An interview presentation is the ideal opportunity to really showcase yourself and your professional achievements. Read these job interview tips to find out how to deliver a successful presentation.
Delivered well, with the desired impact, a presentation can certainly enhance your chances of success. However, for many it is an obstacle that can have the opposite effect – due to nerves, lack of preparation and focus. So it’s very important to do the right sort of preparation to ensure that you get it right on the day.
There are different types of presentations that you can be asked to deliver at an interview. You may be asked to prepare a presentation on a certain topic or on a topic of your choice. For other interviews you may be put on the spot – and it is important that you are not ‘thrown’ by the request.
Job interview tips:
Planning the Presentation
If asked to prepare a presentation, careful planning beforehand will help you to deliver it with greater confidence and success as does preparing for an interview in all other situations too. Do your research on the company to get a good understanding for the corporate style and culture of the company. This will help you to tailor your presentation to the needs of your interviewer(s). Check out the company website for information. You may also be able to use the site’s search facility to discover more about the person or people who will be interviewing you.
Planning the Presentation
If asked to prepare a presentation, careful planning beforehand will help you to deliver it with greater confidence and success as does preparing for an interview in all other situations too. Do your research on the company to get a good understanding for the corporate style and culture of the company. This will help you to tailor your presentation to the needs of your interviewer(s). Check out the company website for information. You may also be able to use the site’s search facility to discover more about the person or people who will be interviewing you.
Structuring your message
Decide on one main key message that you want to get across. This is like the spinal cord of the presentation – it helps hold the presentation together. It also provides a strong motivation for your audience to listen to you.
Decide on one main key message that you want to get across. This is like the spinal cord of the presentation – it helps hold the presentation together. It also provides a strong motivation for your audience to listen to you.
Your presentation should follow a clear structure – with a strong opening, main body and ending - as this will help you stay focused and avoid losing track of your thoughts if you are nervous. Your opening should capture attention at the start. It should clearly communicate your key message to your audience. Keep it succinct and punchy, using short sentences. A long rambling opening gives the impression that it is going to be a long rambling presentation.
Structure the main body of your presentation to three main sections. Three is a powerful number that people tend to remember things in. By restricting your presentation to three main sections it will keep a strong focus. You can then have sub- sections within each of the three main sections if you need to expand on your points.
You ending should also be memorable. Use the opportunity to re-emphasise your key message and leave a lasting impression.
The Impromptu Presentation
You may be put on the spot and asked to give a presentation without prior warning. For these situations you need some form of standard structures in your head that you can call upon at very short notice. Using the Power of Three is a helpful tool as well here. Use three key words/phrases to help you create a quick structure in your head.
One example structure with three areas that you can use quickly if asked to present on a problem solving or strategic issue is:
1. What was the issue?
2. What did you do to resolve it?
3. What was the outcome?
Chronological structures
Another structure you can use for impromptu presentations is:-
1. Past
2. Present
3. Future
This is a useful structure for the “Tell me about yourself” presentation (or question) that is commonly asked at interview by describing your personal history under these three titles.
Another structure you can use for impromptu presentations is:-
1. Past
2. Present
3. Future
This is a useful structure for the “Tell me about yourself” presentation (or question) that is commonly asked at interview by describing your personal history under these three titles.
Delivering with impact
Nerves can take over and hinder your performance. Also – when you are nervous you are more likely to rush and this will make you feel even more nervous. To help control your nerves, take two deep breaths before you start, breathing out for as long as possible to help release tension and encourage you to slow down when you start to speak.
Nerves can take over and hinder your performance. Also – when you are nervous you are more likely to rush and this will make you feel even more nervous. To help control your nerves, take two deep breaths before you start, breathing out for as long as possible to help release tension and encourage you to slow down when you start to speak.
To help sound more confident (even if you are not feeling it) take your time over each word you say, so that you don’t rush or snatch at any words. This will help you to speak at a steady pace and allow your interviewer to follow easily. Pause at the end of your sentences – to help control your speed and allow yourself to take a breath before the next sentence.
Whether you are sitting or standing ensure that your posture is both strong and comfortable. Make eye contact with your interviewer(s) whilst speaking. The key time to look at someone is at the end of your sentence as this helps cement the message in that sentence. If you look away at that moment you may appear hesitant and your words will lack conviction.
Conclusions
As with most things, the more you practice something the better you can become at it. For the prepared presentation you have the luxury of rehearsing beforehand so that you know your presentation very well. You can also prepare for the impromptu presentation, by giving yourself some topics to speak on and then allow say 2-3 minutes of preparation time for each one. Then try presenting on each of about 3 minutes.
As with most things, the more you practice something the better you can become at it. For the prepared presentation you have the luxury of rehearsing beforehand so that you know your presentation very well. You can also prepare for the impromptu presentation, by giving yourself some topics to speak on and then allow say 2-3 minutes of preparation time for each one. Then try presenting on each of about 3 minutes.
Leave a lasting impression
Finally – try to enjoy your interview presentation. At the end finish confidently with a smile - as this will send out the right signals to your prospective future employer that you are confident and enthusiastic about the job.
Finally – try to enjoy your interview presentation. At the end finish confidently with a smile - as this will send out the right signals to your prospective future employer that you are confident and enthusiastic about the job.
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