Third interview - with a panel - asked to do 12-15 minute presentation on anything of my choice

[ChristianaTheSeventh]

When I asked for clarification they said 'anything that I feel passionate about'.

It is for a pretty high powered role at a financial company. I think that I should do something related to the job, although it is a job I haven't done before, I have some related skills (though I haven't worked for three years owing to having children).

Do you agree that it should be something financially-oriented rather than just something I'm interested in?

I was once in a similar situation and I did a presentation on a project that had been a major success. I got the promotion.
I was later told that the reason I got the promotion is that I was the only one who used the word "we" instead of "I", when talking of the achievements of myself and the team.

I think the subject is not so important as the personality you put into it and what they can read from it.

Good point Lynli - you need to demonstrate what your input but you so need to show team work.

It used to drive me and other interviewers a bit crazy - especially when knew about a project and had so many candidates claiming full credit for it!

Thanks snowdropz and lynli that's really helpful. It is useful to see this from all sides. I've been on my own all day ruminating which obviously isn't helping matters! My DH has been made redundant recently which is nothing to do with nothing but it just increases the presssure I am putting on MYSELF.

Need to chill out a bit methinks.

Do not worry about being nervous - nerves can mean you really want the job. I often found some candidates so impressed on me how much they wanted the job - that I had to give it to them (they did their research too).

I wish you every bit of luck and you will have to report back.

I reaaaallllllyyyy want the job. Thank you so much for your kind wishes. I'll report back (still got another 8 days before the interview)

Agree with the others who say that you should do something related to the job, not about cooking etc. I was once on a panel interviewing a woman who talked for 10 minutes on her chosen subject... Eastenders. It was quite a high powered job too, and no, we didn't give it to her... More we sat there completely incredulous that she thought this was appropriate.

Personally I wouldn't do anything which mentioned children, but then, I am of the opinion that companies are hopelessly biased against working mothers even if they claim not to be. So I wouldn't want to remind them that my specialist subject was actually children! Maybe I am a bit of a cynic there. I am sure others will disagree.

Nerves normal. Make sure you have done masses of research on the company itself- stuff like that really shines through, as does showing them that you are really passionate about the job. Well done on getting a third interview and good luck!

Eastenders! Coronation St! This is amazing stuff.

I am doing lots of research on the company, I felt that stood me in good stead at the first interview.

Thank you slattern (doesn't feel quite right saying that!)