Having a good portfolio and being a fit for the organization can help you pass the preliminary interview. However, if you get invited a second time for a presentation, then you will need good presentation skills to land the opportunity.
Here are some points to help you give a successful job interview presentation.
What is an Interview Presentation?
An Interview Presentation typically comes up when you pass the first stage of the job interview and get invited for a second time. This time your employer asks you to give a presentation at a meeting.
Purpose of an Interview Presentation
The purpose of an interview presentation is to access your capabilities. It allows your employer to observe your knowledge, speaking skills, and mannerisms in a way which cannot really be done in a normal interview.
Some Key Points To Help Prepare For an Interview Presentation
Here are a few key points which should help you ace your interview.
Know Your Audience
Find out as much as you can about the panel of interviewers beforehand. You may want to create a profile for the panel or its members.
You will also need to look into the level of responsibility that the members of the panel have.
Do they know you? Do they know each other?
Knowing this will help you choose examples and details for your presentation.
Before You Start Your Presentation
Start by talking to the panel of interviewers before starting your presentation. This will help you gain their trust and confidence in you.
Make A Strong Opening
It is important to make an opening which grabs the attention of your audience. You can start by stating a fact, a question, a quote, etc.
The opening should be well done. This will set your impression in the eyes of the audience for the rest of the presentation.
You can practice your opening in the mirror. You can also record your voice (& video) and listen to it. Try to practice until you are satisfied with your delivery.
Focus on The Core Message That You’re Presenting
Make sure to spend the majority of the presentation focusing on its core message. Formulate your idea into one strong sentence. Use this sentence in the presentation and use it to remind yourself of the purpose of your presentation.
Divide Your Presentation into Three Parts
Your presentation should ideally be divided into three sections for ease of understanding. Each of these three sections should have a beginning, middle, and an end (just like a story).
So, each section is like its own tiny presentation. Any more sections and the audience might have a hard time remembering everything in your presentation.
While Giving The Presentation
When changing to a new slide, pause for a second and then continue talking. This tiny pause will allow your audience to look at the new slide before you start talking again. This will also help you gather your thoughts and remember what you need to say at that slide.
Remember, look at the panel of interviewers while giving the presentation rather than looking at the screen. Try to avoid speaking while your head is away from the audience.
Make Sure to Check Your Laptop and Equipment Beforehand To Avoid Technical Issues
Test your equipment so that you’re not thrown by any technical issues which might occur during the presentation.
Have A Memorable Ending To Your Presentation
Finally, have a good and memorable ending to your presentation. This leaves your audience something to think about after the presentation is over.
This may be a quote, a statement, or a question.
Lastly, be prepared to take questions from the audience once the presentation is finished.
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