Can you do a brainstorm with me for my interview this week - HELP!

[Interviewterror]

Got an interview at the end of this week. First interview in 15 years. Really want this job as it local to me (nearly on doorstep), company sounds great, etc etc. (and I'm getting made redundant from current job).

Have got through to 2nd interview and they are asking me to so a 10 minute presentation of how I would successfully take on the role in the form of a SWOT analysis. The role is a management role.

Havent used SWOT analysis before, but internet is full of help on this technique so have been reading up on that. Problem I have is applying it to what they have asked me to do. According to the internet it should be statements of fact in the analysis not solutions.

S = Strenghts
I can fill this section in ok with technical, systems, past experience, soft skills etc which are relevent to the role.

W = Weaknesses
Have put in here things like some technical area's I have no previous exposure to.
New company with no existing relationships with collegues
New company with new products/different business model

O = Opportunities
Have put in here the new areas as an opportunity to expand my skill base.
Knowledge sharing from my past experience.
Training can be used as a time to build relationships with new collegues.

T = Threats
Team morale will be affected by a new manager.
Current team workload may be too high at the expense of time to train me (got impression from first interview)

SWOT is supposed to be a brain storming exercise, but its difficult to do that on your own, so if anyone is willing to add their brain power can you help me out with any idea's on what I could add?

Give me idea's by telling me what would you put down if you were going into a new job as manager of a team?

I think the S is ok, but need more meat in the WOT bits.

(or comments on above if you think I am on the wrong track).

Going out in 10mins to pickup ds, will be back in a bit.

I would be careful with the W and T. W you need to keep light and end up with each point explainign what tactics you can use to overcome.

T I would take out the second point you have as they may see this as a criticism. I would focus more on neutral non personal stuff like competitors etc.

SWOT isn't always done as brainstorming, btw!

All the best.

Thanks for the feedback. The second T was grasping at straws a bit, as I am struggling to think of other threats.

I was thinking of presenting with an opening, going into the SWOT and following with an action plan to address the weaknesses and threats and then a summary.

Do you think it would be better to address them when presenting the SWOT analysis? Everything I have read on the internet suggests the analysis is not about solutions, its about identifying the s, w, o and t's.

I would say for the interview they will certaining want and you should certaining give them solutions to the W and T - for example
team morale new manager - how you overcame similar issues in old job etc - and I would do it as your go throught the SWOT

and oppertunities- I would build on things like your knowledge from your current companies

" a 10 minute presentation of how I would successfully take on the role in the form of a SWOT analysis. The role is a management role. "

I think it is important to make this as much about the role as it is about you,as taffeta says more non-personal stuff about competitors etc. Good to show you've got insight about your own strengths and weaknesses too tho as you're doing, but not too many weaknesses. you could put some of your weaknesses in the opportunities bit.

if they've clearly told you not to mix up the solutions with the analysis I would stick with their directions and as you say present solutions later and then they'll be left with the solutions ringing in their ears

fuck -forget what I said --ha you said that it was the INTERNET not the potential employers telling you how to structure it. yeah bung the solutions in with the threats and weaknesses.

They already know from the first interview that I cannot do certain technical parts of the role, but they are relatively minor (20% of role) in relation to my strenghts so will be ok to mention (along with my great enthuasim for taking on new challenges ). The job is quite diverse and these parts are usually not part of this role in other companies, so they are not going to get someone who can do everything.

focus more on neutral non personal stuff like competitors
Still stuggling with Threats. The job is very much managing a team with an interal role within the company no direct contact with external competitors . There will be contact with other departments i.e. production, sales, procurement etc who would have the external competitors/supplier issues.

I have approached the presentation thinking they want it to be about me and how I would handle the role so it must be personal.

Strengths = my strengths (hard and soft skills)

Weaknesses = my weaknesses (hard and soft skills)

Opportunities = What aspects of taking on this role could I use to my advantage?

Threats = What aspects of taking on the role may operate to my disadvantage? Or are maybe outwith my control.

I cant mention anything about employee retention or other projects with conflicting priorities could I? (as I dont have any details if these would be threats).

I think in an interview its more about the impression you give and less about getting the exercise exactly right BUT I suppose as its a presentation then you have the floor and can get to the solutions at the end.

I think its a good structure, my only concern would be how long it is between the weaknesses/threats identification and the presentation of solutions as IME you want them thinking about the less than positive stuff for as short an amount of time possible. I'd be tempted to say something after each weakness and threat, even if its just, "I will cover off in a minute how this can be addressed".

I think things like employee rentention or other projects are quite valid - again its how you present how you would - and give evidence how you have handled in the past
re techical things I wouldn't remind them too much about things you don't know - and give a plan of how you will get up to speed?

SWOT is a very helpful tool for HR executives in assessing potential candidates. "Those who know their weaknesses and can openly express themselves through SWOT, have been observed to be able to adjust well in an open work culture. They are firm believers of candour in the workplace and appreciate open feedback for smooth running of an organization.

Do you think I should be really open and tell them about my tendancy to MN during the working day!!!!!!!!!!!! (at current job where I have less and less to do in run up to redundacy)