Have I messed up this interview before I’ve even got there?

[imonthehunt]

I’ve got an interview for a great job which I’d love. I found out at the end of last week and the interview is on Friday. I came down with an awful virus on Saturday and have only just been able to start thinking about preparing today. To notice I’ve missed an email saying that the interview will begin with a presentation. I can do the presentation, but it says that, whilst not compulsory, presentations should be emailed in before 4pm today. I have obviously missed that deadline.

I know they said I didn’t need to do a physical presentation but will they be expecting it and think the others who do it look better organised and professional? Feel a bit like there’s no point in going now, and I’m still ill which isn’t helping.

Well send it in and see what happens?

I’d still do it and send it in. Explain you’ve been ill and you’re sorry it’s late.
I’m a manager and to me that would show that although you were ill, you can catch up. How long do you think it’ll take you to do?

Contact them. Explain the situation and give them a firm timeline for your presentation.

Just email them and explain, say when you had realistically do the presentation in advance of the meeting.

And be confident about it! You're not being paid to do this after all, their response will also tell you a hell of a lot about them :)

Put together the best presentation you can tonight and email it in straight away with an apology and say you have been ill, but are looking forward to the interview. If you still aren't quite up to maximum effort, do a presentation that doesn't rely too much on the slides. Work out a basic plan, use the slides for useful illustrations/ stats then send it in. You can work out exactly what you want to say tomorrow and take a few prompt cards if necessary.

Missing the email isn't a problem if you explain you have been ill. It's how you react to missing it that shows what type of employee you will be (IE someone who is proactive and can put something good together at short notice).

Okay, I’ve messed up the OP. My head is still banging.

I’ve got the verbal presentation which I’ll deliver before the interview. What needed to be in today is a physical accompaniment - a PowerPoint (which I wouldn’t do anyway), or, my favoured option, a side or two of A4 for the interview panel to have in front of them.

I’m worried that emailing late will make me look like I cannot meet deadlines/demand special treatment. Am I better off just delivering the presentation verbally as if that is just my preference.

The presentation has to be done verbally either way, it’s just the PowerPoint/paper handout opportunity that I’ve missed.

All you can do is be honest. Like you I was ill this weekend checked nothing on anything. So really you need to email be honest. The interview is more important.
Good luck

Thank you.

Not sure if I wouldn’t be better just doing a verbal presentation as if that was always the plan.

Honestly if it's a verbal presentation I wouldn't provide anything. There's is no need for slides on a PowerPoint or hand outs. I would be confident in your own ability to engage the room without using any props and hopefully by Friday you feel much better and so you can deliver it with lots of energy.

You may want to reconsider using PowerPoint. The fact that they have asked for it to be emailed in advance shows they are probably expecting a slide show of sorts.

Maybe they are also assessing your ability to use the technology?

I would put something together and send it in, with an explanation that it’s later as you have been unwell.

Thank you.

They said there was no need to provide a physical presentation, but if we do want to then have it in by 4pm on Tuesday.

I have endured many, many PowerPoint presentations and do not understand why they continue to exist. They are utterly pointless and miserable. I like a paper handout though. I think I’ll still go and just do it verbally.

No advice really but I find interview expectations so very demanding these days, it’s wild. It’s hours and hours of work each and every time.
if a verbal presentation is an option I think it’s fine to do that. I was given several presentation options in my last job interview and felt confident to just deliver verbally, and got the job.
Decide on the content and framework and ask ChatGPT to put it into a timed script for you and just learn that verbatim. You’ll be fine. Good luck

I would style it out. Do a great presentation with no handout or slides. It shows confidence and an ability to communicate well.

I agree with pp about expectations being excessive, but as a hiring manager it’s sadly the reality in a market where sifting good people is incredibly difficult with the amount of lying on CVs and AI use in applications. We now test skills as standard regardless of position.

Thank you. I agree - it has started to get insane how much is expected for an interview.