To not to go an interview as I don’t want to do a presentation

[Polarbearflavour]

I’ve passed the promotion board at work - yay. I’m on the reserve list for one job but I’m still looking at others in case it doesn’t pan out.

One job I have an interview for is a trainer role. Only thing is, I have to do a 10 min presentation on any topic at interview as well as the competency questions. Argh! I did group presentations at uni years ago but nothing since.

AIBU to withdraw my application as I feel really anxious about presenting? I can’t even think what topic I should choose!

If you go, what's the worst/best that happens?
If you don't go, what's the worst/best that happens?
Give it your best shot, you might wow them and yourself.

Make yourself do it. You don't have to shine, you just have to get through it. Even if you don't get this one, you're showing your face and stepping up, and that may help a future interview.

Pick a topic you know loads about but your interviewers won't, and it'll be easier if it's work based. You don't have to start from scratch, pick a previous project.

I think it is normal to be nervous about it, but training is quite an "extrovert" role building rapport with a roomful of strangers every day. Think carefully about whether you'd enjoy it.

I think you should go for it, op. I'm quite shy, but actually I like presenting, because I'm the one in control. Especially when it's stuff you've prepared - you're there to tell them all about it, and why it's interesting.

Just: 1) have your presentation all ready, and on a usb stick, and on a backup usb stick, and 2) practice on your own at home first, present to an empty chair / the cat / whatever and 3) keep an eye on how -quickly you're talking - if you think you're talking too slowly, then that's about right.

Any training role you go for is going to have a presentation as part of the interview. That's kind of what I do and I've never not had a presentation element, even in internal roles where they've seen me work before.

It's actually really good recruitment practice to test the specific skill that you're looking for if you can. And it's an easy one to test. It's also a good opportunity for you to excel, too - if you are a good trainer and would do well in the role you can definitely turn this to your advantage.

A presentation is just training to a bigger group. Speaking up on a topic at a big meeting is about the same. A 10 min presentation is not long at all, particularly as it is on a topic of your choice and you can make the subject matter and delivery interesting.

Come to think of it, it is a great way to test a trainer's aptitude for the role. Why not make the best of it and see how you go. It does get better with practice but you got to start somewhere.

I used to be the same but it's not as bad as you think. Pick something that you feel passionately about, do yourself about 10 slides with bullet points and then practise it until you can do it in your sleep. You will feel far better about yourself if you do it, rather than chickening out.

I once did a presentation about stress in the workplace. I got stress dots off the internet. I put one on each participant's hand but did not explain what for (change colour depending how stressed you are.) Interviewers were fascinated by the dots and barely listened to.me. I was able to spend five minutes explaining the results. I got the job!

You're probably going to end up presenting at some point, even if you aren't a 'high flier'.

It's worth practising and getting over your anxiety.

Going against the grain.. lots of jobs require you to do a presentation at interview so I say look into it, prepare well and go for it. You can use it as a trial run and get useful feedback.

I found the thought of presenting at interview much more stressful than presenting as part of a job so don't let that put you off. Push your boundaries a little - it's uncomfortable but not as bad as you fear it will be!

Oops - hadn't refreshed page from last night so lots of PP say go for it too. Good luck OP