technical presentation for job interview

Interview presentation preparation tips

The interview presentation is becoming more common in the hiring process. It gives employers a better overview of your general aptitude and provides you with an opportunity to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience. But how should you prepare for an interview presentation? What should you include? What if it goes wrong?

4th Jun, 2021

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What is an interview presentation?

As you progress further in your career, particularly to executive level, you may be asked to give a presentation for interview. Perhaps you’ve been asked to conduct research and present your findings to a panel, complete a task and show how you approached it, put together a business plan and present your ideas, or even give a presentation about yourself and how you would excel in the role. Whatever you are presenting about, how you approach it should remain the same.

Many people find giving presentations intimidating, especially during an interview when you’re already nervous, but it’s something that you may have to do throughout your career – the sooner you tackle this skill, the better.

Why are you being asked to do a presentation for a job interview?

Many employers opt for a presentation-style interview as it gives a better overview of your general aptitude when compared to, or combined with, a traditional question and answer interview, like a competency-based interview . The interviewer is looking for proof that you can do the job and that you possess the required skills and traits.

Additionally, if you put time and effort into your presentation, this will highlight to the hiring manager that you are committed to the role and enthusiastic about joining the company. How many times have you been asked in an interview ‘Why do you want this position?’ or ‘What is it about this role that attracted you to it?’. They want to know how much you want this position, rather than just any position.

How to prepare a presentation for an interview

Where do you start? What should you include? The presentation is your opportunity to showcase your knowledge, experience, and communication skills as well as your organisational skills and diligence – so start with the job description and person specification and pick out key skills and traits that the company is looking for. Then you can prepare your presentation around what they want to see.

For example, if the business is looking for someone creative, pay great attention to the style of your presentation. If it is looking for someone who is a confident public speaker, spend more time perfecting your speech. If attention to detail is paramount in the role, double and triple check your spelling and grammar. This is a great starting point and gives you something to build your presentation around.

What to include in an interview presentation

Although you may be tempted to go all out and show your potential employer that you are committed to the job, don’t fall into the trap of creating a 30-slide presentation with reams of text. Try to keep each slide short and significant and aim for no more than 10 slides. This ensures the information you deliver is memorable and will help you to stand out from other interviewees. Some interviewers may even give you a specific amount of time for your presentation, make sure you factor this in and don’t go over the time limit – otherwise you may appear to have poor time management skills.

Another way to make sure your presentation engages hiring managers is to include a range of formats to help you illustrate your points. Include graphs, statistics, diagrams, video clips, and images to help break up large volumes of text and maintain the attention of the interviewers.

If you are conducting research as part of your presentation, include quotes from industry leaders and/or research pieces. This gives your points authority and demonstrates your commercial awareness.

You should also try to incorporate the company’s colours, fonts, or style in your presentation. This will show that you have done your research and highlights your brand awareness.

Finally, check your spelling and grammar thoroughly! Small mistakes can really undermine the content of your presentation.

Tips for presenting at the interview

Presenting is a skill which can be learnt. Even if you are not a confident public speaker, the more you practice, the better you will become.

Present confidently and enthusiastically - Remember to speak clearly, make eye contact, and use open body language.

Don’t just read the slides - There is nothing worse than watching a presentation where the presenter has their back to you the whole time just reading reams of text from their PowerPoint notes.

Try not to talk too fast - Make sure you breathe, and take your time.

Practice, practice, practice - Ensure you are well rehearsed so that you are familiar with the structure of your presentation and are able to deliver it smoothly. If possible, practice your presentation with family members or friends to get used to speaking in front of other people.

Arrive early to give yourself time to set up the presentation and settle any nerves - Get comfortable with PowerPoint and presentation equipment. Make sure you know how to work any projectors, screens, or remote controls before you begin to avoid any awkward stumbles or pauses.

Stay within the allocated time - If you have not been given guidance on length, aim for the 10-minute mark. Time your presentation when you are practising to make sure it will fit within the time limit. If you need to reduce the content of your presentation, cut out the least relevant or weakest points.

Be prepared to adapt - You may have practised your presentation in a certain way, but the interviewer might not respond accordingly. Be prepared to be interrupted by questions or further discussion unexpectedly.

Breathe and try to enjoy it - By relaxing, you will find yourself presenting better and, if you enjoy it, your interviewers will respond to that and be better engaged with what you are saying.

Tips for keeping the interview presentation simple

It can take a lot of work to make something simple, yet effective, and when it comes to interview presentations less is often more. Keep it short - As previously mentioned, try to keep each slide short and aim for no more than 10 slides in total.

One idea per slide - To make sure your presentation is clear and concise, each slide should represent a different point/idea you want to make.

Stick to the important bits only - If you don’t think it’s important enough to spend time on, don’t have it on your slide.

Use the 4x6 rule - Aim for either four bullet points with six words per bullet point, or six bullet points with four words per bullet point. This way, your slides won’t look too busy.

Minimal text - Instead of writing paragraphs of text, use bullet points and a minimum font size of 24.

What's better for your interview presentation? Cue cards or presenting from memory?

Should you use cue cards in your presentation for interview or try to present from memory?

The answer to this question depends on what you feel most comfortable doing. If you find that having cue cards will help ease your nerves and ensure that you don’t forget your speech, then there is nothing wrong with that.

However, if you choose to use cue cards, you should not rely too heavily on them. You shouldn’t stand in front of the interviewers and look down at the cards continuously, neither should you write your whole speech out on the cards and read directly from them. They are cue cards for a reason and should only give you prompts on what to talk about. If your interview presentation has a lot of statistics on, using cue cards to remember the figures if you are unable to memorise them all is an excellent strategy.

What to do when things go wrong

You can practice your interview presentation as much as possible, but something may still go wrong and it’s important to be prepared for this eventuality. Here are some things that could go wrong and how to deal with them: Technical issues

There is not a lot you can do to prevent technical issues, especially if you are using someone else’s computer. But there are ways you can prepare just in case. Ensuring you have access to multiple sources of your presentation is key. Email the file to yourself and the recruiter, bring a copy on a USB stick and printed handouts. This way you are covered if anything goes wrong with the file you’re intending to use.

Your mind goes blank

Even those who are pros at presenting can sometimes lose their train of thought and find that their mind goes blank. The key here is not to panic. If possible, take a bottle or glass of water in with you and use this chance to take a sip, breathe and try to relax. Then look at your presentation slide or your cue cards and pick up where you left off. It may be helpful to repeat the last point you made as saying it out loud could spark your memory for your next point.

You are asked a question that you don’t know how to respond to

If you have allotted time at the end of your presentation to allow the interviewer to ask any questions (which is recommended), don’t worry if someone asks a question that you are not sure on. It may be that the interviewer is looking to see how you respond to a challenging question, so how you react is often more important than the answer itself.

If you do not understand the question, ask the person to explain. There is nothing wrong with doing this and shows more confidence than just saying that you don’t know. If you understand the question but are not sure of the answer, then admit that you don’t have the full answer, provide what information you do have, and offer to come back to them at a later date with a complete answer.

10-minute interview presentation template

Below is a presentation for interview example. Use this as a baseline and adapt or reorder where appropriate based on the task you have been set by the interviewer. Slide 1 - Introduction – Reiterate the objectives you have been set and lay out the structure of your presentation so that the interviewers know what to expect. Slide 2 - About you – Detail your professional experience, skills and working style. Slide 3 - Company history – Give a brief summary of the company history, any milestones or awards. Slides 4-7 - Answering the brief – Give your responses to questions you’ve been asked to answer, the benefits and limitations of your suggestions. Slide 8 - Question and answers – Include a slide titled ‘questions and answers’ as a cue to pause for interaction. Slide 9 - Conclusion – Sum up the key points you have made, reach a decision, and explain your reasoning. Slide 10 - Personal achievements – End the interview on a high with a brief slide highlighting achievements that show how you will succeed in the role.

For more information on how to ace your interview, download our free guide, ‘ Getting the best from your interview: Candidate interview tips and tricks ’, or contact your local recruitment specialist today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A job interview presentation is all about selling yourself. Be confident, speak clearly, and make eye contact with the interviewer. Don’t be afraid to promote yourself and highlight your achievements. This is your chance to really show the interviewer that you are capable and have the necessary skills to do the job. By putting time and effort into your presentation, you can show them how dedicated you are to the role and the company. For more information on how to ace your interview, download our free guide, ‘ Getting the best from your interview: Candidate interview tips and tricks ’.

Using cue cards can support you with your interview presentation, as long as you use them for their intended purpose. Do not write your entire presentation for interview out on cards and read from them word for word or constantly hold them in your hand and fail to make eye contact with the interviewer. Use them only to prompt you or for remembering key facts and figures. For more tips, read our article on ‘interview tips & questions’ .

If you have been sent a presentation brief that you do not understand – don’t panic. If there are words that you are not sure about, do some research and try your best to figure out what the organisation is asking of you. If you are still unsure, you could ask your recruiter as they may have seen this brief before and can give you an idea. If you are dealing directly with the hiring manager, then it may be worth checking that your interpretation of the brief is correct.

It is better to ask the question than present on something completely different to what the interviewer has asked. However, instead of saying to them that you don’t understand the brief and leaving it at that, tell them your understanding of it and ask if this is correct. This will show that even though you are unsure, you have taken the time to try to come to a conclusion yourself before asking for help. Download our free interviewing guide for more tips and advice.

How long your job interview presentation should last depends on what guidance you have been given. Thoroughly read the brief, as the recruiter or hiring manager may have specified the length of time you have for your presentation. If they haven’t given any indication, you should aim for 10 minutes, including time for questions and answers. For more tips on interviewing, read our article on ‘interview tips & questions’ .

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Home Blog Presentation Ideas How to Give A Compelling Interview Presentation: Tips, Examples and Topic Ideas

How to Give A Compelling Interview Presentation: Tips, Examples and Topic Ideas

Interview presentations have now become the new norm for most industries. They are popular for sales, marketing, technology, and academic positions. If you have been asked to deliver one for your job interview presentation, prepare to build a strong case for yourself as a candidate.

Giving a general presentation is already daunting. But selling yourself is always the hardest. Spectacular credentials and stellar expertise don’t count much if you cannot present them clearly, which you are expected to do during your interview presentation.

So, let’s prime you up for the challenge. This post is action-packed with job interview PowerPoint presentation examples and will teach you the best way to do a presentation without stressing too much!

Table of Contents

What is an Interview Presentation?

What should an interview presentation look like, how to prepare for a job interview presentation: the basics, define your structure, what slides to include, how to come up with 15-minute interview presentation ideas, how to conclude your interview presentation, how to prepare for an interview: the final tips, what to do at the first interaction with the company elevator pitch for interview, presentation design tips, how to overcome presentation anxiety, tips on maintaining positive body language throughout the presentation, your final act.

An interview presentation, also known as a job interview presentation or interview portfolio, is a formal and structured way for candidates to showcase their skills, qualifications, and suitability for a specific job position during an interview. It goes beyond the typical Q&A format of interviews, allowing candidates to demonstrate their expertise through a prepared presentation. Employers commonly request interview presentations in various industries, such as sales, marketing, technology, academia, and management roles. These presentations serve several important purposes: assessing communication skills, evaluating cultural fit, measuring expertise, analyzing problem-solving skills, and observing presentation skills. While the specific format and requirements of interview presentations vary widely, candidates typically receive guidelines from the employer regarding the topic, duration, and any specific criteria to be addressed. In essence, an interview presentation is an opportunity for candidates to make a compelling case for their candidacy, showcasing their qualifications, experience, and suitability for the job. It requires careful preparation, effective communication, and the ability to engage and persuade the interview panel. A successful interview presentation can significantly enhance a candidate’s chances of securing the desired position.

Think of your interview presentation as a sales pitch.

Your goal is to convince the human resources team that you are the best candidate. The kick here is that you will present to a warm audience – you already impressed them enough with your resume to be called in for an interview. We recommend generating a strategy and presentation based on a 30 60 90 Day Plan .

Employers request interview presentations for a few simple reasons:

• To assess your communication and public speaking skills.
• To understand whether you are the right cultural fit for the company.
• To develop a better sense of how well-versed you are in the domain .

So, your first job is ensuring your presentation fits the criteria. Review the company’s job description again and jot down all the candidate requirements. Take the time to read about their company values and mission. Be proactive and ask precisely what you should cover during your presentation.

Most interview presentations will differ in content and style, but here’s a quick example to give you more context:

[ Use This Template ]

Before you get elbow-deep in designing that PowerPoint for a job interview presentation, do some scouting and reach out to the HR team with a few questions.

You want your presentation to be on-point and technically accurate, so ask your contact the following:

• How long should an interview presentation be? Fifteen minutes is the golden standard, though some employers may ask to cut it down to just 10 minutes or extend it to 20-25.
• Who exactly will be present? A conversational presentation would undoubtedly be welcomed by your peers and a team leader but may appear too casual for the senior managers or board of directors.
• Does the HR team have a particular agenda in mind? Ask some leading questions to understand what kind of skills/experience they want you to demonstrate. If needed, use a proper agenda slide to include your content.
• What’s the IT setup? Should you bring your laptop? Do you need an adapter to connect to their projector? What kind of presentation software have they installed – PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides?

Everyone appreciates clarity.

In fact, 89% of professionals state their ability to communicate with clarity directly impacts their career and income.

Your presentation should flow, not rumble. Make sure that your story is easy to follow and your key message is easy to digest, remember, and pass on. If you want people to retain your main points, opt for the following structure:

Source: this infographic was created with  3 Steps Editable 3D Ladder Infographic

Here’s an interview presentation example styled in this fashion.

What is: The company’s presence in the Middle East is low. Only 15% of revenues come from the top markets.

Why this matters: The UAE fashion market alone is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% during the next five years.

What could be: I have helped my previous employer open a flagship store in Dubai, have a lot of industry contacts, and am familiar with the local legislature. Your brand can expect a 17% revenue growth within one year of opening.

You can find even more ideas for designing your presentations in this post .

The choice of slides will largely depend on whether you are asked to talk about yourself or present on some task that you will be required to do as part of your job (e.g., create marketing campaigns).

Most interview presentation templates feature the following slides:

• Opening Slide
• Quick Bio/Personal Summary
• Career Path
• Education timeline
• Key Skills and Expertise
• Case studies/examples of the problems you have solved at your past jobs
• Your vision for your future role.
• What exactly can you bring in as the candidate (we will come back to this one later on!)

Can’t figure out where to start? Check out our AI PowerPoint generator to create an entire interview slide deck in a couple of clicks, or just download a job interview template . Swipe down to learn from the either of the following job interview presentation samples.

Typically, a talent acquisition team will suggest broad interview presentation topics for you. For example, if you are applying for a sales position, they may ask you to develop a sales presentation for some product (real or imaginary).

Some employers will request a short presentation about you or your hobbies to understand whether you are a good “fit” for the team and share the company’s values. Remember this: your audience will be assessing your aptitude for the role, no matter which topic you were given.

In fact, the interviewers at this point don’t care that much about your experience and skills. They want to know how you can apply those to solve the company’s pressing problems – meet sales targets, improve ROI from social media marketing or help them earn more revenue.

Your job is to make an educated guess… predict the most wrenching problem, and pitch your “magic pill” during your interview presentation.

I know what you are thinking – but how do I find the right opportunity/problem to tackle?

Businesses across different industries pretty much struggle with the same generic challenges related to either of the following:

Your topic should clearly address one of these areas and offer a potential roadmap for solving some specific problem within it.

Let’s say that you are applying for a sales role. Clearly, you will want to tackle the “customer audience” set of problems. To refine your idea, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you think of a new customer segment the company should target? Who are they, what do they want, and how you can help the company reach them?
• Do you have a network or experience to identify and pitch new clients?
• Can you think of new collaboration opportunities the company could use to attract a whole new niche of customers?

So a sample job interview presentation about yourself should include a series of Problem & Solution Slides , showing exactly how you will address that issue if the company hires you.

Here’s another PowerPoint presentation about yourself for job interview example worth using – incorporate a case study slide, showing how you have successfully solved a similar problem for your past employer.

Wrap up your presentation by laying out the key steps the company needs to take. Give an estimate of how much time it will take to tackle the problem, and what changes/investments should be made.

Your conclusion should tell this: “Hire me and I will solve this problem for you in no time!”.

Source: StockSnap

Dial-Up Your Power

Take a deep breath and strike a “power pose” before you enter the room.

According to her research, power posers performed better during interviews and were more likely to get hired. Another study also proved this theory: unaware judges gave major preference to the power-primed applicants. So yes, pep talks do work!

The first 30 Seconds Count The Most

What you do and say in the first 30 seconds will make the most impact. Psychological  research  shows that listeners form opinions about your personality and intelligence in the first 30 seconds of the interview. So be sure to start with a compelling opening, framing exactly how you want to be perceived.

Try To Appear Similar to the Interviewer

Lauren Rivera, a professor from Kellogg School,  came to the conclusion that interviewers tend to hire “people like them” .

Even the top human resource management folks fall for this bias and tend to base their evaluations on how similar a candidate is to them, instead of trying to decide whether the person’s skill set is ideal for the position. So to be liked, you will have to act relatable.

Back up your statements with facts

To deliver a presentation with a bang, you can make use of pre-analyzed facts to support your hypothesis. Make sure to do your homework, study the company and its competitive landscape, and do the professional work you would have done as a member of the company crew. At some point in your interview presentation, you go “off the script”, and pull out a bunch of documents, supporting your statements.

For example, you can give away a quick plan indicating a number of things the employer could do today to save money, even if they don’t hire you. Make sure to be meticulous; your work will speak for you. But giving away this work will show the employer your commitment, skills, and focus.

And that’s exactly how to make your job interview presentation stand out. Most candidates just ramble about their skills and past career moves. You bring specificity and proof to the platter, showing exactly what makes you a great hire fair and square.

Within a selection process, there are many interactions (interviews and dynamics) that you must successfully complete in order to be the next selected candidate. One of your objectives in this first interaction should be to generate a great first impression in the company. For this, we recommend using the Elevator Pitch for Interview technique.

The Elevator Pitch for Interview will allow you to present yourself in a solid and professional way in less than 60 seconds, in order to generate an outstanding first impression.

What is an Elevator Pitch for an Interview?

The Elevator Pitch is a condensed speech about yourself that aims to generate engagement in no more than 60 seconds. Entrepreneurs widely use this type of speech to persuade investors and job seekers in job interviews. Your Elevator Pitch for the Interview will generate a great first impression to the employer and be better positioned than other candidates. If your goal is to make a convincing presentation in a job interview, your Elevator Pitch needs to be well crafted.

How to Make an Elevator Pitch for an Interview

There are many ways and tips to make an excellent Elevator Pitch for a job interview. This section provides you with essential advice to make your interview more convincing.

Identify your target

You need to know to whom you are presenting yourself. Is it a recruiter? or an executive?. Your Elevator Pitch will change depending on the receiver.

Comprehend the needs of the hiring company

Make an advanced study about the search requirements for the job position. Identify your strengths. Highlight them. Demonstrate your experience. Identify your weaknesses. Show that you have a profile that seeks constant improvement

Create a clear, concise, and truthful Elevator Pitch

This point is critical. Your Elevator Pitch must be clear, concise, genuine, and impactful. Go from less to more. Generate a real hook in your audience. Try not to go off-topic or talk too much, and be brief in everything you want to say.

Speak naturally and confidently

If you can speak fluently and naturally, you can show a confident profile. Show you know what you are talking about and what you want.

Elevator Pitch Example for Job Seekers

This section illustrates an Elevator Pitch Example targeted to Recruiters. It will help you put together your own.

“My name is [NAME]. After graduating with a degree in Business Administration, I have spent the last five years accumulating professional experience as a Project Assistant and Project Manager. I have successfully managed intangible products’ planning, strategy, and launch these past few years. I was excited to learn about this opportunity in Big Data – I’ve always been passionate about how technology and the use of information can greatly improve the way we live. I would love the opportunity to bring my project management and leadership skills to this position.”

Ways to avoid common mistakes in your Elevator Pitch

Keep in mind the following points to avoid making mistakes in your Elevator Pitch for an Interview.

Don’t hurry to make your Elevator Pitch

The Elevator Pitch lasts approximately 60 seconds. Do it on your own time and naturally, as long as you make it clear and concise.

Do not always use the same Elevator Pitch for all cases

One recommendation is not to repeat the same Elevator Pitch in all your interviews. Make changes. Try new options and ways of saying the information. Try different versions and check with your experience which generates more engagement and persuasion.

Make it easy to understand

Articulate your pitch as a story. Think that the person in front of you does not know you and is interested in learning more about your profile. Don’t make your Elevator Pitch challenging to appear more sophisticated. Simply generate a clear and easy-to-understand narrative, where all the data you tell is factual and verifiable.

Don’t forget to practice it

Practice is the key to success. Your Elevator Pitch for Interview will become more professional, convincing, and natural with practice.

How to End an Elevator Pitch?

An essential aspect of ending an Elevator Pitch for an Interview is demonstrating interest and passion for the position. You have already presented yourself and established that you have the necessary background for the job. Closing with phrases revealing passion and attitude will help reinforce your pitch.

We recommend you use expressions such as:

“I have always been interested and curious about the area in which the company operates, and it would be a great challenge for me to be able to perform in this position.”

“I have been interested in moving into your company for a while, and I love what your team is doing in IT.”

“I would like to advance my career with an employer with the same values. I know that thanks to my profile and experience, I can make excellent contributions to your company.”

Keep It Visual: Use visuals like images, graphs, and charts to convey your points effectively. Visuals can make complex information more accessible and engaging. Consistency Matters: Maintain a consistent design throughout your presentation. Use the same fonts, color schemes, and formatting to create a cohesive look. Practice Timing: Be mindful of the allotted time for your presentation. Practice to ensure you can comfortably cover your content within the time limit. Engage the Audience: Incorporate elements that engage the audience, such as questions, anecdotes, or real-world examples. Interaction keeps the interview panel interested. Use White Space: Avoid cluttered slides. Use white space to create a clean and uncluttered design that enhances readability.

Presenting during a job interview can be nerve-wracking. Here are some strategies to overcome presentation anxiety:

• Practice: Practice your presentation multiple times, ideally in front of a friend or mentor. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll become.
• Visualization: Visualize yourself by giving a successful presentation. Imagine yourself speaking confidently and engaging the audience.
• Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing can help calm nerves. Take slow, deep breaths before and during your presentation to reduce anxiety.
• Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your qualifications and the value you bring to the role.
• Focus on the Message: Concentrate on delivering your message rather than dwelling on your anxiety. Remember that the interviewers want to learn about your skills and experiences.
• Arrive Early: Arrive at the interview location early. This gives you time to get comfortable with the environment and set up any technical equipment you use.

Maintain Good Posture: Stand or sit up straight with your shoulders back. Good posture conveys confidence and attentiveness. Make Eye Contact: Establish and maintain eye contact with your audience to show confidence and engagement. Use Open Gestures: Employ open gestures, like open palms and expansive arm movements, to convey enthusiasm and openness. Smile and Show Enthusiasm: Genuine smiles and enthusiastic facial expressions demonstrate passion and eagerness. Control Nervous Habits: Be mindful of nervous habits like tapping or fidgeting, which can distract your audience and convey anxiety.

Stop fretting and start prepping for your interview presentation. You now have all the nitty-gritty presentation tips to ace that interview. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the design part, browse our extensive gallery of PowerPoint templates and cherry-pick specific elements ( diagrams , shapes , and data charts ) to give your interview presentation the top visual appeal.

Here you can see some 100% editable templates available on SlideModel that could be useful for preparing an interview presentation.

1. Versatile Self-Introduction PowerPoint Template

Use This Template

2. Professional Curriculum Vitae PowerPoint Template

This a sample of PowerPoint presentation template that you can use to present a curriculum and prepare for a job interview presentation. The PPT template is compatible with PowerPoint but also with Google Slides.

3. Modern 1-Page Resume Template for PowerPoint

4. Multi-Slide Resume PowerPoint Template

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HR, Human Resources, Interview, Job, Resume Filed under Presentation Ideas

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10 Essential Tips to Ace Your Technical Presentation in a Job Interview

• Marketing Department
• October 26, 2024

If you’re wondering what is a technical presentation during a job interview , then you are at the right place.

Nothing puts your skills on display quite like a technical presentation during the interview. It’s your chance to shine and show off:

• Your problem-solving abilities,
• Communication prowess, and
• Deep understanding of the subject matter.

Additionally, technical presentations have become a common part of interview processes for tech roles. They allow companies to assess not just your knowledge, but how well you can explain complex concepts and think on your feet. 

Whether you’re walking through a case study or explaining a complex system, nailing this part of the interview process requires more than just technical know-how.

Therefore, it is crucial to learn the insights of technical presentation. For that, here are the 10 essential tips that will help you ace your technical presentation.

Why Technical Presentations Are Crucial for Job Interviews

Technical presentations during job interviews are more than just a formality; they provide hiring managers with a comprehensive view of a candidate’s skill set. Through a well-executed presentation, candidates can showcase their technical expertise in a practical, real-world context.

Unlike traditional interview questions, a technical presentation allows the interviewer to see how the candidate approaches:

• Complex problems,
• Organizes their thoughts, and
• Delivers solutions with clarity

As a result, this deeper understanding of a candidate’s technical skills is crucial, especially in roles that demand precision and innovation. Furthermore, these presentations also highlight vital soft skills such as communication and logical thinking. 

In addition, technical presentations during job interviews can set candidates apart from the competition. While many applicants may have similar qualifications on paper, the ability to deliver a well-structured, engaging presentation can leave a lasting impression.

It shows that the candidate is confident, prepared, and capable of thinking on their feet, which can be a decisive factor in a hiring manager’s decision.

10 Essential Tips to Ace Your Technical Presentation

Delivering a technical presentation during a job interview can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right approach, it can also be an opportunity to shine. Let’s dive into the 10 essential tips to ace your technical presentation in a job interview.

1. Understand Your Audience

First and foremost, it’s crucial to know who will be attending your presentation. Is your audience made up of technical team members, HR professionals, or a mix of both? Tailoring your content to fit the technical knowledge and interests of your audience is key.

Example : If you’re applying for a data analytics role and you’re in front of HR, you might explain the concept of regression analysis as “identifying relationships between variables to make better business decisions.”

For a technical team, you’d emphasize the specific algorithm used and its implementation in Python or R.

2. Choose Your Topic

Choosing the right topic is essential. Make sure it aligns with the role you’re applying for and demonstrates the skills the hiring team is looking for. Select a topic that you’re passionate about and confident in presenting. As a result, this will allow you to showcase your expertise while maintaining enthusiasm and energy throughout the presentation.

Example : For a UX/UI design role, you could choose to present a case study of a website redesign. Moreover, highlight the research process, wireframing, and user testing you conducted, and show the before-and-after results of the design.

3. Organize Your Presentation

A well-structured presentation will help keep your thoughts clear and easy to follow. Therefore, break down your presentation into three main parts:

• An introduction,
• The main points, and
• A conclusion.

This will not only create a logical flow but also guide your audience through your content effortlessly.

Example : Imagine you’re presenting a solution to a network performance issue. Begin by outlining the problem (slow network speeds), explain the analysis process (network traffic monitoring), and conclude with the solution (upgrading the infrastructure or rerouting traffic) and the results (25% improvement in speed).

4. Present Like a Story

One of the most effective ways to engage your audience is by telling a story. Whether you’re presenting a technical problem or solution, weaving it into a narrative will make the content more relatable and memorable.

Example : If you’re a software engineer, you can narrate how you debugged a complex issue in production. Start by describing the moment you first noticed the problem, the debugging steps you took, and the satisfaction of finally solving the issue.

5. Keep It Simple

It can be tempting to pack your presentation with technical jargon, but simplicity is key. Even when discussing complex topics, aim to break them down into simpler terms that everyone in the room can grasp. That includes non-technical team members as well.

Example : When explaining machine learning, instead of diving into the mathematical models, you could simplify it by saying, “Machine learning is like teaching a computer to recognize patterns in data, so it can make predictions or decisions, similar to how a human learns from experience.”

6. Be Prepared for Questions

During a technical presentation in a job interview, you can expect questions from anyone on the table. Be proactive by anticipating potential questions and preparing well-thought-out responses in advance. This will help you appear confident and composed when questioned.

Example : If you’re interviewing for a software engineering role and presenting a project on API development, you might anticipate questions like, “How did you handle error handling in your API?”

Prepare an answer that discusses strategies such as using proper HTTP status codes, implementing try-catch blocks, and returning meaningful error messages to clients.

7. Use Visual Aids Wisely

Visual aids such as slides, charts, or diagrams can enhance your presentation, but be cautious not to overload them with too much information. Moreover, keep your slides simple and to the point, using visuals to support your narrative rather than distract from it.

Example : For a presentation on website analytics, you could display a simple line graph showing traffic growth over time. The key takeaway should be clear at a glance — such as “a 50% increase in organic traffic over six months”.

8. Attention to Detail

Details matter, especially in a technical presentation. Proofread your slides carefully to ensure there are no typos or errors. Moreover, double-check all technical data, including any code, figures, or statistics you present.

Accuracy is a reflection of your professionalism, so taking the time to focus on these small details can make a big difference in how your presentation is received.

Example : If you are showing lines of code to explain a solution, one small typo can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. A misplaced semicolon in a code snippet could alter the entire outcome, so ensure all such details are flawless.

9. Ask Your Questions

Don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions before the presentation to ensure you understand the expectations. During the presentation itself, engage your audience by asking thought-provoking questions.

Thus, this interaction can help make your presentation more dynamic and allows you to gauge how well your audience is following along.

Example : If you’re showcasing your work on a cloud migration project, you might ask, “How many of you have worked with AWS or Azure before?” This helps you adjust your level of detail in real time based on their experience levels. You can look for some common questions to ask recruiters here.

10. Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, the best way to ensure a smooth and confident presentation is through practice. Rehearse multiple times to refine your delivery and timing. You can practice in front of peers or record yourself to identify areas that need improvement.

Furthermore, the more comfortable you are with your content, the more confident you’ll feel during the actual presentation.

Example : A software engineer might practice presenting a demo of a web application. Thus, certifying transitions between explaining features and showing live code execution are seamless and free of awkward pauses.

Post-Presentation Tips

After delivering your technical presentation during a job interview, the work isn’t over yet. It’s crucial to take steps that ensure you leave a lasting impression.

• Firstly, consider any feedback or questions from the interviewer carefully.
• Moreover, identify areas for improvement and think about how you can strengthen your presentation skills for future opportunities.
• Send a thank-you email to the interviewers within 24 hours, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and their time.
• Furthermore, reaffirm your interest in the role and briefly mention key points from your presentation. Thus, reinforcing your suitability for the job.
• Lastly, if any questions during the presentation were left unanswered or you were asked to provide more details, be proactive in including that information in your follow-up email.
• This demonstrates thoroughness and reinforces your knowledge of the subject matter.

By taking these post-presentation steps, not only will you stand out as a thoughtful and proactive candidate, but you will also leave a positive, lasting impression.

Acing your technical presentation during a job interview is more than just showcasing your expertise—it’s about:

• Connecting with your audience,
• Communicating complex ideas simply, and
• Confidently navigating through questions.

By following these essential tips, you’ll be well-prepared to impress hiring managers with both your technical prowess and presentation skills.

Remember, preparation, practice, and post-presentation follow-ups are key to standing out from the competition. Master these steps, and you’ll not only excel in your presentation but also set yourself up for success in securing the job.

• How long should a technical presentation be during a job interview? The length of the presentation can vary depending on the company, but typically it lasts between 10 to 20 minutes. It’s important to ask the interviewer about the expected duration beforehand.
• What is the best way to handle technical difficulties during a presentation? Stay calm and prepared. Always have backup materials (such as a printed version or a PDF of your slides) and practice without relying entirely on technology.
• Can I bring notes to refer to during my technical presentation? Yes, it’s fine to bring notes as long as they don’t distract from the presentation. Use them as a guide, but avoid reading directly from them.
• Should I memorize my entire presentation? It’s better to understand the key concepts and flow rather than memorizing everything word-for-word. This allows for a more natural and engaging delivery.
• How much time should I spend answering questions during the presentation? Allocate a few minutes at the end specifically for questions, and answer them succinctly. If time runs short, offer to follow up with more detailed answers after the interview.
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How to create a technical interview presentation — for engineers.

• July 20, 2022
• Career Advancement Strategies , News , Tips for Job Seekers

More and more employers are using technical presentations in their interview process to better understand a candidate’s unique professional background and skills. We’ve created this article to help you prepare an engineering presentation and hope this framework helps!

Selecting a Topic

As you think about what to share in your presentation, first consider how your skillset transfers to this company’s product line. Have you worked with a comparable instrument? Tackled an issue like the one an interviewer mentioned in the past? 

Reflect on previous interviews with the company for clues. Were there particular products from your background the interviewers focused on? What skillsets were they asking you about? 

It is also appropriate to ask the hiring manager if he or she would like to hear from you about a particular topic. 

Hands tied by an NDA?

Many companies require employees to sign NDA to protect IP from their competitors. If you cannot share specific details or drawing samples due to an NDA, you can utilize public domain images (Google results, pictures from the company website) and speak to your experience at a higher level. 

You can also share a project from school or a personal hobby. For example, a hiring manager was impressed by a candidate’s after-market modifications to his mountain bike, including the fabrication of a custom jig using tools in his garage.

Start Off with Introductions

This stage of the interview is not an entirely technical assessment. It is an opportunity for the prospective employer to learn who you are as a teammate and evaluate your soft skills. 

Help establish rapport with the team by devoting a minute or two to introduce yourself. Share a few personal facts such as where you went to school, hobbies, and interests.

Organizing Your Presentation

Your presentation should mimic the narrative flow of a story. This can be summarized in three steps: setting, conflict, and resolution. 

In this case, conflict represents a challenge in the product development cycle. While it may be tempting to focus on successes from the project, it is critical to show how you handle adversity – whether it’s a budget constraint, aggressive deadline, or daunting product specification.

Keep in mind as you are preparing your presentation that this may be a cross-functional audience. You should be prepared to explain some concepts in ways that those outside of your specialization can comprehend. You want to fully engage the entire panel!

General Framework

• Visual aids of the product – such as CAD drawings, schematics, or marketing images – are a helpful tool to provide better insight into your projects. A picture is worth a thousand words which helps economize your presentation time.
• Be sure to include the proposed solutions to these challenges. Did this involve a design change? A revision of the acceptance criteria for testing? Detail how you planned to approach these changes.

Here is a sample of how one of our engineering candidates presented a conflict in his technical presentation:

(Image Credit: SoloPoint Solutions)

• Take time in this area to reflect on what you learned and how you would mitigate similar challenges in the future. This section is a valuable takeaway for the team to see how you adapt based on previous experiences.

Be Prepared for Questions

The goal of your presentation is to initiate dialogue with the team. These questions will help to expand on your experiences and demonstrate your communication style within a team.

Always allocate at least 10 minutes of your presentation time for a Q&A session.

Don’t forget to share a copy of your presentation 

We recommend emailing a copy of your presentation to the interviewers the evening before your interview. This is helpful in case of any technical issues bringing up your presentation during an on-site or virtual interview.

A digital copy of your presentation is useful to the interview panel as they consider your candidacy after the presentation is over. Several different candidate presentations can span over a week or two, having your presentation on file refreshes the conversation about you. 

Looking for More Help?

We understand navigating the job market and each company’s unique interview process can be daunting. Our team specializes in helping engineers connect with prospective companies and providing guidance throughout the interview process.

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