Job interviews aren’t always one to one question and answer sessions. You may also be asked to make a presentation. While some people excel at public speaking and performing to a crowd, giving a presentation as part of a job interview will push many people out of their comfort zones. That’s why it’s so important to prepare yourself in advance.
In this guide, you’ll find five steps to deliver a successful presentation that showcases your skills and personality.
Follow the Rules
The first step is to find out what’s expected of you. You may have the most wonderful idea for the topic you could cover or be excited to use certain tools and equipment, but you must keep to the rules set by the employer. So before you write up your presentation, ask yourself:
Has the employer provided a topic for the presentation? If yes, stick with that, but adapt it to highlight your skills and experience.
If the answer is no, what topic would demonstrate your fit for the job, be suitable for an interview presentation, and be relevant to the company?
How long should the presentation take?
Is this a verbal-only presentation, or accompanied by slides or hand-outs?
What equipment will be provided by the employer? What additional equipment are you allowed to use?
Who will attend the presentation?
Will you face questions during or after the presentation?
Will you be expected to provide documentation to accompany your presentation?
Following the guidelines set by the employer shows that you can understand, follow, and act on instructions. It also demonstrates a willingness to fit in with the company culture.
Do your Research
Your presentation has to work hard to sell you as the best candidate for the job. That’s why it’s important to carry out plenty of research as you write your presentation. So what do you need to research?
The Best Topic for your Presentation
The subject of your presentation should be relevant to the job and highlight your expertise. Narrow the subject down even further to find an element that you’re enthusiastic about and/or have experience in.
Who is your Audience?
Who will attend the presentation? Is it one person or a panel? Are they from HR, your team members, or your line manager?
What is the Purpose of your Presentation?
Beyond showing that you’re a great fit for the job, why are you being asked to give this presentation? Is it to display your communication skills, test your technical knowledge, or assess how you solve problems? What does the employer want to know?
The Company and the Industry
It’s always a good idea to research an employer and their industry before you apply for a job, and especially if you’re invited to an interview. Look into the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements. It’s also worthwhile to research current events and developments within the industry.
The Job
Consider how the presentation can highlight your qualifications, skills, experience, and fit for the job. Focus the presentation on demonstrating the value you can bring to the company.
Prepare your Presentation
With all of that research and information under your belt, you can now prepare your presentation:
Organise your ideas into a clear structure. Start with an interesting introduction, followed by the main body of your presentation, and end with a strong conclusion.
Consider what visual aids and equipment you’ll be using. Factor these into your presentation.
Aim for a clear message so you don’t overwhelm your audience with too much information and detail.
Finally, don’t forget to let your personality shine through when writing your presentation. After all, the employer wants to learn more about you, not only as a job candidate but as a person too.
Practice, practice, practice
Just as you practice answering interview questions before the big day, it’s important to practice delivering your presentation too. Practice speaking clearly and at a steady speed. Pick out the pauses in your presentation. That might be places where you need to change slides or hold up a visual aid.
Recording a video of yourself can help you assess your tone of voice, body language, whether you’re talking too fast, and how long your presentation lasts. Do you need to speed up, have more open body language, or speak more clearly?
Another option is to ask a friend to help. Let them watch a practice run of your presentation so they can offer constructive advice.
Remember, the more practiced and familiar you are with your presentation, the more natural you’ll appear on the day.
Deliver your Presentation with Confidence
You’ve kept to the rules, carried out your research, considered the purpose of the presentation, and put in lots of practice. Now it’s time to deliver your presentation. Here’s how:
Make a checklist of everything you need to take with you and check it twice on the day.
Arrive early so you can collect yourself. Our one-minute stress relief techniques might help.
Greet your audience with a smile and introduce yourself confidently before you begin your presentation.
Don’t read from a script. Instead, use flash cards or notes to guide you through your presentation. They don’t have to be printed out or handwritten. You could access them on your phone if that’s more suitable.
Speak calmly and don’t be afraid to pause. This will give you time to think.
Don’t forget to use open body language during your presentation. That means eye contact, not crossing your arms, and facing your audience. They should feel included in your presentation.
If you use visual aids, ensure they support your presentation but don’t detract from you as a speaker.
Be prepared to stop during your presentation and take time after to answer questions. Try to keep your answers relevant to the presentation and the job.
At the end, thank your audience for their time. If you haven’t already faced questions, ask for them now.
Above all, remember to be yourself.
Wrapping it up
Being asked to give a presentation can make the best job candidate nervous. However, with preparation, research, and practice, you can deliver a successful performance that convinces the employer of the value you’ll bring to their company. Good luck.