When doing a presentation for a job interview do you mock their branding

[lighthouseahoy]

Just that really. I've always mocked their branding without thinking about it. But would you do this, or do your own more personal branding?

I'm also conscious, what they have asked of me is very much in the consultation space (and I think a bit cheeky), but I'm desperate so will knuckle under. But should I do the work as a consultant style piece or as a mock internal piece as an "employee"

I always do it in their branding style.

And yes agree these requests are always cheeky. I once had a request to turn around a 30 minute strategy deck in two days. It’s unacceptable.

No, for me this seems presumptuous as I have not got the job and also my presentation is about communicating my personality and identity, my true colours.

I cringe when candidates I interview do this, especially if they make any mistakes with the branding.

I use my own. Just a generic template. Watermarked with my name and the dates.

I use their branding colours as I think it shows attention to detail

I thought you meant mock their branding as in criticise, to tell them how they could improve it! 😂 Which would certainly be an interesting approach.
In answer to your actual question, no. I just pick a generic plain-ish template as how it looks should not be the focus.

So did I and I was very confused. Agree with your approach too.

Not if you want the job.

I take it you didn't mean what you said!

Mock as in copy, not mock as in roast it!!!

First time I have ever heard the word mock being used to mean copy in modern parlance.

Although

Mock orange
Mock turtle soup

Hmmm...

Mock as in ‘mock up’. I understood you, OP.

Yes, I usually use their logo at the very least.

I wouldn't. There are strict rules around the correct use of corporate branding as you should know and unless you get it perfectly correct you will look a fool.

Certainly don't use the logo. Very presumptuous.

Yes use their branding, shows you have made additional effort

Also confused at first. But understand you mean mimic rather than mock.

I also thought "mock" as in make fun of...

I also thought you meant make fun of! Never heard this usage without ‘up’, mock up. I wouldn’t go into an interview and tell them you thought about mocking their branding because it will go down the wrong way!

I do, there's apps that create it

Never heard it used without "up" before. Am I being totally out of date?

I wouldn't replicate logos, my previous organisation had such a load of rules around usage, it would almost certainly be off and a bit weird.

I would try to follow their style / tone, rather than actually use their logos.

Good luck!

I wouldn't like it if a candidate fully recreated our branding (I work in this area), but I would think it was ok if they used the same colours/general look and feel.

Well I am not going to get the job it seems based on my archaic use of the English language.

What would you think if you were doing the presentation- it is going to be hours of work- they want a 45 minute presentation- and you saw that the job has just been re-advertised in advance of your interview and presentation? Would you think they just want to cover their bases, or that none of the candidates are suitable, but they'd like to hear what ideas you have.

For ref, the work is very much consultancy work- not hypothetical, based on a current competitor that I have worked for previously

In my experience it's to cover their bases

So it wouldn't concern you? That maybe they thought you weren't the right fit?

They like to have their options open, I don't take it personally

I have to say I think it is pretty disrespectful to ask you to do so much work, which they are likely to find value in and re-advertise the job simultaneously. Either they think you are the right fit, and sense check with the presentation, or if they are unsure they should do a half hour coffee chat before asking you to the work.

45 minutes on a company you don't work for so likely don't hold the background knowledge of is surely going to be at least 4 hours of prep??

For ref, the work is very much consultancy work- not hypothetical, based on a current competitor that I have worked for previously

I’d be very wary of this. I’m sure you’ll be very careful but please make sure you don’t risk any confidentiality breaches that might come back and bite you.

A few years ago, I applied for a role with a fairly niche management consultancy. As part of the interview process, they asked me to email them an example of my current work (i.e. a presentation on a project deliverable for a client). I refused and said it would be a massive breach of client confidentiality and I wasn’t willing to do that. I actually thought they might be testing my ethics but no, they were serious and wanted the presentation. I told them to shove their job as no way would I even consider working for an organisation that has zero ethics or integrity. I still can’t believe they even asked.