interview presentation books

13 Top Books to Ace Your Next Job Interview [& Land the Job]

Interviews are one of the most nerve-racking parts of any job hunt. 

From fresh graduates to seasoned professionals, job-seekers are always looking for an edge to make it run smoother.

This is where interview books come in. 

By informing yourself about the interview process and learning how to “wow!” hiring managers, you increase your odds of landing that job you’re after.

So to help you gain as much of an upper hand in job interviews as possible, we’ve compiled this list of 13 must-read interview books for 2024.

Let’s check them out!

13 Must-Read Interview Books in 2024

#1. job interview masterclass.

If you want a book that breaks down job interviews into their most basic parts and gives you a window into a hiring manager’s mind, look no further.

“Job Interview Masterclass” by Novorésumé has you covered!

Job Interview Masterclass is split into four main chapters:

• The first one goes over topics such as how to research a company, what to do before your interview day, and how to dress to impress during the job interview itself.
• The second chapter digs deeper and shows you the most important interview questions and everything you need to know to answer them effectively.
• Chapter three focuses on behavioral interview questions and Novoresume experts’ advice on how to ace them.
• In chapter four, the guide goes beyond the job interview itself and coaches you on what to do once you get the job or how to handle rejection gracefully.

Whether you’re a seasoned or an entry-level professional, “Job Interview Masterclass” is the perfect read if you want to learn how to excel in job interviews or simply brush up on your skills.

#2. Job Search Masterclass

You can find everything you need to know to nail a job application in Novorésumé's “Job Search Masterclass”. The book details the entire journey, from creating a flawless resume to adding an effective cover letter and wowing any job interviewer.

“Job Search Masterclass” is an invaluable companion to your job search, whether you’re a senior professional calculating your career’s next steps or a recent graduate making the first move towards your career journey. 

Job Search Masterclass is divided into the following chapters:

• How to write a resume. All the information about creating a resume is detailed here, including picking the right format, choosing the best resume layout, adding your contact information, creating a great resume summary, listing your work experience right, highlighting your skills, and so much more.
• How to write a cover letter. A must-have companion piece to your resume is an equally eye-catching cover letter. From addressing the hiring manager to using an effective call to action, this section of the book will show you how to match your resume with a cover letter to match.
• How to nail an interview. For most candidates, interviews are the bane of the entire application process. So, this chapter teaches you all about how to prepare for interviews. You’ll see the most common interview questions and the best answers to them as well as tried and tested interview tips to help you ace your next interview.
• All about remote work. As an increasingly large part of the job market, remote work is the talk of the town. This chapter will show you how to find remote job offers, which roles are most remote-friendly, and teach you how to ace a remote work interview.
• Hack your job search. The book finishes with a special bonus chapter with some life-saving job-hunt hacks that you wish you’d known sooner.

#3. Basic Interviewing Skills

Raymond L. Gordon’s titular interview book sets itself apart from others in the genre since it’s aimed at recruiters, not candidates. That said, it still provides insight into the minds of interviewers which all candidates can benefit from.

“Basic Interviewing Skills” is a practical guide that aims to equip you with the skills and techniques necessary to conduct interviews and provide you with an in-depth understanding of the interviewing process. 

After reading it, you’ll understand how important communication skills, active listening , and empathy are in helping you establish rapport and elicit information more easily. An especially useful part is the explained art of phrasing questions and how interviewers encourage a natural flow of conversation to obtain candid responses.

The book covers all the most important subjects any job-seeker wants to know, including how an interviewer sees you, how they choose resumes, why they ask certain common questions, and what they want to hear you say. 

The practical approach and focus on basic techniques make it useful to readers at any career stage and industry.

#4. Smart Answers to Tricky Interview Questions

Rob Yeung’s guide to interviews comes with practical advice and a strong focus on handling any questions an interviewer can throw your way. 

“Smart Answers to Tricky Interview Questions: How to Prepare for a Job-Winning Interview” offers useful strategies you can apply and helps you craft the most effective responses to a hiring manager’s concerns. Yeung emphasizes the importance of understanding the role you’re applying for and tailoring your responses to the company’s culture and values.

This interview book gives insight into the hiring manager’s perspective, prepares you for challenging questions, and puts forth real-life examples from interviews to show you what works best and what interview mistakes to avoid . 

“Smart Answers to Tricky Interview Questions” explains tricky questions and equips you to handle them gracefully.

#5. Interview Like A Boss

“Interview Like A Boss: The Most Talked About Book In Corporate America” by Hans Van Nas is a well-researched and to-the-point book that dives into interviews and how to own them. 

The interview book covers the main aspects of the interviewing process, such as preparing ahead of time, personal presentation, including what to wear to an interview , and follow-up tips to solidify the impression you’ve made. The author gives a practical guide to researching your desired company , preparing for the most common interview questions, and the ones that might otherwise surprise you.

“Interview Like a Boss” shows you the big picture and offers a direct approach to tackling job interviews, without sparing the details. 

Do you have something you’re scared an interviewer will ask about, such as a former arrest? No worries, this interview book has got your back on that. We recommend you add it to your reading list to help boost your confidence before that upcoming interview.

Are you incredibly anxious about flunking a job interview? Then this interview book is for you. 

“Aced” by Gerald Ratigan shines through as an introvert’s lifeline to making it through an interview as a winner. The book helps readers navigate the modern interview process and land that dream job. The author shares his own experiences, including his worst failures, and highlights what works and what doesn’t.

“Aced” gives you practical tips and focuses on interview preparation, as well as covering essential soft skills that will help you in the long run. As someone with decades of experience as both an interviewer and an interviewee, Ratigan explains the importance of personal branding and creating a lasting impression and how it can make or break your interview. Overall, “Aced” is an insightful read for any job-seeker.

#7. GET THAT JOB!

“Get That Job!: The Quick and Complete Guide to a Winning Interview” by the career coach Thea Kelley is more than just a motivating title. The book is designed as a roadmap for interview success, and the final destination is your dream job.

The book starts with the mindset of interviewers and the need for you to present a strong and consistent brand in front of them. The author emphasized the use of research and preparation, including coming equipped with persuasive answers to the most common questions you might expect. Kelley offers frameworks to help you analyze your past experiences and present them clearly in response to situational interview questions related to your problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

“Get That Job!” lists the presentation skills and preparation you need to wow an interviewer and leave a long-lasting impression. It includes a section on handling stress and anxiety before and during the interview, so you can keep your cool and ace it. Make sure to check out the post-interview tips, such as sending thank-you notes and following up with the employer. Finally, you can learn how to negotiate a job offer to secure the best terms and set yourself up for career growth. All in all, “Get That Job!” is a worthwhile read.

#8. How to Talk to Anyone

“How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships” by Leil Lowndes is a useful guide to navigating all sorts of communication, and interviews especially. The book gives detailed advice on how to improve your communication skills and build meaningful relationships across different social contexts. It’s a great read for brushing up on your networking skills , too.

The essential aspects of interpersonal communication, such as body language, conversation starters, and active listening are some of the aspects that can help you ace your next interview. 

Some of the 92 easy-to-follow strategies Lowndes offers include showing genuine interest in the person you’re speaking to, offering compliments when appropriate, using humor to ease tension, and more. “How to Talk to Anyone” will leave you feeling more confident in your people skills and help set you up for success, both professional and personal.

#9. What Color Is Your Parachute?

Richard Nelson Bolles’ contribution to the career book genre is a great choice for job-seekers on the lookout for a fulfilling career path. “What Color Is Your Parachute?” prepares its reader with tips for every part of the job hunt and hiring process, including how to write a resume , interviews, and follow-up. This book will turn answering the question “ Why do you want to work here? ” into your favorite part of the interview.

The book starts by teaching you how to leverage your skills, values, and interests to find your ideal job. Through introspection and self-assessment, you learn what your strengths and weaknesses are and how to talk about them at a job interview. “What Color Is Your Parachute?” offers valuable networking tips , how to tap into a hidden job market, and the A to Z on how to prepare for an interview. By following the author’s advice, job-seekers can expect a lot more satisfaction in their professional lives.

#10. How To Win Friends & Influence People

Dale Carnegie’s classic published in 1936 still rings true. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” is beneficial across all walks of life because what it teaches are valuable interpersonal skills that help you achieve personal and professional goals more easily. Fostering positive relationships, practicing effective communication, and persuading others is part of the strategies the book offers.

Despite not being an interview book, Carnegie’s principles are timeless and find their use during interviews, too. Showing genuine interest in people, handling criticism constructively, and understanding the perspectives of others are all key to developing your social skills, and confidence and ultimately conveying your best self to your future employer.

#11. The Art of the Interview

James Storey’s “Interview: The Art of the Interview - The Perfect Answers to Every Question” comes through as a guide designed to help any job-seeker deliver outstanding answers to the most common interview questions . The book gives you insight into the interviewer’s mindset in order to understand them and address their questions and concerns most effectively.

The book includes practical tips for crafting well-rounded and persuasive answers to any type of interview question. Storey aims to arm you for any of the behavioral interview questions that candidates dread. “The Art of the Interview” details essential aspects of interviewing, such as non-verbal cues, communication skills, and anxiety-reduction strategies. Storey’s focus is on motivational interviewing, and as such the book will help you build up your confidence, present your best self and score the job position you’re after.

#12. 60 Seconds and You’re Hired

Robin Ryan’s 1994 book has been revised several times and offers job-seekers practical advice to secure their desired positions. “60 Seconds and You’re Hired” emphasizes the importance of concise answers and introduces the “60 Second Sell” strategy.

A successful interview is all about making a strong impression and making it fast, and that’s where “60 Seconds and You’re Hired” comes in. Several aspects of the interview process are discussed in detail, such as preparing for the most common questions and learning to negotiate for your salary. And don’t forget to ask the interviewer some of the questions Ryan’s book lists in order to secure the best offer you can get. 

#13. Gravitas

“Gravitas: Communicate with Confidence, Influence and Authority” by Caroline Goyder teaches you something that will make any interview child’s play. While not necessarily specific to interviews, the book teaches readers how to communicate effectively, exude confidence, and project authority in various professional and personal settings. As a voice and communication expert, the author uses her know-how to give you practical techniques, exercises, and relatable examples to help refine your communication skills .

The book follows the six so-called principles of gravitas: passion, knowledge, conviction, integrity, connection, and projections. When you understand and incorporate them into your communication style, you’ll be sure to make an impression whenever you speak. Conveying your meaning with clarity, persuading others, establishing yourself as a respectable figure, and honing your leadership skills are all connected to gravitas. And you can use all of these skills to impress the next hiring manager you meet with your silver tongue.

The book touches on some of the same bases as other interview books, such as the importance of body language and keeping your nerves in check when you have to speak. “Gravitas” is a great choice for anyone out to improve their communication skills and can be adapted to different contexts, such as speeches, presentations, and interviews.

7 Advantages of Reading Interview Books

By reading a book on a specialized subject, you stand to gain the valuable insight you might otherwise miss. 

As such, expanding your knowledge of job interviews can help you prepare well-rounded answers and face your interviewer more confident about your skills. 

These are some of the top benefits that come with reading interview books:

• Preparation. By reading interview books, you enhance your job interview skills through the useful tips and techniques they provide, making you more confident.
• Understanding the interviewer. Interview books offer insight into the interviewers’ mindset and allow you to anticipate certain questions, understand why they are asked, and address the interviewer’s concerns more effectively.
• Self-awareness. Interview books encourage you to identify your own strengths, weaknesses, and goals, which allows you to convey them to an interviewer clearly.
• Better communication skills. Studying common interview question and answer examples helps you articulate your thoughts and experiences more clearly.
• Improved negotiation skills. Many interview books offer guidance on how to negotiate a job offer and secure the best terms for your employment.
• Enhanced self-presentation skills. Interview books frequently mention body language and other non-verbal cues which helps you make a good impression both during the interview process and later on in your career.
• Reduced anxiety. Becoming familiar with the interview process and preparing some answers beforehand saves you a lot of stress and anxiety during the interview.

FAQs About Interview Books

Do you still have some questions about interview books? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions below:

1. What is an interview book?

An interview book is a sub-genre of a career book that gives job-seekers advice, helpful tips, and strategies to excel in job interviews. These books cover several aspects of the interview process, including the most commonly asked questions and effective communication methods. 

2. What are some good interview books for when you’re changing careers?

Our top interview book suggestions for career changers are Novorésumé’s “Job Interview Masterclass” and “What Color Is Your Parachute?” by Richard Nelson Bolles.

The “Job Interview Masterclass” offers a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about interviews, hiring managers’ points of view, and how to sell yourself as the right candidate before the interview even starts, all while in the middle of a career change . As an older resource, “What Color Is Your Parachute?” has now been updated and rereleased for the current age, and helps you make sure you’ve set yourself on the right gig in the first place, as well as guide you through the interview.

3. What are the best interview books for students?

The top interview books for students we recommend are “Job Search Masterclass” and “Gravitas”.

You’ll get a holistic introduction to the world of job interviews through “Job Search Masterclass”, along with some exclusive tips about topics like remote work and remote work interviews. Meanwhile “Gravitas” will help you confidently present yourself and speak in a way that makes people listen. All of which are important advantages for students with no experience in the job market.

4. What’s the purpose of interview books?

The main purpose of interview books is to prepare the job candidate for what might be the most stressful part of their job hunt. Interview books offer specific guidance, strategies, and insightful perspectives that can put the reader’s mind at ease during the interview.

That concludes our list of awesome interview books to read in 2024!

A great interview book can enhance your communication skills, boost your confidence, and inspire you to keep going on your career journey. We hope you find the book you need to help you walk out of your next job interview with a smile and a great employment offer.

Check out our career blog for any other job-hunt resources you might need.

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Complete Guide For Preparing Job Interview Presentation With Examples

Making a presentation during an interview can be intimidating! Still, it’s a terrific method for you to highlight your abilities, personality, and suitability for the position and an excellent approach for employers to learn more about your expertise and knowledge.

Your ability to effectively communicate essential information and the quality of your design can frequently make the difference between a failed and successful presentation. No matter how solid your research or ideas are, excessive slides, packed content, and unreadable fonts might turn interviewers off. However, developing an eye-catching presentation can support your expertise and give you more confidence. It is a skill you should invest time in learning.

In today’s blog, we will go through all the components you should include in a presentation for interview and how to deliver them efficiently.

What Is A Job Interview Presentation?

Before seeing what you should include in a presentation for interview, let us discuss what is an interview PowerPoint presentation: 

As your career advances, especially to an executive position, you might be required to give a presentation during an interview. These kinds of presentations help the hiring manager in doing employee performance reviews and let them decide whether you’re worthy of the position. 

You may have to assemble a business plan and present your ideas, finish a task and demonstrate how you approached it, conduct research and submit your findings to a panel, or even give a presentation about why you would be an excellent fit for the position. All these presentations and tasks can be classified as interview presentations as they will convey your knowledge about the industry, organizational skills, communication skills, attention to detail, creativity, and more.

Giving presentations is something that many people find scary, especially when they’re concerned about an interview. However, you might have to do it at some point in your career, so the sooner you learn how to do it, the better. So, in the next section, we will see what an employer expects to see in your presentation for interview. 

What Is the Employer Looking for in a presentation for interview?

The employer searches for a candidate who will stand out throughout the hiring process. They are looking for someone who will blend in with the business culture and who is knowledgeable about their profession. Another method to determine if candidates are qualified for the position is to ask them to give a presentation.

During the interview, your employer might notice the following crucial competencies:

• Your written and vocal communication style
• The way you interact with your audience
• Your profession and industry expertise
• Your capacity to adhere to a brief
• Your capacity for organization
• Your meticulousness

When an employer witnesses a blind presentation, they can additionally note:

• Your ability to function under pressure
• How imaginative you are

In the end, the employer is also determining whether you fulfill the requirements listed in the job description, so make sure to review it while you prepare.

What to include in a job interview presentation template

Here are a few components that you should consider while preparing a powerpoint presentation for interview:

Presentation type and topic

Choose a presentation style before you start getting ready for a presentation. It will impact the kind of template you make. For a virtual slideshow presentation, write a simple slide breakdown or a script for an oral presentation. The technologies used during your interview also influence your presentations. Consider contacting a recruiting manager with any queries before making any preparations if you need clarification on what they anticipate. When given a topic for your presentation, you can plan your study accordingly. Alternatively, suppose you have the freedom to select your topic. In that case, it’s advisable to focus on themes that ignite your passion and align with your expertise, ensuring you can effectively convey your message quickly.

Make a shorter presentation with tons of words, even if you want to impress your potential boss by showing how much effort you put in. Keep it simple with short slides that look good and convey your message. Aim for no more than ten slides, and make everything brief. It guarantees that the material you present will stick in the recruiter’s mind and make you stand out from the other applicants. Some recruiters might even allot a certain amount of time for your presentation; be sure to account for this and stay within it to avoid giving the impression that you lack time management abilities.

Include research findings and quotes from prominent figures in the industry in your presentation if you are performing research for it. It exhibits your business awareness and lends authority to your ideas.

Brand Style

Use the presentation and style of the company. It will demonstrate your diligence in research and draw attention to your brand awareness.

How To Prepare A Presentation For A Job Interview

To prepare a PowerPoint presentation for interview, follow these five steps:

1. Analyze the business

Be sure to research the company you are applying to before submitting your application. By exploring the business, you can incorporate crucial details into your presentation. To learn more about the company’s offerings, application procedure, market size, performance, leadership, and governance, visit their website. Examine news stories, features, and press releases recently covered by the media. If the business has a social media account, review the most recent updates to see the preferred tone and any new advancements.

2. Recognize your target audience

The audience for your interview will probably vary depending on the job you are applying for. It is essential to know who will be at your presentation, their departments, roles, and what they’re good at. For example, suppose you’re applying for human resources. In that case, your presentation will differ from someone applying for a sales or executive role. Hence, it will be more effective if you customize your presentation for the audience. Make a PowerPoint presentation that interests and is relevant to the audience’s technical and non-technical segments.

3. Get notes ready

Make notes on the company or sector you will present for. It’s crucial to be ready to discuss the topic you’ll be given during the interview. The interviewer can gauge your understanding of the more significant business the company works in, so include current industry news in your notes.

4. Adopt a rational framework

Make sure that the format of your presentation is well-organized. An organized presentation makes it easier for your audience to follow along and stay interested. A strong finish, exciting material, and an engaging introduction define a successful presentation. A strong opening grabs the audience’s attention, and your engaging facts persuade them that you are a standout contender.

5. Work on your delivery

Once your presentation is ready, practice delivering it. You can also catch presenting mistakes with proper practice. You can get prepared by using a camera to record yourself. You can also present in front of your friends and solicit their opinions on what went well and what still needs improvement.

How to Deliver Your Presentation For Interview

When delivering a PowerPoint presentation for interview, follow these tips:

• Seek advice
• Recognize your target
• Identify a central idea
• Tell an engaging tale
• Take a strategic stance
• Adopt a constructive mindset
• Get comfortable delivering
• Communicate nonverbally
• Conclude powerfully

1. Seek advice

Ask the recruiting manager for any clarification you might need before you start working on your presentation. Read and review all the directions regarding the presentation first. Ask the hiring team if they would prefer to hear about a particular topic or if you should develop your own if the instructions do not specify one. Next, determine how long you can expect to speak with the hiring team. You can show that you are detail-oriented, receptive to criticism, and have practical communication skills by asking for help.

2. Recognise your target

Find out how knowledgeable the audience is so that you can communicate at a level that is understandable and sophisticated. To better understand the audience and adjust your discussion to your audience’s knowledge, experience, and interests, think about asking for names and positions. Obtaining all your information will help you make your discussion more effective and relevant, raising your candidature rating.

3. Identify a central idea

Be careful to choose a focal point when deciding on a presentation topic. Ensure the audience understands your presentation’s main point by organizing it around a single idea. Reduce the points in your presentation to make it seem comprehensive, well-thought-out, and professionally prepared.

4. Tell an engaging tale

Some of the best ways to organize a presentation are through conventional storytelling techniques , whether you’re talking about a finished project or a highly technical subject. Using a proven method, you can make your message stick in people’s minds and grab their attention. To tell an engaging story, take the following actions:

• Describe the issue.
• Describe the significance of the issue.
• Talk about the difficulties you encountered while trying to find the solution.
• Finish with a powerful impact and resolution.

5. Take a strategic stance

Without being too commercial, use your presentation to establish yourself as the protagonist of your own tale. When feasible, use evidence to support your claims; otherwise, highlight your best traits and the most pertinent experience in your presentation. Seize the chance to show that you are a candidate who can quickly help the organization achieve essential goals.

6. Adopt a constructive mindset

Throughout your presentation, maintain an optimistic attitude while discussing your challenges. Consider emphasizing how you improved a problematic situation or discussing your efforts to overcome difficult circumstances. When appropriate, project an image of being proactive and emphasize your steps to resolve a problem. Let the information and data lead your presentation so the interviewers can grasp your thought processes.

7. Get comfortable delivering

To ensure you leave a positive first impression on the recruiting team:

• Practice your presentation multiple times in advance.
• Try presenting without consulting your notes or reading your script after a few practice sessions.
• Keep track of the time during each practice session to determine the perfect pace.
• Choose the main themes you want to discuss as you review each presentation segment to help it sound more natural and prevent it from coming across as too prepared.

8. Communicate non-verbally

Practice confidently expressing yourself while standing up and speaking. Face the audience directly, have a cheerful look, and smile naturally. To make points, keep your shoulders back and utilize small hand motions. Keep eye contact throughout your job interview PowerPoint presentation, particularly when making a crucial point.

9. Conclude powerfully

Create a memorable conclusion to ensure your presentation is as compelling as possible. A broad, open-ended question that came up throughout your study could be an excellent way to wrap up. A one- to three-word key takeaway that helps your audience recall the presentation’s primary point can also be used to wrap up. Integrating your message with an intriguing quotation next to the organization’s mission, vision, and goals is another effective wrap-up technique. In closing, raise any queries to show you are receptive to criticism and conversation.

Helpful tips For the Job interview Presentation

Here are some tips that you can use during the presentation for interview: 

1. Create the outline

When requested to give a presentation at an interview, you should have enough time to organize it according to a predetermined outline. If the interviewer still needs to provide you with all the necessary information, ensure you know how the process will work out regarding the topic, time limits, available multimedia devices, and participants. Remember that adhering to the brief is a necessary component of the evaluation process, so if you’re requested to do the task in less than or equal to 10 minutes, stay within that amount of time. After you’ve confirmed the nature of the interview, you should begin preparing a presentation that will wow the audience and showcase your qualifications for the post.

2. Establish a framework

Developing a presentation with a coherent framework facilitates the communication of your ideas. A well-considered framework conveys your thoughts intelligibly and concisely rather than jumping from one notion to another. Naturally, an introduction is the ideal place to begin. Set the scene immediately and emphasize how your solution makes a real difference. Next, compose a story using informative statistics and first-hand accounts. It should demonstrate how your skills and expertise help the business achieve its objectives.

3. Improve the visual assistance

Your audience shouldn’t just be able to read the slides from your presentation. They must endorse what you’re saying to keep their attention on you. It entails using fewer wordy slides and increasing the number of images to illustrate your arguments better.

4. Practice For The Job Interview Presentation

Although it may seem obvious, people must practice their presentations long enough. Even if you have a better idea than the other interviewees, there’s a considerable possibility the hiring panel will only understand the relevance of your speech if you convey it well. To find the ideal balance, practice with friends or family and ask for feedback on your areas of weakness.

5. Get ready to adjust

It would be best if you rehearsed to project a powerful presence during your presentation. Still, the hiring panel may try to knock you off balance. Consider potential question topics when you draft your presentation. It might assist you in preparing answers that demonstrate that you have thought through the issue.

6. Pay attention to the little things

Once the creation of your presentation is complete, focus on fine-tuning the minor elements. We’ve already discussed the need to speak deliberately. Still, to project confidence, you should also remember to make eye contact and display open body language. Your presentation will go more smoothly if you are more prepared. Ensure you arrive early on the interview day so you can set up your presentation. Ensure your tech gadgets function properly, bring extra batteries for your remote controls, and allow enough time for a final evaluation.

Lastly, you can ensure you deliver a standout presentation showcasing your most substantial skill sets by giving your job interview presentation more thought and preparation.

Job Interview Presentation Examples:

Here are some job interview presentation examples of a presentation template to assess a candidate’s ability to teach by having them give thesis statements:

What Is A thesis statement?

Introduction.

Brad Cooper

As a seasoned academic writer, I plan to teach English in middle schools. A thesis statement is a crucial sentence that sums up your paper’s central topic. I will define a thesis statement today and give you an example to see what one may look like in an academic work.

Defining a thesis statement

A thesis statement is a sentence that exposes the reader to the primary idea of a paper or essay in the opening paragraph. Your thesis statement is one of the most crucial sentences in your work and one of the first things the reader will see, but it may also be one of the most difficult to compose! 

An example of a thesis statement

It is an illustration of a thesis statement for a literary devices-related English paper: The central premise of this novel is that hardship can lead to triumph with hard effort and perseverance; the author presents this idea through metaphors and foreshadowing.

As I explained in my presentation today, a thesis statement is a paper’s central notion. Since it’s an essential component of the writing process, young children must know this subject as soon as possible. I appreciate your attention to my presentation. Do you have any questions concerning my credentials or the information I provided? I would be happy to help.

Job Interview Presentation Templates

SlideUpLift is well-known for its vast collection of expertly designed PowerPoint templates covering a wide range of subjects and businesses. One notable category within its repertoire is the Job Interview Presentations section. Here, you can find templates explicitly tailored for interview scenarios, enabling seamless presentations during job interviews such as job interview presentation examples. These templates come in various styles, such as making dynamic employee profiles and using the STAR system to highlight skills. 

Interview Resume Presentation PowerPoint Template

The Interview Resume Presentation PowerPoint Template aims to help people with different professional backgrounds increase their chances of getting hired. This template consists of 11 slides, including all the relevant information that a job seeker should include in their resume to seek an excellent job. Job seekers, interns or students, professionals looking for a promotion, independent contractors, consultants, etc. can all use it.

Presentation Agenda PowerPoint Template

The Presentation Agenda PowerPoint template is valuable for incorporating a structured agenda into your job interview presentation. The Agenda Presentation template features four dedicated agendas, providing a clear, organized layout highlighting key topics. The slide can be included in your presentation, allowing you to communicate the issues to be covered effectively. Whether you are outlining the interview process, presenting key points, or discussing specific aspects, this template ensures a professional and visually appealing agenda for a presentation.

Star Job Interview Presentation Template

The Star Interview PowerPoint template adopts a structured format featuring four blocks: Situation, Task, Action, and Results. 

This template is tailored for interviews or presentations using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Results) method to assess or communicate experiences. Each block provides dedicated space to articulate the specific Situation, Task at hand, Actions taken, and Results achieved.

30 60 90 Day Plan for Interview PowerPoint Template

A 30 60 90 Day Plan for an interview presentation is a structured outline that illustrates your intentions and proposed actions during the first three months of your employment in a new role. It’s a tool used to demonstrate your understanding of the position, your strategic thinking, and your ability to set goals and achieve them.

Animated Job Interview Presentation PowerPoint Template

This is another amazing resume PowerPoint template for you. The unique thing is that it comes with animations. These Animations make your presentation more exciting and attractive for the audience. Download it and customize it as per your requirements. Add your details, and you are good to go.

With all the information and tips in this detailed article, you can end your worries and prepare for your job interview presentation like a pro . You now possess all the specific presenting advice needed to ace the interview. If the design aspect overwhelms you, peruse our vast collection of PowerPoint Presentation templates and select particular components (such as data charts, shapes, and diagrams) to give your presentation the best visual appeal.

How long should my job interview presentation be?

Aim for a concise presentation, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, to maintain audience engagement.

What's the best way to conclude my job interview presentation?

The best way to conclude your job interview presentation is by summarizing key points, expressing enthusiasm for the role, and opening the floor for any questions from the interview panel.

What should be the key focus of my job interview presentation?

Prioritize showcasing your skills and experiences and how they align with the job requirements and company values.

How can I handle questions during or after the presentation for interview?

Be prepared for questions by anticipating potential inquiries related to your content, experiences, or the role.

How can SlideUpLift benefit me in preparing a job interview presentation?

SlideUpLift provides a wide array of professionally designed PowerPoint templates, including specific templates for job interview presentations. This resource can significantly help you create a standout and impactful interview pitch.

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• The Secret to Crushing Your Job Interview Presentation
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• 27th October 2023

During your job search and as a part of your interview process, it’s not uncommon to have to give an interview presentation. 

Here at Dynamic, the professionals we help with their job search regularly give interview presentations. And we offer support throughout this process: From helping them to understand what the interviewer is looking for from the presentation, to actually helping with the content of their presentations.

We’re here to help you answer the questions you’ve been wondering like: What exactly is an interview presentation? What should you include? And what to do when your interview presentation doesn’t quite go as planned.

What is an Interview Presentation?

At any stage in your career you may be asked to give an interview presentation. This interview will likely test you on one or more of the skills that are most important to the role.

The interview presentation you are asked to give can vary largely, depending on the role you are applying for and the industry you work in.

For example, a Solutions Architect may have to give an interview presentation that shows their technical ability, but also highlighting communication and presentation skills. 

Meanwhile someone earlier in their career at a Network Engineer level, will likely have to give a presentation that focuses purely on their technical ability: Because that is what is most important to the employer when hiring at this level.

But the core approach and things to remember about giving an interview presentation

Why Are You Being Asked to Give an Interview Presentation?

When an employer asks you to give a presentation in your interview, it is typically to gain a greater understanding of your skills or experience. These will be the skills or experience that are most important to the role, and can offer you insight into what will be expected of you in the role.

The questions you are asked in an interview are obviously important, and it’s always a good idea to research the typical interview questions that you are likely to face . 

But the interview presentation can be just as, and is likely more important than, the questions you answer: And is typically where many potential candidates are rejected from the interview process.

The interview presentation will also help you to understand whether the job is one that would be right for you. The presentation task will likely be something you will be doing in the role everyday, or something that is of crucial importance. So the interview presentation task can give you more insight into the role than you can get from asking questions in the interview.

The 5 Things Your Job Interview Presentation Needs to Show

Before we get into the practical tips for your interview presentation, there are a few essential things that your presentation must show:

1. That you understood the task and the job you’ll be doing.

All too often we see candidates who have rushed into an interview task, without really taking the time to understand the task or understand what the employer was really looking to see. 

Because it’s feedback we hear from the employers we work with all the time. It’s crucial to make sure you understand what the employer wants to see from your task.

2. Your technical experience and expertise.

Pretty obvious, but pretty important. If you’re given a technical task, you need to show that you’re an expert at what you’ve been asked. This can mean going back and doing some revision around this area, to refresh your memory and prepare yourself for any questions you might face.

3. That you can handle yourself in a high-pressure situation.

Being cool under pressure is an essential skill and is an attractive quality in almost every job. Conversely, while someone may be great on paper, if they can’t articulate themselves or crumble under pressure, that can be a huge red flag to employers.

4. You can communicate well with clients and colleagues.

Communication is key, especially in a position where you’ll be working closely with clients or colleagues. And if you can’t articulate yourself effectively in a presentation setting, employers will be hesitant to put you in a role where you will be presenting to clients.

5. That you really want the job.

If you’re in the interview, then it’s fairly obvious that you want the job you’re interviewing for. But one of the things that employers will look for is who really wants the job.

Putting in the effort, preparing for any questions they may have and rehearsing your presentation, will show the interviewer that you’re serious about the opportunity.

13 Interview Presentation Tips and Steps to Success

These 13 tips will outline the steps you need to take when creating, presenting and what you need to do after your interview presentation.

1. Understand your audience and what they are looking for

The most important tip we can give is to understand what your audience, the interviewer, is looking for from your presentation. 

If you’re interviewing for an IT Account Manager position and asked to give a mock pitch to clients, is it the contents of your presentation that really matters? Probably not. 

Instead, the interviewers are looking to see that you present yourself well, can communicate effectively, and have a technical understanding of what you’re selling.

2. Keep it nice and short

Nobody wants to sit through a seemingly endless presentation. So try to keep the presentation you give nice and short: As concise as it needs to be.

If you’re really not sure about the length of the presentation, you can always ask the interviewer about how long they would like the interview presentation to be.

If you haven’t been given an outline for how long your presentation should take, you might be tempted to put in as much useful information as you can, to show off your knowledge and skills. But we advise having only the necessary information you need to complete the task at hand or answer the questions that you need to.

3. Have a structure for your presentation

Imperative to having a streamlined and professional interview presentation, is having a solid structure. Whatever the subject of your presentation, you should have an introduction, the main points you want to address, and a conclusion.

4. Use images and graphs, not just text

Make your presentation more engaging by including images, graphs, diagrams and maybe even a video if you’re feeling a bit creative. 

This prevents your presentation from becoming monotonous, and can help to break up slides of text after text or large sets of data.

5. Don’t try to fit too much information on each slide

It can be tempting to try and use up all the real estate on your presentation slides, cramming them with information.

But we advise having slides with just the key points that you want to explore, or a graph that will support what you say.

Keeping the majority of the information off the slides gives you more to talk about, stops everyone from sitting and reading the slides in silence, and will keep the interviewers attention on you. 

6. Try to match the branding of the business

Something we advise that doesn’t take too much effort, is mirroring the branding of the business you’re applying for a role at. 

What we mean by this, is to say you’re applying for a job at BT. Going on the BT website and downloading some pamphlet or e-book from their website and matching the logos and overall colour scheme that they use.

It’s not the most important thing in the world, as it won’t save your interview presentation if everything else goes wrong. But it does show you’re putting in the extra effort to impress the interviewer.

7. Double check for any mistakes

And in opposition to this, is making sure that there are no mistakes in your presentation. Because having simple errors or spelling mistakes in your presentation isn’t a great look, and the interviewer will be sure to notice. 

So make sure to proofread your presentation. And even better, have someone else double check it for you.

8. Practise presenting to yourself, or to friends/ family

The difference between someone presenting for the first time and someone who has rehearsed is absolutely noticeable to a hiring manager. So we strongly advise taking the time to practise your interview presentation beforehand. 

Not only will this help you appear more natural when you present, it will also help you to know if your presentation is too long and needs to be cut down.

9. Be confident when presenting

Not everyone is a natural born public speaker. But exuding confidence in your presentation is essential. Which means:

• Taking your time and not rushing through your presentation. 
• Speaking confidently and clearly.
• Asking whether you’ve been clear with what you’ve said so far.
• Even your body language.

Because if you struggle to present confidently and can’t articulate yourself properly, then the employer won’t be confident that you will be confident in front of customers or clients.

10. Be confident with your body language

When you present, the interviewer will be aware of your body language and what it says about you: So it’s important that you are aware of it too, and you’re in control of it. This can involve making eye contact, using appropriate and positive hand gestures, having a good posture, and smiling.

These are just a few tips, but for more information on how to convey confidence with body language throughout the interview, read our guide on interview body language here .

11. Don’t go overboard on time, and leave time for questions

We’ve mentioned the length of your presentation earlier, but it’s important that you don’t go over the assigned time limit. 

It shows poor time management, poor communication skills (if you take too long to get to the point), and an employer would likely be more hesitant to put you in front of customers or clients.

You should also aim to leave about 5 minutes of time at the end of your presentation to give the interviewers the opportunity to ask any questions, without going overboard on time.

12. Think what questions you need to expect

Predicting the questions you’re going to face seems like an impossible task. After all, you could be asked about pretty much anything. But in reality, understanding the task and what the interviewer is looking for will help you to have an idea of the kinds of questions you’ll be asked.

For example, if you’re giving an interview presentation that is a mock pitch to clients, then you can attempt to think of some objections that a client would raise about your pitch. Or if you were listening to your presentation, what are the questions you would ask?

13. Thank them for their time, and reiterate your interest in the position

When you’ve finished your presentation and interview, remember to thank the interviewer for their time and say again how interested you are in the position and in joining the company.

When an interviewer is trying to make a decision between a few competitive candidates, being the one who is eager and actively wants the job can be a deciding factor.

What to Do If Your Interview Presentation Doesn’t Go to Plan?

Hopefully your interview presentation goes perfectly and you can skip this section completely. But just in case it doesn’t, here are a few things that could go wrong in your presentation and how to avoid them.

Technical difficulties

Technical difficulties can be frustrating at the best of times but especially in a high-pressure situation like an interview. And even worse, they can be completely out of your control.

The best thing you can do is to prepare for any eventuality.

Email a copy of your presentation to yourself. Have another copy on a USB memory stick that you bring with you. Print out a few copies to hand out as a backup. Try to cover all bases where possible.

You are asked a question you don’t know the answer to

While you can try to predict the questions you’ll be asked, it’s unlikely you’ll get them all. And you may even be asked a question to which you simply don’t have the answer. 

So instead of trying to come up with an answer on the spot, it’s best to pause and ask for a minute to consider. Or if you’re truly stumped, be upfront and say you don’t have an answer at that time but will revisit at the end of the interview, or at a later date.

While it would be an ideal situation to have an answer to every question, asking for time to revisit shows confidence and self-awareness.

Your audience seem disinterested or not engaged

Interview presentations are necessarily the most exciting things in the world. Especially if an interviewer has conducted multiple of the same interview. 

So don’t be disheartened if the interviewers don’t seem the most engaged. And if they do, you can always ask the interviewers if everything you have said makes sense so far or if they have any questions about anything you’ve discussed up to that point.

This also helps to stop your interview presentation turning into a lecture and gives yourself a pause to collect your thoughts and take a break.

You’re going overboard on time

Before you go in, you should have a good idea of how long your presentation will last. Even so, you can find yourself going overboard on time when in the interview.

It’s important to be aware of how much time you have left and if you’re going to go overboard on time.

But you can prepare for this beforehand. Before you go into the interview, try to think of areas that you can trim or cut from your presentation just in case. That you would like to include if you have the time, but aren’t 100% necessary to keep in, or that you can summarise quickly if you need to.

5 Ways How Working With a Recruitment Agency Can Help Your Interview Presentation

Interview presentations can be incredibly stressful, and the whole interview process is hardly a barrel of laughs. But working with a recruitment agency can be helpful for a number of reasons:

• Recruiters often have insight into exactly what the interviewer is looking for, giving you an edge over the competition.
• Recruiters have seen hundreds of interview tasks and presentations, and can give you individually tailored advice.
• It gives you someone to rehearse with, or give you feedback on your presentation.
• And the recruiter may also know where previous candidates for the job have gone wrong in their presentations, telling you how to avoid these mistakes.
• All of which can give you a big confidence boost, knowing that you have a recruitment professional in your corner to support you

Support with your job interview presentation is just one of the many benefits of working with a recruitment partner. Have a look at our open IT jobs here , or reach out to register your interest here .

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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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7 Great Books for Boosting Your Presentation Skills

These guides to becoming a powerful public speaker belong in the library of every entrepreneur..

Make no mistake about it: Your ability to give an engaging and memorable presentation is crucial to the success every business enterprise. There are thousands of "how-to" books about presentations, but these, IMHO, are the best and most useful:

1. Speak to Win

Subtitle: How to Present With Power in Any Situation

Author: Brian Tracy

Why It's Worth Reading: While Tracy's other books are more famous, this one takes the author's deep understanding of people and salesmanship into the realm of general business speaking and personal self-development. There's nothing here that will amaze or surprise you, but it's the kind of solid, good, useful advice about public speaking, business, and life that you'd expect from a living legend.

Best Quote: "Becoming an excellent public speaker will help you in every part of your career. But there is an even more important reason to learn to speak well to an audience. Psychologists tell us that your level of self-esteem, or 'how much you like yourself,' largely determines the quality of your inner and outer life. The better and more persuasively you speak, the more you like yourself. The more you like yourself, the more optimistic and confident you are. The more you like yourself, the most positive and personable you are in your relationships with others. The more you like yourself, the healthier, happier, and more positive you become in everything you do."

2. Resonate

Subtitle: Present Visual Stories That Transform Audiences

Author: Nancy Duarte

Why It's Worth Reading: Recently, there has been a spate of books about storytelling in business situations. Frankly, some of them come off as book-sized permission slips for baby-boomers to justify telling tired, irrelevant war stories. This book is not like that at all. Instead, it explains how to create a moving and memorable presentation by placing it into the context of storytelling. If you read only one book about storytelling in business, this is the one to buy.

Best Quote: "Moving an idea from its inception to adoption is hard, but it's a battle that can be won simply by wielding a great presentation. Presentations are a powerfully persuasive tool, and when packaged in a story framework, your ideas become downright unstoppable. Story structures have been employed for hundred of generations to persuade and delight every known culture."

3. The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

Subtitle: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People

Authors: Gary Chapman and Paul White

Why It's Worth Reading: This spinoff from the huge bestseller The Five Languages of Love may seem a bit, well, crunchy to some readers. Nevertheless, it provides a usable system by which you can increase your ability to connect with everyone else in your organization. The system also helps you build presentations that hold appeal for multiple individuals with different emotional habits.

Best Quote: "Each person has a primary and secondary language of appreciation. Our primary language communicates more deeply to us than the others. Although we will accept appreciation in all five languages, we will not feel truly encouraged unless the message is communicated through our primary language. When messages are sent repeatedly in ways outside of that language, the intent of the message 'misses the mark' and loses the impact the sender had hoped for."

4. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information

Author: Edward R. Tufte

Why It's Worth Reading: Make no mistake about it: this book is no page-turner. It's a more of a textbook, but OMG what an incredibly useful one. Presentation gurus frequently insist that we should use more graphics and make those graphics easier to understand. Great advice, certainly, but how? This book explains how and belongs in every business library.

Best Quote: "Words and pictures belong together. Viewers need the help that words can provide. Words on graphics are data-ink, making effective use of the space freed up by erasing redundant and non-data-ink. It is nearly always helpful to write little messages on the plotting field to explain the data, to label outliers and interesting data points, to write equations and sometimes tables on the graphic itself, and to integrate the caption and legend into the design so that the eye is not required to dart back and forth between textual material and the graphic."

5. Presentation Zen

Subtitle: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery

Author: Garr Reynolds . Foreword by Guy Kawasaki

Why It's Worth Reading: I'm not 100 percent sure how "Zen" this book is, but it's probably the best prescription for creating memorable presentations that appeal to the audience on multiple levels. His working model (with which I completely agree) is that a presentation should appeal to six senses: design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning. Think of this book as the antidote to PowerPoint addiction.

Best Quote: "It is more difficult to process information if it is coming at us both verbally and in written form at the same time. Since people cannot read and listen well at the same time, displays filled with lots of text must be avoided. On the other hand, multimedia that displays visual information, including visualizations of quantitative information, can be processed while listening to somebody speak about the visual content."

6. Death by Meeting

Subtitle: A Leadership Fable...About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business

Author: Patrick Lencioni

Why It's Worth Reading: This book isn't about presentations, per se, but about the context in which presentations take place. By describing a fictional situation that rings true on every level, the author helps the reader understand why some meetings change the world and others simply bore people to death. Warning: As far as fiction goes, it's not The Da Vinci Code . It is, however, more readable than you'd expect, considering it's a discussion of business meetings.

Best Quote: "If we hate meetings, can we be making good decisions and successfully leading our organizations? I don't think so. There is simply no substitute for a good meeting--a dynamic, passionate, and focused engagement--when it comes to extracting the collective wisdom of a team. The hard truth is, bad meetings almost always lead to bad decisions, which is the best recipe for mediocrity."

7. Confessions of a Public Speaker

Author: Scott Berkun

Why It's Worth Reading: In addition to providing the author's valuable personal insights into audiences, presentations, and business in general, this book is worth reading just because it's so damn funny. 

Best Quote: "If you tell people you're a public speaker, they'll assume one of three bad things: 1) You're a motivational speaker who wears bad suits, sweats too much, and dreams about Tony Robbins; 2) You're a high priest in a cult and will soon try to convert them to your religion; 3) You're single, unemployed, and live in a van down by the river."

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

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5 Steps to Acing Your Interview Presentation

As if a job interview isn’t stressful enough , now you’ve been asked to give a presentation as part of the process.

Well, considering that an interview is a chance for your potential employer to fully assess your abilities, it’s no surprise. Giving a presentation allows you to share your public speaking skills, knowledge of a specific topic, ability to stay calm under pressure, and more. And this is a good thing! After all, a well-developed and delivered presentation can let you shine like nothing else.

The flip side, though, is that a poor presentation can have a tremendously damaging effect on your chances of landing the job. So, how do you make sure that your presentation is flawless?

Try these steps for interview presentation success.

1. Know What You’re Working With

As soon as you’re asked to give a presentation, start by asking the hiring manager a few questions. Learn more about the topics you should present on, see how much time you’ll have, and ask what technology, if any, you’ll have access to.

It’s particularly important to ask to whom you’ll be presenting. What is the knowledge or expertise level of the audience? Will they be your colleagues, your bosses, or your potential clients? Knowing this will help you determine how to pitch your presentation, what focus you should take, and what tone would be most appropriate.

2. Start With a Structure

Once you’ve identified the purpose and key message of your presentation, you can start to structure it. Developing a clear structure will help you stay on point and help your audience follow you.

Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have the basic components of a well-structured presentation, including a captivating introduction, a compelling argument in the body, and a memorable conclusion. But this is an interview, and you want to impress your audience. No matter what you’re talking about, weave in examples of your skills and abilities , recommendations of how you would tackle a project for the company, or some other way of connecting your experience with what the employer needs.

One of the best presentations I’ve seen tied all the above together. The candidate’s presentation was so well-organized that it felt like a story, and the hiring committee was along for the ride. The story included how she got started in her line of work and what her interest in the company was. It ended with the candidate sharing her vision for the department she was hoping to lead, complete with ideas for new programs and innovative ways to reach new clients.

3. Prepare Aids

No matter how exceptional a public speaker you are, most presentations benefit from a little help. Use a presentation tool (PowerPoint or Prezi are great tools to familiarize yourself with) to highlight the key points you want to get across. But don’t rely on these—it’s called “Death by PowerPoint” for a reason. Besides, you want your audience to be focusing on you and what you’re saying, not your PowerPoint design.

A good rule of thumb is to treat each slide as you would a sign on the highway—just enough information to catch someone’s attention, but not so much that you distract people.

Also consider preparing handouts for the audience to keep—they can serve as a reminder of you and your presentation. Similar to slides, your handouts should call back to your key concepts and points, giving audience members exactly the information you want them to remember.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Once your presentation is structured and written, rehearse it. Practice it often, in front of other people if you can, or record yourself practicing. Ask for feedback, and incorporate that feedback into your edits.

You’ll especially want to look out for nervous habits—saying “like” and “um,” for example, or fidgeting, which makes your audience nervous for you. While you don’t have to memorize your presentation, you should run through it enough times so that you’re comfortable with it and can consciously avoid these habits.

Another presentation that really sticks out in my mind was from a young woman who was so nervous she could barely get a full sentence out. She kept her eyes down, looking at her notes the entire time. And even then, she stumbled over her words and got lost in her presentation. It was uncomfortable, and it was clear that she had not spent much time becoming familiar with her presentation. She was certainly memorable—but for all the wrong reasons.

5. Ace the Delivery

A solid delivery of your presentation begins before you even walk in the room. In other words, don’t forget the interview basics: dressing professionally, carrying yourself with confidence, and wearing a smile on your face.

Also pay attention to your body language when giving your presentation. You should be standing, not sitting down, as you speak. A great way to stand out from other candidates is to step out from behind the podium or a desk, bringing yourself out in front of the audience so they can see you, your gestures, and your stance.

As you’re giving your presentation, speak with confidence and authority. Make eye contact with different members of the audience to draw them in and engage them in what you’re saying. Remind yourself to take a few deep breaths at various points—this will help you stay calm, and will also naturally slow your speech a bit (most people tend to speak quickly when giving a presentation).

Presentations are always nerve-wracking, but remember that the audience wants you to succeed. The hiring committee invited you in because they probably think you have something to offer, and they want to see more. Follow the steps above, and show them exactly what that is.

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• Storytelling

How to Nail Your Next Job Interview Presentation

Peter Khoury

Influence Interview skills Public Speaking Tip-Tuesday Uncategorized

What would you do if your next job required you to give a Job interview presentation?

Do you know how to prepare?

Do you know what to say?

Do you know what to talk about?

You have to start thinking and preparing for it before it happens. Because the higher your position in an organization, the more likely you will be asked to present during your interview.

Working with hundreds of professionals over the years ( Professionals from Rosetta Stone, Genentech, SalesForce.com, Coiler, City of San Francisco, Chronicle Books, etc.) to help them prepare for their job interview presentations, I came up with a list of 5 tips to help you do well and get the job.

1 – Focus

Don’t talk about everything; Talk about one thing (maybe two). It’s important to stay “on message” so that your audience does not get confused.

It’s very tempting to talk about everything you know because you want to show your skills and knowledge. I once worked with a senior scientist who interviewed for a job and in the first draft of her presentation; she had included a list of all the techniques she knew instead of keeping the relevant ones. That’s normal; I see it all the time with clients. However, once you finish the first draft, you want to become brutal with scraping to maintain a tight focus.

The main purpose of the presentation interview is to see how well you communicate your ideas. So pick something you can communicate well and stay on point.

The main purpose of the presentation interview is to see how well you communicate your ideas!

• Instead of talking about all your x-projects, talk about one of them.
• Instead of talking about 5 experiments, talk about one or two experiments to support one point.
• Instead of having multiple lessons, have “one” take-home message.
• Instead of having 10 ideas to flesh out, just have one.

2 – Set the context

Before you start talking about the details, make sure your audience knows the background of your topic. This is especially important if you speak on previous projects or technologies you worked on.

You are interviewing at a new company who might not know about your previous company or position. So it’s important to give them some background to set the stage.

One of my clients was interviewing with a medical device company and in her previous work experience was on a vaccine for Prostate Cancer. When speaking about her past job, if she had started talking about the complex technology she used for her previous work without giving context, most of the audience would have been lost.

Instead, she dedicated 2 minutes in her introduction to cover the background of Cancer Vaccine Technology (At a very high level). Also, during the presentation, she linked what she was talking about to medical devices.

Always give context even if you think it is evident.

Additional Example:

If you are going to talk about a software update for your previous employer, then make sure your audience knows why you were doing the update in the first place. Mention and explain the problem you were trying to solve and tell them why that was important.

Setting the context in the “introduction” of your talk is crucial. It is so important that we spend a big portion in the Magnetic Presentations Boot Camp showing participants how to do it the right way – this part could make or break your presentation.

3- Ideas for interview presentation topics:

Unless you are doing a sales presentation for a company like Salesforce.com (Which gives you a case study to use for your presentation), you are usually free to pick your topic.

Here are some ideas to help you select a topic:

• A previous project you worked on
• New technology in your field
• Technology that could be helpful in your field
• Industry trends (no more than 3)
• Explore a published paper (yours or someone else’s)
• New or old process you have worked on or helped improve
• New or old product you have worked on
• Portfolio of your work
• State of the economy/ industry/ technology etc
• Sales presentation example

The list above should give you some ideas of what you need to talk about.

4- Think outside the box for presentation topics

Most professionals will do a presentation on a project they have done with their previous employer. That’s OK.

However, if you want to stand out, it’s a good idea to think outside the box. A client of mine once did a presentation on “Three Industry Trends For Social Media Marketing,” as she interviewed for a senior marketing position.

That was outside the box (because her competition talked about a previous company project) My client ended up getting the job – She stood out as a competent leader of industry trends (She did a lot of research for the presentation and weaved in her personal experience as well).

5- Toot your own horn

No one likes a show-off, yet, you have to do it a little in a job interview presentation. You have to share what you did, and how you contributed. In most circumstances, that’s shied away from but in a job interview , it is required and expected.

A recent study conducted at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln demonstrated that people who “self-promote” at the job interview presentation were rated as more superior, more capable, and more hireable than those who did not self-promote.

Regardless of what you are presenting on, you are introducing yourself, so you need to toot your own horn throughout the presentation.

Regardless of what you are presenting on, you are introducing yourself

Ok now here are some things to avoid.

Things to avoid in an interview presentation

• Avoid critiquing the company you are interviewing for (unless they specifically request it).
• Avoid bad-mouthing previous employers.
• Avoid making recommendations for the company regarding their processes unless you are sure this is what they want.
• Avoid ending your presentation on a bad note.
• Avoid making the whole presenting about you. Tooting your horn is a good few times during the presentation but not all the way through.
• Avoid looking too prepared or not prepared: you should come across natural and authentic.
• Avoid overwhelming your audience with data dumps .
• Avoid rambling

These were just four tips. There are more of course, but using them will help you stand out from almost everyone who interviews for the same position.

I see that a lot of companies start to require presentation as part of the interview process, and the trend will keep rising – are you ready for it?

Peter Khoury: Founder @ MagneticSpeaking X-Pharmaceutical Engineer, turned author, national speaker and executive presentation coach.

In addition to Public Speaking training, Peter is a regular speaker on the topics of Negotiations, Conflict Management and Leadership. He is the author of the book “ Self-Leadership Guide. ”

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Take a Presentation From Good To Great By Setting Boundaries

• Public Speaking

7 Public Speaking Books You Need to Read

• By  Emily Numa
• Aug 14, 2024
• Freelance Tips

Share this article:

If you’re considering undertaking some professional development , look no further than compelling and informative public speaking books. Improving your public speaking skills can help you in all aspects of communication, whether you’re delivering a keynote speech to a crowded auditorium or asking your supervisor for a promotion at work.

As a freelancer , you should think about developing a strong public speaking ability. It’s a handy skill to have in your competency toolbox, no matter what your freelance niche is. Solid public speaking skills can help you communicate effectively with clients, make a lasting first impression, and expand your professional network .

In this guide, we’ve highlighted seven of the most effective books on public speaking. They’ll help you boost your confidence and captivate your audience (even if it’s an audience of one). Choose your favorite from the list or read all seven for a well-rounded, balanced perspective. 

1. The Art of Public Speaking

Originally published in 1983, Dale Carnegie’s The Art of Public Speaking is considered a classic and one of the best books on public speaking. Carnegie discusses the importance of developing yourself, choosing a subject you’re passionate about, and engaging in preparation and practice . He covers topics such as using gestures effectively, conquering stage fright, and organizing your content. Each chapter covers a different tenet of public speaking, including the importance of inspiring emotion in your audience and avoiding monotony.

2. Out With It: How Stuttering Helped Me Find My Voice

Katherine Preston’s Out with It: How Stuttering Helped Me Find My Voice is a memoir that explores Preston’s personal journey with stuttering and the way it shaped her life. Rather than being a step-by-step guide or a list of public speaking tips , this story offers several unique perspectives on the journey to self-acceptance and ways to turn adversity into strength. In her memoir, Preston interviews a variety of specialists and researchers as well as celebrities, writers, musicians, etc., about battling and overcoming speech difficulties. If you’re looking for an engaging story with an inspirational message, then this book is a valuable addition to your professional and personal development library.

3. Talk Like TED

Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds , by Carmine Gallo, discusses the key factors that make TED Talks so powerful and influential. By analyzing some of the most popular TED Talks, Gallo identifies nine secrets that anyone can apply to their own speeches and presentations to make them more persuasive and memorable. Gallo offers advice on what he considers the most effective elements of public speaking:

• Being passionate about your topic
• Mastering the art of storytelling
• Embracing concision (TED Talks are typically no longer than 18 minutes) 
• Providing a unique perspective on a topic
• Delivering memorable moments
• Implementing an informal, conversational tone of voice  
• Using a multisensory approach
• Injecting humor when appropriate
• Staying authentic

If you’re a fan of TED Talks and want your presentations to leave a lasting impression, consider adding this book to your collection.

4. Presentation Zen

Presentation Zen , by Garr Reynolds, focuses on the visual and design aspects of public speaking. Reynolds advocates for a mindful and minimalist approach to presentations, emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and a focus on the audience. Storytelling is also a central theme in Presentation Zen – Reynolds stresses structuring presentations as stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

5. Do You Talk Funny?: 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker

David Nihill’s Do You Talk Funny?: 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker shares techniques from the world of stand-up comedy that help improve your public speaking skills. Nihill outlines seven key habits: creating an opening hook, using stories, adding humor, practicing delivery, editing ruthlessly, engaging with the audience, and closing strong. He also provides practical exercises and tips for incorporating these habits into presentations.

6. Communication Skills Training

In Communication Skills Training , Ian Tuhovsky offers a comprehensive guide to improving various aspects of communication, from verbal and nonverbal cues to active listening and empathy. He underscores the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in effective communication and provides practical exercises throughout the book. Tuhovsky also explores techniques for tackling tricky social interactions. For example, handling difficult conversations, giving and receiving feedback, and avoiding misunderstandings. This book is a great choice for anyone interested in developing their everyday social skills as a way to become a better communicator in their personal and professional lives. 

7. Speak With No Fear

In Speak With No Fear , Mike Acker provides practical strategies to overcome the fear of public speaking and build confidence. This includes acknowledging and embracing your fear, preparing thoroughly, and focusing on your message rather than yourself. Acker also emphasizes the importance of practicing regularly to reduce the stress and fear surrounding public speaking. He describes how to accept constructive feedback to improve. If fear of public speaking is holding you back from achieving your goals, this is a great guide to improving your mindset and becoming more comfortable in front of an audience. 

Becoming A Public Speaker

If you want to sharpen your presentation skills and learn how to better engage your audience, check out our comprehensive Becoming A Public Speaker course. It’ll help you conquer your nerves and ensure you’re ready for any public speaking scenario, from presentations to job interviews. Claim your free lessons to get started today!

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The staffroom

Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Need ideas for children's book for PGCE interview presentation

isawahatonce · 16/11/2017 16:24

Hi! So I've been invited to an interview next Friday for a PGCE. It's at my top choice university and I am shitting myself really, really want to do well. I've been told I have to do a three minute presentation on a children's book published in the last 10 years. It suggests talking about the story, the message, the language, the illustrations and the author. I would really appreciate if anyone has any good ideas about a book I could use. If possible, I would like something with a mathematical element (it's a specialist maths primary course) but it needs to be a story, something that I could read to a class. I'm also preferably looking for something more KS2 but I do want it to have pictures. I'm aware this is very specific, and I don't really need it to fit all these criteria, so anything you can think of that is a book children would enjoy with a good message or educational value would be excellent.

Google “power of reading book list”. That will bring up loads that schools use and hopefully you’ll spot something that grabs you. Which uni is it?

Purple Thanks! That looks great. It's at UEA.

I’m not a teacher but both of my DDs have looked at The Rabbit Problem by Emily Gravett.

Sorry - meant to add that one was in Reception when they used it as a basis for all sorts of learning but I think the other one was KS2 when they read it.

Spiderella is good for ks1.

Seconding Power of Reading site - CLPE is amazing and loads of resources there for you. There’s a book called ‘Journey’ which is about refugees which could be really good and quite topical. It’s a picture book with amazing illustrations, however I suppose it’d be better for UKS2

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Nigel , Bubbly and Honey Thanks so much! Have added all of these to the list, I particularly like the look of The Rabbit Problem.

Not maths based but anything by Anthony Browne is always good. Some of the best writing my year 6s did last year was from his picture book Voices in the park.

How big is a million has a simple storyline but I've used in numerous times for KS2 place value lessons. The poster at the end also has a great wow factor for an interview presentation.

Another maths based one that made mine LOL. 365 Penguins

The mysteries of Harrison Burdick. No words, great picture book. Best ever writing prompt. I get great stuff from my class, I've used it in years 2 to 6.

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Why 'Shepherds for Sale' book on Christians selling out for 'leftism' is stirring controversy among evangelicals

A book that bills itself as an investigation into prominent evangelical Christian leaders selling out for ' wokeism ' has drawn fierce pushback from those targeted by the book, while proponents have rallied around the text as a battle cry.

“Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded the Truth for a Leftist Agenda” by Megan Basham, who writes for The Daily Wire, is the latest inflection point in a broader debate over conservative Christians’ political positions and the way they articulate those positions.  

Basham’s book evaluates certain evangelical leaders’ stances on issues such as climate change, immigration, abortion, #MeToo and LGBTQ+ rights, and claims to point out those leaders wavering on traditional views of those issues. But those who are accused of wavering have said Basham used quotes out of context, while others have criticized the author and publisher for sidestepping journalistic ethics. Some have gone so far as to demand publisher Harper Collins pull the book. Here’s what to know.

What the book says and who’s supporting it

The premise of “Shepherds for Sale” is that various political and cultural influences are causing conservative faith leaders to cave and less boldly state orthodox beliefs while aligning with groups that espouse values antithetical to a traditionalist Christian worldview.

“My ultimate purpose is to confirm for average evangelicals in the pews that the uneasy feelings many of you have been having (perhaps for some years now) that your pulpits and your institutions are being co-opted by political forces with explicitly secular progressive aims are justified,” said Basham in the book’s introduction.

Many figures who befall Basham’s criticism are currently or previously associated with the Nashville-based Southern Baptist Convention, a denomination that’s grown increasingly divided between mainstream conservative and opposition conservative factions. Leaders of the opposition conservative faction, which has sought to pull the denomination further to the right, have rallied behind Basham and her book.

“I'm convinced that many evangelicals who are being steered by leftists are completely unaware,” said Florida pastor Tom Ascol, who ran as an opposition conservative candidate for SBC president in 2022, in a social media post about the book.  

Other well-known and more conservative faith leaders outside the SBC have also endorsed the book. “The book is succeeding precisely because it resonates with what a multitude of rank-and-file Christians have seen going on in their own communities and churches,” said Idaho pastor Doug Wilson on social media .

How 'Big Eva' leaders responded

Faith leaders who Basham criticized – popularly referred to as associated with “Big Eva” among the Christian right – have come out in the past week with extensive rebuttals.

Nashville theologian Gavin Ortlund recorded a 27-minute YouTube video refuting passages in “Shepherds for Sale,” while North Carolina pastor and former SBC president J.D. Greear responded in a similarly lengthy manner.

“I don’t point out these kinds of errors to be pedantic, but because journalistic integrity is essential to long-term credibility, and both Basham and HarperCollins have failed in their professional duties to perform due diligence to ensure accurate reporting,” said Greear in an online post Monday .

Other progressive and centrist voices, such as Nashville writer Tyler Huckabee and MinistryWatch president Warren Cole Smith , respectively, commented that Basham’s assertation that evangelical leaders have capitulated to broader cultural and political influences is true, but often in the opposite direction that Basham claims.

Harper Collins draws calls to pull book over ethics questions

In addition to pushback that Basham used quotes and other information out of context, the Daily Wire writer has also parried outcry that she bypassed journalism ethics by naming a survivor of alleged sexual abuse.

The original case is about Southern Baptist pastor and former SBC president Johnny Hunt, who faced sexual abuse allegations in a May 2022 report from Guidepost Solutions on SBC leaders’ response to an abuse crisis. Up until the recent release of Basham’s book, the woman who originally raised those allegations against Hunt has remained anonymous in the public eye.

“It is the most basic journalism ethics to not name abuse survivors without consent (barring extraordinary circumstances),” said Texas-based journalist Robert Downen, who personally interviewed the woman who accused Hunt of abuse and hadn’t named the woman in stories about the case, on social media, according to Baptist News Global .  

Those who had already been criticizing Harper Collins for publishing “Shepherds for Sale” despite fact-checking concerns were emboldened to escalate their demands amid discourse about Basham naming the victim.

“Naming a sex abuse survivor without her consent is completely unethical. @HarperCollins needs to pull @megbasham’s book immediately,” wrote journalist Julie Roy s, who often writes about abuse in the church.

Basham responded to the heat by saying on social media those who publicly make accusations “should be obligated to stand behind them.” The allegations against Hunt are central to an ongoing defamation lawsuit between Hunt against the SBC and Guidepost.

Recent and related: Southern Baptist ethics leader's near ouster: How a board crisis sparked a scandal

Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean. Reach him at [email protected] or on social media @liamsadams.

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Case in Point 11: Complete Case Interview Preparation Kindle Edition

• Print length 246 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date June 16, 2020
• File size 5659 KB
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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08BCS6721
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Burgee Press; 11th edition (June 16, 2020)
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 16, 2020
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 5659 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 246 pages
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About the author

Marc p cosentino.

For the past three decades Marc Cosentino's work has towered over the field of case interviews. The Wall Street Journal calls his book Case in Point the MBA Bible which is one of the many reasons why Cosentino is the world's foremost authority on case interviewing. He is CEO of CaseQuestions.com and a popular and sought after speaker. Over the past 30 years he has advised and coached over 150,000 students and alumni. Case in Point, is not only the number one selling case book world-wide, but is also the number three selling interview book world-wide and the top book in the field of consulting as well.

CIP is purchased in bulk by many of the top MBA consulting clubs including Wharton, Harvard, and University of Michigan as well as three of the top strategy consulting firms. Case in Point is now published in five languages.

Cosentino has given workshops worldwide to MBA and college students and has held training sessions for career services professionals. He has consulted with and designed cases for private sector firms, government agencies and non-profits. In addition, Marc has trained corporate and academic PhD's to think like business executives. Cosentino is a graduate of Harvard's Kennedy School, Harvard's Program on Negotiation and the University of Denver.

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Police corruption and brutality come under the microscope in new book When Cops are Criminals

Gunai/Kurnai woman Veronica Gorrie wanted to make a difference and so she became a police officer. She's now the editor of an anthology called When Cops are Criminals.

"I didn't want my kids to grow up with the same intense fear that I had towards police," Gorrie told ABC News.

"Growing up as a child, if my father was driving a vehicle and he said the word 'gungais,' which is our language for police, us kids would throw ourselves to the ground hiding from the police.

"I was essentially trying to break the cycle."

She also wanted people in her community "to feel safe when police turned up at their place." 

But after serving as a police officer in Queensland from 2001 to 2011, Gorrie feels she was right to feel the way she did as a child.

"I realised that my people's fears of police were well and truly justified from what I was seeing in the police, the stuff that I was witnessing," she said.

"The stuff I was hearing was very racist and almost unbearable, and I was that sort of person that called it out each and every time, which is why I eventually couldn't handle it anymore."

Gorrie wrote about her experiences in Black and Blue: A Memoir of Racism and Resilience published in 2021. Now, she's helped give others a voice.

With chapters such as Being Aboriginal is a Crime, and the Police Family Violence Offender: a Protected Species, contributors have shared their experiences of being racially profiled and physically abused by police, as well as witnessing corruption and police brutality.

"These experiences have traumatised these people, and they've spoken up, and in some cases, it's the first time they've ever spoken up about it," Gorrie said.

"Police target marginalised people, rough sleepers and the homeless.

"Every interaction that Aboriginal people and people of colour and people who identify as LGBTQI+, any interaction with police is dangerous and it can turn into death, and that's why there's so much fear in the community.

"We're scared of coppers. We shouldn't be scared.

"Their mottos are to serve and protect the community. They're not protecting us. They protect their own."

Good cop, bad cop

Gorrie says there's never been a reckoning in this country, and people who aren't marginalised find the whole concept of a corrupt police officer difficult to fathom.

"They've always seen the good cop," she said.

"So, they can't imagine what the contributors have been through. And what everyone needs to remember is that I've only selected a handful. I feel like this should be edition one, actually."

She wants the police defunded.

"In our community, people are already doing the work to keep each other safe, whereby they don't need to involve the police. And this work must be resourced and funded instead of funding the police."

Police investigating police

Jeremy King is a principal at Robinson Gill Lawyers, heading up a team litigating police misconduct cases, usually in the civil court.

"There has developed a culture of impunity within Victoria Police, and the reason for that is because 99 per cent of complaints against police are dealt with internally by police," King told ABC News.

"One per cent are dealt with by an independent organisation, which is IBAC [Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission]."

He says the only accountability police face in Victoria is through the media and litigation, and sometimes, but very rarely, through the criminal courts.

"If you're a police officer, what incentive is there for you to actually obey the law … when you know that it is extraordinarily unlikely that if you do step over the line, anything will be done about it?

"And if it is done about it, it's going to be done by your mates, either in the same station or within the same organisation."

King says he's also spoken to police officers who want to call out their colleagues but have nowhere to go or are worried about their careers.

He's pushing for an independent police ombudsman.

"Until there is proper, meaningful, independent police oversight, there never will be a change within Victoria Police, because there'll never be any pressure on them to do so," he says.

Police officer turned whistleblower

Kate Pausina is a former police officer turned whistleblower who served in Queensland for 23 years, rising to the rank of detective senior sergeant.

She writes in the book about leaving the police force due to bullying, sexual discrimination and negligence.

"My complaint wasn't about sexism and bullying and things like that," Pausina told ABC News.

"It was because I had a legislative duty to report potentially criminal behaviour, and then because I went ahead and did that, the resulting behaviours followed.

"I was a … senior sergeant, and if it's seen that that's what was done to me for making a complaint that I had to make, why would a junior officer come forward?"

Her chapter doesn't end with a solution or advice for others, but she feels strongly that something needs to change.

"There's just so many excuses that come out, and they're the same excuses every single time, is that 'We need more training. We need more training,'" she says.

"Well, how much more training do you need before you can start to get things right?"

When Cops are Criminals is out now. 

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Opinion David French

Neil Gorsuch Has a Few Thoughts About America Today

Credit... Matt Eich for The New York Times

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By David French

Opinion Columnist

• Aug. 4, 2024

On July 31, I met with Justice Neil Gorsuch in his chambers at the Supreme Court for a wide-ranging interview about his new book, “ Over Ruled : The Human Toll of Too Much Law.” His co-author, Janie Nitze, a former clerk of his, was present for the interview as well.

I didn’t get to ask every question I wanted to, but our conversation covered a lot of ground, including Gorsuch’s indictment of the regulatory state, his approach to evaluating agency expertise, the problem of mass incarceration and coercive plea bargaining, his jurisprudence holding the United States accountable for its obligations to Native Americans and his definition of originalism and the role of history in understanding the Constitution.

What follows has been lightly edited for length and clarity.

David French : So I want to start by talking about the book. It takes direct aim at the proliferation of rules, regulations and statutes that govern our lives. But I’m really intrigued by the emphasis on the human toll. Critics of the regulatory state often emphasize the economic toll of dense regulations and rules. They’ll tell you if we can smooth out the Federal Register, we could save X billions of dollars, for example. But its defenders will say, “Well, wait a minute. These regulations might create economic inefficiencies, but they actually protect people.” Your book says that’s not necessarily the case. What is the human toll?

Neil Gorsuch : Well, that’s sort of a question about why I wrote the book, David, I think. And the answer is, I’ve been a judge for about 18 years now. And I just have seen so many cases in which ordinary, hard-working, decent Americans, trying to do their best and intending no harm to anyone, just get caught up in a wall of rules or laws that they didn’t know existed.

And having sat through those cases, I wanted to know more about how that came to be, why, and more about them.

So really, the book’s a book of stories about them, of a fisherman in Florida, about monks in Louisiana, about hair braiders in Texas. And they’re cases I’ve seen or some of my colleagues have told me about, and it is not an attack at all on law or regulation. For goodness’ sake, I’m a lawyer and a judge. And some law is absolutely necessary, in order to protect our liberties and our safety.

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