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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

What is an Interview Presentation?

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

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

Think of your interview presentation as a sales pitch.

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

Employers request interview presentations for a few simple reasons:

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

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

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

[ Use This Template ]

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

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

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

Everyone appreciates clarity.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most interview presentation templates feature the following slides:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: StockSnap

Dial-Up Your Power

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

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

The first 30 Seconds Count The Most

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

Try To Appear Similar to the Interviewer

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

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

Back up your statements with facts

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

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

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

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

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

What is an Elevator Pitch for an Interview?

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

How to Make an Elevator Pitch for an Interview

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

Identify your target

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

Comprehend the needs of the hiring company

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

Create a clear, concise, and truthful Elevator Pitch

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

Speak naturally and confidently

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

Elevator Pitch Example for Job Seekers

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

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

Ways to avoid common mistakes in your Elevator Pitch

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

Don’t hurry to make your Elevator Pitch

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

Do not always use the same Elevator Pitch for all cases

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

Make it easy to understand

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

Don’t forget to practice it

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

How to End an Elevator Pitch?

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

We recommend you use expressions such as:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Versatile Self-Introduction PowerPoint Template

Use This Template

2. Professional Curriculum Vitae PowerPoint Template

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

3. Modern 1-Page Resume Template for PowerPoint

4. Multi-Slide Resume PowerPoint Template

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

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• 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 Deliver a Winning Interview Presentation

Written by: Unenabasi Ekeruke

The average corporate job opening receives about 250 resumes . To find the most suitable candidates, many companies make interview presentations a decisive part of their hiring process.

Whether you're looking to switch jobs or move up the ladder in your organization, a well-crafted interview presentation might be the key to landing your next role.

Interview presentations give you a chance to pitch your skills and showcase your knowledge about the position. Delivering an exceptional presentation will put you a step ahead of other candidates.

But how do you make your interview presentation stand out?

In this article, we've rounded up the best tips for preparing and delivering a winning interview presentation that will help you stand out and land you the job.

Let's get to it.

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Table of Contents

What is an interview presentation, what employers look for in an interview presentation, how to prepare for your interview presentation.

• 11 Interview Presentation Tips to Help You Stand Out

In many industries, interview presentations help recruiters pick the best candidate for the job.

They also help managers gauge a candidate's presentation skills, especially if the job role involves pitching to clients or top management.

Interview presentations often involve presenting formal talks about subjects that interest recruiters. These subjects could be directly related to your job role or the industry your prospective organization operates in.

Your interview presentation could potentially revolve around topics like:

• Emerging trends and innovations in a particular industry
• Competitive landscape and future predictions
• Business, operations and marketing strategies
• Improving sales and customer retention

It could also be about pitching your work experience, ideas and why you're the best fit for the role.

Let's say you're interviewing for a high-level position in the sales and marketing department. You may be asked to pitch the company's product or services to prospects or do these things:

• Predict trends in the industry where the company operates
• Talk about how the current market trend may affect sales for a particular line of products
• Present a marketing plan for your prospective role

Below is an interview presentation template that you can edit and use.

Sometimes, prospective employers may give you specific topics in advance, giving you ample time to prepare.

At other times, you may have to make blind presentations. This means you'll get topics shortly before the presentation and may have limited time to prepare.

Whatever be the case, nailing your interview presentations will up your chances of landing your new role.

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Take a moment to think about your best job interview.

Why did your employer choose to hire you ahead of other candidates? You probably ticked all the right boxes in terms of skills, experiences, education, personality and other factors.

But most importantly, it's how you presented your skills, capabilities and knowledge about the role that probably blew their minds.

At every stage of the hiring process, employers look for outstanding candidates who measure up to their expectations. These expectations may differ based on the job role, industry and organizational structure.

However, on a general note, recruiters will readily opt for candidates who:

• Understand the organization and its line of business
• Know their job role and what's expected
• Understand the company mission and will fit into the company culture
• Show passion, ambition and leadership qualities
• Demonstrate the ability to use their skills and experience to drive the company forward
• Know how to communicate and present in front of a small or large group of people

What specific presentation skills do employers look for?

Excellent presentation skills are a must-have for most client-facing roles or high-level positions. Therefore, asking a candidate to make presentations during interviews can help companies assess whether they can deliver on the job.

Not only that, interview presentations provide deeper insight into your abilities and skills, such as:

• Presentation design skills
• Verbal and written communication style
• The ability to hook, engage and interact with your audiences
• Ability to deliver the message with clarity
• Diligence and attention to details
• Work experience and sector knowledge
• Ability to read and interpret the mindset of listeners
• Use of visual aids
• Time management and organization skills

For a blind presentation, the employer may want to feel your pulse or perspective on issues or take notice of things like:

• The ability to think on your feet
• How you perform under pressure
• How persuasive and creative you can be

Ultimately, the recruiter is also checking to see if you meet the core competencies for the job. Therefore, make sure to revisit them during the blind presentation.

Beyond landing the job, getting it right with your presentation can set the tone for further engagements with your colleagues and top management.

Preparation is one of the keys to delivering an excellent interview presentation.

Once you've received the details about the interview, don't leave your preparation till the last minute or assume you can wing it. Use the days leading up to the interview to put the necessary things in place.

Here's what you should know. Preparing for your interview presentation puts you in control and increases your chances of securing the job.

Unfortunately, knowing how to prepare for interviews may be a big challenge for many people.

But we've got you covered.

Use these tips below to get yourself interview-ready.

1. Ask the Right Questions

Whether you receive a phone call or email about your interview, ensure you're clear about the details. Rather than make sweeping assumptions, go ahead and do these things:

• Find out what your prospective employers expect from you.
• Ask if you'll get a topic before the presentation date or if it's a blind presentation. Also, find out if you'll be allowed to choose from a list of topics.
• Find out who your audience will be (recruitment agencies, HR, supervisors, top-level management).
• Ask how many people will be present at the interview.
• Make sure to ask how long the presentation will last. Having a timeframe will help you decide what to add or delete from the presentation.
• Find out if they have a preferred presentation style.
• Ask what technical equipment and presentation tools will be available.
• Find out whether there'll be provision for sound, audio and visuals.

By asking these questions, you'll know what recruiters expect from you and align your presentation to match their needs. Plus, they'll judge your suitability for the role based on how you pay attention to the finest details.

2. Research the Company and the Position Before the Interview

Now you have answers to the fundamental questions, go ahead and research the company and the position you've applied for.

That's not all. Find out the industry the company operates, the major players and where the company ranks within the industry.

Doing this will enable you to:

• Structure your presentation and
• Interpret your job role within the context of the industry where the company operates.

For example, if you're an accounting professional, it's not enough to understand general accounting principles.

You'll have to understand what your role entails within the context of the industry you'll be working in. It could be oil and gas, mining, tech, construction, health, finance or entertainment.

Here are other things you should find out during your research.

Company Vision, Mission and Goals

Find out the company's history, what they stand for and their area of interest. It's also a good idea to research their major competitors and how they've fared in the market.

But how do you find this valuable information?

The company's website and social media channels are good starting points. News, blogs and third-party sites can provide more information about what the company has been up to.

Having this essential info will help you:

• Determine subjects relevant to the company and the area you should focus on,
• Tailor your interview presentation to their needs and
• Impress your potential employers.

Not only that, but it also shows you're prepared to be part of that organization's culture.

Potential Audience

Part of your research should be to find out who is going to be interviewing you. One way to get that information is by asking the company's HR or using your intuition.

For example, if you're applying for a sales and marketing position, the marketing, sales and HR managers will most likely be on the interview panel.

Next, find out their interests and job responsibilities. Platforms like LinkedIn , Meetup , Indeed and other job boards can come in handy.

You might want to take note of their experience levels.

Professionals with different experience levels have varying concerns.

For example, while top management may care about your administrative or leadership abilities, a team lead may be more interested in your technical or problem-solving skills.

If you focus on what matters most to your audience, you'll attract their interest and win them over.

3. Structure Your Interview Presentation

If you want to keep your audiences hooked to your slides, ensure your presentation is well-structured.

Doing this will keep you on track and prevent your audience from zoning out of your presentation.

Here's how to create an excellent presentation structure.

In its simplest form, a well-structured presentation should have an introduction, body and conclusion.

• Compelling introduction: Your introduction should briefly sum everything about you, your presentation objectives and why it's relevant to your audience. You can ask a question, tell a story, share facts or use humor to spark interest.
• Engaging body: This is where you present the main details of your topic. Make sure to back your argument with facts or a wealth of information that shows that you're the best candidate for the job. Talk about the company goals and how you'll help to achieve them.
• Memorable conclusion: Here, you should present your key takeaways about the topic. Likewise, briefly reiterate your skills, experience, expertise, past achievements and why they should hire you.

You can use presenter notes to ensure you stick to the structure. Throughout your presentation, keep your message clear. Plus, make sure every part of your presentation relates to the topic.

Check out this article for more tips on how to structure your presentation .

Structure your interview presentation to make it appealing and impactful like the one below.

4. Pay Attention to Design

Remember, first impressions count. And your interview presentation isn't an exception to this rule. Excellent presentation designs help you create an impactful first impression on your interviewers.

Think of your design as the aesthetic element that etches your presentation in your viewer's minds and sways them in your favor.

Whether you're pitching the company's product or your resume , having flawless interview presentation designs will help you tell stories better.

Not only does it create a memorable impression, but it also makes your presentation pack a punch.

You can start from scratch or jumpstart your creativity with interview presentation examples like the one below.

While creating your presentation slides , here are some things you should keep in mind:

Keep It On-Brand

Try to tailor your presentation design (font, color scheme, background, image) to the company's identity and visual language. Companies like Starbucks, Skype, Spotify and Netflix provide brand guidelines on their website.

Brand guidelines generally contain a set of rules on using the company’s branding elements. If the company doesn't have a brand guide, you can use the colors on their logo or website for your slide design.

Interviewers will most likely focus on a presentation designed in their organization's brand format. And doing this will show you've done your research about the company.

Pro Tip:  Use Visme's Brand Design Tool to automatically generate a branded presentation template with your employer's logo, colors and fonts. Simply enter in the URL to their website and watch the magic happen!

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Use Lots of White Space

Avoid cluttering your interview presentation slides with too many ideas, text or images. This could overwhelm your audience and make your presentation a pain in the eyes.

When designing a clean and effective presentation, it's important to use lots of white space. Don't use more than six words per slide . Stick to one idea and a minimum of two images per slide.

Use High-Quality Images

Be sure to use high-quality visuals that drive an emotional appeal.

Better yet, every visual you use should have a purpose behind it. If you're presenting an overview of yourself, it makes sense to use a nice, high-quality headshot of yourself. Take a cue from the interview presentation sample to create yours.

Even if you're using stock photos  to spice up your slides, make sure the images are carefully selected to balance the text on each slide and are relevant to the topic that's being discussed.

Using low-quality, irrelevant or pixelated images can not only make your presentation boring, but it can also negatively impact your image and make you come across as careless or lazy.

Make Your Slides Easy to Read

When selecting fonts and sizing them, use fonts that are readable on small and large screens. Stick a font size of 36 pixels for titles and at least 30 pixels for body text.

Additionally, to make your message pop, maintain a solid contrast between your text and background. If you use a dark background, use a white font color and vice versa. You can grab inspiration from the job interview presentation sample below.

In the template above, notice how the dark text color pops vibrantly on the white background. Additionally, the fonts are legible enough for readers to digest the message in the slide.

If you want to learn more about making your slide designs shine, read our in-depth article on how to create good presentation design .

5. Use Charts and Graphs to Visualize Data

As mentioned before, sprawling text and bullets aren't enough to drive visual appeal. You need to use visual aids to break up text and boost visual appeal.

By using a range of formats like graphs, statistics, diagrams , video clips and images, you can easily maintain audience attention and get your points across.

Notice how the job interview presentation sample below uses data visualization to present information.

Are you looking for high-resolution visuals for your interview presentations?

If the answer is yes, Visme's presentation maker has everything you need. The tool has a robust library of free and premium stock images, elegant fonts, icons, graphs, charts, infographics and other visual aids.

6. Keep Your Presentation Clear, Unique and Impactful

When it comes to making presentations or a pitch deck, less is more.

As a presenter, you want recruiters to glance at your slide, gain interest and listen to you. Hence it's best to keep your slide short and simple, aiming for ten slides or less.

Be careful not to load too much information on your slides or break off tangents that don't support your topic.

Just like you, other applicants are looking to give an impressive presentation. Make your presentation memorable and unique. This will convince your employer that you are the ideal candidate for the job.

One way to make your presentation unique is by:

• Creating a simulated project or demo
• Using case studies related to the company's operations
• Creating a strategic plan for your intended role or department
• Depicting how you would use your skills to achieve the desired project goals

If you're doing a job presentation for a marketing position, for example, you can create a detailed strategic plan that wins the heart and minds of your interviewers using the template below.

7. Practice Your Delivery

Your interview presentation is a critical stage in the recruiting process. And having an excellent delivery will solidify your chances of getting the job.

However, having a flawless delivery starts with practice, practice and more practice.

For example, Steve Jobs was one of the most phenomenal speakers of his time. His keynotes and demos were compelling and filled with passion and energy.

But if you pull back the curtain, you'll realize why presentations were magical. What seemed spontaneous took hours and hours of practice.

Here's the thing. Rehearsing your presentation beforehand will help avoid babbling or being caught off guard.

Not only that, practice will make you become confident, familiar with you presentation outline or structure and deliver your presentation smoothly.

How do you practice your interview presentation?

First off, deliver your presentation in front of a mirror and record yourself while you're at it. Repeat this as many times as possible and watch out for mistakes that could hurt your presentation.

Next, practice your presentation before your friends and ask them to take notes. Doing this will enable you to get feedback or work on areas that require improvements.

Encourage them to provide detailed feedback rather than general feedback like: "you did well" or "great design".

Before presenting his first TED Talk, author and business podcaster Tim Ferriss practiced his presentation with a group of friends and strangers. He went ahead to incorporate their feedback and suggestions in his next rehearsal.

During practice, go ahead and do these things:

• Time yourself to ensure your presentation falls within the allowed time
• Keep your shoulder and head high up
• Maintain eye contact with your audience (friends, family or professional colleagues)
• Be expressive and articulate your words with confidence.
• Take deep breaths and pauses in between your presentation
• Be audible and avoid speaking too fast

As you practice repeatedly, you'll have your points at your fingertips. Plus, you'll become more confident about your interview.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor practiced her 18-minute TED Talk about 200 times before getting on stage. Her speech below, “ My Stroke of Insight,” has amassed well over 25 million views on the TED site alone.

8. Follow Presentation Guidelines

While preparing for your big day, adhere to the employer's rules for the interview presentation.

The interview rules could include:

• Interview arrival time
• Document required
• The focus of the presentation and allotted time

For instance, if your interviewer says candidates must complete their presentation in 10 minutes, don't exceed the allocated time.

If you've not been given a time limit, keep your presentation between 10-20 minutes. Remember — people have short attention spans.

When you adhere to the guidelines, employers will believe you're reliable and can work with available resources.

9. Use the Right Presentation Tool

The tool you use to prepare your presentation is as important as the content. You'll find tons of presentation software out there, including PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, Visme, Prezi and more.

Sometimes, your potential employer may favor a particular platform for your interview presentation. But more often than not, they'll leave you to make a choice.

In this case, it's advisable to build your presentations using a tool that's not only familiar but has everything you need to make your content shine. We strongly recommend a feature-rich tool like Visme .

Whether you're a novice or expert, Visme is precisely made to help you craft beautiful presentations and nail your delivery. The tool has 500+ templates, animations, fonts, and design themes that match your style and any niche you can think of.

You can also check out our quick video on how to create beautiful and professional interview presentations in Visme.

10. Have a Backup Plan

Keep in mind that complications could arise. Having a backup plan can help you put things back on track and complete your presentation successfully.

Your employer will mainly provide a screen, laptop, USB and other equipment.

Still, it would help to bring along your laptop and USB drive. They could come in handy if you want to quickly make some adjustments to your slide or review them before the presentation.

In addition, make sure to:

• Have duplicate copies of your presentation. You can save a copy on a USB stick, external drive or cloud drive.
• Email the file to yourself and the interviewers.
• Bring along a few printed handouts or copies of your slides, which you'll share with your audience.

Taking these steps can save the day if anything goes wrong such as computer breakdown, corrupt files, power disruption and other technical glitches.

11. Determine Follow-up Questions and Provide Answers

Now your preparation is in top gear. But wait, there's one more thing.

After creating your presentation, review the content and check for readability and spelling errors.

Then think up questions your audience might ask after your delivery. You'll want to brace up for questions that are both related and not related to the topic.

Here is a list of the common interview presentation questions that you can expect:

• What solutions do you recommend in light of the current realities and trends?
• Why do you recommend this solution?
• What strategy do we use to solve this problem?
• How do we convince investors to buy into this project?
• What resources do we need to execute these projects?
• What processes can we put in place to ensure the success of this project
• How do you plan to minimize the risks of this project?
• How does your recommendation align with the company's short-term and long-term goals?

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11 Interview Presentation Tips

You've put in the work to prepare your interview presentation. Great job! Now the day and time of your presentation have arrived.

These 11 interview presentation tips will help you win your employers over.

1. Pick the Right Outfit

There's no hard and fast rule to picking the right interview outfit. And that’s because different companies and industries have preferred dress codes.

So your best bet will be to ask the hiring manager before the interview date. This will enable you to align your attire with the company culture.

Whether the acceptable dress code is formal or casual, wear something that makes you appear smart and confident. But when in doubt, stick to formal and smart business attire.

2. Arrive Early and Settle In

Whether you have an online or physical interview or presentation, this is a no-brainer. Showing up late doesn't only leave a bad impression, but it could cost you the job.

Arriving early to your interview will give you enough time to settle your nerves and tie loose ends.

A good rule of thumb is to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your presentation. You'll have ample time to get comfortable with the equipment and the environment.

3. Start Strong and Build Rapport

The opening part of your interview presentation is where you set the mood for the rest of the presentation.

Here, you have to draw your audience in and convince them to listen to you. So aim to make it impactful and enthralling.

Once you get on the stage, build rapport with your audience.

Start by introducing yourself, professional experience, skills and educational background. Then, highlight your career achievements, records, awards and portfolio like the example interview presentation slide below.

The goal is to impress and attract your audience's attention. This is the moment where you convince recruiters that you’re worth listening to.

When it comes to your presenting your topics, you can kick off your presentation with the following techniques:

• Use captivating quotes
• Mention compelling statistics about the organization, industry or subject
• Tell an interesting story about yourself or the subject
• Talk about a trending news topic

Not only will this help draw your interviewers in, but it will engross them and set the mood for the rest of the presentation.

4. Be Confident

You've worked so hard to get to this point. Be confident that you've got this. Projecting confidence is also as important as having an incredible resume.

Recruiters love to listen to confident candidates. And developing this mindset will help you inspire trust and build connections with your potential employer.

If you're looking to keep your confidence high, do these things:

• Speak with authority and make eye contact with your audience: This is you selling yourself and reiterating that you've got all it takes to do the job.
• Pay attention to your body language: That's the first thing people notice. The way you carry yourself says a lot about how confident you are. Do your best to maintain the right body posture, smile, keep your head up and appear comfortable.
• Use hand gestures: Utilizing strong hand gestures adds personality to your speech and makes you expressive. For example, moving your hand in an upward motion can describe growth rate or increase. Likewise, opening or closing your hands depicts sizes.

5. Deliver Like a Pro

While making your presentation, ensure your delivery is crisp and clear.

Whether you're using your voice or microphone, command attention by enunciating words clearly and projecting them to the back of the room. Otherwise, you'll come across as timid or unsure of your assertions.

Resist the temptation to use a dull tone or communicate without facial expressions.

Instead, deliver your speech with passion and vary your pitch to convey feelings and different emotional intensities. Delivering your message with emotion and liveliness will keep your audience hooked.

Most people tend to speak fast when they're nervous. Well, if this happens, your interviewer may miss out on important points.

Thus, maintain a reasonable pace and have occasional pauses in between. This will give you time to catch your breath, collect your thoughts and let your messages sink in.

Remember your slide is supposed to support your presentation, so avoid reading your slides or notes. Doing this will bore your audience and give them the impression that you're inept on the subject.

Showcase your expertise with the help of the presentation interview template below.

6. Tell a Compelling Story

Storytelling is one the most effective ways to structure your interview presentation.

Whether you're simulating a project, discussing a technical topic or pitching your skills, storytelling is the key to winning audience interest.

Top business leaders are making the most of it. You should make it the foundation of your interview presentation.

For example, in the video below, Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, leverages storytelling to explain how she built a successful product.

One of the reasons why Steve Jobs stood out during presentations is his ability to tell captivating stories. He used storytelling during his keynote addresses, pitches and notably during the launch of the first iPhone in 2007.

Here's the thing. Telling stories engages your audience and helps understand your points. Also, it makes your presentation more impactful and memorable.

Here's how to use storytelling during your interview presentation

• Plot: Select an area of focus and make it resonate with your audiences
• Characters: Highlight the major players in your story. It could be you, the company, the industry, competitors, etc.
• Opposition: Present a problem and why it matters to the organization or audience
• Journey: Discuss what you bring to the table regarding the solution, planning, execution, monitoring, problem-solving and management
• Conclusion: End with a strong resolution

What's more? To make your presentation cohesive and well-thought-out, use practical examples.

For example, the slide below highlights current gaps or problems.

Then, the next slide suggests practical steps to address the gaps or solve the problems.

7. Use Visual Aids

We discussed this during the preparation phase. And you've got to make it count while delivering your presentation.

Adding visuals to your story is a winning formula that works all the time.

Why? Interestingly about 65% of people are visual learners. Plus, our brains are wired to pay more attention to visual content.

But those are not the only reasons you should incorporate visuals into your presentation.

• Visuals attract audience attention and enhance your delivery
• With visuals, your audiences can quickly understand complex ideas
• They appeal to your viewer's imagination and drive an emotional connection
• Visual add power to your words and keeps your speech on track

You can use video, images, infographics and symbols to describe ideas or concepts. Map charts or statistical maps can help visualize geographical information.

You can visualize numbers using graphs, line charts, pie charts, bar charts and maps like in the slide template below.

8. Use Speaker Notes

While creating your slides, you can store essential talking points in your presenter notes. These notes are visible to you but aren't visible to your audience.

They help you recall key points like quotes, stats or ideas as you present.

Visme makes it super easy to add presenter notes to your slides. You can view your notes for the current and next slides as you present.

The tool also comes with a timer that helps you stay within the allocated time. If you're pressed for time, cut out the least relevant points and move the most important ones. Ultimately make sure you don't exceed the allotted time.

9. Be Prepared To Adapt

We get it. You've practiced your presentation and put other things in the right place.

However, keep in mind that things don't always go as planned. So you have to be willing to adapt to changes.

For example, you may have prepared a 10 minute presentation for interview and you’re given less than five minutes. Also, you may have planned to deliver your presentation and then take questions. But your interview may commence with questions or ask questions while you’re presenting.

Whatever the case, be prepared to pause for questions or switch to further discussion unexpectedly.

10. Have a Strong Closing

Your conclusion is as important as the intro. It determines what your audiences will walk away with and how they will feel about you.

Generally, it should be a summary of everything you discussed earlier. Therefore you have to bring it full circle and make it connected to the rest of your presentation.

Most importantly, make it convincing and memorable.

If your interviewer can remember the key takeaways from your presentation, you'll have the edge over other candidates.

Here's how to end your interview presentation in a memorable way:

• Ask your audience questions about the topic that sparks curiosity and gets them thinking.
• End with key takeaways that highlight the main points of your presentation.
• Double down on the problems and how you can help solve them.
• Mention how your recommended solution can help the company grow and increase their competitive edge
• Tie your message to an interesting quote that aligns with the company vision, mission and goals
• Highlight intriguing milestones and figures you can help the company achieve like profit margins, growth rate, market valuation, increased productivity, revenue growth, etc.
• Demonstrate that you are open to feedback, questions and further discussion about the topic

Use the job interview presentation example below to craft a striking conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

11. Take Questions and Feedback at the End

After you've concluded your presentation, get ready for questions and feedback from interviewers.

Keep in mind that the questions may differ from what you rehearsed. Still, make sure you answer the question with confidence and demonstrate expertise.

If the question is challenging, take a moment to compose your thoughts before responding. Also, if the question isn't clear, don't be afraid to ask for clarification.

In any case, the panel will judge your suitability for the role based on what you say, how you present yourself and how you approach questions.

Ace Your Interview Presentations with Visme

Creating an effective interview presentation can be your weapon to launch or advance your career. With a winning interview, you can outperform other candidates and convince your prospective employers that you're the right fit for the job.

But it all starts with setting aside hours to prepare for your presentations. In addition, make sure you follow all the tips we've shared for delivering your presentation.

Looking to create a presentation that will land you that new role? Then you need to use intuitive presentation software like Visme.

Whether you're a learner or an expert, Visme is easy to use. We guarantee that it will pay off more than you can imagine. The tool offers hundreds of pre-built presentation templates, built-in graphics, multimedia, design elements and more.

Beyond creating stunning presentations, you'll be able to share your presentation live. You can also embed it to your website or download it as a video or editable file formats like PDF, PPTX and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you start an interview presentation.

There are a few great ways to start your presentation with style, immediately grabbing your audience’s attention:

• Start with a provocative question or statement.
• Tell a story.
• Quote an influential person.
• Ask a question.
• Tell a joke.

What is a good presentation topic for an interview?

When creating a presentation as a part of a job interview, you want to choose a topic that will help to sell yourself and your knowledge. This might mean a prior project you worked on, some new tech in your industry, new industry trends, etc.

What is the point of an interview presentation?

An interview presentation helps potential employers understand your actual knowledge level in the industry. If you’re able to give an in-depth presentation showcasing how well you know about something related to your field, they’re much more likely to want you on their team.

How do you improve your interview presentation skills?

Looking to improve your presentation skills ? A few key interview presentation ideas and tips include:

• Keep your slides short and sweet.
• Practice before you present.
• Don’t read off your slides.
• Create a visually appealing presentation design .
• Show off your personality.

Easily put together winning interview presentations in Visme

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About the Author

Unenabasi is a content expert with many years of experience in digital marketing, business development, and strategy. He loves to help brands tell stories that drive engagement, growth, and competitive advantage. He’s adept at creating compelling content on lifestyle, marketing, business, e-commerce, and technology. When he’s not taking the content world by storm, Unenabasi enjoys playing or watching soccer.

How to Prepare a PowerPoint Presentation for Job Interview Success

Preparing a PowerPoint presentation for a job interview involves summarizing your skills, experiences, and value proposition in a visually appealing way. You’ll need to plan your content, design your slides, and practice your delivery to ensure you make the best impression.

After completing your PowerPoint presentation, you’ll have a powerful tool to help you stand out in the interview process. It will demonstrate your proficiency with technology, your ability to communicate effectively, and your readiness for the role.

Introduction

When it comes to job interviews, first impressions are everything. In today’s competitive job market, candidates are constantly looking for ways to distinguish themselves from the pack. One effective method is to create a PowerPoint presentation to showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications. Whether you’re applying for a position that requires technical skills, creative thinking, or leadership abilities, a well-crafted presentation can help you demonstrate your expertise in a dynamic and memorable way.

PowerPoint presentations are not only for showing your previous work or the projects you’ve been part of. They’re also a platform to illustrate your thought process, your approach to solving problems, and your ideas for contributing to the potential employer’s success. For professionals in all fields, from marketing to engineering, a PowerPoint presentation can serve as your visual aid and personal brand ambassador. Let’s dive into the steps to craft a presentation that could very well tip the scales in your favor.

Step by Step Tutorial: Preparing a PowerPoint Presentation for a Job Interview

Before we start, remember that a PowerPoint presentation for a job interview should be concise, relevant, and engaging. Here’s how to create one that’ll help you nail the interview.

Step 1: Define the Objective of Your Presentation

Identify what you want to achieve with your presentation.

Before opening PowerPoint, take a moment to think about the message you want to convey to your interviewers. Are you aiming to showcase your expertise, outline your experience, or present a case study? The objective will guide the content and structure of your presentation.

Step 2: Research the Company and Role

Tailor your presentation to the company and position you’re interviewing for.

Understanding the company’s culture, values, and challenges allows you to tailor your presentation accordingly. Highlight experiences and skills that align with what they’re looking for. Use the company’s color scheme or logo to personalize your slides and show that you’ve done your homework.

Step 3: Plan Your Content

Outline the key points you want to cover in your presentation.

Create an outline of what you’re going to talk about. Start with an introduction about yourself, followed by your relevant experiences, accomplishments, and conclude with how you can contribute to the company. Keep it simple—three to five main points should suffice.

Step 4: Design Your Slides

Create visually appealing slides that reinforce your message without distracting from it.

Use a clean, professional design with plenty of white space. Stick to a few key colors and use high-quality images or graphics. Make sure the text is large enough to be easily read, and don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information.

Step 5: Practice Your Delivery

Rehearse presenting your PowerPoint to ensure a smooth delivery on the day of the interview.

Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your presentation several times to get comfortable with the flow and timing. Anticipate questions you might be asked and prepare answers. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll be during the actual presentation.

Additional Information

When preparing your PowerPoint presentation for a job interview, it’s important to remember that less is more. Keep your slides clean and uncluttered, using bullet points rather than paragraphs of text. Use graphs, charts, and images to illustrate your points visually, as these can be more impactful than words alone.

Be mindful of the time constraints you might have during your interview and design your presentation accordingly. Aim for no more than 10-15 slides, each covering a single topic or idea. It’s also a good idea to prepare a leave-behind, a printed version of your presentation or a summary document that you can give to your interviewers for later reference.

Remember, the goal of your presentation is to supplement your spoken responses, not replace them. Use the slides to emphasize and enhance what you’re saying, not as a script to read from verbatim.

Lastly, make sure to weave in your personality throughout the presentation. This is your chance to make a connection with your audience, so let your passion and enthusiasm for the role shine through.

• Define your presentation’s objective.
• Research the company and role.
• Plan your content efficiently.
• Design visually appealing slides.
• Practice your delivery thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many slides should my presentation have.

Aim for 10-15 slides to keep your presentation concise and impactful.

Should I bring a printed version of my presentation?

Yes, providing a printed summary or leave-behind is always a good idea.

Can I use animations in my presentation?

Use animations sparingly and only if they add value to your presentation.

How can I avoid technical issues during the presentation?

Always have a backup plan, such as a PDF version of your presentation on a USB drive.

Is it appropriate to ask if I can present a PowerPoint during my interview?

Yes, it’s best to confirm with your interviewer beforehand if they welcome a PowerPoint presentation.

Preparing a PowerPoint presentation for a job interview is a strategic move that can set you apart from other candidates. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and passion for the role. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create an engaging and informative presentation that will impress your potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job.

Remember, the key is to be prepared. Research the company, plan and design your slides carefully, and practice your delivery. With a well-crafted PowerPoint presentation, you’ll be able to showcase your best self and leave a lasting impression. So, go ahead and give it your best shot—your dream job awaits!

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.

After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.

His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.

Read his full bio here.

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Demonstrate Your Skills in an Interview with a PowerPoint Presentation

Extra effort brings extra results . Everything you do before, during, and after your interview, matters at the end of the hiring process. To prepare a PowerPoint presentation is definitely a good idea–especially when you can use it to demonstrate your knowledge of the job , or to showcase a successful project which you completed . Job seekers typically prepare one of the following presentations:

• Work portfolio – the presentation gives a brief insight on your career, the jobs you’ve had, the projects you managed, and the things you achieved and learned while working on them. Portfolio is especially useful for people who apply for technical jobs, such as graphic designer, project manager, web developer, application developer, marketing manager, cook , etc.
• Presentation of a specific project – for example if you apply for job in software development company, you can prepare a PowerPoint presentation of one of the projects you led. From first draft and planning of the application through setting milestones to completing them. Such a presentation helps you to demonstrate your excellent pm skills.

* Do not forget to check also: Project Manager Interview Questions .

Table of Contents

Ask them whether you can use a presentation

A presentation is an effective way of demonstrating your skills, and if you do it in a right way, you will benefit from having it in an interview. Nevertheless, you should always ask the interviewers whether you can do the presentation.

Many hiring managers have their own way of doing things, they follow a strict interview template with each job candidate, and they have a packed schedule from morning to evening. In such a case may not allow you to show your presentation–simply because they want to follow the very same interview template with each job candidate –either everyone shows their PowerPoint presentation, or no one will.

Bearing this in mind, you should call them before the interview and ask about an option to show the PowerPoint presentation. Remember that even if they do not allow you to do it, they will appreciate the idea , and the extra effort you made to prepare something for your interview. All HR managers love the “I do more” attitude.

How to prepare a presentation

From a software point of view, you will find good tutorials on YouTube , and learn how to prepare a great-looking PowerPoint presentation with ease. From the content point of view, check our interview portfolio article to understand what you should include on your presentation, and what you should rather avoid.

Practice makes perfect, bad presentation can kill your chances

It happened to me several times that a job applicant brought their laptop to the interview, and they delivered their presentation. We did not agree about this upfront, but I never follow a strict template in job interviews, and I like applicants that do something more while trying to succeed. Therefor I let them to deliver the presentation.

More often than not, however, the presentation had very little to do with the job offer. Or, even worse, the way they delivered it uncovered their weaknesses in terms of their communication, presentations, or project management skills. Take my advice: Practice your presentation before an interview, and make sure that it relates to the job you try to get. Honestly, no presentation is better than a bad one.

Do not put us under pressure, let us lead the interviews

Most interviewers have an exact schedule for their interviews, and the template, and they try to follow both of them. You should not interrupt them at the beginning and tell that you want to present your portfolio, or certain project with the help of MS PowerPoint.

You should wait for a good time , and a good time comes when:

• We ask about your working experience.
• At the end of the interview, when everything else has been said and done.
• When they ask you a practical question, and the answer can be explained with the help of your presentation (this is actually the best time to suggest doing it).

Conclusion and next steps

Wait for the right time. It may come, and it may not come. Maybe everything goes well, and you won’t even need the presentation to get a job . Do not press the issue, do not try to do the presentation at all costs.

If you get a chance to show us your presentation, ensure that the content relates to the job offer, and demonstrates the value you can bring to our company. Practice your presentation beforehand , and ensure you’d deliver it in a best possible way–showing your strong presentation and communication skills.

While the presentation can help you greatly with your efforts to get a job, other things matter as well in an interview. Let’s prepare for them together:

• How to answer interview questions – Not only WHAT you say, but also HOW you say it matters in an interview.
• Salary negotiation tips – Learn how to get the best possible salary offer at the end of your job interview.
• How to overcome interview nerves – Feeling anxious before your interview? You are not alone, and we will show you how to solve this problem.
• Recent Posts

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Interview presentation preparation tips

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

4th Jun, 2021

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What is an interview presentation?

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

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

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

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

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

How to prepare a presentation for an interview

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

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

What to include in an interview presentation

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for presenting at the interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for keeping the interview presentation simple

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to do when things go wrong

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

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

Your mind goes blank

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

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

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

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

10-minute interview presentation template

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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7 Tips to Help You Nail That Interview Presentation

You’ve been offered an interview for your dream job, and you are pumped! But as you hear more about your upcoming meeting, you realize you’re expected to deliver a presentation.

Your first instinct may be to panic, especially if you dislike public speaking . But don’t worry. As nerve-wracking as doing a presentation during an interview may sound, it’s also a chance for you to show just how awesome you are. (And if you’ve reached this round, odds are you are awesome!)

These seven steps will help you nail it.

1. Ask Lots of Questions

Before you begin crafting a 40-minute keynote, ask lots of questions about what to expect (like, if they actually only want you to speak for 10). Be sure to cover these:

• How long should the presentation be?
• Is your point of contact looking for you to demonstrate particular skills?
• How many people will be in the room?
• Are there facilities for slides?
• What’s the IT setup?

2. Follow Instructions

If the hiring manager’s asked for a 10-minute presentation where you talk through how you’d plan a communications strategy, that’s exactly what you should give her. Don’t be tempted to go on for 12, 15, or (gasp!) 20 minutes.

Staying on target shows that you can manage your time, that you respect your audience, and that you can follow directions . If you run over, you’ll either be cut off halfway through or you’ll cost yourself time to discuss your other skills. So, stay within the constraints you’re given.

3. Have a Clear Structure

There are two benefits to organizing your presentation according to a specific structure: One, it’ll help you stay on track, and two, it’ll make it easier for the audience to follow along.

For example, if you’re using your presentation to share an app you’ve built, you might break it up into four parts: what you chose to build, why you built it in a particular way, how it works, and what the results were. You can even begin by explaining that that’s how your talk will be structured: This technique is a simple but effective way to help your audience follow (and remember) your presentation.

4. Differentiate Yourself

The presentation section of an interview is the perfect opportunity to let your personality shine. True story: A friend of mine was going for his dream job in tech and had to demonstrate his web development skills. He’d built lots of sophisticated apps at work, but he took a risk and decided to use the presentation section of the interview to demonstrate one of his personal projects. It was a custom animation of the Star Wars character Admiral Ackbar, shouting “It’s a trap!”

The panel loved it. It demonstrated the skills they were looking for, but also my friend’s sense of humor, creativity, and genuine passion for programming. In a competitive market, standing out from the crowd is what’s going to land you the job.

5. Stick to Technology You Know

Things have come a long way from PowerPoint. There’s now a ton of online programs and applications available to help you craft an all-singing, all-dancing presentation. But unless you’re already a pro at using one of these platforms, now is not the moment to spend hours teaching yourself Prezi or slides.com .

Your time is much better spent on the content of your presentation. Once you’re happy with that, you can start planning your slides, using whichever software you’re already comfortable with.

6. Have a Plan (and a Back-up Plan)

Let’s say you’re a Mac user, so you’ve prepared your presentation in Keynote. You’ve checked that the company’s technology is Mac compatible, you save your file to a USB, drop it in your bag and head to your interview. But when you get there, the office is full of PCs, your USB doesn’t work, and all of the beautiful slides you prepared exist only in your head.

It’s a nightmare scenario, but there are many things you can do to prevent it. Firstly, take your laptop. Even if the screen is small, it’s unlikely you’ll be presenting to more than three people, so they should be able to see. Also, if you have your laptop you may be able to save the file to a compatible format and still have your slides up on a big screen. (Pro tip: Don’t forget to pack the charger! Dead battery equals epic fail.)

If you don’t have a laptop always, always make sure you’ve emailed the slides to yourself and saved them as a PDF—which should work on anything. Finally, the one thing that never breaks down? Paper. Print a few copies of your slides and take them with you, just in case.

7. Practice (and Practice Again)

The only way to know whether your presentation is the right length is by practicing. And, rehearsing will also build your confidence and make you more fluent for the real thing. Ideally, perform your talk for someone you trust so you can get some honest feedback. But even if your only audience member is your cat, a trial run is still an essential part of your preparation.

When the day comes, try and remember that you’ve been invited to interview because the company has seen something in you and wants you to succeed. If you get nervous or lose your place, pause, have a sip of water, take a deep breath, check your notes, and get back into it.

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How to Nail a PowerPoint Presentation for Job Interview

You just scored an interview for you dream job! Yes! But…now they’re asking you to give a PowerPoint presentation for the job interview.

What the heck? Isn’t interviewing nerve-wracking enough without the added stress of giving a presentation?

We hear you. It’s a lot of stress. But actually, when you stop to think about it, what is a job interview if not a presentation about yourself? Now you just have the added benefit of visuals and slides to work with.

In this article, we’ll demystify the interview PowerPoint presentation ordeal and help you put your best foot forward so you can nail the interview!

What is an Interview Presentation?

Ok, back up. What exactly is an interview presentation? According to Indeed , an interview presentation is a “formal presentation delivered to a human resources team, management team, or another group of people to convince them that you are the best candidate for a position.” Potential employers may ask you to make an interview presentation to better assess your public speaking and/or communications skills, your ability to stay calm under pressure, your knowledge about specific, industry related topics, and more.

This kind of presentation can give your potential employers a really comprehensive look at you, so it makes sense. And although you may run into a request for an interview presentation in any industry, this tact is particularly popular in Sales, Marketing, Technology, and Academia.

Benefits of Interview Presentation

Now that you know why employers might make this request, why might an interview presentation be a good thing for you? One of the biggest benefits for you is that it gives you a chance to shine and stand out. Old-fashioned interviews have become somewhat run-of-the-mill, with those ever-recycled questions like “what would you say are your greatest strengths” all running together. But with a unique presentation designed and delivered by you, there’s more of a chance for you to really leave a distinct impression.

Additionally, giving an interview presentation gives you a chance to show your professionalism in a different setting than just a conversation. You can prove your diligence, your attention to detail, and your work ethic just by how you compile the presentation.

How to Make an Interview Presentation

It may seem overwhelming at first, but don’t be intimidated by the task of creating an interview presentation. Below, we’ve compiled a list of interview presentation tips — from initial research to the final presentation — that will have you acing this task in no time.

Making the Presentation

Gather Information

Do your Research

This is a solid tip for any kind of interview: do your research! Make yourself an expert on the company for which you are interviewing. It’s no secret that you are far less appealing as a potential hire if you don’t know anything about the company or industry. But the important thing here is to make sure your gathered knowledge comes across. Prove your expertise in your presentation.

Pick your Platform

Sometimes, your potential employer will have a particular platform that they want you to use for your interview presentation, but more than likely, they will leave it up to you. The basic presentation software out there includes PowerPoint, Keynote, and Google Slides. If you’re going for an artsier, more unique approach, check out Prezi : an online virtual presentation tool with a more animated feel. Go with whatever platform you’re comfortable with, or you can even start by looking at templates and seeing what matches your style.

Start with Structure

Every great presentation, whether for an interview or not, starts with a strong and compelling structure. In simplest terms, you have an opening, details, and then a conclusion. When structuring your presentation, begin with a strong opening that states your goals and introduces yourself. Next, keep the main body of the presentation to around three major points (although you can have plenty of subsections.) Then finish with a killer closing, something to bring it all home. All throughout, keep your message clear and make every piece of your presentation relate back to that message.

Check out this article for more in-depth tips on structuring a great presentation of any kind.

Keep it Clear, Succinct and Impactful

Make sure your content is simple and clear. You want your audience to glance quickly at your slide, gain interest, and then listen to you, the presenter, for more in-depth information. Be careful not to pack too much information onto the slides themselves, or to break off onto tangents that don’t support you. But do be sure to choose eye-catching images for your slides and easy-to-read fonts that really pop.

Highlight YOU

You could almost think of this presentation as a commercial and the product you’re selling is you. While it’s important to demonstrate expertise through your presentation, make sure that everything goes back to selling you as the star of the show.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Giving the Presentation

Build Rapport

The day of the interview is here! Once you begin your presentation, start off by building rapport with your audience. Not only will this help draw them in and make them more engaged in your story, it will also help calm you down. Introduce yourself, smile, and maybe even consider cracking a joke if the mood is right.

As you give your presentation, try your hardest to not read straight off the slides or from your notes. Snooze alert! This will bore your audience and give them the impression that you don’t know what you’re talking about. Be so confident and practice so thoroughly ahead of time that you can speak off the cuff and don’t need to read your notes at all.

Mind Your Body Language

Sit up straight, shoulders back, and smile! Your body language is always incredibly important for any kind of presentation. You want to appear professional and comfortable at the same time.

Diction and Delivery

Make sure you’re enunciating clearly and projecting to “the back of the room,” even if that’s just your computer’s microphone. If you mumble or speak too quietly, you’ll come across timid. Also, most of us have a tendency to speed up when we’re nervous. Pay attention to the pace of your speech and even build in some pauses if you can. This will give you time to collect your thoughts and let your message sink in for your audience.

Be Confident

You got this! Even if you’re not feeling confident on the inside, show it on the outside. Speak with authority and make eye-contact with your audience by staying focused on your camera. This is you you’re selling after all, and no one is a better authority on you than you!

Take Questions at the End

Presentation for Interview Example

If you’re looking for job interview presentation ideas, check out this great example on Slide Team or this one on Slide Geeks .

Pre-Recorded Video Interviews

On a related note, some potential employers may ask you to make a pre-recorded video interview. This tactic has become increasingly prevalent in the age of COVID and Zoom interviews. Essentially, employers can give you a set of questions ahead of time and you can record yourself answering them, then send it in for them to review on their own time. Sometimes, potential employers will call this a “pre-screening.” While this isn’t technically an interview “presentation” per say, it sort of falls into the same category, so we want you to be prepared.

The best way to record video interviews is with whatever software and setup you’re comfortable with! If you have a great camera-ring light-soundproof room already set up and raring to go, obviously you should use that. But if you don’t have a pro setup, don’t sweat it. Most people don’t. Just record your interview with the webcam on your computer. You can also record an interview directly through Zoom meetings . But do make sure that you are properly lit, somewhere quiet, and that your background is clean and intentional.

 Other tips for pre-recorded video interviews:

• Maintain eye contact by focusing on the camera and not the video of yourself.
• Dress professionally , even your pants and shoes that won’t be seen in the video. You’ll be in a better headspace when you’re dressing the part and you avoid the embarrassment of accidentally standing up while only wearing boxers in the video.
• Remember — it’s still an interview! Don’t let the strange format throw you off. You still need to transfer everything you’ve learned about acing interviews, like not fidgeting and sitting up straight – to this pre-recorded format. Check out our article on acing remote interviews to learn more.

So by now, hopefully you feel like an expert on how to nail a presentation for a job interview. Once you understand what is being asked of you and how it benefits all parties, this type of interview makes a lot of sense. If you follow the guidelines above, you’ll be able to make a stellar presentation. And remember, your audience wouldn’t have invited you to interview if they didn’t see something in you. They want you to succeed! So take a deep breath and give a presentation that’ll knock their socks off!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When Olivia West isn't writing theme park attractions for Universal and Disney, she's writing any other thing she can get her hands on! She loves writing novels, scripts, blog posts, bad jokes, and everything else. If you can't find her at her laptop, however, she might be chilling in the nearest speakeasy sipping a manhattan or screaming her head off on the nearest roller coaster. Check her out at oliviawestwriting.com !

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Blog / Interview PowerPoint presentations: 7 tips to get your dream job.

Interview PowerPoint presentations: 7 tips to get your dream job.

Learn how to stand out from the crowd and guarantee success with your next interview PowerPoint presentation.

The job market is becoming more competitive than a family game of monopoly on Boxing Day. Between updating your CV, earning a reputation as an expert within the LinkedIn community, sending a stand-out cover letter and blowing them away over a dodgy line during the preliminary phone call, finding a new job is a job in itself.

That’s all before they end that call with a blasé “Just bring yourself… and a ten to fifteen-minute PowerPoint presentation to convince the board that you’re the best fit for the role. Bye.” 

To separate the wheat from the chaff, candidates are increasingly required to demonstrate they know what they’re talking about by delivering an interview PowerPoint presentation. The exercise tests your ability to communicate effectively under pressure and also offers the prospective employer a live demonstration of your abilities.

In a  recent study  we conducted of over 1,000 office workers, 77% said they are expected to deliver presentations as part of their role. So, it’s no wonder that potential employers want to assess whether or not you’re up for the task.

Communicating your ideas in an exciting and engaging way is easier said than done, but you needn’t break into a cold sweat at the thought of a bit of  public speaking . Just follow the practical steps from our team of experts below, and you’ll be able to get your points across to impress the interviewers, whatever industry and role you’re applying for.

Chris says relax

Our Storytelling and Discover Director, Chris Tomlin , is no stranger to the spotlight, having to prove his expertise in front of potential new clients, industry experts, and the team at Buffalo 7 most days. He finds that nerves can be crippling to your ability to both write and deliver your interview PowerPoint presentation, so putting aside some time to work on controlling those natural nerves, before you even open your laptop, will help the entire process. 

Have you ever noticed how nervous energy and excited energy have the same symptoms? Chris Tomlin

“Have you ever noticed how nervous energy and excited energy have the same symptoms? Your heart pounds, your pulse quickens, and your hands get clammy. The only difference between these two states is your perception of the situation, and the thoughts running through your brain. 

By ignoring the negative thoughts and focusing on the positive, you can learn to control your emotions.” 

Exercise can also be a big help when it comes to channelling your nervous energy. The night before your interview, set your alarm for an hour earlier than you usually would, and get a quick sweat in. This will focus that nervous energy, alleviate anxiety and create a positive interview presentation persona. 

Strip it back

The urge to get pen to paper, or fingertips to keyboard, straight away is completely natural, but if you just start writing whatever is whirring round in your head, the final product will read just like you feel: scatty and confused.

James Robinson, Marketing Manager at Buffalo 7, says to start from the end. 

Think about the result first. If you want the interviewers to leave remembering just one or two ideas, what would they be? James Robinson

“Think about the result first. If you want the interviewers to leave remembering just one or two ideas, what would they be? You don’t have long to convince them that you’re the one for the job, so identify these core messages – your achievement highlights – and make sure all content is in support of these.”

Once you know what your core messaging is, you can edit all your thoughts down and remove anything that doesn’t point to these ideas. 

The fairytale interview

You know what you want to say, but you can’t just stand in front of the interviewers and recite a list of facts and figures. You’re not being interviewed by robots, it will be real humans in that room, with real emotions, so aim right for the heart. By structuring your interview PowerPoint presentation as a story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, obstacles you came up against and the solutions you implemented to overcome them, you will increase engagement and appeal to the emotional, decision-making area of the brain. Senior Creative Storyteller, Lauren Garforth, puts it like this:

Have you ever done something simply because it ‘felt’ right? Likelihood is, you actually do this every day. Lauren Garforth

“Have you ever done something simply because it ‘felt’ right? Likelihood is, you actually do this every day. Even those who claim to be entirely logical form decisions based on previous experience, recalling the feelings attached to these experiences and then convincing themselves it’s the right solution through logic. By telling stories that incorporate our key messages, we can form instant connections with others, leading them to trust us, then seal the deal by backing these stories up with logical evidence.”

Your narrative should provide opportunities to connect your experience and expertise with the employer’s challenges: explain your own insights, recommendations and proposed methodologies.

Stories also help you to be remembered at the end of a long day, when they’ve seen eight different candidates and all the interview presentations are merging into one.  Research shows  that structuring presentation content into a story makes audiences up to 40% better at retaining the messages you worked so hard to craft.

Dress to impress

You wouldn’t let yourself walk into that interview room looking a mess, so don’t present slides that are messy either. Unless you’re interviewing for the role of PowerPoint Presentation Designer at Buffalo 7, you don’t need to worry about over-complicating your visuals, just keep it simple. Pick out the key message for each slide and allow the text on screen to support what you’re saying, rather than distract from it. Aid comprehension by adding an image or icon that represents the message and keep all clutter off the screen.

Hannah Tyson, Senior Designer at Buffalo 7, has this extra little tip for you:

Try to be on brand. Hannah Tyson

“Try to be on brand. Show you’ve done your research by looking at the fonts and colours your potential new employer uses on their website and reflect this in your slides.”

Not only will this show you’ve gone the extra mile in preparation for this presentation, it will let the interviewers see your place in their business, before you’ve even got the job. Sneaky.

Finally, make sure you double-check your slides. Then, check them again. A small mistake will distract from your interview presentation and it’s likely that’s all they’ll remember.

Be prepared

PowerPoint can be a fickle creature, behaving perfectly on your computer at home and then playing up in a strange environment, in front of all those judging eyes. Don’t look unprepared when it matters most, plan for every eventuality. Jaz Isherwood, Head of User Experience at Buffalo 7, explains how thinking ahead can help you to impress, even when you’re feeling stressed.

Even though you have speaker notes carefully crafted into your file, cue cards with key phrases can also be a great help. Jaz Isherwood

“Even though you have speaker notes carefully crafted into your file, cue cards with key phrases can also be a great help, in case of technical disaster on the day. As well as having a backup plan, a little extra preparation can mitigate having to use the cue cards at all. Make sure to ask about the room set up in advance. Will you be presenting your interview PowerPoint presentation from their computer, or should you bring your own? If you’re expected to use theirs, which version of PowerPoint are they running? If you’ll be using yours, how will you be connecting to the screen? What are the screen dimensions? These little details will allow you to craft the perfect presentation for the situation and avoid any issues on the day.”

Practice, not perfect

Ultimately, becoming comfortable speaking in front of any audience comes down to practice. It’s the same as exercising a muscle. The more presentations you give, the more confident you’ll feel the next time you’re in that situation.

Felicity Chivers, Account Director at Buffalo 7, has this advice for prospective team members:

Focus on becoming knowledgeable about the topic, instead of the exact wording in your speaker notes. Felicity Chivers

“If you focus on becoming knowledgeable about the topic, instead of the exact wording in your speaker notes, not only will you feel like you can take on any situation that arises, you’ll also be able to do your interview presentation without even having to glance at the cue cards you’ve prepared. This gives you the freedom to move around, react to the audience, and improvise.”

Sir Ken Robinson  is a creativity expert who holds the accolade of ‘most-viewed TED talk of all time’. Throughout his  twenty-minute presentation  about rethinking the way we educate our children, Robinson doesn’t look at a script once. Knowing the topic inside out allows him to be truly present and interact with the audience without losing his train of thought. 

Be comfortable with your messages, but beware of being over rehearsed. Rehearsing every word, every gesture and mapping out your steps can lead to a robotic performance. And if it doesn’t go exactly to plan, you’ll freak out because it’s not what you rehearsed.

Being perfect isn’t natural. Audiences will connect with an authentic speaker, over a perfect one. Know your subject matter, speak with genuine passion, and don’t worry if you trip up. Just acknowledge the mistake and move on.

Open for questions

By the end of your perfectly imperfect interview PowerPoint presentation, you may feel as though you deserve a sit down and perhaps a roaring round of applause from an appreciative audience, but your work isn’t done yet. Having the time to carefully craft a persuasive narrative is one thing, but your interviewers will likely want to test your ability to think on your feet as well. 

Richard Barnes, Managing Director of Buffalo 7, interviews every potential Buffalo that walks through our studio doors and places as much importance on how they handle questions as he does their skills at presenting.

By reviewing your presentation content carefully, you should be able to predict key questions your interviewers will ask. Richard Barnes

“By reviewing your presentation content carefully, you should be able to predict key questions your interviewers will ask – so have some intelligent responses at the ready. You may be asked why you recommend one course of action as opposed to another, how you think your ideas fit in with the company’s vision, and how you would mitigate any risks associated with your suggested changes.”

Remember that questions actually allow you to talk about all the ideas you edited out of your main presentation, so relish the opportunity to show some more expertise.

Interviews are scary, presentations are scary, and interview PowerPoint presentations are probably up there in the scary ranks, somewhere near clowns. They’re designed to test you and see how well you perform under pressure. By making sure you check off each of these 7 tips ahead of your next interview, you’ll be able to walk into that room feeling as though you’ve already got the job. 

Needless to say, we’ve got over 10 years’ experience in presentation design services in a range of areas including interviews if you’d rather let the professionals handle it for you 😉.

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Top 10 Interview Tips PowerPoint Presentation Templates in 2024

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09-04-2024 FAST COMPANY EXECUTIVE BOARD

18 expert tips for mastering your next media interview

Here’s what it takes to ace your next press interview, according to experts.

Photo credits: Natalia / Adobe Stock

The Fast Company Executive Board is a private, fee-based network of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience.

BY  Fast Company Executive Board 5 minute read

When preparing for an interview on a live or on-demand platform, it’s important to focus on both content and delivery. Whether you’re an introvert who prefers careful planning or an extrovert who feeds off energy, preparing yourself for an upcoming interview can ensure that you’re represented accurately and positively. 

From refining your key messages to honing your body language, there are a few things you can do to get yourself interview-ready. To that end, Fast Company Executive Board members share tried-and-true tips to ensure you’re ready to make the most of your time in the spotlight.

1. HAVE FUN.

Bring the energy, don’t ramble, try to keep it conversational, and inject personality into it! Remember, your enthusiasm and authenticity can make all the difference. – Jonathan Snow , Avenue Z

2. RECORD YOURSELF.

All great athletes watch their games back on tape. Practice recording yourself and your answers as if you’re in the interview. Watching the playback can help you fine-tune your body language and boost your confidence when answering questions. You’ll also get a feel for being in front of the camera, which can help settle nerves and allow your expertise to come across authentically. – Shannon Tucker , Next PR

3. USE STORIES TO BUILD A CONNECTION.

Bring your authentic self and a natural way of conveying what needs to be conveyed. Stories or analogies that connect to the audience and are core to the topic are a good way to leave your mark on the audience. – Bharath Yadla , Workato

4. SHOW YOUR VULNERABILITY.

Prepare in advance a brief story or anecdote that will help the host and/or audience connect with you as a person. Lean into vulnerability to show up as a human, not just an expert. Getting a chuckle, or even just a head nod because you shared something relatable, will release chemicals in your brain that will calm your nerves and get you settled for a great talk. – Cathy Graham , Desert Financial Credit Union

5. BE AUTHENTIC.

In any media, authenticity is crucial. Human error, when managed well, is less concerning than seeming inauthentic. Introvert or extrovert, the key rule for interviews on social platforms—now more than ever—is to be genuine. Practice your points, but allow your true self to shine through. Audiences value realness and are much more forgiving of mistakes than they are of perceived insincerity. – Jack Borie , Ubix Labs

6. HAVE A GO-TO STORY.

Always be ready with your evergreen “go-to” stories that deliver your core values and key messages in an engaging way. What were the defining moments in your life that set you on your current path? Practice telling these stories often so you can “go to” them during any interview and make an impact. – Nisha Anand , Dream.Org

7. DO A VIDEO RUN-THROUGH.

Conduct a run-through of your interview at least one week in advance and have someone on your team film it. Then, watch the video while taking notes. This level of self-awareness allows you to improve your interview skills and identify habits that you previously might not have been aware of. This provides the opportunity to make any necessary changes to improve your performance. – Kelley Higney , Bug Bite Thing

8. PREPARE, BUT DON’T MEMORIZE.

Prepare your core messages, but don’t try to memorize a script or read from a sheet of paper. Your brain can become overloaded in the recall of a perfectly worded sentence, and you lose the ability to stay present. Talk to the interviewer about your life and work experience, and it will come across as authentic and engaging. – Steve Dion , Dion Leadership

9. RESEARCH THE PLATFORM.

Learn about the platform or channel, its audience, and the interviewer or presenter. Find out the interview objectives and topics. Next, try to get an idea of the questions and any others interviewing alongside you. Then, consider your own objectives, brand, and messages. Ultimately, preparation is key to a successful interview. – Deborah Collier , Digital Skills Authority

10. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE. 

Regardless of the message you want to deliver, it is critical to understand who is at the receiving end.  Connecting with the audience and understanding the format, tone, and so on of the platform on which you are speaking is critical to success—and maybe getting invited back. – Maggie ONeill , Peppercomm

11. BE READY FOR ANYTHING.

The one fast rule is that there is no one fast rule. All media are different. The people are different. Be prepared. Get questions upfront; some platforms offer them, some don’t. Know your stuff. Two popular TV pundits tried to snowball me, but I knew the subject better and killed it. Watch for twisters. I was once asked about the appropriateness of sweatpants at the office. Be prepared to laugh. – Patrick Hanlon , primalbranding.co

12. BE RELATABLE.

Few people want to hear a lecture or a numeric list of ideas. It’s all about sharing your personal story honestly and interestingly. When you approach your interviews from a place of authenticity, it’s organically more natural, and your conversation will flow. Focus your goal on motivating the listener with innovative, tried, and actual ideas that work for you. – Larry Brinker Jr. , BRINKER

13. PRACTICE BEING CONCISE.

Know your core message and practice distilling it into bite-sized soundbites. Regardless of personality type, having a few well-rehearsed, concise talking points allows you to stay on track and deliver value, even if nerves or unexpected questions throw you off balance. This preparation gives you a solid foundation to build upon during the live engagement. – Frederik Bussler , Bussler & Co

14. AVOID OVER-REHEARSING.

Introverts and extroverts need to follow the golden rule for live interviews: practice, but don’t over-rehearse. Prepare key points and practice articulating them naturally. The goal is to sound authentic and knowledgeable, not scripted. Audiences connect best with genuine personalities. – Karen Gilhooly , True North Collaboration

15. HAVE A MESSAGE.

No matter your personality, preparing to be interviewed requires identifying your core message and developing talking points that reinforce it. Frequency and consistency of message are the easiest ways to be heard, regardless of the medium, and a little preparation goes a long way. – Caitlin MacGregor , Plum

16. STRIVE FOR CONNECTION.

Be prepared to forge a personal, human connection quickly. People make snap judgments within two to four seconds: Are you smart? Are you kind? These platforms are designed to highlight your expertise, and activating an emotional connection will help people remember your brilliance. – Dr. Camille Preston , AIM Leadership, LLC

17. PRACTICE YOUR KEY POINTS BEFOREHAND.

Rehearse what you want to convey to ensure clarity and confidence during the interview. The proper preparation will help you speak effectively, manage your nerves, and stay on track regardless of the platform or audience size. – Kristin Marquet , Marquet Media, LLC

18. BE THOROUGHLY PREPARED. 

Know your audience, research your topic, and have a few go-to points ready. Share teasers and engage with your audience before you go live. Don’t forget post-session sharing to keep the conversation going with your community and maximize your impact. – Val Vacante , dentsu

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Follow Up Email After Interview: Guide With Tips & Examples

Follow Up Email After Interview Example

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Are you considering a follow up email after interview to check on your application status or to stay in touch with the recruiter? Or do you want to send an email follow up after interview to thank the hiring manager for the opportunity? You’re at the right place.

From a short and sweet follow-up email after interview sample to an interview follow up email after two weeks, we’ll cover everything in this guide. Moreover, we’ll also learn how you can use Meeting Assistant Krisp.AI to enhance your virtual interaction experience with interviewers.

Why You Should Send a Follow-Up Email After Interview

You’ve just aced your interview, and now comes the waiting game. That’s where an interview status inquiry email comes into play. It’s more than just a formality.

A post-interview follow-up message is an opportunity to reinforce your genuine interest and remind the recruiter of your qualifications.

Specifically, a follow-up email after an interview is a powerful tool to show professionalism and set you apart. Moreover, an interview follow-up email lets you express gratitude and clarify points you missed during the conversation.

Creating an impactful message is vital, whether a simple follow-up letter after an interview or a more formal follow-up thank you email. So, let’s see how you can do this.

How to Write Follow Up Email After Interview

Crafting the perfect follow-up note isn’t rocket science. But let’s start with “How long should you wait after an interview to follow up ?” Typically, waiting 24 to 48 hours after an interview is enough to send your first follow-up email.

How to Send a Check-In Letter After Interview?

How do you politely ask for an update after an interview? Include the following essential points to keep your note professional, personal, and impactful, leaving a positive impression.

1. Greetings & Gratitude: Start with a “Thank You” for the interviewer’s time and the opportunity to discuss the role. This demonstrates appreciation and professionalism.

2. Personalization: Reference specific points from the interview to show attention to detail and engagement. For example, mention a discussion highlighted during the meeting.

3. Reaffirm Your Interest: Express your enthusiasm for the position and company. Clearly state how your skills align with the company’s goals.

4. Highlight Your Skills: Briefly recap how your qualifications align with the job. Highlight any relevant qualifications, linking them to the critical points discussed in the interview.

5. Keep It Concise: Keep your message short, focused, and talk to the point. Ideally, keep it under 200 words.

6. Show Enthusiasm: Maintain an upbeat tone, but don’t be impatient or pushy. Respect the company’s timeline for decision-making.

7. Ask for the Next Steps: Politely inquire about the hiring process timeline. Or ask if there’s additional information you can provide to support your application.

8. Closing : Thank them again and express your willingness to provide additional information.

Bonus Point: Use technology like Meeting Assistant Krisp.AI to make email crafting more efficient and effective. For example, you use Krisp during meetings to take exceptionally accurate interview notes and summaries to include in your follow up message. Krisp makes this process fast and far more productive.

Here’s a follow up email after the interview example. You can find the templates below.

Here’s a sample to use. Moreover, you can find templates below.

Subject : Thank You for the Interview – [Your Name]

“Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [position]. I immensely enjoyed our conversation, especially discussing [specific topic].

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company] and believe my experience in [specific skills] would be an excellent fit for the team.

Please feel free to reach out if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing about the next steps.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Email Template for Post-Interview Message

Here is how you can craft a professional follow-up email after the interview to the recruiter. This is a general format for a follow up email after the interview.

This structure keeps the email professional, concise, and courteous. Importantly, it reinforces your interest in the role and prompts the interviewer for updates.

Follow-up email after interview subject line : Thank You for the Interview – [Your Name]

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for yesterday’s meeting to discuss the [position name] at [Company Name]. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the team and your exciting work.

I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and believe that my background in [specific skills/experience] would allow me to add value to your team, especially in [specific project/area discussed during the interview].

I wanted to see if you had updates regarding the next steps in the hiring process. Please let me know if you need anything further from me.

Thank you again for the meeting. I look forward to hearing from you soon and am happy to provide any further information if needed.

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Short and Sweet Follow Up Email After Interview

Are you looking for a short and sweet check-in email after the interview? Here’s a sample:

Thank you for the time to discuss the [position name] at [Company Name]. I’m very excited about the opportunity and look forward to the possibility of contributing to your team. Please let me know if you need any further information.

Status Check Follow Up Email Sample

Below, you can find a follow-up email after interview status sample:

Subject : Checking In on Interview Status – [Your Name]

I’d like to know the status of my application for the [position name] after our interview on [date]. I’m eager to learn more about the next steps and remain enthusiastic about the opportunity at [Company Name].

Looking forward to your response.

Follow Up Email to Stay in Touch

Here is a polite job interview follow-up email for maintaining a professional connection without being too forward. This sample is ideal for networking and future opportunities.

Subject : Staying in Touch – [Your Name]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. It’s been a few weeks since our interview for the [position name], and while I understand the role may have been filled, I am expressing my continued interest in opportunities with [Company Name]. I enjoyed our conversation and learning more about your team.

Please feel free to reach out if there are any upcoming openings or if I can assist. I’d love to stay connected and explore future possibilities.

Thank you again, and I look forward to keeping in touch.

Interview Follow Up Email After One Week

If you haven’t heard back after a week, send a polite check-in to inquire about the status of the hiring process.

Subject : Following Up on My Interview – [Your Name]

I hope you’re doing well. It’s been a week since my interview for the [position name], and I wanted to follow up on the status of my application. I’m still interested in joining [Company Name] and look forward to hearing from you.

Interview Follow Up Letter After Two Weeks

And here is another example of a follow-up email to the interviewer after two weeks.

Subject : Follow-Up on Interview – [Your Name]

I am following up on my interview for the [position name] at [Company Name], which took place two weeks ago. I remain very interested in the role and would love to hear any updates regarding the decision-making process. Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Thank you again for your time.

Follow Up Thank You Email After Interview

Sending an after interview thank-you email shows gratitude and keeps the conversation going. A simple thank-you note after interview might look like this:

Thank you for meeting with me to discuss the [position name] at [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning more about your team’s goals and how my experience can contribute.

I’m very excited about the opportunity and look forward to your feedback.

Second Follow-Up Email After Interview

Sometimes, you might need to send a second interview follow-up email if you haven’t heard back after a week or two. Or you might need to send a check-in note after the second interview. The stakes are higher, and so is the need for an impactful second interview follow-up email.

Here is an example:

Subject : Checking In – [Your Name]

I hope all is well. I am checking in regarding the [position name] I interviewed for on [date]. I’m very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and would love to know if there are any updates or further steps I should take.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Make Your Follow Up Email After Interview Effective With Krisp.AI

Why not enhance your email’s professionalism and efficiency with intelligent tools like Krisp.AI ? Thanks to Krisp’s features, you can enjoy smooth and flawless interview communication and an effective follow up after interview email.

Thus, this smart Meeting Assistant keeps your professionalism intact from the interview to the follow-up process. How?

• Krisp helps ensure clear communication through excellent Noise Cancellation during virtual meetings.
• Moreover, Krisp Automatically Records and Transcribes your discussions in real time. The audio quality is unmatched, and the note-taking accuracy is 96%.
• Additionally, this Meeting Assistant not only Takes Notes but also Summarizes them without errors to add efficiency.
• You can include the essential discussion points transcribed and recorded in your follow-up note post-interview.
• Finally, Krisp enables you to include your information in an interview template , which you can customize and make the necessary changes.
• Krisp works on WinOS u MacOS․Krisp and is compatible with any videoconferencing tool or platform like Zoom, Goole Meet, and Microsoft Teams. Today, Krisp processes 75+ billion minutes of voice conversations monthly.

Meeting Assistant Krisp has the power to keep your post-interview follow-up message fresh in the interviewer’s mind and demonstrate initiative.

So, it’s high time you used Krisp.AI to highlight the difference between getting the job and being forgotten.

Get Krisp for Free

A thoughtful and polite follow up email after interview helps stay top-of-mind with hiring managers. Whether a post-interview thank-you message or a formal follow-up, it should be professional, impressive, clear, and concise.

Additionally, tools like Meeting Assistant Krisp.AI help you maintain professionalism. Specifically, Krisp cancels background noise, transcribes meetings in real time, and takes meticulous meeting notes and summaries, leading you closer to landing your dream job.

How Do I Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview? To write a post-interview status check email, begin with a polite greeting, express gratitude for the interview opportunity, and reaffirm your interest in the role. Specifically, highlight something discussed in the interview and ask about next steps. Finally, keep it professional and concise.

“Dear [Interviewer’s Name], I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in regarding the [position] I interviewed for on [date]. I am very interested in the opportunity and wanted to learn about the next steps in the hiring process.” Is Four Days too Soon to Follow Up After Interview? Four days isn’t too soon for an inquiry about the interview decision email. It’s a reasonable time to email politely, thanking the interviewer and asking about the hiring timeline. This way, you can demonstrate your interest without appearing impatient. How Do You Politely Ask an Interview Result? To politely ask for an interview result, express gratitude for the opportunity, reiterate your interest in the role, and inquire about the hiring process timeline. Moreover, politely ask if you can provide additional information to assist their decision. Why Have I Not Heard Back From My Interview? There can be several reasons for not hearing back from an interview. Namely, the reasons can include delays in the decision-making process, internal discussions, or the recruiter handling multiple candidates. It’s usually appropriate to send a polite follow-up email if you’ve waited over a week.

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