Saffron Wildbore
~ 5min read
~ 5min read
Job interviews are nerve-wracking anyway, but those feelings may be heightened when there’s a presentation involved.
However, presenting does have its benefits. It allows you to showcase your knowledge, time management and communication skills which can leave a lasting impression on potential employers.
Read more to find out our tips on presenting and ace your next interview!
In order to impress and be in with a chance of securing the role, you need to be prepared to deliver your best work.
Here are some actionable tips to ensure you’re setting yourself up for success:
Don’t start prepping for your presentation interview the day before, you’ll feel rushed and won’t convey your knowledge in the best way.
Starting ahead of time allows you to conduct plenty of research about the company and understand what they’re asking for.
Know who your audience members are. Understand who will be listening and know what it is they want to see.
When preparing your presentation, you should consider:
The audience: Who is it that’s interviewing you? Are they senior managers, technical experts or potential colleagues? Tailor the content of your presentation to align with what you think they’ll be looking for and the language they would use.
The brief: It’s crucial that you thoroughly understand the brief, seek clarification on any uncertainties and refer back to it whilst creating your presentation to ensure that you stay aligned to what the interviewer is looking for.
The purpose: Clarify the objective of the presentation, what is it that you’re aiming to do? Are you solving a problem, pitching an idea or discussing past achievements? Understanding the purpose will help you to stay on track and avoid unnecessary information.
Tip: If you’re unsure of any of the details, reach out for clarification!
Structured presentation slides are easier to follow and demonstrate your organisational skills.
A common structure to follow is:
Introduction: Start with a brief overview of who you are and what you’ll cover.
Main points: Divide your presentation into your key points using data, examples and storytelling to make your points compelling.
Conclusion: At the end, summarise your points and emphasise why they matter.
Tip: Keep your slides simple, with minimal text. The slides should serve as prompts and visual aids, not scripts.
Your presentation is an opportunity not only to show your skills, but who you are as a person too! Aim for a balance between professional and authentic.
Professionalism: Dress appropriately, even if your interview is remote. Use professional language and maintain good posture. Avoid using jargon unless it’s specific to the industry and your audience will understand it.
Authentic: Be yourself! Let your personality shine through by sharing stories and experiences that relate to the content of the presentation. This makes you memorable and helps you build a rapport with the interviewers.
Tip: Practise makes perfect. Rehearse in front of friends, family or even a mirror. Make note of your body language and ensure that your delivery feels natural.
Engaging with your audience makes for a memorable presentation. Ensure your presentation is interactive by:
Asking rhetorical questions: This makes the audience think and feel involved.
Maintaining eye contact: Make eye contact with each person in the room to build a personal connection.
Use relatable examples: Draw on some examples or analogies that your audience can relate to.
Tip: If possible, try to incorporate audience questions into your flow to make the presentation feel more like a conversation. Or, leave time at the end for any questions and answers.
Use visual aids to your advantage to enhance your presentation, but use them in the correct way.
Keep it simple: Aim for one idea per slide and avoid lots of text, use bullet points if you can.
Use visuals to support, not overwhelm: Images, graphs and charts should clarify your points, not distract from them. Make sure all graphics are simple and easy to understand at a glance.
Avoid excessive animations: Fancy transitions can be distracting and take away attention from your points. Keep animations minimal.
Tip: Use a customisable design template in PowerPoint to give yourself a start.
How you present yourself physically is just as important as the content you’re presenting. You want to come across as open and friendly.
Body language: Stand up straight, avoid fidgeting, and use natural hand gestures. Confidence in body language conveys confidence in your ideas.
Voice control: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Be mindful of your tone to avoid sounding monotone or overly formal.
Pause when needed: Pausing between points not only gives the audience a moment to process but also helps you maintain control and stay composed.
Tip: Practise deep breaths before the interview to reduce anxiety and help you project your voice.
Interview presentations often end with a Q&A. Anticipate possible questions your audience might have and be prepared to answer confidently:
Be thorough in your preparation: Review your presentation from the audience's perspective to identify any points that may need clarification.
Acknowledge questions thoughtfully: When answering, take a moment to pause and process the question. It shows that you’re listening carefully and are deliberate with your responses.
Stay adaptable: If the audience wants to explore a different angle, don’t be afraid to pivot. It shows that you’re flexible and capable of thinking on your feet.
Tip: If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to admit it. Offer to follow up with more information after the interview.
It’s also a good idea for you to ask questions yourself! Read our guide on questions to ask in an interview.
Being mindful of time shows respect for your audience’s schedule and reflects your preparation. Ask the interviewer beforehand how long you’ll have to present.
Practise with a timer: Ensure your presentation fits within the time limit, allowing a little buffer for introductions or technical issues.
Stick to your key points: If you’re running out of time, know which points to prioritise so that you don’t rush through the entire presentation.
Tip: Practising with a timer can help you get comfortable with the pacing and ensure you hit your target time.
Consider having a backup plan in case any technology or equipment you’re using decides not to work when delivering your presentation.
Avoid using memory sticks: Due to cybersecurity policies, many large companies prohibit the use of external drives on their systems.
Bring your laptop charger: Ensure you have it on hand to avoid running out of power during crucial moments
Tip: Email yourself a copy of the presentation beforehand so you have a copy you can easily access.
People often remember the beginning and end of presentations most clearly. Pay particularly attention to the end of your presentation by including:
A summary statement that ties together your main points and emphasises why you’re the best candidate.
A statement of enthusiasm for the role and your eagerness to contribute.
An invitation for the panel to ask questions or discuss any other relevant areas.
A strong ending helps reinforce your interest in the position and leaves interviewers with a positive impression.
Effective presentations are a way to not only showcase your strong technical skills, but to prove soft skills such as time management, communication and public speaking.
No one has expert presentation skills right off the bat, so make sure to practise ahead of time. Everyone gets nervous, and your interviewer will be understanding. Good luck!
If you’re searching for a role in the world of tech and business, discover our current roles today!
Saffron Wildbore is a Senior Marketing Executive at mthree. She has worked in marketing, specialising in creating content for over 5 years. Saffron focuses on writing tips for graduates, Alumni interviews and more!
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