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Complete Guide For Preparing Job Interview Presentation With Examples

Making a presentation during an interview can be intimidating! Still, it’s a terrific method for you to highlight your abilities, personality, and suitability for the position and an excellent approach for employers to learn more about your expertise and knowledge.

Your ability to effectively communicate essential information and the quality of your design can frequently make the difference between a failed and successful presentation. No matter how solid your research or ideas are, excessive slides, packed content, and unreadable fonts might turn interviewers off. However, developing an eye-catching presentation can support your expertise and give you more confidence. It is a skill you should invest time in learning.

In today’s blog, we will go through all the components you should include in a presentation for interview and how to deliver them efficiently.

What Is A Job Interview Presentation?

Before seeing what you should include in a presentation for interview, let us discuss what is an interview PowerPoint presentation: 

As your career advances, especially to an executive position, you might be required to give a presentation during an interview. These kinds of presentations help the hiring manager in doing employee performance reviews and let them decide whether you’re worthy of the position. 

You may have to assemble a business plan and present your ideas, finish a task and demonstrate how you approached it, conduct research and submit your findings to a panel, or even give a presentation about why you would be an excellent fit for the position. All these presentations and tasks can be classified as interview presentations as they will convey your knowledge about the industry, organizational skills, communication skills, attention to detail, creativity, and more.

Giving presentations is something that many people find scary, especially when they’re concerned about an interview. However, you might have to do it at some point in your career, so the sooner you learn how to do it, the better. So, in the next section, we will see what an employer expects to see in your presentation for interview. 

What Is the Employer Looking for in a presentation for interview?

The employer searches for a candidate who will stand out throughout the hiring process. They are looking for someone who will blend in with the business culture and who is knowledgeable about their profession. Another method to determine if candidates are qualified for the position is to ask them to give a presentation.

During the interview, your employer might notice the following crucial competencies:

• Your written and vocal communication style
• The way you interact with your audience
• Your profession and industry expertise
• Your capacity to adhere to a brief
• Your capacity for organization
• Your meticulousness

When an employer witnesses a blind presentation, they can additionally note:

• Your ability to function under pressure
• How imaginative you are

In the end, the employer is also determining whether you fulfill the requirements listed in the job description, so make sure to review it while you prepare.

What to include in a job interview presentation template

Here are a few components that you should consider while preparing a powerpoint presentation for interview:

Presentation type and topic

Choose a presentation style before you start getting ready for a presentation. It will impact the kind of template you make. For a virtual slideshow presentation, write a simple slide breakdown or a script for an oral presentation. The technologies used during your interview also influence your presentations. Consider contacting a recruiting manager with any queries before making any preparations if you need clarification on what they anticipate. When given a topic for your presentation, you can plan your study accordingly. Alternatively, suppose you have the freedom to select your topic. In that case, it’s advisable to focus on themes that ignite your passion and align with your expertise, ensuring you can effectively convey your message quickly.

Make a shorter presentation with tons of words, even if you want to impress your potential boss by showing how much effort you put in. Keep it simple with short slides that look good and convey your message. Aim for no more than ten slides, and make everything brief. It guarantees that the material you present will stick in the recruiter’s mind and make you stand out from the other applicants. Some recruiters might even allot a certain amount of time for your presentation; be sure to account for this and stay within it to avoid giving the impression that you lack time management abilities.

Include research findings and quotes from prominent figures in the industry in your presentation if you are performing research for it. It exhibits your business awareness and lends authority to your ideas.

Brand Style

Use the presentation and style of the company. It will demonstrate your diligence in research and draw attention to your brand awareness.

How To Prepare A Presentation For A Job Interview

To prepare a PowerPoint presentation for interview, follow these five steps:

1. Analyze the business

Be sure to research the company you are applying to before submitting your application. By exploring the business, you can incorporate crucial details into your presentation. To learn more about the company’s offerings, application procedure, market size, performance, leadership, and governance, visit their website. Examine news stories, features, and press releases recently covered by the media. If the business has a social media account, review the most recent updates to see the preferred tone and any new advancements.

2. Recognize your target audience

The audience for your interview will probably vary depending on the job you are applying for. It is essential to know who will be at your presentation, their departments, roles, and what they’re good at. For example, suppose you’re applying for human resources. In that case, your presentation will differ from someone applying for a sales or executive role. Hence, it will be more effective if you customize your presentation for the audience. Make a PowerPoint presentation that interests and is relevant to the audience’s technical and non-technical segments.

3. Get notes ready

Make notes on the company or sector you will present for. It’s crucial to be ready to discuss the topic you’ll be given during the interview. The interviewer can gauge your understanding of the more significant business the company works in, so include current industry news in your notes.

4. Adopt a rational framework

Make sure that the format of your presentation is well-organized. An organized presentation makes it easier for your audience to follow along and stay interested. A strong finish, exciting material, and an engaging introduction define a successful presentation. A strong opening grabs the audience’s attention, and your engaging facts persuade them that you are a standout contender.

5. Work on your delivery

Once your presentation is ready, practice delivering it. You can also catch presenting mistakes with proper practice. You can get prepared by using a camera to record yourself. You can also present in front of your friends and solicit their opinions on what went well and what still needs improvement.

How to Deliver Your Presentation For Interview

When delivering a PowerPoint presentation for interview, follow these tips:

• Seek advice
• Recognize your target
• Identify a central idea
• Tell an engaging tale
• Take a strategic stance
• Adopt a constructive mindset
• Get comfortable delivering
• Communicate nonverbally
• Conclude powerfully

1. Seek advice

Ask the recruiting manager for any clarification you might need before you start working on your presentation. Read and review all the directions regarding the presentation first. Ask the hiring team if they would prefer to hear about a particular topic or if you should develop your own if the instructions do not specify one. Next, determine how long you can expect to speak with the hiring team. You can show that you are detail-oriented, receptive to criticism, and have practical communication skills by asking for help.

2. Recognise your target

Find out how knowledgeable the audience is so that you can communicate at a level that is understandable and sophisticated. To better understand the audience and adjust your discussion to your audience’s knowledge, experience, and interests, think about asking for names and positions. Obtaining all your information will help you make your discussion more effective and relevant, raising your candidature rating.

3. Identify a central idea

Be careful to choose a focal point when deciding on a presentation topic. Ensure the audience understands your presentation’s main point by organizing it around a single idea. Reduce the points in your presentation to make it seem comprehensive, well-thought-out, and professionally prepared.

4. Tell an engaging tale

Some of the best ways to organize a presentation are through conventional storytelling techniques , whether you’re talking about a finished project or a highly technical subject. Using a proven method, you can make your message stick in people’s minds and grab their attention. To tell an engaging story, take the following actions:

• Describe the issue.
• Describe the significance of the issue.
• Talk about the difficulties you encountered while trying to find the solution.
• Finish with a powerful impact and resolution.

5. Take a strategic stance

Without being too commercial, use your presentation to establish yourself as the protagonist of your own tale. When feasible, use evidence to support your claims; otherwise, highlight your best traits and the most pertinent experience in your presentation. Seize the chance to show that you are a candidate who can quickly help the organization achieve essential goals.

6. Adopt a constructive mindset

Throughout your presentation, maintain an optimistic attitude while discussing your challenges. Consider emphasizing how you improved a problematic situation or discussing your efforts to overcome difficult circumstances. When appropriate, project an image of being proactive and emphasize your steps to resolve a problem. Let the information and data lead your presentation so the interviewers can grasp your thought processes.

7. Get comfortable delivering

To ensure you leave a positive first impression on the recruiting team:

• Practice your presentation multiple times in advance.
• Try presenting without consulting your notes or reading your script after a few practice sessions.
• Keep track of the time during each practice session to determine the perfect pace.
• Choose the main themes you want to discuss as you review each presentation segment to help it sound more natural and prevent it from coming across as too prepared.

8. Communicate non-verbally

Practice confidently expressing yourself while standing up and speaking. Face the audience directly, have a cheerful look, and smile naturally. To make points, keep your shoulders back and utilize small hand motions. Keep eye contact throughout your job interview PowerPoint presentation, particularly when making a crucial point.

9. Conclude powerfully

Create a memorable conclusion to ensure your presentation is as compelling as possible. A broad, open-ended question that came up throughout your study could be an excellent way to wrap up. A one- to three-word key takeaway that helps your audience recall the presentation’s primary point can also be used to wrap up. Integrating your message with an intriguing quotation next to the organization’s mission, vision, and goals is another effective wrap-up technique. In closing, raise any queries to show you are receptive to criticism and conversation.

Helpful tips For the Job interview Presentation

Here are some tips that you can use during the presentation for interview: 

1. Create the outline

When requested to give a presentation at an interview, you should have enough time to organize it according to a predetermined outline. If the interviewer still needs to provide you with all the necessary information, ensure you know how the process will work out regarding the topic, time limits, available multimedia devices, and participants. Remember that adhering to the brief is a necessary component of the evaluation process, so if you’re requested to do the task in less than or equal to 10 minutes, stay within that amount of time. After you’ve confirmed the nature of the interview, you should begin preparing a presentation that will wow the audience and showcase your qualifications for the post.

2. Establish a framework

Developing a presentation with a coherent framework facilitates the communication of your ideas. A well-considered framework conveys your thoughts intelligibly and concisely rather than jumping from one notion to another. Naturally, an introduction is the ideal place to begin. Set the scene immediately and emphasize how your solution makes a real difference. Next, compose a story using informative statistics and first-hand accounts. It should demonstrate how your skills and expertise help the business achieve its objectives.

3. Improve the visual assistance

Your audience shouldn’t just be able to read the slides from your presentation. They must endorse what you’re saying to keep their attention on you. It entails using fewer wordy slides and increasing the number of images to illustrate your arguments better.

4. Practice For The Job Interview Presentation

Although it may seem obvious, people must practice their presentations long enough. Even if you have a better idea than the other interviewees, there’s a considerable possibility the hiring panel will only understand the relevance of your speech if you convey it well. To find the ideal balance, practice with friends or family and ask for feedback on your areas of weakness.

5. Get ready to adjust

It would be best if you rehearsed to project a powerful presence during your presentation. Still, the hiring panel may try to knock you off balance. Consider potential question topics when you draft your presentation. It might assist you in preparing answers that demonstrate that you have thought through the issue.

6. Pay attention to the little things

Once the creation of your presentation is complete, focus on fine-tuning the minor elements. We’ve already discussed the need to speak deliberately. Still, to project confidence, you should also remember to make eye contact and display open body language. Your presentation will go more smoothly if you are more prepared. Ensure you arrive early on the interview day so you can set up your presentation. Ensure your tech gadgets function properly, bring extra batteries for your remote controls, and allow enough time for a final evaluation.

Lastly, you can ensure you deliver a standout presentation showcasing your most substantial skill sets by giving your job interview presentation more thought and preparation.

Job Interview Presentation Examples:

Here are some job interview presentation examples of a presentation template to assess a candidate’s ability to teach by having them give thesis statements:

What Is A thesis statement?

Introduction.

Brad Cooper

As a seasoned academic writer, I plan to teach English in middle schools. A thesis statement is a crucial sentence that sums up your paper’s central topic. I will define a thesis statement today and give you an example to see what one may look like in an academic work.

Defining a thesis statement

A thesis statement is a sentence that exposes the reader to the primary idea of a paper or essay in the opening paragraph. Your thesis statement is one of the most crucial sentences in your work and one of the first things the reader will see, but it may also be one of the most difficult to compose! 

An example of a thesis statement

It is an illustration of a thesis statement for a literary devices-related English paper: The central premise of this novel is that hardship can lead to triumph with hard effort and perseverance; the author presents this idea through metaphors and foreshadowing.

As I explained in my presentation today, a thesis statement is a paper’s central notion. Since it’s an essential component of the writing process, young children must know this subject as soon as possible. I appreciate your attention to my presentation. Do you have any questions concerning my credentials or the information I provided? I would be happy to help.

Job Interview Presentation Templates

SlideUpLift is well-known for its vast collection of expertly designed PowerPoint templates covering a wide range of subjects and businesses. One notable category within its repertoire is the Job Interview Presentations section. Here, you can find templates explicitly tailored for interview scenarios, enabling seamless presentations during job interviews such as job interview presentation examples. These templates come in various styles, such as making dynamic employee profiles and using the STAR system to highlight skills. 

Interview Resume Presentation PowerPoint Template

The Interview Resume Presentation PowerPoint Template aims to help people with different professional backgrounds increase their chances of getting hired. This template consists of 11 slides, including all the relevant information that a job seeker should include in their resume to seek an excellent job. Job seekers, interns or students, professionals looking for a promotion, independent contractors, consultants, etc. can all use it.

Presentation Agenda PowerPoint Template

The Presentation Agenda PowerPoint template is valuable for incorporating a structured agenda into your job interview presentation. The Agenda Presentation template features four dedicated agendas, providing a clear, organized layout highlighting key topics. The slide can be included in your presentation, allowing you to communicate the issues to be covered effectively. Whether you are outlining the interview process, presenting key points, or discussing specific aspects, this template ensures a professional and visually appealing agenda for a presentation.

Star Job Interview Presentation Template

The Star Interview PowerPoint template adopts a structured format featuring four blocks: Situation, Task, Action, and Results. 

This template is tailored for interviews or presentations using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Results) method to assess or communicate experiences. Each block provides dedicated space to articulate the specific Situation, Task at hand, Actions taken, and Results achieved.

30 60 90 Day Plan for Interview PowerPoint Template

A 30 60 90 Day Plan for an interview presentation is a structured outline that illustrates your intentions and proposed actions during the first three months of your employment in a new role. It’s a tool used to demonstrate your understanding of the position, your strategic thinking, and your ability to set goals and achieve them.

Animated Job Interview Presentation PowerPoint Template

This is another amazing resume PowerPoint template for you. The unique thing is that it comes with animations. These Animations make your presentation more exciting and attractive for the audience. Download it and customize it as per your requirements. Add your details, and you are good to go.

With all the information and tips in this detailed article, you can end your worries and prepare for your job interview presentation like a pro . You now possess all the specific presenting advice needed to ace the interview. If the design aspect overwhelms you, peruse our vast collection of PowerPoint Presentation templates and select particular components (such as data charts, shapes, and diagrams) to give your presentation the best visual appeal.

How long should my job interview presentation be?

Aim for a concise presentation, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, to maintain audience engagement.

What's the best way to conclude my job interview presentation?

The best way to conclude your job interview presentation is by summarizing key points, expressing enthusiasm for the role, and opening the floor for any questions from the interview panel.

What should be the key focus of my job interview presentation?

Prioritize showcasing your skills and experiences and how they align with the job requirements and company values.

How can I handle questions during or after the presentation for interview?

Be prepared for questions by anticipating potential inquiries related to your content, experiences, or the role.

How can SlideUpLift benefit me in preparing a job interview presentation?

SlideUpLift provides a wide array of professionally designed PowerPoint templates, including specific templates for job interview presentations. This resource can significantly help you create a standout and impactful interview pitch.

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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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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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Job interview presentations: how to crush your next job interview presentation.

The Job interview presentation is a typical, but difficult part of the interview process. The presentation you have to give can differ massively to someone who is applying to a different role. For example, for a junior SEO or content writing position, you may have to do a written task beforehand, and then present on it.

But in a PPC or Paid ads position, you may be asked to conduct some data analysis and report on your findings and what your actionable outputs would be.

But despite this variety, there are a few universal rules for your job interview presentation that you should be aware of: From the key things to remember during a presentation, to common mistakes to avoid.

What is a Job interview Presentation?

A job interview presentation is a task, set by the interviewer, to assess your knowledge of a certain skill or skills, usually one that is incredibly important to the position you’re applying for.

While job interviews primarily consist of interview questions (and you definitely should prepare for the typical digital marketing interview questions you’re likely to face), you are likely to have to complete a job interview presentation as well.

These interview presentations can range from technical tasks and presenting your results and how you found the task, to giving a mock pitch or presentation for a client, or even presenting about yourself and why you are a great fit for the job.

And while there are a wide variety of job interview presentations you can be asked to give, your approach should stay the same.

Why Are They Asking You to Do a Presentation in Your Job Interview?

Employers primarily use a job interview presentation to gain a deeper understanding of your skills or experience: An area that will be crucial in your new role.

An interview presentation or task gives an interviewer a stronger sense of your ability than traditional interview questions. Which is why it’s essential to get it right.

But getting it right, depends on the role you’re applying for. So it’s important to identify which skills the task is asking you to show.

For example, if you’re going into a data heavy role, then a business will be eager to see how well you can work with large datasets and Microsoft Excel. Or in a client-facing, account management role, you’ll need to show you’re confident presenting and in high-pressure situations.

Recognising what the interviewer is looking for lets you know where to focus your efforts for your presentation. 

Key Things to Remember for a Job Interview Presentation

When completing your job interview presentation, there are a few key things that the interviewers will be looking for from your presentation that you need to remember:

These are the biggest points to remember during your interview presentation, but they’re not the only ones. You can always be up front with the interviewer or hiring manager you have been working with and ask them what they want to see from the interview.

11 Job Interview Presentation Tips 

1. keep it to a good length.

Something to ask yourself is, how long should your interview presentation be? Unfortunately, the answer is “it depends”. A presentation should be as long as it needs to be, to concisely and clearly convey the subject matter.

Many interviewers often give an outline of how long your interview presentation should take. And you can always ask the interviewer how long they would like the presentation to be: After all, they will have had multiple people complete this presentation for them before, and should know roughly how long it should take.

2. Make it visual

Your interview presentation should engage the interviewer, but without boring them.So you should aim to make it visually appealing: Which means more than just slides filled with text after text.

Instead of having fields of data, use graphs, diagrams and charts to make these more digestible and visually interactive. 

3. Don’t overcrowd the slides with information

We generally advise only having one idea or point per slide. You want your presentation to be easily digestible, without bombarding your interviewer with too much information at once.

After all, you should use the slides to highlight the most important parts of your presentation, and then go into more detail and expand on them yourself.

4. Use the company’s branding

A small touch for your job interview presentation to impress the interviewer, is to match the branding of the company you’re looking to join.

This simply entails looking at the company website, perhaps even downloading some of their downloadable assets, and copying their brand feel and style. 

While not a make or break for your presentation, it does show that you’re putting in the extra effort, and recognise how important the company brand is.

5. Proofread

When you’re finished with putting together your presentation, it’s time to double and triple-check it. Because there’s nothing more embarrassing than going to present and noticing a spelling mistake that throws you off your game. Or even worse, having it pointed out by the interviewer.

6. Make sure to practise beforehand

Whether you practise on your own or with others, it’s crucial that you practise your presentation beforehand. This allows you to:

• Make sure your presentation flows smoothly from slide to slide and point to point.
• Ensure you have fully memorised the content of the presentation.
• And that your presentation is an appropriate length, not too short or going on for too long.

And if you’re not a natural presenter, rehearsing and ensuring that you’re as practised as you can be is a great way to increase your confidence.

7. Present confidently and clearly

Just as important as the content of your presentation, is how you present it. Your job interview presentation could be full of information and be beautifully written and presented. But if you can’t present with confidence and clarity, the interviewer isn’t going to have much faith in your ability to work cohesively with others.

This is especially important in roles where you’ll be working with customers/ clients, or have to regularly collaborate within other teams within the business.

8. Don’t rush it 

When in a high-pressure situation, it’s understandable that you want to get through the presentation as quickly as possible. But your interviewer will absolutely pick up on if you’re rushing through the presentation and your nerves.

But it’s important to slow down and not rush through it. This allows you to take control of the presentation, and deliver it confidently and clearly.

9. Have relaxed and confident body language

Your body language tells your interviewer a lot more about how you’re feeling than you realise. So aim to have open body language, animated but not erratic. 

Meanwhile try to avoid having arms crossed, with conveys being uncomfortable in the situation. Or having a lack of eye contact, that can convey that you’re not confident with what you’re saying. And if your body language is saying that you aren’t confident with what you’re saying, why should the interviewer believe you!

For more information on what your body language says about you, and tips to improve your body language in interviews, have a look at our full guide here .

10. Leave some time at the end of your interview for questions

For example, if you’re given 30 minutes for your presentation, we would advise aiming for around the 25 minute mark, allowing 5 minutes for any questions.

This gives you ample time to answer any interviewer questions, and gives you the time to respond to challenging questions without feeling rushed, knowing you have the time to think of an answer.

11. Understand what the interviewer is looking to see, and prepare for any questions you might face

While it can be tricky, it’s important to put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager and interviewer. Try to understand what exact skills they’re looking for from your presentation.

Understanding this will have a huge impact on your presentation and its contents. 

Additionally, understanding the areas of importance to your interviewer helps you to predict and prepare for potential questions you’re likely to face.

While you won’t be able to predict every question, you can prepare answers that can be adapted and used to answer a variety of questions.

For example, say you’re interviewing for a client facing role where your presentation is creating a pitch for new customers. A good idea would be to prepare answers for any potential objections the imaginary client may have to your pitch.

5 Mistakes to Avoid in a Job Interview Presentation

Just as important as it is to know what to do in your presentation, it’s important to know what not to do. Because these common interview presentation mistakes can cost you if you don’t prepare!

1. Being Nervous With Presenting

This one is certainly easier said than done. But it is possibly the most important thing to avoid in your job interview presentation. A little nervousness is absolutely normal. But being overly anxious can stop you putting your best foot forward.

A presentation is all about projecting confidence, in both yourself and the subject you’re speaking about.

And if you’re not a natural public speaker, (and even if you are) the best bit of advice we can give you is to practise your presentation until it feels natural. The more you practise, the better you’ll know what you’re presenting, and the more confident you will feel.

It can sometimes even be helpful to go over your presentation with a colleague or someone who can give some friendly advice. 

Of course, this is one of the perks of working with a recruitment agency, as we have seen hundreds of job interview presentations and tasks, and give you tailored advice on what the client is looking for…

2. Not Understanding the Task

When the interviewer gives you your task, it’s obviously important to understand what the presentation is asking you to do. But as we discussed earlier, you are asked to complete a job interview presentation for a specific reason. 

Understanding the reason behind this allows you to focus your time and efforts into what really matters, and put your best foot forward in the interview.

3. Having Too Much Information on the Slides

A common mistake we see from the candidates we work with is having too much information on your slides. Which sounds contradictory, after all, you want as much information in your presentation as possible, right?

Well yes and no. After all, you want your presentation to be chock-full of relevant information. 

But you should aim to use the slides of your presentation as talking points that allow you to present information. The slides should have examples, key figures, or data on, that allows you to expand on them in your own words. Because you want the attention to be on you, not just on the slides.

After all, nobody wants to sit through a half hour presentation of you reading out all the information that’s already on the slides in front of them.

4. Not Being Prepared For Potential Questions

Part of preparing your interview presentation, is predicting the potential questions you may face.

This may require some introspection: Thinking which areas of the presentation are most important, and which areas the interviewer is likely to focus on.

Realistically, you can’t think of every possible question that you can be asked. But, even the act of preparing answers to potential questions will make you more confident going into the interview, and help you to rehearse everything you need to present.

5. Going Overboard on Time and Content

One of the key things to remember for your job interview presentation is the need to follow the established time limit.

While you may have a lot to say on the subject, your interviewers will be keenly paying attention to how well you manage your time in a presentation.

If you’re in a client-facing role for example, the business won’t want to put you in front of clients when you go over the 30 minute allotted time by 10 minutes…

Or Work With a Recruiter Who Will Help With Your Job Interview Presentation !

Of course, it’s always helpful to have someone who can help you with the presentation in your job interview.

One of the perks of working with a recruitment agency like us here at Herd, is that we support the digital marketers and candidates we work with on their interview presentations. While we’re not SEO or PPC experts, we have seen hundreds of interview presentations, and can offer insight into what interviewers are hoping to see.

If you want some support with your job search, (just like with preparing for your job interview presentation), you can reach out to us here to see what we can do to support you in your job search.

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We're here to help. Check out our FAQs, send us an email or call us on 0208 629 6006.

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Presentation Interviews: What You Need To Know When Interviewing

Interview presentations are an opportunity for a prospective employer to gauge your communication, public speaking, and critical thinking skills during the job interview process. Sounds daunting? But with these 5 tips in mind, you will be better prepared to ace your next interview presentation.

Last updated on Nov 24, 2021

Presentation interviews are becoming increasingly common in modern-day hiring processes, particularly for management and executive-level roles. Understanding how to effectively prepare for a presentation interview can help eliminate interview nerves, bolster your confidence, and leave a lasting impression on prospective employers.

Continue reading to learn more about presentation interviews, including why businesses use them, how to best prepare for one, and mistakes to avoid on your big day.

What Is A Presentation Interview?

For starters, what is a presentation-style interview, and why do businesses use them? A presentation interview is a talk you deliver to a prospective employer as part of the hiring process. Employers use presentation interviews to evaluate your thought process and the way you communicate ideas. Presentation interviews often involve sharing a past project to demonstrate your transferable experience and skills.

Companies may invite future colleagues from cross-functional departments to your interview to evaluate how effectively you are able to communicate with diverse stakeholders. There’s more to an interview presentation than just your content and the words you say, though. “Interview presentations also assess the candidate's level of confidence, appraising their overall presence and how they carry themselves,” explains interview coach Paula Christensen .

What Is A Case Study Interview?

While your presentation interview may require you to highlight a past project, some employers will opt to instead use a case study interview that requires you to address a business problem or opportunity. Case study interviews are typically deployed to evaluate your ability to assess a business challenge and effectively present solutions to a target audience. 

Regardless of the format of your interview presentation, it’s important to remember that the goal isn’t to simply check the boxes but also to highlight what sets you apart from other candidates .

What To Expect In A Presentation Interview

According to Christensen, “Companies are increasingly making presentations part of their hiring process.” However, they won’t surprise you with a presentation interview. She says, “The company will advise you ahead of time about parameters, including the time, topic, and other requirements.”

Although every company’s hiring process is slightly different, most presentation interviews require you to develop and deliver a talk via video conferencing or in person in response to a case study or prompt. Your presentation is an opportunity to not only demonstrate your knowledge and abilities but also to showcase your communication skills as well as your ability to effectively facilitate a meeting with diverse stakeholders.

How Long Should A Presentation Interview Be?

While the length of presentation interviews differs across companies, you will typically be allotted 20 to 30 minutes to present your talk, followed by the opportunity for interviewers to ask you questions about your presentation, work experience , and interest in the company. You will want to confirm how long your presentation should be with your recruiter or hiring manager and then ensure your presentation sticks within the allotted time.

How To Prepare For A Presentation Interview: 4 Tips For Success

Now, how do you prepare for a presentation interview and stand out from other applicants? Here are 4 steps to ace this opportunity:

1. Understand the parameters of your presentation interview.

Begin your presentation prep by scrutinizing the instructions provided to you by the company, as you want to get a sense of what’s expected during the interview as well as demonstrate your ability to follow directions. “Determine your audience and decide how you will make sure your presentation resonates with them,” says Christensen. You will then want to “adapt the content, style, and tone of your presentation accordingly.”

She also explains that you want to get clear on questions like, “Will this presentation be via PowerPoint, whiteboard, or handouts? How much time will I have to set up?”

2. Create your presentation outline.

Then, you want to develop your presentation outline. Christensen recommends a three-part framework for your outline: 

• Introduction: Begin with a quick outline of who you are and what you are presenting to grab your audience’s attention quickly.
• Body: Move to the main content of your presentation.
• Conclusion: End with a brief recap of your presentation and a call to action that leaves a lasting impression.

As you develop your interview presentation, Christensen says it’s important to not include too many slides or too much information.

3. Inject your fabulousness into your presentation.

Next, you want to add your fabulousness to your presentation. Christensen says that you want to make your presentation memorable and engaging and recommends including stories. “Our brains light up when we hear stories, and they improve our ability to listen and recall information,” she explains. “By sharing a personal story or experience, you demonstrate vulnerability and authenticity, which helps build a deeper connection with your audience.”

Christensen also advises that you incorporate examples, statistics, and relevant data into your presentation to support your points. According to her, “Citing hard evidence helps make your information more credible and convincing.”

4. Practice, practice, and practice some more.

Finally, you want to carve out ample time to practice, but not memorize, your presentation, as your goal is to come off as rehearsed, but not scripted. “Practice your presentation until you feel completely comfortable with it,” says Christensen. “You want to know your topic inside and out.”

Christensen recommends simulating the exact interview situation as closely as possible. If you will be delivering your presentation standing, for instance, be sure to stand while you’re practicing. Similarly, you’ll be in front of a live audience, so try to practice with friends, family, or an interview coach.

“The more you practice your presentation in front of others, the more polished and confident you will be,” she adds. “We all sound eloquent in our own heads, but it is not until we verbalize our answers that we learn our responses may not be as great as we thought.”

Final Thoughts On Acing Your Presentation Interview

There’s nothing worse than sitting through a boring presentation or dry interview. Christensen suggests using a conversational tone, engaging your audience, and making your presentation interactive. “Ask questions and create a dialogue. This will help to break down any barriers between you and your audience and keep their attention.” You’ve got this!

Dr. Kyle Elliott is the founder, tech career coach, and interview coach behind CaffeinatedKyle.com . As a result of working with Dr. Elliott, senior managers and executives have landed jobs at Meta, Amazon, Google, and nearly every other tech giant you can imagine.

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Demonstrate Your Skills in an Interview with a PowerPoint Presentation

Extra effort brings extra results . Everything you do before, during, and after your interview, matters at the end of the hiring process. To prepare a PowerPoint presentation is definitely a good idea–especially when you can use it to demonstrate your knowledge of the job , or to showcase a successful project which you completed . Job seekers typically prepare one of the following presentations:

• Work portfolio – the presentation gives a brief insight on your career, the jobs you’ve had, the projects you managed, and the things you achieved and learned while working on them. Portfolio is especially useful for people who apply for technical jobs, such as graphic designer, project manager, web developer, application developer, marketing manager, cook , etc.
• Presentation of a specific project – for example if you apply for job in software development company, you can prepare a PowerPoint presentation of one of the projects you led. From first draft and planning of the application through setting milestones to completing them. Such a presentation helps you to demonstrate your excellent pm skills.

* Do not forget to check also: Project Manager Interview Questions .

Table of Contents

Ask them whether you can use a presentation

A presentation is an effective way of demonstrating your skills, and if you do it in a right way, you will benefit from having it in an interview. Nevertheless, you should always ask the interviewers whether you can do the presentation.

Many hiring managers have their own way of doing things, they follow a strict interview template with each job candidate, and they have a packed schedule from morning to evening. In such a case may not allow you to show your presentation–simply because they want to follow the very same interview template with each job candidate –either everyone shows their PowerPoint presentation, or no one will.

Bearing this in mind, you should call them before the interview and ask about an option to show the PowerPoint presentation. Remember that even if they do not allow you to do it, they will appreciate the idea , and the extra effort you made to prepare something for your interview. All HR managers love the “I do more” attitude.

How to prepare a presentation

From a software point of view, you will find good tutorials on YouTube , and learn how to prepare a great-looking PowerPoint presentation with ease. From the content point of view, check our interview portfolio article to understand what you should include on your presentation, and what you should rather avoid.

Practice makes perfect, bad presentation can kill your chances

It happened to me several times that a job applicant brought their laptop to the interview, and they delivered their presentation. We did not agree about this upfront, but I never follow a strict template in job interviews, and I like applicants that do something more while trying to succeed. Therefor I let them to deliver the presentation.

More often than not, however, the presentation had very little to do with the job offer. Or, even worse, the way they delivered it uncovered their weaknesses in terms of their communication, presentations, or project management skills. Take my advice: Practice your presentation before an interview, and make sure that it relates to the job you try to get. Honestly, no presentation is better than a bad one.

Do not put us under pressure, let us lead the interviews

Most interviewers have an exact schedule for their interviews, and the template, and they try to follow both of them. You should not interrupt them at the beginning and tell that you want to present your portfolio, or certain project with the help of MS PowerPoint.

You should wait for a good time , and a good time comes when:

• We ask about your working experience.
• At the end of the interview, when everything else has been said and done.
• When they ask you a practical question, and the answer can be explained with the help of your presentation (this is actually the best time to suggest doing it).

Conclusion and next steps

Wait for the right time. It may come, and it may not come. Maybe everything goes well, and you won’t even need the presentation to get a job . Do not press the issue, do not try to do the presentation at all costs.

If you get a chance to show us your presentation, ensure that the content relates to the job offer, and demonstrates the value you can bring to our company. Practice your presentation beforehand , and ensure you’d deliver it in a best possible way–showing your strong presentation and communication skills.

While the presentation can help you greatly with your efforts to get a job, other things matter as well in an interview. Let’s prepare for them together:

• How to answer interview questions – Not only WHAT you say, but also HOW you say it matters in an interview.
• Salary negotiation tips – Learn how to get the best possible salary offer at the end of your job interview.
• How to overcome interview nerves – Feeling anxious before your interview? You are not alone, and we will show you how to solve this problem.
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Presentation at an Interview

Have you had any experience of delivering a presentation at an interview? How do you prepare ? How do you engage your audience?

Presentations are a common part of the recruitment process for graduate, research, teaching, consulting and other professional roles across a range of sectors.

Whether you have had a lot or limited experience in delivering presentations through university or work, you might find the tips below useful when preparing for the next steps in your career.

Purpose of having a presentation at an interview

The employer wants to see evidence that you can do the job and evidence of your written and verbal communication skills, which we will cover in detail in the points below.

Notice of a presentation at an interview

It is usual to have at least 3-5 days advance notice on the content of your presentation, usually, you are notified via email or the recruitment portal. If the interview is held at an assessment centre, candidates might be told on the day that they are required to present and given the brief.

Presentations usually last 5 – 15 minutes and are often the first part of the interview process i.e. before a one-on-one or panel interview.

Understanding the brief

It is imperative that you are clear on what you have been asked to do. Always revisit the task and contact the employer if you have any questions. Sometimes you may be expected to present to the interview panel as if they were clients/students/colleagues etc. Examples of presentation tasks can include addressing how you would carry out one or more aspect of the role; a timeline of how you would spend your first few weeks or months in relation to a project; a strategy for engaging with multiple stakeholders, managing a budget or building a brand.

Think carefully about the task and how it relates to the job description and person specification. This is another opportunity for you to demonstrate you are a suitable match for the role. Consider the questions below:

• What do you need to address?
• How long have you got to present?
• Who is your audience?
• Where should your focus be?
• What research is involved?
• What is important to the employer e.g. skills and strategy?

Verbal communication – tone and speed of voice

Be aware of how you are perceived during your presentation,  do you use different tones of voice when speaking? Consider the subject matter and how your voice can convey the correct message. By practising your presentation, you are more likely to come across as confident in the delivery. Avoid relying on cue cards or simply reading text off a document or screen. Speech anxiety in this situation is common, but most of what we feel during this period is not usually visible to the audience.

Examples of nerves include shaking, a dry mouth and an increase in body temperature. We can often speed up the pace we are presenting at as a coping mechanism – rushing through the content for it to be over for example. We must learn to recognise if we are speaking too fast or our words are mumbled. Pauses during the presentation can be a great way to gather our thoughts and give a moment for everyone in the room to process what has been said.

Time management

Your ability to deliver your presentation within the allocated time limit says a lot about you. This shows you are organised and can complete tasks in a timely manner. The planning and preparation you put in beforehand will be helpful here.

Non-verbal communication – connecting with the audience

Whether you are presenting to two people or a larger audience, you need to find ways to connect with them. How many people are expected to be present and who are they? Think about your facial expressions, gestures and posture. Looking at individuals in the eye, smiling and having open body language can help to make the audience feel relaxed and you come across as more approachable.

Written communication – visual aids

Be mindful of the type of organisation you are applying to when preparing your resources – colours, logo, values and strategy. Ensure that if you are creating a PowerPoint presentation, the colours do not clash and that you do not include too much text on your slides. Think about the use of suitable images or charts.

Be confident when using this Microsoft Office application and save several versions of it on a USB and email it to yourself in case technology fails you when in the interview room. Remember that the audience can read everything on the slides very quickly. Use the slides for key points and keywords as prompts to lead you.

Handouts can also be useful as the interviewers will refer to this for more detail on the task.

Ensure your spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct. Avoid the use of Americanisms for non-US companies. Think about the language used and the role you are going for. Visit the organisation’s website to gain a further understanding of what type of employee they are looking for.

Dealing with the unexpected

Be prepared to adapt your presentation delivery style if the reality does not meet your expectations. Examples of this include the size of the audience, room and technical issues. It is important to not get stressed or look as though you are under pressure. Try to remain calm and positive as these are qualities employers look for in most roles. Have a plan B for your presentation delivery in case something does go wrong.

Always be prepared for questions at the end of your presentation. Individuals will have queries or want to make comment on specific content. Be open to these questions and any constructive feedback and respond in a professional manner. By giving yourself enough time to prepare your presentation, you will have the confidence to articulate your strengths and ideas.

Here is a checklist to use when preparing for your next presentation at interview

• Seek clarification on what you must do
• Identify your audience
• Get confirmation on the use of technology in the room
• Revisit the job description and person specification
• Spend time planning your presentation
• Practice your presentation in front of others
• Take a course or watch a webinar on confidence building, presentation skills or public speaking
• Speak to a career professional or mentor about dealing with nerves

You made a good impression during the application stage of the job and got shortlisted because the employer wants to meet you and hear about your strengths and ideas. Spend enough time preparing for your presentation so that you can demonstrate why you are suitable for the role.

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Nadine Lewis

Nadine Lewis is a qualified and experienced careers consultant currently working in higher education. She is passionate about empowering students, graduates and professionals to take control of their careers. Nadine has been published in Prospects and presented at various events. In her spare time, she enjoys attending cultural activities and travelling around Europe. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/nadinermlewis

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23rd March 2021 at 9:00 am

Thank you for your kind advices

30th October 2021 at 5:10 pm

Thank you for this insight. I shall refer to this in my preparations. It will help me adapt my skills appropriately.

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How To Create A Presentation For An Interview

Don't miss, what they ask in a job interview, what to ask in an interview as an employer, client success manager interview questions, reject candidate after interview email, how to explain devops project in interview, how to train for interview, how to act in a job interview, oracle supply chain management interview questions and answers, what should an interview presentation look like.

Think of your interview presentation as a sales pitch.

Your goal is to convince the human resources team that you are the best candidate for the job. The kick here is that you will be presenting to a warm audience you already impressed them enough with your resume to be called in for an interview. We recommend that you generate 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 to make sure that your presentation fits the criteria. Go through the companys job description again and jot down all the candidate requirements. Take the time to read about their company values and mission. In general, be proactive and ask exactly what you should cover during your presentation.

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

Be Clear And Succinct

A presentation should show off your verbal communication skills . That means you dont 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.

How To Prepare A Powerpoint Presentation For A Job Interview

• How to Have a Strong Portfolio

Unless a PowerPoint presentation is requested as a portion of your job interview, it can be a double-edged sword. A well-conceived, succinct presentation may help a hiring manager remember you, while also putting your skills on full display. A botched presentation, however, will make you memorable for all the wrong reasons. To leave a good impression, your talents need to be well-honed and on display, from the first slide to the last.

Read Also: Interview Attire Women

Presenting In A Remote Interview

It is not unreasonable to be asked to make a presentation in an online interview.

However, it brings some additional challenges on top of presenting in person.

First, you need to be confident that you will be able to handle the technology , and share your slides with the interviewers. If you have not done this before, you have a choice. You can avoid having slides altogether, email through a one-page handout before the interview, or ask someone for help beforehand so that you know how to share your slides.

Second, you need to think about how you will appear . The section on presenting in our page on Remote Meetings and Conferences may be helpful here.

What Slides To Include

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 .

Most interview presentation templates feature the next slides:

• Opening Slide
• Case studies/examples of the problems you have solved at your past jobs
• Your vision for your future role.
• What exactly you can bring in as the candidate

Cant figure out where to start? Swipe either of the following job interview presentation samples:

Also Check: Questions To Ask A Cfo In An Interview

How To Prepare For Your Interview Presentation

Preparation is one of the keys to delivering an excellent interview presentation.

Once you’ve received the details about the interview, don’t leave your preparation till the last minute or assume you can wing it. Use the days leading up to the interview to put the necessary things in place.

Here’s what you should know. Preparing for your interview presentation puts you in control and increases your chances of securing the job.

Unfortunately, knowing how to prepare for interviews may be a big challenge for many people.

But we’ve got you covered.

Use these tips below to get yourself interview-ready.

Have A Clear Structure

Structure can go a long way to boost your confidence and ensure you give a stellar performance. Make sure from the outset that you have a clear understanding of each of the relevant sections of the presentation. Each part of the presentation should naturally follow from the other. Introduce the subject: tell the audience what your presentation is about. Explain the points you wish to convey. End with a summary of your points.

Don’t Miss: Best Interview Attire For A Woman

Presentation For An Interview Tips To Follow

To impress during a job interview presentation, you need to be fully prepared and deliver your very best work. Since the presentation is usually the last step in the hiring process, it’s all the more important to create a good impression on the interview panel to encourage them to hire you based on your skills and presentation calibre. Here are some of the main interview presentation tips to help you prepare:

Overview Of Preparing For An Interview Presentation

There are many ways interviewers can test your suitability for their role, one of which is an interview presentation. Presenting at an interview can help your employer gauge your communications skills, confidence, and professionalism, which makes it vital to prepare adequately to impress your audience. We will discuss how to deliver a powerful interview presentation that will increase your chances of getting the job.

Also Check: Interview With Cfo

Show That You Are Diligent

Finally, the interviewer will want to see evidence during your interview presentation that you are diligent, organised and conscientious in the way you approach tasks, and that you have fantastic attention to detail.

• Plan for the technology. Will you be using their devices or one of your own? Make sure you ascertain this beforehand, and know how to use whatever device you will be working on. Ask someone to check your slide deck beforehand to ensure that everything works.
• Bring a backup with you. Even if you are presenting this slide deck on your own device, take a backup copy on your USB. Email it to yourself and the recruiter to pass onto the client. You should also bring printed copies to hand out to all of the interviewers. In the worst-case scenario, this means you have a Plan B and could still deliver your presentation effectively.
• Stay conscious of time. Find out how long the presentation needs to be and make sure you dont run over. When practising your presentation, remember to time it and leave room for questions at the end.
• Try to be on brand. Look at the fonts and colours on the company website and use these in your presentation. You could also try to find existing presentations and webinars on their website and match the format.
• Double-check everything , from the formatting to the layout, as well as the spelling and grammar. Get somebody else to proof your presentation for you, too.

Top Free Job Interview Powerpoint Templates To Download

Premium PPT templates offer the most slides and features. But if budget is a concern, you may be looking for a free template. Envato has free offerings that you can check out. These freebies are refreshed monthly, so you may find a job interview presentation template up for grabs.

Get 12 free unique monthly files from Envato Elements.

Here’s the deal:

• Envato Elements offers 12 monthly free files . You can download templates, audio, photos, videos, and more. Create a free account to download this month’s premium freebie.

Do you still want to look at free options found online? Here are 19 job interview template backgrounds to start with:

This is a light template with an off-white background. There are colorful geometry graphics at the corners of each slide.

Don’t Miss: How To Prepare System Design Interview

Ask The Right Questions

Whether you receive a phone call or email about your interview, ensure you’re clear about the details. Rather than make sweeping assumptions, go ahead and do these things:

• Find out what your prospective employers expect from you.
• Ask if you’ll get a topic before the presentation date or if it’s a blind presentation. Also, find out if you’ll be allowed to choose from a list of topics.
• Find out who your audience will be .
• Ask how many people will be present at the interview.
• Make sure to ask how long the presentation will last. Having a timeframe will help you decide what to add or delete from the presentation.
• Find out if they have a preferred presentation style.
• Ask what technical equipment and presentation tools will be available.
• Find out whether there’ll be provision for sound, audio and visuals.

Create An Interesting Presentation For Your Upcoming Interview

You have to be sure that you provide enough information in your presentation to wow those who are doing the hiring. This means that theyre going to look at the interesting presentation topic youve chosen and how youve presented it.

Communication is a critical component in so many different jobs, from representatives to analysts to managers. You have to demonstrate your confidence and your capabilities, which include public speaking skills.

Here are a few tips to help you nail your interview presentation:

• Use innovative technology throughout
• Bring a prop to use, such as a small dry erase board
• Practice your presentation in front of a mirror

Run through your presentation a few times. Write it out, time it, and practice it until youre comfortable with every aspect.

You only get one interview with a hiring team of a company, so its critical that you deliver the best possible presentation. Give some thought to the companys objectives so you can incorporate them into your presentation.

With the right interview presentation topics, you can be thoughtful and highlight your skills. Each presentation you make should be a learning experience. If you dont get the first job you present for, youll know where to improve for the next one.

Also Check: What To Wear For An Interview Women

Follow A Clear Structure

Your presentation should follow a clear structure, with a strong opening, main body and ending, remaining focused on one clear message throughout with facts and evidence to support it. Your opening should clearly communicate your key message and should be kept succinct and to the point with short sentences. The main body should be limited to three main sections. This will enable you to stay strongly focused on your core message and ensure people remember the three main points. The ending should be memorable and reemphasize your key message.

Think Outside The Box

PowerPoint, used by companies and individuals around the world, is the most widely recognised presentation tool. Indeed, some employers will specifically require you to demonstrate your PowerPoint skills.

If the company does not clarify this, however, consider using other formats to highlight your creativity and technical skills.

Prezi is a unique way to create presentations in a non-linear 3D format, allowing you to zoom in and out of different bullet points as you present.

Haiku Deck is another useful option if you’re looking to inject some imagination into your presentation, offering access to an extensive image library.

For something simple and effective, Google Presentations is another good alternative to PowerPoint.

Also Check: What Should Females Wear To A Job Interview

Know What Youre Working With

As soon as youre asked to give a presentation, start by asking the hiring manager a few questions. Learn more about the topics you should present on, see how much time youll have, and ask what technology, if any, youll have access to.

Its particularly important to ask to whom youll be presenting. What is the knowledge or expertise level of the audience? Will they be your colleagues, your bosses, or your potential clients? Knowing this will help you determine how to pitch your presentation, what focus you should take, and what tone would be most appropriate.

What Employers Look For In An Interview Presentation

Take a moment to think about your best job interview.

Why did your employer choose to hire you ahead of other candidates? You probably ticked all the right boxes in terms of skills, experiences, education, personality and other factors.

But most importantly, it’s how you presented your skills, capabilities and knowledge about the role that probably blew their minds.

At every stage of the hiring process, employers look for outstanding candidates who measure up to their expectations. These expectations may differ based on the job role, industry and organizational structure.

However, on a general note, recruiters will readily opt for candidates who:

• Understand the organization and its line of business
• Know their job role and what’s expected
• Understand the company mission and will fit into the company culture
• Show passion, ambition and leadership qualities
• Demonstrate the ability to use their skills and experience to drive the company forward
• Know how to communicate and present in front of a small or large group of people

Also Check: Best Interview Clothes For A Woman

Not Following The Instructions

Prior to your job interview presentation, the hiring manager or panel will give you instructions or a brief which you’ll use for your demonstration. It’s important that you keep the instructions at the forefront of your mind as you prepare every aspect of the presentation. This will help you focus on the key requirements that the panellists want from you.

Create Slides That Enhance Your Presentation Content

Your slides should complement and enhance your presentation content. I remind my interview coaching clients that people learn through different methods, so it is helpful for content to be both spoken and visual, without being overly repetitive. However, you do not want people to be reading off your slides. Rather, you want your slides to communicate your ideas visually and further engage the panel in your interview presentation.

Prioritize quality over quantity when adding text to your slides to avoid attendees reading your slides instead of listening to you present. Consider incorporating photos and other visuals throughout your slides, when appropriate, to nimbly engage your audience. You can also stand out from other interviewers by incorporating the company logo, fonts, and colors into your presentation you can often find the companyâs style guide online.

Read Also: Prepare For System Design Interview

What Is An Interview Presentation

An interview presentation is a formal presentation delivered to a human resources team, management team or another group of people to convince them that you are the best candidate for a position. Employers may request a presentation to assess your public speaking and communication skills, determine whether you are a good cultural fit for the organization or develop a better idea of how well-versed you are in the industry. Interview presentations are particularly popular in:

Do Not Put Us Under Pressure Let Us Lead The Interviews

Most interviewers have an exact schedule for their interviews, and the template, and they try to follow both of them. You should not interrupt them at the beginning and tell that you want to present your portfolio, or certain project with the help of MS PowerPoint.

You should wait for a good time , and a good time comes when:

• We ask about your working experience.
• At the end of the interview, when everything else has been said and done.
• When they ask you a practical question, and the answer can be explained with the help of your presentation .

Don’t Miss: Questions To Ask A Cfo During An Interview

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.

How Do You Start An Interview Presentation

As soon as you enter the meeting , be confident, enthusiastic, and engaging. Also, remember to smile. Keep this personality from the start of the presentation through to the end. Make sure you stand as soon as the presentation begins No matter what the topic you cover, use the start of the interview presentation to give a quick overview of who you are and what youll be discussing.

Also Check: Preparing For System Design Interview

Know That Less Can Be More

Often, the best presentations are those that are succinct and impactful. Rather than including every word you plan to say on your slides or providing a transcript of your presentation, use multimedia and handouts as supports to your message. Keep your language clear and use simple but effective imagery.

Structure Your Interview Presentation

If you want to keep your audiences hooked to your slides, ensure your presentation is well-structured.

Doing this will keep you on track and prevent your audience from zoning out of your presentation.

Here’s how to create an excellent presentation structure.

In its simplest form, a well-structured presentation should have an introduction, body and conclusion.

• Compelling introduction: Your introduction should briefly sum everything about you, your presentation objectives and why it’s relevant to your audience. You can ask a question, tell a story, share facts or use humor to spark interest.
• Engaging body: This is where you present the main details of your topic. Make sure to back your argument with facts or a wealth of information that shows that you’re the best candidate for the job. Talk about the company goals and how you’ll help to achieve them.
• Memorable conclusion: Here, you should present your key takeaways about the topic. Likewise, briefly reiterate your skills, experience, expertise, past achievements and why they should hire you.

You can use presenter notes to ensure you stick to the structure. Throughout your presentation, keep your message clear. Plus, make sure every part of your presentation relates to the topic.

Use Lots of White Space

Avoid cluttering your slide with too many ideas, text or images. This could overwhelm your audience and make your presentation a pain in the eyes.

Use High-Quality Images

Make your slides easy to read.

Recommended Reading: Women’s Outfit For Job Interview

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How to Nail a PowerPoint Presentation for Job Interview

You just scored an interview for you dream job! Yes! But…now they’re asking you to give a PowerPoint presentation for the job interview.

What the heck? Isn’t interviewing nerve-wracking enough without the added stress of giving a presentation?

We hear you. It’s a lot of stress. But actually, when you stop to think about it, what is a job interview if not a presentation about yourself? Now you just have the added benefit of visuals and slides to work with.

In this article, we’ll demystify the interview PowerPoint presentation ordeal and help you put your best foot forward so you can nail the interview!

What is an Interview Presentation?

Ok, back up. What exactly is an interview presentation? According to Indeed , an interview presentation is a “formal presentation delivered to a human resources team, management team, or another group of people to convince them that you are the best candidate for a position.” Potential employers may ask you to make an interview presentation to better assess your public speaking and/or communications skills, your ability to stay calm under pressure, your knowledge about specific, industry related topics, and more.

This kind of presentation can give your potential employers a really comprehensive look at you, so it makes sense. And although you may run into a request for an interview presentation in any industry, this tact is particularly popular in Sales, Marketing, Technology, and Academia.

Benefits of Interview Presentation

Now that you know why employers might make this request, why might an interview presentation be a good thing for you? One of the biggest benefits for you is that it gives you a chance to shine and stand out. Old-fashioned interviews have become somewhat run-of-the-mill, with those ever-recycled questions like “what would you say are your greatest strengths” all running together. But with a unique presentation designed and delivered by you, there’s more of a chance for you to really leave a distinct impression.

Additionally, giving an interview presentation gives you a chance to show your professionalism in a different setting than just a conversation. You can prove your diligence, your attention to detail, and your work ethic just by how you compile the presentation.

How to Make an Interview Presentation

It may seem overwhelming at first, but don’t be intimidated by the task of creating an interview presentation. Below, we’ve compiled a list of interview presentation tips — from initial research to the final presentation — that will have you acing this task in no time.

Making the Presentation

Gather Information

Do your Research

This is a solid tip for any kind of interview: do your research! Make yourself an expert on the company for which you are interviewing. It’s no secret that you are far less appealing as a potential hire if you don’t know anything about the company or industry. But the important thing here is to make sure your gathered knowledge comes across. Prove your expertise in your presentation.

Pick your Platform

Sometimes, your potential employer will have a particular platform that they want you to use for your interview presentation, but more than likely, they will leave it up to you. The basic presentation software out there includes PowerPoint, Keynote, and Google Slides. If you’re going for an artsier, more unique approach, check out Prezi : an online virtual presentation tool with a more animated feel. Go with whatever platform you’re comfortable with, or you can even start by looking at templates and seeing what matches your style.

Start with Structure

Every great presentation, whether for an interview or not, starts with a strong and compelling structure. In simplest terms, you have an opening, details, and then a conclusion. When structuring your presentation, begin with a strong opening that states your goals and introduces yourself. Next, keep the main body of the presentation to around three major points (although you can have plenty of subsections.) Then finish with a killer closing, something to bring it all home. All throughout, keep your message clear and make every piece of your presentation relate back to that message.

Check out this article for more in-depth tips on structuring a great presentation of any kind.

Keep it Clear, Succinct and Impactful

Make sure your content is simple and clear. You want your audience to glance quickly at your slide, gain interest, and then listen to you, the presenter, for more in-depth information. Be careful not to pack too much information onto the slides themselves, or to break off onto tangents that don’t support you. But do be sure to choose eye-catching images for your slides and easy-to-read fonts that really pop.

Highlight YOU

You could almost think of this presentation as a commercial and the product you’re selling is you. While it’s important to demonstrate expertise through your presentation, make sure that everything goes back to selling you as the star of the show.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Giving the Presentation

Build Rapport

The day of the interview is here! Once you begin your presentation, start off by building rapport with your audience. Not only will this help draw them in and make them more engaged in your story, it will also help calm you down. Introduce yourself, smile, and maybe even consider cracking a joke if the mood is right.

As you give your presentation, try your hardest to not read straight off the slides or from your notes. Snooze alert! This will bore your audience and give them the impression that you don’t know what you’re talking about. Be so confident and practice so thoroughly ahead of time that you can speak off the cuff and don’t need to read your notes at all.

Mind Your Body Language

Sit up straight, shoulders back, and smile! Your body language is always incredibly important for any kind of presentation. You want to appear professional and comfortable at the same time.

Diction and Delivery

Make sure you’re enunciating clearly and projecting to “the back of the room,” even if that’s just your computer’s microphone. If you mumble or speak too quietly, you’ll come across timid. Also, most of us have a tendency to speed up when we’re nervous. Pay attention to the pace of your speech and even build in some pauses if you can. This will give you time to collect your thoughts and let your message sink in for your audience.

Be Confident

You got this! Even if you’re not feeling confident on the inside, show it on the outside. Speak with authority and make eye-contact with your audience by staying focused on your camera. This is you you’re selling after all, and no one is a better authority on you than you!

Take Questions at the End

Presentation for Interview Example

If you’re looking for job interview presentation ideas, check out this great example on Slide Team or this one on Slide Geeks .

Pre-Recorded Video Interviews

On a related note, some potential employers may ask you to make a pre-recorded video interview. This tactic has become increasingly prevalent in the age of COVID and Zoom interviews. Essentially, employers can give you a set of questions ahead of time and you can record yourself answering them, then send it in for them to review on their own time. Sometimes, potential employers will call this a “pre-screening.” While this isn’t technically an interview “presentation” per say, it sort of falls into the same category, so we want you to be prepared.

The best way to record video interviews is with whatever software and setup you’re comfortable with! If you have a great camera-ring light-soundproof room already set up and raring to go, obviously you should use that. But if you don’t have a pro setup, don’t sweat it. Most people don’t. Just record your interview with the webcam on your computer. You can also record an interview directly through Zoom meetings . But do make sure that you are properly lit, somewhere quiet, and that your background is clean and intentional.

 Other tips for pre-recorded video interviews:

• Maintain eye contact by focusing on the camera and not the video of yourself.
• Dress professionally , even your pants and shoes that won’t be seen in the video. You’ll be in a better headspace when you’re dressing the part and you avoid the embarrassment of accidentally standing up while only wearing boxers in the video.
• Remember — it’s still an interview! Don’t let the strange format throw you off. You still need to transfer everything you’ve learned about acing interviews, like not fidgeting and sitting up straight – to this pre-recorded format. Check out our article on acing remote interviews to learn more.

So by now, hopefully you feel like an expert on how to nail a presentation for a job interview. Once you understand what is being asked of you and how it benefits all parties, this type of interview makes a lot of sense. If you follow the guidelines above, you’ll be able to make a stellar presentation. And remember, your audience wouldn’t have invited you to interview if they didn’t see something in you. They want you to succeed! So take a deep breath and give a presentation that’ll knock their socks off!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Olivia West isn't writing theme park attractions for Universal and Disney, she's writing any other thing she can get her hands on! She loves writing novels, scripts, blog posts, bad jokes, and everything else. If you can't find her at her laptop, however, she might be chilling in the nearest speakeasy sipping a manhattan or screaming her head off on the nearest roller coaster. Check her out at oliviawestwriting.com !

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It is increasingly common to be asked to do a presentation as part of an interview. However, these presentations often have several important distinctions from others.

Fortunately, as long as you know what to expect, you can plan accordingly and make sure that your presentation is remembered for all the right reasons.

Forewarned is Forearmed

You have been invited to an interview for a job. The invitation to interview, however, has a paragraph at the bottom that says that, as part of the interview, you will be expected to present briefly (and a time limit is almost always given, usually five to ten minutes) on a given topic. You may be given a title, or asked to develop one.

There are a number of questions to which you may find it helpful to know the answers. For example:

• Will the presentation be in the same room as the interview?
• Will the interview happen first, or the presentation?
• Will you have access to a laptop and projector or similar?
• How many people will you present to?

You have a choice: do you phone up and ask, and risk looking a bit nervous, or do you just hope for the best?

The decision is really up to you. It is not unreasonable to ask if you will have access to a projector, and also if you can bring a handout for the interviewers. Other than that, you might have to play it by ear, and see if you feel able to ask more.

Who do you phone? It depends on who has invited you to the interview. If you have been invited by someone in the HR department, then it is not unreasonable to think of it as part of their job to deal with questions like that. If, on the other hand, you have been invited by someone quite senior, you might prefer to get in touch with their secretary or PA instead.

Further Reading from Skills You Need

The Skills You Need Guide to Getting a Job

Develop the skills you need to get that job.

This eBook is essential reading for potential job-seekers. Not only does it cover identifying your skills but also the mechanics of applying for a job, writing a CV or resume and attending interviews.

Developing the Content of your Presentation

It is reasonably common to ask you to present on something like the key challenges that you think you will face in your first month in the job , or how you plan to organise your induction into the new post .

Don’t panic! They don’t expect you to know what you’re doing before you’ve even started.

They do, however, expect you to have a reasonable idea of how to find out what you need to know.

Consider it your first test. Some good ways to approach information gathering include:

Phone a friend – do you know anyone working in that company or in a similar organisation or area of work? Give them a call, take them out for lunch, and pick their brains about the problems and challenges facing the company, and the area in which you will be working in particular.

Use the internet to do some research – as well as the company’s own website, have a look for news reports linked to the area in which you will be working and see what you can find out.

Use the clues in the job description and person specification – do these include requirements for particular skills that may not normally be associated with that kind of job? That might be a clue to a particular issue in the organisation.

Planning your Presentation

There are some general ideas about planning presentations on our pages Organising your Material and Writing your Presentation .

However, it’s important to think about a few points specific to interview presentations too, particularly:

You won’t be able to say everything that you’ve discovered in the space of five to ten minutes. Cut it down to the three main points that you want to make, and remember to emphasise that these are the three key areas.

What kind of visual aid will you use? If you are permitted to provide a one-page handout, how will it support your presentation?

How will you make your presentation stand out from among the crowd, in a good way? You may decide to do this by just being the best, or you could try starting by saying something memorable. Outrageous can work, but it can also be a bit risky, especially if you don’t know your interviewers. It depends a bit on the organisation and also the industry, so you will be best placed to decide what you can get away with.

Providing a Handout

Your one-page handout is what your interviewers will look at to remind them of your presentation. It therefore needs to showcase both the content of your presentation and your ability to summarise and show something in a brief visual form.

You could, of course, simply list your three key points, together with a few sentences about each one to summarise what you said. That will be perfectly acceptable.

But you could also produce something unique to you that showcases your thinking: a mind map, perhaps, or a visual summary of the situation, like a ‘rich picture’.

It does depend on how you think but, for more ideas, take a look at our page on Creative Thinking .

Ideally, you should use your handout as your notes for your presentation too, as it demonstrates that it really does capture your key points.

Handling Unusual Circumstances

You may well walk into your interview and find that something totally unforeseen has occurred.

For example, you have been told that you will be able to use PowerPoint, but there’s no laptop and projector because the interviewers have forgotten to organise it.

Don’t be thrown. Everyone else will be in the same situation.

Instead, use it as an opportunity to demonstrate that you are not put out by something unexpected since this is a valued skill. For example, have an alternative to slides, such as a one-page handout, or make a joke about technology always letting everyone down at crucial moments.

Your ability to handle problems in a good-humoured way will not go unnoticed.

Delivering your Presentation

You are unlikely to be expected to stand and deliver a presentation in an interview, because the room is likely to be very small.

However, it’s worth saying something like:

“ I think I’ll sit, as it’s a bit formal to stand. Unless of course you’d prefer me in full presentation mode? ”

They can then say if they want to see you do a formal presentation.

If you have been given a time limit for your presentation, do not go over it . You may have chosen not to practise fully, so as to be more spontaneous. However, be alert to how long your presentation is taking, and be ready to cut it short if necessary.

Do not rely on being able to see a clock in the room.

Instead, either take a clock that you can put on the table in front of you, or take off your watch, and place it where you can see it clearly at a glance.

It’s not a good idea to keep glancing at a watch on your wrist, as it is an off-putting piece of body language.

People are conditioned to read it as ‘ I don’t really have time for you ’, and this isn’t the impression that you want to give your interviewers, even inadvertently.

Remember to speak slowly and clearly, and check that your interviewers look like they have understood your points. Be alert for any body language that suggests lack of interest or disagreement, as you may want to develop those points further.

Make sure that you clearly conclude your presentation by summarising your key points, before inviting questions from the interview panel.

Presenting in a remote (online) interview

It is not unreasonable to be asked to make a presentation in an online interview.

However, it brings some additional challenges on top of presenting in person.

First, you need to be confident that you will be able to handle the technology , and share your slides with the interviewers. If you have not done this before, you have a choice. You can avoid having slides altogether, email through a one-page handout before the interview, or ask someone for help beforehand so that you know how to share your slides.

Second, you need to think about how you will appear . The section on presenting in our page on Remote Meetings and Conferences may be helpful here.

One Final Message…

Above all, remember that you will be at your best if you are relaxed and confident.

This is hard in any interview situation, but you are testing whether you want to work there as much as they are assessing you. Be yourself, as much in the presentation as in the interview itself. Focus on presenting you: your ideas, your plans. You will then have the best chance of getting the job if it is the right job for you.

Continue to: Interview Skills Coping with Presentation Nerves Dealing with Questions

See Also: Tricky Interview Questions and How to Answer Them Creating and Delivering the Perfect Job Interview Presentation The Most Important Skills for Job Assessments

Tips for Giving a Powerful Interview Presentation

Covid-19 has overturned the hiring process, with most companies opting for virtual interviews rather than face-to-face ones. A recent hiring trend is the emerging popularity of interview presentations among hiring managers. Statistics show that  76% of hiring managers find attracting the right candidates their greatest challenge . So how do you find the right fit for your company among the hundreds of job applications? The best option is to give candidates an opportunity to pitch their skills through a presentation. 

From the perspective of a candidate, this is a make-or-break moment. A well-crafted and unique presentation could be the key to landing your dream role, but a shoddy one can easily bring down your chances. If you are reading this, you are most likely looking for tips to create a presentation that will help you stand out from the crowd. You have come to the right place. 

Read on for tips to avoid ‘death by powerpoint’ and ace that interview presentation round.

What is an interview presentation?

You probably know what an interview presentation already is. For the unversed, an interview presentation, as the name suggests, is a presentation that has to be put together on a particular topic as part of an interview or recruitment process. An interview presentation could range from being a simple one focused on pitching why you think you would be the best fit for the role to solving a specific business dilemma. In some cases, you may even be expected to create a blind presentation wherein you would only be given a limited amount of time to prepare. However, the expectations for any kind of presentation remain the same.

As mentioned earlier, interview presentations help the employer to find a candidate who stands out from the crowd and also fits into their company culture. It also helps interviewers to assess a wide range of skills such as communication skills, industry knowledge, attention to detail, creativity, organizational skills, ability to engage with the audience, and much more. A successful presentation will put these skills on display and help your potential employer understand if you have what it takes to be a part of their organization.

From doing adequate initial research to nailing the delivery, there are several steps involved in ensuring your presentation goes well. 

Researching the Company and the Role

Consider your process of preparing for an interview presentation like that of painting a picture. You will naturally be starting with a blank canvas. Doing proper research about your potential employer and the role that you have been shortlisted for is the first brush stroke toward creating your masterpiece. 

Your initial research should be centered around the industry vertical that the company is a part of, the key players in the industry, and the ranking of the company within the industry. 

How to:  A simple Google search will help you in finding this information. 

Why:  Not only does this help you understand your role in the company better, but it also helps you structure your presentation accordingly. This will also help you to answer any questions that emerge during/after the presentation with much more clarity.

Once you are done with the initial research, the next step is to look further into the company’s core values and mission. Also, look at the company’s past successes and read up on their performance.

How to:  A company’s core values are often stated on its website. If not, take a look at their social media channels. To know more about the company, look at the case studies on its website and the news and PR articles.

Why:  Having a clear understanding of the core values and the current standing of the company not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you to determine the direction of your presentation.

In some cases, candidates are privy to information regarding who would be part of the interview panel. If you are not, you could figure it out on your own by doing quick research about the team members and who is most likely to be a decision-maker. Either way, ensure that you take a look into their job profiles, their background, and their career progression.

How to:  Most professionals are on platforms like LinkedIn, and you can find relevant information about them there.

Why:  Knowing your audience will help you customize your presentation accordingly and also give you an idea about their expectations.

Planning and Organising Your Content

You have painted the background of your portrait. What next? The next logical step is to plan and organize the content in your presentation. A well-structured presentation is crucial to preventing ‘death by powerpoint’ and nailing the interview. Start by determining what you would like to convey and how you would like to do it. Setting clear objectives will ensure your presentation doesn’t deviate from the topic. Now you are ready to structure the content of your slide deck.

As with most content, your presentation will require an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction:  Keep in mind that you will never get a second chance to make a first impression. The opening of your presentation should hook the audience and intrigue them. However, also be careful not to make it too long and to keep it as short and precise as possible. 

Body:  This is where the majority of your content regarding the topic goes in. Try to back up your arguments with statistics or real-life examples to ensure credibility. You could also draw references from the core values of the company, if relevant.

Conclusion:  A conclusion is as important as an introduction. Neatly wrap up what you discussed during the presentation and summarise the main points to jog the memory of your interviewers. You can also use the conclusion to highlight your profile and show them why they should hire you.

Designing your presentation

Humans are visual creatures; we remember 80% of what we see. Paying attention to the visual appeal of your presentation is a great way to engage the audience during your interview.

While designing an engaging presentation, choose a simple template and legible font. But how to stand apart from the rest when everyone shortlisted for the interview is using the same Powerpoint or Google Slides templates? One thing that you could do is to use a free online presentation maker to ensure that yours is unique from the other candidates. These editing tools also offer custom fonts and designs that can’t be found anywhere else, helping you stand out.

Here are a few top tips to keep in mind while designing your presentation for the interview.

Consistency is key:  Try to incorporate the company theme into your presentation. Every company has a different brand identity, and hence it is important to spend some time researching the brand colors, fonts, and imagery they use. Keep it consistent throughout the presentation.

Create visually-appealing slides:  Try to make your slides look aesthetically pleasing but not too crowded with information. Do not shy away from using lots of white space or bullet points. Also, ensure that the text is easy to read and maintain a contrast between the background and the text.

Use high-quality images:  Images act as visual cues and are a great way to draw attention. However, pixelated images will leave a bad taste in the mouths of your interviewers. Thus, always try to use images that have a high resolution.

Use legible font:  While choosing a font for your presentation, use one that is clear and legible. Illegible fonts will make it difficult for the interviewers to read the text on your slides.

Rehearsing and practicing your presentation

Practice indeed makes a man perfect, and it’s a good idea to practice your presentation over and over again. Job interviews are nerve-wracking, and practicing your presentation beforehand will help you gain confidence and avoid  common presentation mistakes . Here are a few tips to keep in mind while rehearsing.

Firstly, practice speaking in front of a mirror so that you can see yourself from the point of view of an interviewer. You can also practice in front of your friends or family to get feedback.

Moreover, remember to time yourself to ensure that you do not exceed the time limit given to you. Running over time doesn’t leave a good impression!

Delivering your presentation

You have come to the end of the process of painting your masterpiece. All that requires now is the pièce de résistance, in other words, the delivery of your stunning presentation. All the work that has gone into creating your presentation would mean nothing if the delivery is not up to the mark. A few tips for nailing a good delivery are:

• Ensure that you speak slowly and clearly with confident and open body language.
• Maintain eye contact with the interview panel.
• Engage with the audience by addressing any questions or concerns that they may have. 

For more details on impressing your audience with your presentation, check out these  creative presentation ideas . 

Create a winning presentation with Powtoon today

To nail your interview every time, use Powtoon, a free presentation maker. With Powtoon, you gain access to amazing presentation templates that will help your own presentation stand apart from the average Powerpoint presentation. The templates have been designed by expert designers making it easy for non-designers to create beautiful presentations in minutes. 

Create a  Powtoon account  today and get ready to use the presentation maker to create stunning designs, animations, and video presentations.

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12 mistakes that can doom your presentation to failure.

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Sales. Believe it or not, most of us are in the sales business.

Courtroom attorneys, both prosecutors and defense lawyers, are in the sales business. Their product consists of arguments for or against the defendant.

University professors are in the sales business. Their products are knowledge and thinking skills.

Consultants and corporate trainers are in the sales business. Their products are competence and proficiency with everything from how to lead a team to how to operate a complicated machine.

Whatever your job is, you can be sure that it involves sales—persuading people to adopt fresh perspectives, embrace new methods, rally around a common cause.

In all of this, Terri L. Sjodin is worthy of attention. An expert in advancing the persuasive presentation skills of professionals, Sjodin is a New York Times bestselling author ( Small Message, Big Impact ), and a respected researcher. For her latest book ( Presentation Ready: Improve Your Sales Presentation Outcomes & Avoid the Twelve Most Common Mistakes ), she conducted a multi-year study drawing on the experiences and observations of more than 5,000 business and sales professionals. Her expertise has been featured by many media outlets including the Today Show, Bloomberg News, CNN, CNBC, and Fox Business, as well as many industry podcasts.

Quoting the philosopher Seneca as saying, “Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity,” Sjodin explains how that view applied to the research she conducted during the Covid pandemic.

“ We used the lockdown to our advantage and captured data that has revealed insights unique to presenting during that challenging time,” she says. “We learned more about how to navigate specific obstacles in virtual presentations.”

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A lot of professionals were great at in-person customer interactions but had to adapt to virtual presentations via video platforms when the pandemic hit. What were the biggest challenges of that transition?

“Ultimately, virtual meetings can’t provide all the benefits of face-to-face meetings, but they are scalable and can save you and your prospects time and money,” Sjodin says. “Some people simply feel awkward and uncomfortable using this technology. A common confession is, ‘I’ve been presenting for years. Why is this so difficult?’ The reason it’s daunting is because we are merging the art of presenting, the science of selling, and the modern tools of technology. It’s a lot to juggle all at once.”

Sjodin says that for some people, learning to master this technology is a lot like learning to drive a stick-shift automobile after years of driving with an automatic transmission.

When people are preparing for important presentations, what questions should they be asking themselves to ensure that their message and delivery are effective?

Terri L. Sjodin

“The best game plan is to do your homework early in the process, while keeping the end goal in mind,” Sjodin says. “Preparation is the best way to avoid ‘winging it.’ That might seem obvious. The truth is that many people, for various reasons, simply fail to prepare or don’t have a strategy to prepare effectively.”

Consider a meeting you have on your calendar right now and ask yourself a few key questions. What is my intention for this meeting? What am I trying to accomplish? Who are the listeners? What’s the audience size?

In the information-persuasion balance, what seems to be the key to driving a presentation to a prospect’s decision or conversion?

Sjodin says being overly informative was one of the highest ranked mistakes self-identified in her research study. “Information in and of itself doesn’t drive conversion,” she says. “The key is to get clear on the goal of being persuasive. What do you want to have happen as a result of this meeting or presentation?”

By design, a persuasive presentation has a specific intention. The speaker wants the listeners to act based on what they’re hearing. Sjodin suggests asking yourself this question: “Did I build a compelling case for my message?” She says professionals in need of results are best served when they craft presentations that are both persuasive and informative. “This seems simple, but, trust me, nobody complains that a talk was overly persuasive. They complain about the data dump.”

A challenge many speakers face is how to establish their own credibility without distracting from the product service, or cause they are championing. Sjodin has some suggestions on how to address that challenge.

“When a presentation is filled with vague assertions and imprecise data, speakers lose credibility,” she says. “Credibility is essential. Without it, a prospect has little reason to buy into your proposal.”

Her research results showed that sales professionals who committed the mistake of providing inadequate support consistently failed to establish credibility with the listener through their personal experience or data quality.

“A potential customer will evaluate you and your information before deciding whether to believe you,” she says. “Personal credibility speaks to your experience, education, background, industry knowledge, and field work. If you are new to an industry, it’s tough to sell your experience. Your chances are better if you sell your work ethic and scrappy mindset instead of your ability to advise listeners on how to do something they have been doing for the past 20 years.”

In her research, Sjodin found that many sales professionals confessed that they “conclude but do not close.” Where’s the disconnect? What’s her advice to them?

“ The close is the specific call to action you want your listener to take after hearing your message,” she says. “A conclusion is a wrap-up of what you just said. Some people avoid closing altogether because they don’t want to risk hearing ‘no thanks, not interested.’ The fear of rejection makes closing feel uncomfortable, so they just skip it altogether.

Closing doesn’t need to be scary, she says. “All you are doing is inviting your listener to choose to move forward in some regard.

Delivering a persuasive presentation requires the ability to close. “Persuasive presenters are always prepared to ask for a next step, or commitment—it’s what they’re there to do,” she says. “If you have met with numerous prospects but haven’t completed many transactions, ask yourself, ‘Do I close, or do I conclude?’ One generates action; the other gives your prospect the option of doing nothing.”

What’s the role of storytelling in making a compelling sales presentation, and what’s the key to doing it well?

It’s Sjodin says it’s the presenter’s responsibility to build and deliver an interesting message. You might think your data is interesting, but that doesn’t mean the audience will. This is where storytelling plays a role.

“Boring presentations are unfortunately a common occurrence,” she says. “Multiple factors can contribute to a dull, tedious, and tiresome talk, including low presenter energy, an overall lack of creativity, and an absence of storytelling and other entertaining elements.”

Sjodin says the key to effective storytelling is to put yourself in the seat of a skeptical listener and ask whether your message is intriguing and thought-provoking. “If a small, persistent voice tells you that it’s boring, it probably is. Can you find a story that could bring this issue to life in a more dazzling way?”

Death-by-PowerPoint still seems to be a common mistake made by speakers and presenters. Sjodin offers advice on using visual aids effectively.

“Visual aids can significantly enhance a presentation when used effectively,” she says. “They are not designed to be a crutch to help get a person through their content. Remember, you are the star, and the visual aids are the bit players. They are there to enrich the message and say something visually that you can’t communicate in the same way verbally. Tragically, most presentations are dominated by text and bullet points and do not visually create a wow factor.”

Does making a sales presentation mistake matter?

“In today’s competitive market, everybody sells something, whether it’s a product, a service, a cause or even when selling themselves on a job interview or for a promotion,” Sjodin says. “One of the most surprising initial insights in the research study was that 92% of participants reported feeling that making a sales presentation mistake has or probably has impacted moving a transaction forward or achieving their goal. That is a big number! So does it matter? The research results say yes!”

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Which presentation format should you choose for your UC Tech 2024 proposal?

• by Kayla Lee
• May 03, 2024

The format of your presentation can greatly influence its effectiveness, affecting the level of audience engagement and message memorability. To help you select the best format to enhance your presentation, we have listed key characteristics of each one.  

As you review the list below, you should also consider:  

• Desired outcome : What is your purpose? Is it to spread knowledge or collaborate with others to form new ideas?  
• Engagement strategy : How do you want to engage attendees? Are the interactions hands-on? Are they collaborative or individual?  

Presentation Formats  

Active learning/experiential activities (variable length, maximum 30-45 minutes)   .

These guided, participatory activities afford facilitators and attendees the opportunity to share ideas with each other and learn by doing. They include:  

• Multiple forms of active engagement to connect new concepts with prior knowledge (e.g. hands-on activities, writing, discussion, problem solving, question generation, reflection, etc.).  
• Low bar for participation by inviting all attendees to engage in the activities and with each other.  
• Opportunities for spontaneous discussion to bounce ideas off each other.  
• Timely feedback and opportunity for reflection from presenter(s) and attendees.  
• Relationship development and nurturing from learner to self, learner to others, and learner to the world at large.  

Birds of a Feather Meetings (45 minutes)   

These meetings allow attendees with common interests to gather and discuss issues. They include:  

• Casual, informal atmosphere for attendees to come together.  
• Flexibility and adaptability to short and long discussions about issues that may not fit within other presentation formats.  
• Conversational engagement between presenter(s) and attendees to share diverse perspectives and ask questions.  
• Networking opportunities to engage, collaborate, and build relationships with like-minded individuals.  

Interactive Presentations (45 minutes)  

These sessions are opportunities to share topics of interest through an innovative, thought-provoking format that fosters belonging. They include:  

• Nonlinear format , allowing presenter(s) to jump around to content that attendees find interesting.  
• Interactive content (e.g. videos, animations, polls, games), adding fun, novelty, and a personalized touch to the presentation.  
• Real-time participation and interaction between presenter(s) and attendees throughout the entire presentation, adding spontaneity and increasing attention to the material.  

Panel Discussions (45 minutes)   

These sessions feature two to four dynamic presenters coming together to explore a shared topic. They include:  

• Multiple perspectives by presenters, offering different approaches to a topic.  
• Structured conversations led by a moderator for an organized, respectful, and productive exchange of ideas.  
• Audience engagement , often at the end of the panel for attendees to seek clarification or deeper discussion.  

Poster Sessions (20 minutes)   

These sessions demonstrate the use of an emerging technology or innovative practice for teaching and learning. They include:   

• Visibility for your research in its early stage of development.  
• Short, insightful discussion and critique from peers to improve your work or discuss new ideas.  
• Networking opportunities to engage, collaborate, and build relationships with other attendees who are interested in your research.  

Standard Presentations (45 minutes)  

These sessions are opportunities to present in-depth on a project. They include:  

• Detailed presentation about a project to provide a comprehensive overview of your work.  
• Structured, focused delivery through clear sections, key points, and a logical flow.  
• Audience engagement at the end of the presentation through a Q&A.  

Nurse Interview Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare For Your Next Job Opportunity

E ntering the healthcare field and launching your nursing career can be exhilarating. One critical stage in this process is the nursing job interview.

The nurse interview is your opportunity to showcase your skills, express your passion for patient care and convince hiring managers that you would make a valuable addition to their healthcare team.

Related: These 5 Careers Could Be the Future of Healthcare | Entrepreneur

The nurse interview questions may range from general inquiries about your background and experience to specific questions assessing your competencies in various scenarios.

These interviews can be challenging because, in addition to evaluating your technical knowledge, hiring managers are also interested in your interpersonal skills, critical thinking abilities, adaptability and capacity to handle stressful situations.

However, it's important to remember that this isn't a one-way street. Interviews are also a chance to evaluate whether the organization and the role align with your career goals and values.

The key to succeeding in a nursing job interview lies in preparation. It's not enough to have an impressive resume — you also need to articulate your skills and experiences effectively during the interview.

By preparing in advance, you can confidently walk into the interview room, ready to provide thoughtful and articulate answers to any questions.

How do you truly understand the job description for nursing positions?

To prepare effectively for a nursing job interview, one of the first steps is to understand the job description thoroughly.

A job description is more than a list of tasks; it serves as a blueprint of what the organization looks for in an ideal candidate.

Related: How to Develop the Perfect Job Description | Entrepreneur

The components of a nursing job description can be broadly classified into four categories:

• Job summary: This section provides a broad overview of the role, its main objectives and where it fits in the healthcare team.
• Responsibilities and duties: Here, you'll find a list of typical tasks you'd be expected to perform in the role. It might include responsibilities related to patient care, administering medication, maintaining patient records and collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
• Qualifications and skills: This part outlines the professional and academic qualifications needed for the role, such as a bachelor's degree in nursing or a valid registered nurse license. It also lists desired skills like problem-solving, communication and teamwork.
• Physical and emotional demands: Nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding. This section details the physical abilities required (like lifting patients) and the emotional resilience needed to cope with stressful situations.

By understanding the job description, you can anticipate some of the nurse interview questions that might come up.

For instance, if the job description emphasizes teamwork, be prepared to answer questions about your experience working in a team, how you handle conflicts and how you have collaborated with coworkers in the past to improve patient care.

Studying the job description is not just a part of the job search process — it's also a vital part of interview preparation.

Knowing the job description inside and out can help you tailor your responses during the interview, allowing you to demonstrate why you're the best candidate for the position.

What are some common questions to expect during a nursing interview?

When it comes to nursing job interviews, several questions tend to come up, whether you're a fresh-faced graduate from nursing school or a seasoned nurse practitioner looking for new opportunities.

By understanding and preparing for these most common nursing interview questions, you'll be well-positioned to make a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers.

Related: 50 Most Common Interview Questions | Entrepreneur

"Tell me about yourself."

While not technically a question, you're almost certain to face the ubiquitous "tell me about yourself" request. It may seem simple, but this is not the time for a rambling account of your life story.

Instead, view this question as a golden opportunity to offer a strategic overview of your professional trajectory, carefully focusing on experiences that underscore your commitment to excellence in nursing and patient care.

For instance, you could begin by speaking about where you received your education, perhaps noting any specific areas of study that ignited your passion for nursing. You might then touch on your clinical experiences during nursing school , discussing where you completed your rotations and detailing some of the key learnings or moments that stand out in your memory.

If you've already begun your nursing career, make it a point to highlight the roles you've held and accomplishments you're proud of. Don't be shy about sharing any recognition or awards you've received — these can be powerful testaments to your skills and dedication.

"Tell me about yourself" is an open-ended question that invites you to frame your narrative in a way that positions you as a strong candidate for the role. Tailoring your answers to fit what you know about the job can be as impactful as having a well-crafted cover letter.

"Why should we hire you?"

The question, "Why should we hire you?" is another staple of the nursing interview. When confronted with this question, it's vital to deliver a clear, concise and persuasive argument that aligns your unique skill set and experiences with the needs outlined in the job description.

Take the time to dissect the job description and identify its essential requirements. Then, consider how your skills, experiences and attributes meet these requirements. Be specific with your examples.

For instance, if the job description emphasizes the importance of teamwork and adaptability, be prepared with an example answer demonstrating how you've previously excelled in these areas, perhaps by describing a situation where you successfully navigated a conflict within your team or adapted to a sudden change in a patient's condition.

What are some common behavioral questions in nursing interviews?

In addition to general questions, you can expect to encounter behavioral interview questions during your nursing job interview. These questions are designed to gauge your critical thinking skills, adaptability and how you handle difficult situations, all crucial components of nursing work.

One widely-accepted approach to answering these questions is the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action and Result.

This method helps you structure your answer by providing a specific example (Situation and Task), explaining what you did (Action) and then sharing the outcome (Result).

Related: 6 Tips on How Job Seekers Can Prepare for All Types of Interview Questions | Entrepreneur

For instance, you may be asked, "Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult patient?"

Using the STAR method, you might respond with the following:

• Situation: "In my previous role as a registered nurse at XYZ hospital, I was assigned a patient who was non-adherent with their treatment plan."
• Task: "As their primary nurse, it was my responsibility to ensure they understood and followed their treatment plan."
• Action: "I took some extra time to sit with them, educate on the importance of the treatment in language they could understand and address their fears and concerns."
• Result: "After their educational session, the patient participated in afternoon rounds with the care team and became adherent with their treatment, and their condition improved significantly."

Preparing for these questions is essential by reflecting on your past experiences in patient care, teamwork and critical thinking. Remember, it's not just about what happened but how you handled it, what you learned and how it influenced your approach to nursing.

What questions about teamwork and interpersonal communication might you hear at a nursing interview?

Working effectively as part of a healthcare team is a crucial attribute of nursing .

Consequently, you should expect questions regarding your teamwork skills and experience collaborating with coworkers during your nursing job interview. The idea is to find out if you're a "team player" or not.

For instance, you might be asked, "Can you describe a time when you had to work with a difficult coworker?"

An example response, using the STAR method, might be as follows:

• Situation: "At my previous nursing job, I had a coworker who often failed to complete their charting on time, which created delays and confusion for the rest of the nursing staff."
• Task: "As this affected patient care and the overall productivity of the team, it was important to address the issue without escalating tensions."
• Action: "I chose to have a private conversation with the coworker, explaining how their delayed charting was impacting both the team members and patient care. I also offered to help them with charting tips if they were feeling overwhelmed."
• Result: "The coworker was receptive to my feedback and improved their charting habits, leading to a smoother workflow for our team."

Remember that when answering these questions, the focus should be on your ability to maintain a professional and positive attitude, resolve conflicts and contribute to a collaborative and supportive work environment.

What role-specific nursing interview questions might you be asked?

During your nursing job interview, you can also anticipate questions that pertain specifically to the role you're applying for.

Whether you're interviewing for a position as a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, ICU nurse or pediatric nurse, it's essential to tailor your responses to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

For example, if you're interviewing for an ICU nurse position, you might be asked, "How do you handle high-stress situations?"

You could respond by explaining your stress-management techniques and providing an example of a high-pressure scenario you successfully navigated in a past ICU role.

If you're interviewing for a pediatric nurse role, you might be asked about your experiences working with children and families. You could discuss any family-centered care approaches and how you communicate effectively with young patients and their family members.

In preparing for these role-specific questions, revisiting your nursing school or NCLEX knowledge is essential, particularly regarding the role in question. Also, carefully review the job description to understand the primary responsibilities and requirements of the position.

Remember, the goal is to demonstrate that you have the requisite technical skills and the situational aptitude to excel in the specific nursing role you're pursuing.

The more you can align your responses with the unique needs of the role, the more convincing your suitability for the job will be to the hiring managers.

What are scenario-based nursing questions?

Scenario-based interview questions, situational or "what would you do" questions, are often used in nursing interviews to evaluate your problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities and understanding of patient care.

These questions often involve hypothetical situations related to stressful situations, charting errors or issues with patient safety.

One such question could be, "What would you do if you noticed a mistake in a patient's charting ?"

In this case, an effective response might be: "First, I would double-check to ensure that I'm not mistaken. If confirmed, I would immediately inform my nurse manager or the appropriate authority about the discrepancy. I understand that accurate charting is crucial to patient safety and it's essential to correct any errors as soon as possible."

When addressing these questions, it's critical to stay calm, methodically walk through your thought process and emphasize your commitment to patient care and safety. If possible, relate your response to a real-life experience where you applied similar decision-making skills.

What are some tips for recent nursing graduates?

Entering the nursing field as a new grad can be daunting, particularly when facing your first nursing job interview.

Here are a few tips for new grads starting their nursing career path.

• Prepare for different interview formats: You might be asked to do a phone interview before an in-person interview. For phone interviews, ensure you have a quiet, uninterrupted space. For in-person interviews, dress professionally and arrive early to show punctuality and respect for the interviewer's time.
• Research the institution: Familiarize yourself with the institution's mission, values and patient population. This will show your initiative and allow you to tailor your responses to align with the institution's values.
• Prepare for questions about your career goals: You might be asked where you see yourself in the future. Be honest about your career goals and emphasize your willingness to learn, adapt and contribute to your new workplace.

For example, if asked, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" you could say: "In five years, I see myself having grown significantly in my nursing skills and knowledge, perhaps even specializing in a particular area of care. However, my primary focus right now is to learn as much as I can, provide the best patient care and positively impact my team and the patients I serve."

Remember, preparation is critical to a successful interview. By anticipating the types of questions that might be asked and considering your responses in advance, you'll be better equipped to answer with confidence and poise.

Your nursing school education and NCLEX study prep have prepared you for this moment — now it's time to take that final step toward your nursing career.

What should you ask your interviewer?

An important, often overlooked aspect of any job interview, including a nursing job interview, is asking questions to the hiring managers.

Asking well-thought-out questions demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the healthcare team you may be joining. It also helps determine if the job and the organization align with your career goals and values.

Related: Essential Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview | Entrepreneur

Here are some insightful questions you might consider:

• "What are the opportunities for professional development and continuing education here?" This question showcases your eagerness for growth and learning within your nursing career.
• "How does the hospital handle stressful situations like an influx of patients or a shortage of nursing staff?" By asking this, you show you're forward-thinking and considering how you'll handle challenging circumstances.
• "How would you describe the hospital's culture and the dynamics of the healthcare team I'd be working with?" This gives you insight into the work environment and team dynamics.

Remember, the job interview is as much a chance for you to learn about your potential employer as it is for them to know about you. Take this opportunity to ensure the role and organization fit your career aspirations well.

The next steps in your nursing career

Preparing for nurse interview questions can seem daunting, but you can confidently navigate your nursing job interview with careful preparation.

From understanding the job description and common nursing interview questions to handling behavioral and scenario-based questions, you're now equipped with the knowledge to ace the interview.

Related: How to Nail a Job Interview (Whether You're Applying or Hiring) | Entrepreneur

Remember that each interview is an opportunity for new grads to learn and grow. Regardless of the outcome, take the time to reflect on the experience, consider the feedback received and improve your interview skills.

The journey in your nursing career is rewarding and filled with opportunities to make a difference in patients' lives every day. Whether you're a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner, an LPN or LVN or aiming for a specialized nursing role, the interview process is a crucial step on this path.

Best of luck with your nursing job interview and here's to the many successes that lie ahead in your nursing career.

If you're interested in learning more about healthcare opportunities in the world of business, then check out some of the other articles at Entrepreneur for more information.