How to Give an Interview Presentation (With Tips to Prepare)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated 7 October 2022

Published 8 November 2021

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

When you get a job interview, your prospective employer may request that you make a presentation to demonstrate why you're a good fit for the role. These presentations can cover a variety of topics, from your background to trends in the industry. Making a stunning presentation may just get you the job you want. In this article, we discuss what an interview presentation is, share ideas for presentation topics and include tips on how to prepare and deliver one.

What is an interview presentation?

An interview presentation is essentially a pitch convincing a prospective employer to hire you. You may cover your relevant qualifications, or choose a topic related to the industry you want to work in.

How to give a presentation in an interview

Follow these steps:

1. Choose and research a topic

To prepare for your presentation, choose a topic that applies to the job you're interviewing for. It's good to understand the industry you want to work in, as well as the company you're interviewing with.

2. Create a draft of your presentation

After gathering the information you need for the presentation, draft out how you would present it. Create an outline and write yourself a script to follow. Though you may not follow the script in its entirety, planning what you say beforehand builds confidence and ensures that your presentation is organised.

3. Organise your visual aids

Organise your research and information into sections, and prepare some visual aids to help you stay on track.

4. Practise presenting

Be sure to perform a few practice runs of your presentation to gain confidence and get familiar with the material. Give your presentation to a friend or family member so that they can give constructive feedback.

5. Finish strong

You can conclude with a brief summary of your key presentation points, as well as an open call for questions from the audience.

Examples of topics for an interview presentation

Common presentation topics include:

innovative technological developments in your field
cutting-edge trends in your industry
new initiatives and how to implement them

Tips for giving a successful presentation

To help you give a thoughtful and compelling presentation during your interview, here are some tips:

Be positive in your approach

Stay positive throughout your presentation, even as you discuss the obstacles you've overcome. Consider focusing on how you got out of a tough situation, or discuss steps you took to move past challenging circumstances.

Ask for guidance

Before developing your presentation, ask the hiring manager for guidelines on what they're expecting. Clarify if they had a topic in mind, and how long your presentation should be.

Use storytelling to engage the audience

Traditional storytelling methods are some of the most effective ways to structure a presentation. Follow these steps to tell a compelling story:

Present a problem.
Explain why the problem matters.
Discuss the trials you encountered as you searched for an answer.
End with a strong resolution.

Promote yourself in the presentation

This presentation is a great way to show employers you're a great candidate for the job. Try incorporating relevant anecdotes about your experience and qualities into the presentation.

Make a good first impression

Conducting yourself well during the presentation would add more points in your favour. Dress appropriately, stand up straight and make eye contact while you're presenting.