take a lot of work to make something simple, yet effective, and when it comes to interview presentations less is often more. Keep it short - As previously mentioned, try to keep each slide short and aim for no more than 10 slides in total.

One idea per slide - To make sure your presentation is clear and concise, each slide should represent a different point/idea you want to make.

Stick to the important bits only - If you don’t think it’s important enough to spend time on, don’t have it on your slide.

Use the 4x6 rule - Aim for either four bullet points with six words per bullet point, or six bullet points with four words per bullet point. This way, your slides won’t look too busy.

Minimal text - Instead of writing paragraphs of text, use bullet points and a minimum font size of 24.

What's better for your interview presentation? Cue cards or presenting from memory?

Should you use cue cards in your presentation for interview or try to present from memory?

The answer to this question depends on what you feel most comfortable doing. If you find that having cue cards will help ease your nerves and ensure that you don’t forget your speech, then there is nothing wrong with that.

However, if you choose to use cue cards, you should not rely too heavily on them. You shouldn’t stand in front of the interviewers and look down at the cards continuously, neither should you write your whole speech out on the cards and read directly from them. They are cue cards for a reason and should only give you prompts on what to talk about. If your interview presentation has a lot of statistics on, using cue cards to remember the figures if you are unable to memorise them all is an excellent strategy.

What to do when things go wrong

You can practice your interview presentation as much as possible, but something may still go wrong and it’s important to be prepared for this eventuality. Here are some things that could go wrong and how to deal with them: Technical issues

There is not a lot you can do to prevent technical issues, especially if you are using someone else’s computer. But there are ways you can prepare just in case. Ensuring you have access to multiple sources of your presentation is key. Email the file to yourself and the recruiter, bring a copy on a USB stick and printed handouts. This way you are covered if anything goes wrong with the file you’re intending to use.

Your mind goes blank

Even those who are pros at presenting can sometimes lose their train of thought and find that their mind goes blank. The key here is not to panic. If possible, take a bottle or glass of water in with you and use this chance to take a sip, breathe and try to relax. Then look at your presentation slide or your cue cards and pick up where you left off. It may be helpful to repeat the last point you made as saying it out loud could spark your memory for your next point.

You are asked a question that you don’t know how to respond to

If you have allotted time at the end of your presentation to allow the interviewer to ask any questions (which is recommended), don’t worry if someone asks a question that you are not sure on. It may be that the interviewer is looking to see how you respond to a challenging question, so how you react is often more important than the answer itself.

If you do not understand the question, ask the person to explain. There is nothing wrong with doing this and shows more confidence than just saying that you don’t know. If you understand the question but are not sure of the answer, then admit that you don’t have the full answer, provide what information you do have, and offer to come back to them at a later date with a complete answer.

10-minute interview presentation template

Below is a presentation for interview example. Use this as a baseline and adapt or reorder where appropriate based on the task you have been set by the interviewer. Slide 1 - Introduction – Reiterate the objectives you have been set and lay out the structure of your presentation so that the interviewers know what to expect. Slide 2 - About you – Detail your professional experience, skills and working style. Slide 3 - Company history – Give a brief summary of the company history, any milestones or awards. Slides 4-7 - Answering the brief – Give your responses to questions you’ve been asked to answer, the benefits and limitations of your suggestions. Slide 8 - Question and answers – Include a slide titled ‘questions and answers’ as a cue to pause for interaction. Slide 9 - Conclusion – Sum up the key points you have made, reach a decision, and explain your reasoning. Slide 10 - Personal achievements – End the interview on a high with a brief slide highlighting achievements that show how you will succeed in the role.

For more information on how to ace your interview, download our free guide, ‘ Getting the best from your interview: Candidate interview tips and tricks ’, or contact your local recruitment specialist today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A job interview presentation is all about selling yourself. Be confident, speak clearly, and make eye contact with the interviewer. Don’t be afraid to promote yourself and highlight your achievements. This is your chance to really show the interviewer that you are capable and have the necessary skills to do the job. By putting time and effort into your presentation, you can show them how dedicated you are to the role and the company. For more information on how to ace your interview, download our free guide, ‘ Getting the best from your interview: Candidate interview tips and tricks ’.

Using cue cards can support you with your interview presentation, as long as you use them for their intended purpose. Do not write your entire presentation for interview out on cards and read from them word for word or constantly hold them in your hand and fail to make eye contact with the interviewer. Use them only to prompt you or for remembering key facts and figures. For more tips, read our article on ‘interview tips & questions’ .

If you have been sent a presentation brief that you do not understand – don’t panic. If there are words that you are not sure about, do some research and try your best to figure out what the organisation is asking of you. If you are still unsure, you could ask your recruiter as they may have seen this brief before and can give you an idea. If you are dealing directly with the hiring manager, then it may be worth checking that your interpretation of the brief is correct.

It is better to ask the question than present on something completely different to what the interviewer has asked. However, instead of saying to them that you don’t understand the brief and leaving it at that, tell them your understanding of it and ask if this is correct. This will show that even though you are unsure, you have taken the time to try to come to a conclusion yourself before asking for help. Download our free interviewing guide for more tips and advice.

How long your job interview presentation should last depends on what guidance you have been given. Thoroughly read the brief, as the recruiter or hiring manager may have specified the length of time you have for your presentation. If they haven’t given any indication, you should aim for 10 minutes, including time for questions and answers. For more tips on interviewing, read our article on ‘interview tips & questions’ .

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Why Employers Request Presentations

What interviewers will be evaluating, how to prepare for an interview presentation, tips for a successful presentation, how to ace a video interview presentation.

Madeleine Burry writes about careers and job searching. She covers topics around career changes, job searching, and returning from maternity leave.

For certain roles at some companies, the interview process may require that candidates give a presentation. Even confident speakers can feel some nerves about presenting in an interview setting. It can be a challenge to showcase your ability in front of a prospective employer, regardless of how much experience you have.

The keys to giving strong, effective presentations that wow interviewers are planning and practice.

Review advice on when employers request presentations from candidates for employment, tips for preparing for in-person and video presentations, and advice on how to ace your presentation during a job interview.

Interviewers are most interested in seeing you present if presentation skills are a key part of the role.

“The goal of having candidates present in interviews is to make sure whoever is hired can speak eloquently,” Melissa Hirsch wrote in an email to The Balance. Hirsch is the principal recruiter at Betts, a nationwide technology and recruiting services firm. 

Presentations are most often requested of candidates seeking roles in sales or leadership, according to Leslie Schmidt, vice president of recruiting at Betts, via an email to The Balance. 

Depending on the role, other factors may be at play. For sales roles, for instance, it’s typical to ask candidates to present on the company’s product.

“When a company asks a candidate to demo their current product, they are listening to their communication style, sales process, how well they qualify and close, and overall selling strategy,” Schmidt said.

Interviewers may also be looking for how well you understand the company’s product and the common pain points for customers. 

If you’re applying for a leadership role, you may be asked to share your plans for your first three months on the job, Schmidt said. If that’s the case, be specific. Talk about exactly what you would do, and how. 

Giving a presentation on top of a job interview may feel overwhelming. It may help to remember that, in a way, the job interview itself is also a presentation.

“You are presenting yourself as the product to be ‘sold’ to the hiring manager,” Tom Cobin wrote in an email to The Balance. Cobin is the founder of DynamiCoach, which offers coaching and workshops to improve public speaking and presentation skills.

Follow these strategies to prepare for and ace an interview presentation. 

 During presentations, interviewers will be keeping an eye on your communication skills and organizational skills.

Communication Skills

Interviewers will want to see if you are well-spoken and can share information clearly.

“Depending on the job you're applying for, they may be interested in analyzing whether or not you communicate in a way that will connect with the appropriate level of individuals (for example, senior leadership),” said Lisa Nichols, career and leadership consultant and CEO of Love Your Niche, LLC, in an email interview with The Balance.

Organizational Skills

They’re also looking to see how you organize and share information. Interviewers will be looking for a well-organized presentation and assessing how you use visuals and handouts and get participants involved. 

As with thinking through answers to common interview questions, a bit of preparation will help you feel at ease during a presentation. Try these strategies below. 

Confirm What’s Expected

Before you fire up your PowerPoint, make sure you have a good sense of what the hiring manager is looking to see.

“Most companies are more than happy to provide extra information and answer questions about the presentation prior to your interview, but make sure you can’t find the answer yourself first,” Schmidt said. 

Before you begin preparing, you should have a sense of the following presentation details:

• Audience (e.g., whether the presentation is geared toward C-suite executives, clients, or another group)

Keep It Short 

You’ll want to adhere to any time guidelines set by the hiring manager. As a general rule, if the timeline is uncertain, keep it short.  And remember to leave time for questions at the end.

“If an interviewer says you’ll be given 20 minutes to present with extra time for Q&A at the end, then your presentation shouldn’t be 10 minutes or 30,” Schmidt said. 

In terms of slides, 10 is a good maximum, with an intro slide, agenda slide, and a final slide with the next steps or Q&A.

Go ahead and share your slides with peers for feedback, too.

“The more eyes and feedback you can get, the better” Hirsch said.

Don’t Procrastinate

If you’re pulling an all-nighter to get it done, that might show. Spend sufficient time, and focus on the project.

“Hiring managers can tell when there was a lack of effort and time put into a presentation,” Schmidt said. 

Keep in mind that multiple candidates may be presenting on the same topic, making it easy for hiring managers to compare your work to others. Investing time in your presentation will help you make the best impression.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you’ve planned your presentation and perfected your slides, you’ll want to practice. The goal is to be very familiar with the material—without memorizing it, according to Cobin. That way, you won’t stumble if you forget something, but your delivery will still be natural: Memorizing can lead to a stiff, stilted presentation. To get comfortable, try rehearsing in front of a mirror or recording yourself.

Take a look at some additional tips for giving a strong interview presentation. 

Make Slides Attractive

Your slides should look good. Here are some tips for creating effective supporting visuals: 

• Don’t use too much text : Aim for a few bullet points. “The goal is to engage your audience and make it interactive," Hirsch said. "Nobody wants to be talked at for 30 minutes, and nobody wants to read a 10-paragraph essay that's a size 6 font either."
• Don’t read your slides : Instead of reading slides out loud, you should use them as backup, including data, tips, and charts or summarizing your points, Nichols said. Consider printing out copies of your presentation for the interviewers, as well.
• Add color and logos : But don’t overdo it. Your slides shouldn't look busy or distracting.
• Add your contact information : This will help with follow-ups.
• Check for errors—then check again : A typo on a big projector screen is particularly embarrassing. Review for accuracy, spelling, and grammar. Consider having someone else proofread, too.

Visual materials should support—not detract or distract from—your core message and any supporting points you’re trying to make.

Be Clear and Succinct 

A presentation should show off your verbal communication skills. That means you don’t want to ramble or be poorly organized in how you share information. Limit filler words, such as “um,” “like,” and “you know.”

Aim to make your presentation interesting and engaging.

“Connect with interviewers on a human level. If you start with a stat or a story that grabs their attention and makes it interesting for them, you will be more memorable,” Nichols said.

Then, be clear on the main points you want to communicate. 

Be Mindful of Your Nonverbal Presence 

You’ll want to seem engaged, poised, and knowledgeable during a presentation. To that end, pay attention to your tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and other nonverbal body language. 

It’s not uncommon for interviews to occur over video. That’s true for interview presentations, too. Here are some tips for performing well if your presentation is occurring on a video screen: 

• Get in front of a good background : You’ll want to be well lit (but not backlit), with a professional background. Remove kids, pets, and other distractions from the room beforehand. 
• Master the technology before the presentation : Make sure you’re comfortable sharing your screen, for instance.
• Make eye contact : Look at the camera to make eye contact while also monitoring the faces of your audience. Avoid looking at another monitor for your notes or the presentation deck. That can be confusing for your interviewer. 
• Stay high energy : It’s a bit harder to be engaged during a video presentation (whether you’re giving one or in the audience). Still, make sure to keep your energy high. “If you can visualize yourself standing in front of a live audience while you speak, it can help you feel more energized,” Schmidt said.

Key Takeaways

• Make sure your presentation meets the interviewer’s guidelines for topic and length. If you’re not sure, check with the hiring manager.
• Prepare your presentation well in advance, and practice it beforehand.
• Consider getting feedback from peers, friends, or family on both your presentation and your slides.
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7 Tips to Acing Your Interview Presentation

I like building and growing simple yet powerful products for the world and the worldwide web.

Published Date : December 7, 2020

Reading Time :

Introduction

An interview presentation is a short, persuasive presentation that an interviewer can ask you to deliver in lieu or in addition to a sit-down interview. Your interviewer may ask you to prepare an impromptu presentation on the day of the interview, or you may have some days to prepare.

Interview presentations allow employers to assess your skills and determine if you will fit into the organization well. I have several tips and examples that will help you ace your presentation. But let us look at the proper interview greeting etiquette first.

How to greet an interview panel

Interview etiquette demands that you greet every staff member you meet at your interview location, from the receptionist up until you meet your interview panel. When you get to the interview panel, you have to walk up to them with a smile. Give them an individual handshake and a ‘ Good Morning .’

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How should you introduce yourself in an interview?

After greeting the interview panel, you have to introduce yourself. Ensure you have a prepared greeting or check out some interview presentation templates to sound professional before you go for the interview. State your full name, educational background, and skill. It can go like this,

“ My name is Robert, and I’m a Marketing graduate here for the digital marketing associate role. I have a strong background in digital marketing, and I would love to become a valuable member of your team .”

How to introduce myself with a presentation in an interview

When you have to give an interview presentation, the first thing you should do is introduce yourself. The introduction for a job interview presentation can be more detailed than that for a regular interview, and it should lead to the next part of your interview presentation. You can find several interview presentation templates online, such as, 

“ Good Afternoon. My name is Robert, and I’m a marketing graduate with over two years of digital marketing experience. I’ve always been passionate about digital marketing and finding smarter ways to promote a brand. I have developed strategies for so-so brands and helped increase their brand visibility by 15% in 2 months. I’m here to talk about how those strategies can benefit this organization in a so-so way .”

What are the best interview skills?

1. research.

One of the things employers look out for in an interviewee is their research skills. You should show them how well you can research and how prepared you are for the interview presentation. Sometimes, they can test you by asking you questions about the company that you would only know if you had put in the effort before attending the interview presentation. You can find such questions in many interview presentation templates online.

2. Verbal and written communication skills

You require excellent verbal and written communication skills to succeed in your interview presentation. Verbal communication skills allow you to deliver your presentation in clear, concise words without depending on a crutch. Interviewers also look out for your ability to enunciate, speak confidently , and convince with your words. If you use an interview PowerPoint presentation, you need good written communication skills in your slides.

3. Non-verbal communication skills

Body language , gestures, and body management are important communication tools that tell much about you and your thoughts. You need good body management and maintain the right posture for confidence and optimism. Your body language and hand gestures can also signal your confidence , nervousness, and excitement, so you must use them correctly.

4. Soft skills

Soft skills include communication skills, people skills, personality traits, emotional intelligence, and social skills that show how well you relate. You need these skills to fit into the work culture, so the interviewers will look out for those skills they consider important.

5. Ability to perform under pressure

One of the employers’ top requirements is the ability to perform under stress and supervision. Many interviewers use the job interview presentation to test you for those abilities. How you prepare and deliver your interview presentation within a limited time can inform them of your diligence, efficiency, and intelligence level. You need to double-check everything and make sure you deliver an excellent presentation to remove any doubt about your abilities

6. Organizational skills

Organizational skills are highly sought-after, but they are notoriously difficult to recognize. Different organizations have their requirements, so you may not know exactly what they need. Still, you must show as many organizational skills as possible, including time management, planning, efficiency, creative and critical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. 

How to improve my interview skills

You may not have all the required skills for your interview presentation, but you can always develop them with some effort. Some of these skills are general skills you should have regardless, like verbal and written skills . While some of them are specific to the role for which you applied.

You can find several interview presentation ideas and tools to help you improve those skills. There are also interview presentation templates, samples, and ideas that are creative enough for you to adopt for your benefit. With some practice and determination, you can develop any skill you need.

1. Focus on your topic

When giving your ideas and topics, you must have the main one to base the presentation on. Usually, the interviewers give you a few topics to choose from so you can choose one to deliver confidently. Keep on track, and don’t go too far off your point.

2. Give your presentation a structure

Every interview presentation needs a structure that follows from start to finish. Your presentation’s structure gives it a clean, defined look that, in turn, makes you seem efficient and organized. Also, when you have a structure, keeping track of your delivery is easier.

3. Do your research

Once again, research is important if you intend to leave a lasting impression on your interview presentation panel. Your research has to cover the topic of your interview presentation, the position you’re applying for, and the company you want to hire you. 

4. Go along with the time limit

Interview presentations usually have a time limit, especially if multiple people are present on the same day. You must stay within the time limit and avoid getting cut off in the middle of your speech . Time management is important so you don’t skip out on any important points.

5. Use a ‘less is more’ approach

When delivering a job interview presentation, you have to keep in mind that quality trumps quantity. It would help if you kept your job interview presentation as concise as possible, leaving room for questions at the end. Also, your slides should be understated and simple, with each slide containing one simple message. Keep the number of slides to a minimum.

6. Study your audience

Studying your audience is essential because it lets you plan your interview presentation around their needs and expectations. Job interview presentations for entry-level staff and senior positions usually have different audiences and interviewers, so you can’t use the same interview presentation templates for both. 

7. Keep your interviewers engaged

Your job interview presentation should not be a one-sided lecture where you load your interviewers with more facts. You should aim to engage them throughout the delivery and always keep their attention on you. Make your interview presentation ideas exciting and interesting so they don’t get bored halfway through it.

How to start your presentation

•  Start with an icebreaker.

Interview presentations are usually professional and impersonal, so you can start with an icebreaker to lighten the mood and get your audience interested. Try starting with a personal story , an interesting fact, or a thought-provoking question.

• Speak for a short while without your slide.

Your presentation slide should be an accompaniment, not the main part of your interview presentation. So, try introducing your presentation first without your slide to give yourself a head start.

• Introduce your topic with a visual aid.

Using visual aid to introduce your presentation is a great way to begin your slide and immediately grab people’s attention. You can prepare a title slide with an image, infographic, or video introducing your presentation topic.

• Use appropriate props

To avoid boring presentations, you can incorporate some Interview presentation ideas creative enough to blend well with your topic while entertaining your audience. Props are great for creating conversations and getting people involved with the presentation.

• Engage the panel with an activity.

The activity doesn’t necessarily have to be physical. You can get them to ask questions, begin a discussion, and answer a few of your questions. Your aim should be to keep your interview presentation as engaging as possible.

How to end your presentation

• Summarize your message on a final slide.

End your presentation with a closing slide summarizing your main points and focus message.

• Give an oral summary with a final word.

Also, summarize the presentation orally and end it memorably. Some interview presentation ideas creative enough for your ending include asking an open-ended question, tying your ending into a memorable quote , or ending with an impactful call-to-action.

• Reiterate why you want to work in the company.

Remember to do this without sounding too desperate. Some better interview presentation ideas that are creative enough for you are to make them see what they will miss by not hiring you and clarify that you have fresh ideas for the company.

• Encourage questions

As usual, open the floor for questions.

How to crack an interview presentation

• Use a presentation tool

You can create a great PowerPoint presentation to help you with your presentation. Create some slides and, if possible, some handouts for your audience. Visual aids are also important when delivering an interview PowerPoint presentation. It would help to have them highlight your key points and get your interviewing panel’s attention. 

• Know what to expect beforehand.

Before you proceed with your interview presentation, you need to find out as much as possible from your hiring manager. Ask questions about the topics you have, the panel of interviewers, and every resource you will have at your disposal. More information can help you prepare good interview presentation ideas.

• Land a great delivery.

No matter how good your interview presentation is, if you don’t have a good delivery, you won’t make a good enough impression on your interviewer. To ensure that your delivery is good, practice the interview presentation well and, if possible, get feedback that will help you make the necessary adjustments.

• Create an outline 

Your interview PowerPoint presentation must always have a structure. Don’t go in with the expectation of winging it because mistakes can harm your hiring chances.  Create a proper interview presentation template, and make sure you follow the outline.

• Practice the interview first.

Ace your interview by practicing with Orai

What is the best way to impress the interviewer?

1. be yourself.

As redundant as this may sound, many people still walk into interviews, acting out a script that they think will endear them to their interviewers. They don’t know that people can usually spot a fake, which can make it difficult for the panel to warm up to them.

2. Dress appropriately

Your dress announces you the moment you walk into your presentation and is the first thing your interviewer will judge. Ensure that you are wearing appropriate attire and that you look put together. No stray threads and hastily worn outfits will gain you a point during this interview presentation.

3. Arrive early

As I mentioned earlier, punctuality is a great way to show your efficiency and organization. Always arrive at the interview at least 10 minutes early. If your interviewers have to wait for you, you won’t earn any points in their book.

4. Show your passion for the position

While interviewing candidates, most interviewers look for those they believe will take their positions seriously. While you don’t want to seem too eager, you can show your passion for the job through your interview presentation. Tell them what you can bring to the table, which will grab their attention.

5. Carry a physical copy of your resume

Many applications happen online, so carrying along some physical copies of your resume may seem unnecessary. But you always have to be ready for any eventuality. You might refer to the document, or an interviewer might ask for a copy, and you don’t want to look unprepared if that happens.

6. Be polite

Politeness and courtesy are traits you always want to use in an interview presentation. Apart from good life skills, they can endear you to your interviewers. Treat them all with respect, even the staff who greet you outside. 

7. Always mention what you can do for the company

As you give your interview presentation ideas, always mention your skills and background. Tie your presentation to your previous achievements and the skills you bring. Also, address the position requirements every chance and make them see why you are fit for the job.

8. Come prepared for the interview questions

You should always prepare for the interview presentation questions you expect from the interviewer. The interviewer will likely want to know how much you know, so you should check out interview presentation templates to find relevant interview presentation questions. You will leave a good impression on your interviewers if you answer them brilliantly.

9. Answer your questions brilliantly 

At the end of your presentation, your interviewers will likely ask you a few questions concerning your presentation and judge you based on the quality of your answers. You want to answer those questions excellently and leave no doubt in their minds that you’re fit for the position.

10. Be memorable

Interviewers likely hear several interview presentations daily, so you must do something to make yourself stand out. Do you have a unique skill? A hobby? Find ways to leave a lasting impression after your interview presentation. After the interview presentation, you can send a follow-up email or note to ensure they don’t forget you.

Interview Do’s and Don’ts

What is the 5/5/5 rule in presentation design.

The 5/5/5 rule in presentations keeps things simple: 5 words per line, five lines per slide, and five consecutive text-heavy slides max. This forces conciseness , clarity , and visual appeal, preventing information overload and boosting audience engagement. Remember, less is often more!

What are some common mistakes to avoid in interview presentations?

Nail your interview presentation by avoiding these pitfalls: Be punctual, research the company, dress professionally, keep past employer talk positive, come prepared with documents and practiced answers, project confidence with good body language , offer concise and clear responses, and showcase achievements humbly to avoid sounding arrogant. Remember, first impressions matter!

Why is providing solutions to common issues important in an interview presentation?

Involve solutions in your interview presentation! It shows you’re a problem-solver, not just a talker. Addressing company challenges demonstrates your resourcefulness and proactive thinking, making you stand out and showcase your potential value to the team.

How can discussing industry trends in an interview demonstrate knowledge and relevance?

Discussing industry trends in your interview presentation proves you’re more than qualified. You’re proactive and strategic. It shows you stay informed, think critically about the future, and understand how trends could impact the company. You’re not just in the know but prepared to lead the way.

Why is it important to share weekend activities during an interview presentation?

Don’t just talk skills; share your life! Weekend activities in your interview presentation show you’re more than a resume. They reveal your personality, values, and even team spirit. It helps the interviewer see if you’d fit in and add positively to the company culture. Think well-rounded and engaging!

How can candidates stand out from a pool of competitive candidates during interviews?

To ace your interview, plan your presentation, highlight achievements, share personality tidbits, discuss industry trends, and offer solutions. Be authentic and creative, and leave a lasting impression with a hard copy (if relevant). This will set you apart and show you’re more than just another candidate!

What are the best presentation ideas for interviews?

Nail your interview with a killer presentation! Plan well, showcase achievements, share personality glimpses, discuss industry trends, offer solutions, be creative, and stay authentic. Hand out a hard copy for an extra touch. Stand out, impress, and land the job!

What topics should be covered in an interview presentation to impress hiring managers?

Own your interview with a presentation that wows! Start with an attention-grabber, connect personally, and use visuals & activities to stand out. Summarize powerfully, show genuine interest, and invite questions. Be smooth, confident, and well-prepared with a clear structure and practiced delivery. Shine through with authenticity, professionalism, and passion. Highlight your value, answer questions like a pro, and be unforgettable. Research, dress sharp, exude confidence , and you’ll leave a lasting impression that lands you the job!

Why is providing a Hard Copy of the interview presentation beneficial?

Don’t be caught resume-less! Even with online applications, always bring physical copies to your interview. It shows preparedness, helps you reference info, and avoids tech troubles. Be ready, be professional, and land the job!

An interview presentation is a great way for an employer to know more about you, assess your skills, and see if you fit the role. This is your chance to impress them, and several interview presentation ideas are creative enough to impress an interview panel in this article. Know them and apply them to your other interview skills.

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So, you’ve made it through the first round of interviews and have been invited back to present to the hiring panel; a standard interview format for senior-level roles where you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise, both in the subject area and in delivering presentations. This insight is designed to guide you through what you should include, what to avoid, and what to expect when presenting to high-level executives in an interview setting.

If you are vying for a senior executive role, it is critical to be able to accurately and effectively present information and pitch ideas.  The executive presentation is your chance to demonstrate your skills, but without appropriate preparation, it can also be your downfall. Executive presentations can be a nerve-wracking experience, but by following these tips, you will be well prepared and confident in your delivery, giving you a competitive edge.

Preparation, preparation, preparation

First things first, clarify whether the presentation permits visual aids (e.g. sides). Though this insight is intended to guide you through designing and delivering slideshow-based presentations, much of the advice is transferable to oral presentations too. If you are permitted to use visual aids, confirm the format they are to be presented in (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint) and the facilities available (e.g. projector).

It is essential that you choose a mode of presentation that you can operate with ease. You can make the ideas flow better by keeping the work in a platform or programme that guides the entire process, from preparation to presentation. Failing that, Google Slides is a free web-based alternative.

Finally, know that the interview panel is going to be critiquing both the design and content of your executive presentation, so unless you have no choice, don’t leave your preparation until the night before. If you genuinely want the position, you must put in the time and effort to produce an informative and well-designed presentation that will help differentiate you from the competition. Ideally, you will put several hours of work into your presentation, have it proofread by a friend or supportive colleague, and then review it again having spent some time away doing something else (at least 3 hours). This gives you the chance to reread your presentation with fresh eyes, helping you spot any typos or inconsistencies while helping you judge flow.

Research the interview panel

As you are preparing your executive presentation, ask yourself the following questions:

• What topics are currently hot or particularly attractive in the industry?
• How much does the interview panel know about my choice of topic?
• Will any of my opinions, recommendations or views be unpalatable?

Devote some time to researching the individuals who will comprise the interview panel. If you are not sure, seek clarification from the person arranging your interview.  Once you know who the interviewers are, look them up on LinkedIn . What is their role? Recent accomplishments? You can also Google the individuals to see whether they have contributed to any media articles, press releases or hosted any events which could be indicative of their expertise. By getting to know your audience, you should be able to tailor your presentation to be of interest to them.

Knowing who is on the interview panel can help you predict what questions you could face during the Q&A session so you can prepare potential answers to these questions accordingly.

Keep it simple

When it comes to structuring your presentation, use the time-honoured structure outlined below:

• Introduction outlining what your presentation is about and the key themes covered.
• History, including the origins of the topic and the key milestones which shaped it.
• Benefits that arise from your topic, both current and projected.
• Drawbacks, both known and anticipated and how they can be mitigated.
• Best practice guidance, including how to achieve it and relevant case studies.
• Future, outlining trends and prediction for its evolution or demise.
• Conclusion with specific recommendations and introducing Q&A’s.
• Q&A session to respond to questions raised by the interview panel.

Always Aim for 20% of your presentation slides to be thought-provoking and challenging, and the remaining 80% to be insightful or informative. This is called the 80:20 rule.

Unless otherwise stated, you should aim for your presentation to last approximately 10 minutes, though always clarify with the hiring authority. Should your presentation finish early, then it can be assumed that there was not sufficient depth to your argument. Finish outside of the allotted time frame, and the hiring panel will question your preparation and delivery or even cut your short.

Don’t threat about the number of slides. Instead, apply the rule that each slide should represent one message or theme conveyed in 3-5 points. Like a billboard, each slide should be digestible at a glance,  so use as many slides as you need to clearly and concisely communicate your message throughout your presentations. You present details, the slide provides the outline.

Finally, ensure you research your topic and cite the sources used in shaping your argument. Use only credible sources; your work and the work of your colleagues and seniors are expected to go beyond simple opinions sourced from the internet. Peer-reviewed articles, publications from subject matter experts or articles from industry media outlets are an excellent place to start.

Keep it on brand

Here are a few design tips and tricks you can use to make an attractive, concise presentation:

• Design a simple and elegantly styled template .
• Use 2 or 3 dominant colours throughout the design.
• Keep to the same font and format throughout.

Adding the company logo to the top right or bottom right corner of each slide can be a nice touch and demonstrates professionalism. Likewise, when choosing colours, use the company website as your guide, noting the colours used for titles, headings etc. and replicating this in your design. The Colorzilla Chrome extension can help you pinpoint the colours used on an organisations website.

Finally, print the slideshow to circulate to each member of the hiring panel. If you need to convey lots of technical information, give the key facts in your presentation and prepare supporting documentation with additional information which references each slide. We would also strongly urge you to back up your work, either on a USB stick, on cloud storage such as Google Drive .

Executive Delivery

It is vital to be pumped and ready for the presentation on the day. Do whatever you must to put yourself in the right frame of mind, whether that be an early morning jog to release tension, a relaxing bath or even a Continental breakfast. Give yourself what you need to be at your best, but whatever you do, give yourself time. Time to get to the interview without fluster.

Now practice. By practising what you are going to say, you will be better prepared and less nervous. As an absolute minimum, you should be able to recall the order of the slides and the main points they contain without needing to reference them. This level of preparation pays dividends; by knowing your slides, you can give your audience 100% of your attention. You will also find that, in doing so, you have a higher probability of delivering your presentation within your allocated time slot as well as making it flow naturally; a win-win scenario.

As you stand up to deliver your presentation, bear in mind your audience. Senior executives are renowned for being a tough crowd. They are time poor, have full schedules and desire facts fast. They can be quite impatient or abrupt in their quest to obtain the information they seek, picking holes in your logic or requesting that you skip slides to satisfy their hunger for facts. Whatever the situation, always have supportive data to hand should you need it to expand upon a point further. Bear in mind that if you do, you may also need to skip slides to stay on schedule.

The key is to remain calm, alert and flexible. Although you are presenting information, it is helpful to think of this as a two-way conversation. Stay professional and maintain eye contact. This has the added benefit of allowing you to gauge the body language of the executives, which can help you decide whether to move on to the next point or elaborate further on the current one.

Finally, bear-in-mind that body language says more than words, so make an effort to avoid over animating your hands or feet. Remember, you are merely trying to share information. The interview panel is human too and that they are well aware that you are probably feeling a bit on edge. Just breathe and enjoy your moment as best you can. It is your time to shine.

After the executive presentation

Congratulations, you got through in one piece, but there are still a few things you can do not to improve your odds of success.

At the end of your presentation, request the email addresses of the interview panel so that you can email your presentation. You can use this email as an opportunity to:

• Thank them for their time.
• Highlight one/two key points from the conversation.
• Reiterate your interest in the role/organisation.
• Emphasise your skills and competencies.
• Clarify any points you did not answer sufficiently.

You should wait to receive feedback on your presentation and the outcome of the interview. However, if you haven’t heard anything back after a week, it’s appropriate to follow up by email. In the meantime, continue with your executive job search and read our insight: Post-interview Etiquette: A Guide for Senior Managers and Executives in the Life Sciences .

For more job search advice tailored to senior managers and executives…

• Read  How To Handle Compensation Questions During Interview: Tips For Life Science Executives .

* Fraser Dove International is a talent consultancy operating exclusively across the life sciences industry. While our roots lie in executive search, we provide more than the traditional recruitment services. Uniquely placed within the market, we have been providing cutting-edge talent solutions and insight to organisations at all stages of their journey – from start-up to established leaders – since 2013.

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19 Job Interview Tips to Make a Lasting Impression

While landing a job interview is exciting, preparing for it can be stressful. To make the process smoother, we talked to tech and business professionals — from software engineers to recruiters — who shared insider tips on what to do before, during and after a job interview. Who knows? Their advice may just help you land your dream job . 

Job Interview Tips

• Research the company 
• Rehearse your interview answers
• Practice active listening   
• Ask the interviewer questions 
• Send a timely thank-you email
• Stay positive no matter the results 

More on Career Development How to Build a Career in Responsible Tech

Before the Job Interview

1. research the company and the position.

Before your interview, look for information on the company’s products, services, values, mission , management team, board members and recent company announcements. Those can be found on company blogs, white papers, news articles and podcasts.

“If you spend an hour or two reading these, it gives you an idea of who we are and it goes a long way to show you’re interested in us,” Dermot Williams, senior director of engineering at cybersecurity firm BeyondTrust, told Built In.

Reading company reviews on Glassdoor is another way to prepare for a job interview. That may offer information on what prospective and current employees have to say about job interview questions the company may ask.

Review a company’s website and social media posts. That may give you ideas of how you fit in or add to the company’s culture, team, core values, product or services direction, Leena Macwan, a principal recruiter at Zynga, told Built In.

2. Learn About Your Interviewer’s Background

If you know who is interviewing you, look up their LinkedIn profile , read their blogs and social media posts.

“Use that information as an ice breaker to start the conversation when you meet them,” senior Amazon AWS in-house recruiter Zafar Choudhury told Built In. “You can say, ‘I read you did a TED talk last year or I saw you did a cybersecurity presentation.’ Hiring managers love it because it shows you’ve done your due diligence and homework.”

Tap current or former employees of the company you’ll be interviewing with who are also your college alumni, advised Santina Pitcher, associate director of counseling and programs at the University of California at Berkeley. Ask to pick their brain for a few minutes to learn more about the company culture and what it’s like to work there. They also may be familiar with the people you will be interviewing with and can provide you with some insight to make a good impression.

3. Match the Job Description and Company’s Core Values to Your Skills and Traits

“You literally memorize a couple of bullet points from the  job description and match that to your experience, where you can connect it to a strong example that demonstrates that skill,” Rachel Amos, director of career services and employer relations at Carnegie Mellon University, told Built In. 

For example, a startup notes in its job description it’s looking for a software engineer who is comfortable working in an ambiguous environment with a lot of demanding deadlines. Let’s say you worked in that type of environment in your previous job and thrived. Point that out to the interviewer and provide data or information to back it up, such as you consistently turned in projects a day or two ahead of schedule as the scope of work evolved on a weekly basis.

4. Practice the Required Hard Skills

LeetCode and HackerRank were among the tools Bill Bruschi used to prepare for his job interview at Amazon, where he was hired as an AWS software development engineer. He said the examples used were very accurate to what they found in the coding tests he took.

“It’s important to think out loud so the interviewer can hear your thought process and you’re encouraged to ask questions,” Bruschi added. “You’re really working with the interviewer to solve the issue at hand.”

Zynga’s Macwan said it’s important to brush up on the fundamentals required for the specific position you seek and be able to demonstrate the depth and breadth of your skillset when solving coding questions .

5. Consume Relevant Resources

Amazon’s technical questions were mostly around algorithms and data structures, such as arrays, trees, string manipulation and graphs, according to Puneeth Nettekere Rangaswamy, who snagged a job at Amazon AWS as a software development engineer on his second attempt after upping his preparation efforts

“I had not done extensive preparation the first time I applied at Amazon,” he added. “But this time around, I specifically focused on data structures and algorithms and being able to apply them appropriately during the interviews.”

His  reading material included a  GitHub post , a  coding blog and watching coding  YouTube videos .

6. Rehearse Your Interview Answers

Find a friend, family member or colleague to do a mock job interview and rehearse answering questions on  why a company should hire you . And although it may not replicate the feeling of a real job interview, it’s better than nothing. “It’s good to have questions thrown at you and it forces you to quickly come up with an answer,” Amos said. 

Conducting a mock job interview provides an opportunity to receive feedback on your body language when answering questions, Pitcher said. Do you fold your arms across your chest, or avoid eye contact in an in-person mock interview? Or are you constantly looking down in a virtual mock interview, rather than looking into the camera at the interviewer?      

7. Find a Distraction-Free Environment

If your interview is virtual , scope out a location that is quiet and without distractions. And test your microphone, webcam and internet connection before the interview to ensure all are in working order. 

8. Make Copies of Your Resume

Print two or three extra copies of your resume to bring to the interview if you’re going in person.

“I’ve seen this happen on multiple occasions where the interviewer may suddenly want to loop in someone else for a second opinion,” Choudhury said. “Wouldn’t it make you look more professional to pull a second resume from your folder and give it to us? That makes you look prepared and ahead of the game. These are leadership things we look for.”

9. Select Your Interview Outfit the Night Before

In-person interviews call for a  neat and clean appearance that is business casual and not a three-piece suit, nor blue jeans and a T-shirt, Amos said. 

A similar wardrobe should also be planned for a Zoom interview, as well, she added.

During the Job Interview

10. practice active listening and watch your body language.

Engage in active listening when responding to an interviewer’s questions. 

“I’ve had cases where I asked a question and the candidate will go on to a whole other place I didn’t ask about,” Pitcher said. “In my head, I’m thinking maybe they just pivoted because they had no idea how to answer the question or, on the flip side, they weren’t listening.”

Choudhury suggested mirroring your interviewer’s body language and tone to make them more comfortable. If an interviewer has a high energy level, ramp up yours. If an interviewer leans back when talking, do the same. Mimicking their behavior makes you more appealing as a candidate and is also an  effective communication tool .

11. Have Answers Ready for Difficult Interview Questions

When it comes to questions you will be asked during your job interview, these five questions tend to carry a lot of weight:

• What are you most curious about?
• Could you share a recent project you accomplished with your team? 
• How do you usually react to setbacks?
• How do you manage and prioritize your day?
• In your last project, what was the one thing that you were most proud of, and what was the biggest challenge? 

“We want to understand how a candidate works and if their style aligns with our values and principles,” Bryan Powell, senior vice president of talent acquisition for Twilio, told Built In. “Questions that get to the heart of their ability to be an owner, their curiosity, and how they approach building and problem solving are important to us.”

12. Remember How to Answer “What’s Your Greatest Weakness?”

Questions around your weaknesses are not meant to uncover your shortcomings, but rather to learn what you are doing to overcome them, or ways your prospective employer can support you to address them. 

So, rather than give a response that clearly is not meant as a weakness, such as, ‘I work too hard’ or ‘I have a hard time saying no,’ be forthright with the interviewer but offer perspective.

Pitcher, for example, considers herself an introvert and previously viewed it as a negative trait. However, she has since learned to present it as a positive trait. “I’ve found in my previous job it was really helpful because I worked with teams and was able to be a really good listener,” she said.

13. Avoid Bad-Mouthing Former Employers

“Never throw people under the bus and always compliment your team,” Choudhury said. “If you blame your team members or colleagues that you had to pick up the slack because they were late, I don’t care how technical you are or how senior your title is, your interview will go south so fast it’ll make your head spin.”

Prospective employers fear that if you’re willing to cast blame on your current or former teammates, what will you say about them should they hire you.

14. Ask the Interviewer Questions

“When a candidate has no questions, I’m done. They may seem great on paper and have even had great conversations, but if they have no questions — and I’ve seen this many times — it says they’re not curious,” Marvin Lopez, director of student programs for the University of California at Berkeley’s engineering student services department, told Built in. “It tells me they haven’t thought about the organization, haven’t thought about the position, they’re just going to come in and do what they’re told.”

Below are a few good questions to ask the interviewer :

• What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
• What are some traits that a candidate needs in order to be successful on this team?
• Can you tell me about the team’s culture?
• Can you tell me about this specific company value?
• How do employees live these values at work?
• How does the company recognize these values?

15. End the Interview by Asking for Next Steps

Ask the interviewer how soon the company anticipates hiring for the position, rather than putting them on the spot by asking “What’s the next step?” Choudhury said.

Also, never ask the hiring manager or interviewer “So, how’d I do?” Lopez said. “They likely won’t answer that question and you don’t want to put them in an uncomfortable position.”

More on Career Development How to Ask for a Raise (and What to Say)

After the Job Interview

16. send a thank-you email within 24 hours.

The thank you note or  email should include specific information about the topics you discussed in the interview, such as system design or data structures, Choudhury said. 

“Instead of a general thank you note like ‘Thank you for your time, I appreciated it,’ talk specifics,” he said. “That will have more psychological impact towards the decision they are about to make.”

17. Follow Up If You Don’t Hear Back

After a week or two has passed since your interview and still no word on your status, follow up with the company’s recruiter or the person who arranged the interviews, Macwan said.

You can forward an article or industry-related report in the thank you email, noting you thought they might enjoy reading the materials and inquire about the timing when the company expected to fill the position, Choudhury said.

Career experts say it’s usually fine to follow up two or three times on your status, but after three follow-up attempts it’s better to move on.

18. Ask What You Can Do Better Next Time

If you receive a formal letter stating you were not selected for the position and you really want to work at this company in the future, inquire about ways you can improve your candidacy the next time around.

That will likely get you further than asking questions about why you weren’t selected. Companies hesitate to respond to such questions because of liability concerns. 

There are exceptions, of course.

“If you follow up with the recruiter, they might be able to share some high-level feedback,” Macwan said. “For candidates who are further along in the process and have established communication with the recruiter, we are open with them on where they stand throughout the process and why they might not be a fit for the role.”

19. Keep a Positive Attitude

Rebounding after losing the position to someone else is never easy but it’s good to keep a positive attitude , nonetheless.

“Sometimes the rejection reasons might not be related to the candidates’ competency,” Macwan said. “For example, there might be a role mismatch, two strong candidates for one role, the position may get closed. In such cases, the candidate can work with the recruiter to identify other roles.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are tips for a successful interview.

A few tips for a successful interview include conducting thorough research on a company before the interview, asking the interviewer thoughtful questions and sending a thank-you email within 24 hours after the interview.

What are the five C's of interviewing?

The five C’s of interviewing are competence, character, communication skills, culture fit and career direction.

Great Companies Need Great People. That's Where We Come In.

Second Interview Presentation TIPS Manager Matt Consultancy

There maybe a time in your career that you might be asked to give a presentation as part of the interview process. The key to making sure you deliver is around making sure you do the following well. Prepare, Plan and Practice. Have a listen to my thoughts on how to deliver it as well as you can and hopefully get the role. Please send any feedback to  [email protected]  Please send any feedback or questions to [email protected]

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• © 2024 Manager Matt Consultancy

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Uma Thurman Offers to Give Drake Her 'Kill Bill' Suit Amid His Several Beefs, Rick Ross Asks If It’ll Fit Him

Rick Ross caught wind of Thurman's post and chimed in himself. "Think it fit me?" he wrote in an Instagram comment.

Uma Thurman offered to lend a helping hand to  Drake in his many rap beefs, after the rapper used a Kill Bill meme to illustrate the current Drake-against-the-world state of things.

On Sunday, the actress hopped on her Instagram Story to share a picture of her iconic blood-stained yellow costume from  Kill Bill . "Need this? @champagnepapi" she captioned the image.

Rick Ross caught wind of Thurman's post and chimed in himself. "Think it fit me?" he wrote in an Instagram comment.

The Maybach Music Group boss engaged in a feud with Drake by releasing a diss song aimed at him hours after the latter unleashed  "Push Ups (Drop & Give Me Fifty),"  a response to all the rappers throwing subliminals.

On the song titled "Champagne Moments," Rozay  claimed Drake had plastic surgery on his nose  and explained he stopped following him on Instagram because he allegedly sent French Montana a cease and desist letter to keep his vocals off a song.

View this photo on Instagram

Shortly after Thurman's post made its rounds, Drake responded to the actress with an Instagram story of his own. 

"Yes pls," he wrote. "The pen is Hattori Hanzo."

Hattori Hanzo is a character from Kill Bill who crafted the sword that Kiddo used to exact revenge against the film's antagonists. In the film, Kiddo killed a number of people with the blade, so it's not too hard to decode Drake's reference. The suit itself is an homage to the suit Bruce Lee wears in the film Game of Death.

The exchange comes after Drizzy shared a photo from the film showing Thurman's character, Beatrix Kiddo, getting ready to fight The Crazy 88 gang, seemingly a reference to him taking on the likes of  Kendrick Lamar ,  Rick Ross ,  Metro Boomin in one of the most talked-about rap feuds in recent history.

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