Presentation at interview

[washrinse]

I've got an interview this Friday and need to give a 10 minute presentation (phrased separately as '10 minutes' and 'no longer than 10 minutes') answering 2 questions. One of the questions is basically a yes/no answer and the other is why I've said yes or no.

I'm really struggling to get it even to 5 minutes - I think I've covered all my reasons well, and all additional research I'm doing is just reaffirming the reasons I've already given.

If you are someone who interviews candidates for work, would you expect a 10 minute presentation to be pretty close to 10 minutes? I feel like I'm just going to be including filler at this point.

I’ve seen excellent presentations of far less than the allotted time, which answer the question or offer the solution succinctly, demonstrate understanding and knowledge, and show the candidate knows their area, has the critical evaluation skills to assess relevant and what isn’t, and is confident enough of their own capability and strength of their answer that they don’t feel the need to fill the time they’ve been given for fear of being marked down as “too short” otherwise. That’s what you’re aiming for, and if you don’t need the full ten minutes or would be waffling to fill it, don’t use it.

Yes, I'd expect it to be close to 10 minutes, but do not waffle on. What are the questions? I suspect people can give you some guidance.

Generally, I'd give really concrete examples to illustrate your reasoning and elaborate on the points you've made. So for example, would this particular computer system be appropriate for implementation in this context? Why or why not? (I'm just pulling this out of thin air)

You said whether it would or would not. Then you cite your reasons for why to back up your answer.

Because it works best in this type of environment - demonstrate why, explain case study you've found to show this

Because it's cost effective - discuss evidence of cost effectiveness and how this evidence is applicable to this particular scenario you've been given

Because it will make it possible for the company to reach stated goals - what are these? how will it help? Give an example.

You can provide an illustration of how your recommendation would work in the context of whatever role you are applying for.

And you may want to consider limitations or alternatives. Think about how someone on the interview panel would disagree with your recommendation and come up with evidence for how you would rebut this, or what limitations of your proposed solution (or whatever) might be worth mentioning.

Basically, it's about providing evidence, examples, elaboration on your answer.

Thanks both. I don't really want to share the questions as it would be very outing but it's more person centred than say systems or process centred. I might be able to add a bit of theoretical background which would at least show that I have researched rather than just sat down and typed the first things that came into my head!

It is however reassuring to read your answer @ComtesseDeSpair.

Is it something about why YOU would be appropriate for the role? If so, I think you can give really concrete examples and elaborate on them.

I would also have a good look at the job description (and person specification, if there is one) and make sure you hit all the key points in your presentation. Basically, when I've been on interview panels, it was about scoring people based on how well they could demonstrate how they fit who we said we were looking for.

I also think it's also - maybe this is obvious! - about your delivery and your presenting skills. So basically make sure your slides don't look an absolute mess, if you've been asked to use them. Practice that you know how to share your screen, make it easy for everyone to read them. Make them creative and appealing - use images as necessary. And practice responding to tricky questions. Think of all the hard questions you could be asked or how they might challenge or pick holes in what you've said. And then be ready with a response.

Also, don't panic if it doesn't feel like it went well. I've never had an interview that I felt went well. It always seems like a car crash! But I've never had an interview, for a proper job I mean, not like when I was younger, that didn't lead to an offer. Even though I thought they went terribly! It was only once I was on the other side and on interview panels that I realised that actually they all go a bit terribly. It's about how you present yourself in a what is a pretty stressful situation and deal with any curveballs in a tactful way.

No, it's more like... describing the sort of person I might be assisting in the role. So a bit trickier to bring in items from the person specification, unless I go slightly off piste and talk about how I'm qualified to assist them. That doesn't feel as though it's answering the question set, though.

Anyway! Thank you for your lovely advice. Luckily there would be cons as well as pros of getting this job so if it is a total train wreck I can chalk it up to experience...

I had to do a presentation recently and Chat GCT was a massive help. There is a free version and I would highly recommend giving it a whirl. Rules I'd adopt when using it are:

• ask questions in context aka you need to provide it the relevant information i.e. if you were asking it an IT question, provide info on Windows Model or MacBook model, to ensure accurate answers.
• Ask questions in bite size chunks and build up the full scale of what you need e.g. "what are the key responsibilities of a People Manager", followed by "what are some recommended personal traits for a successful People Manager" followed by "what difficulties may a People Manager, working in a multi-campus Higher Education Facility experience" you are building up information slowly, whilst maintaining context.
• Sense Check. Chat GPT can get things wrong and lie - it's trying to please you. I assume you are fairly experienced in this field if you're applying for job roles so if it doesn't sound logical to you, disregard it or ask follow up questions.

*Chat GPT - doh! 😑