questions for presentation interview

Common Presentation Interview Questions

1. how do you tailor a presentation to an audience with varied levels of expertise.

Delivering effective presentations requires understanding the range of expertise within your audience. A speaker must strike a balance, ensuring the content is accessible to novices without being overly simplistic for experts. This question reveals the candidate’s ability to assess audience needs, adapt their message accordingly, and communicate complex ideas in an inclusive manner that engages all participants. Mastery of this skill demonstrates an awareness of the diversity within any group and a commitment to inclusive communication, which is crucial for successful knowledge transfer and audience engagement.

When responding, outline your approach to audience analysis, such as conducting pre-presentation surveys or interviews to gauge expertise levels. Discuss how you would structure your presentation to introduce fundamental concepts while also providing depth for those more knowledgeable. Share techniques for interactive elements that can engage all levels, such as Q&A sessions, and how you might provide supplemental materials for further learning. Highlight past experiences where you successfully managed such a scenario, underscoring your adaptability and consideration for audience diversity.

Example: “ In tailoring a presentation to a diverse audience, I begin with a thorough audience analysis, often leveraging pre-presentation surveys to understand the varying degrees of expertise. This data informs the structure of my presentation, ensuring I lay a foundational narrative that is accessible to novices while incorporating advanced insights to challenge and engage experts. I carefully craft the content to enable a layered approach, where core concepts are clear and additional complexity is introduced progressively.

Interactive elements are pivotal; I integrate Q&A sessions at strategic intervals, which allow for real-time assessment and adaptation to audience needs. These sessions serve a dual purpose: they clarify uncertainties for beginners and open the floor to deeper discussions for seasoned attendees. To cater to ongoing learning, I provide supplemental materials post-presentation, such as advanced reading lists or access to online resources. This approach not only accommodates all levels of expertise during the session but also extends the learning experience beyond the presentation itself. My experience with this method has consistently yielded positive feedback, demonstrating its effectiveness in engaging and educating heterogeneous groups.”

2. What strategies do you employ for maintaining audience engagement during a lengthy presentation?

To keep an audience attentive and invested throughout lengthy presentations, a presenter must understand audience psychology, content structuring, and dynamic delivery. It’s not merely about disseminating information; it’s about crafting a narrative that resonates, using pacing techniques to maintain energy, and incorporating interactive elements to foster active participation. An effective presenter must be adept at reading the room and adapting on the fly, ensuring the material remains relevant and the delivery compelling.

When responding to this question, focus on concrete strategies you use, such as breaking up the presentation into digestible segments, using storytelling techniques, incorporating multimedia, and facilitating audience interaction through questions or activities. Discuss how you monitor audience body language and feedback to make real-time adjustments, ensuring your presentation is a dialogue rather than a monologue. Highlight your ability to weave in anecdotes or analogies that relate to your audience’s interests or experiences, which can create a more personalized and memorable presentation experience.

Example: “ To maintain audience engagement during a lengthy presentation, I segment the content into digestible parts, each with a clear focus and purpose. This modular approach not only helps in keeping the audience’s attention but also makes it easier for them to process and remember the information. I integrate multimedia elements strategically, such as short videos or interactive graphics, to provide a visual break and reinforce key points.

I employ storytelling techniques, crafting a narrative that connects the dots between the data and the real-world implications. This not only humanizes the content but also makes it more relatable and engaging. To ensure the presentation remains a dialogue, I incorporate moments for audience interaction. This could be through direct questions, quick polls, or even small group discussions if the format allows. I’m always attuned to the audience’s body language and feedback, ready to adjust the pace or dive deeper into topics that resonate. By weaving in relevant anecdotes and analogies, I create a personalized experience, making the content stick and the presentation memorable.”

3. Describe your process for distilling complex information into understandable slides.

Bridging the gap between intricate, detailed data and the audience’s comprehension is a key aspect of presentations. The ability to synthesize and simplify complex information is not just about making slides—it’s about grasping the essence of the data, identifying the key messages, and crafting a narrative that resonates. This skill demonstrates a presenter’s capacity to think critically, focus on what’s most important, and communicate effectively, ensuring that the audience walks away with the intended knowledge without being overwhelmed by technicalities or jargon.

When responding, outline a structured approach that starts with thoroughly understanding the complex material yourself. Emphasize how you prioritize the most relevant points for your audience’s needs and interests. Discuss your method for creating a storyline or framework that guides the presentation, and mention any tools or techniques you use to make data visually appealing and digestible, such as infographics, analogies, or real-world examples. Be prepared to provide a specific example of a time you successfully transformed a complicated subject into an engaging and informative presentation.

Example: “ My process begins with a deep dive into the material to ensure I have a solid grasp of the subject matter. Once I fully understand the complexities, I identify the key messages that are most pertinent to the audience’s needs. This involves discerning the essential information from the peripheral details, which often requires a critical evaluation of the data’s relevance and impact.

Next, I construct a narrative that not only conveys these key points but also tells a compelling story. This narrative framework is crucial as it provides a logical flow that guides the audience through the information without overwhelming them. To enhance comprehension, I employ visual aids such as infographics, which distill data into a more accessible format. I also use analogies and real-world examples to create relatable touchpoints for the audience. For instance, when presenting a complex financial strategy, I once used a simple kitchen recipe analogy to illustrate the step-by-step process, which resonated well with the audience and made the strategy easy to understand and remember.”

4. In what ways have you utilized storytelling within a professional presentation?

Transforming a mundane topic into a captivating journey is the hallmark of an adept storyteller within presentations. Storytelling is not merely a method of conveying information; it’s a powerful tool for engagement, making complex data relatable, and driving a message home. Employers seek individuals who can harness the art of narrative to communicate ideas compellingly, ensuring that key points resonate with their audience long after the presentation concludes.

When responding to this question, articulate how you’ve woven narratives into your presentations to illustrate concepts, humanize data, and create memorable moments. Share specific examples where your storytelling skills have enhanced understanding, fostered emotional connections, or inspired action. It’s essential to convey that your use of storytelling is strategic, intentionally crafted to support the presentation’s objectives and cater to the interests and needs of your audience.

Example: “ In leveraging storytelling, I’ve found that anchoring complex data within relatable narratives significantly enhances comprehension and retention. For instance, when presenting market analysis, I’ve utilized customer journey stories that encapsulate data points within the lived experiences of representative personas. This approach not only humanizes abstract figures but also fosters empathy, enabling stakeholders to grasp the practical implications of trends and figures.

Additionally, I’ve employed storytelling to catalyze action, particularly during strategic pitches. By crafting a narrative arc that mirrors the classic hero’s journey, I’ve positioned the product or initiative as the ‘hero’ equipped to overcome the audience’s challenges, which are framed as the ‘villain’. This technique not only makes the presentation more engaging but also aligns the audience’s emotional investment with the desired outcome, often resulting in a compelling call to action that resonates on both an intellectual and emotional level.”

5. Share an example where you had to adjust your presentation style on the fly due to unforeseen circumstances.

Adaptability and audience engagement are critical components of effective presentation skills. When unforeseen circumstances arise—such as technical difficulties, an unexpected change in audience demographics, or a drastic shift in the mood of the room—presenters must be capable of pivoting quickly and effectively. This question allows interviewers to assess a candidate’s ability to think on their feet, demonstrate flexibility, and maintain composure under pressure. It also reveals how a candidate can tailor their communication to suit the audience’s needs and still achieve the presentation’s objectives, even when conditions are less than ideal.

When responding, it’s crucial to describe a specific instance that showcases your adaptability without losing sight of your presentation goals. Begin by outlining the initial plan and the unexpected issue that arose. Then, detail the changes you implemented, explaining why you chose that particular adjustment and how you kept your audience engaged. Conclude with the outcome, emphasizing how your quick thinking and flexibility led to a successful presentation despite the challenges.

Example: “ In one instance, I was delivering a presentation to a diverse group of stakeholders when I noticed a significant portion of the audience was not fully engaged, likely due to varying levels of familiarity with the topic. Recognizing this, I pivoted from the planned technical deep-dive to a more high-level approach, interspersing relatable analogies and interactive elements to foster a more inclusive atmosphere. This shift not only recaptured the audience’s attention but also encouraged a dialogue that allowed for a more tailored and dynamic presentation.

The adjustment resulted in a positive shift in the room’s energy, with increased participation and pertinent questions that enriched the session. Post-presentation feedback underscored the effectiveness of the adaptation, with attendees expressing appreciation for the accessible content and the interactive nature of the experience. The ability to read the room and seamlessly modify the delivery ensured that the presentation’s objectives were met and the message was successfully conveyed to all participants.”

6. Outline your approach to handling challenging questions from the audience post-presentation.

Fielding challenging questions after delivering a presentation is where a presenter demonstrates their depth of knowledge and composure. This question is a litmus test for a candidate’s expertise on the subject matter, their critical thinking skills, and their capacity to maintain professionalism under pressure. It also reveals how well they can think on their feet and manage potentially adversarial situations, ensuring that the presentation’s objectives are not undermined by a tough Q&A session.

When responding to this question, articulate a structured approach that includes active listening, acknowledging the questioner, and providing a clear, concise, and confident answer. If unsure about a question, it’s acceptable to admit it and offer to follow up with a more informed response later. It’s vital to stay calm and respectful, using the opportunity to further demonstrate your expertise and enhance the audience’s understanding of the topic.

Example: “ In addressing challenging questions post-presentation, my initial step is to ensure that I fully comprehend the inquiry by actively listening and, if necessary, seeking clarification. This not only shows respect to the questioner but also allows me to tailor my response more effectively. I acknowledge the question and the individual asking it, which maintains a positive and engaging atmosphere.

When formulating a response, I prioritize clarity and conciseness, drawing upon relevant data and examples to substantiate my points. If the question touches on an area outside my immediate expertise, I maintain transparency by acknowledging the limits of my current knowledge. In such cases, I commit to providing a detailed follow-up after consulting additional resources or colleagues. This approach not only upholds my credibility but also demonstrates a commitment to accuracy and ongoing learning. Throughout the interaction, I remain composed and courteous, leveraging challenging questions as opportunities to deepen the audience’s understanding and to reinforce key messages from my presentation.”

7. What is your experience with using interactive elements in presentations?

Enhancing understanding, retention, and participation are the goals of incorporating interactive elements in presentations. They transform passive listeners into active participants, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and ensuring the message is not just heard but experienced. Employers are looking for individuals who can leverage these tools to create memorable and effective presentations that stand out in an era where attention spans are short and the need to impactfully convey information is high.

When responding to this question, it’s essential to provide concrete examples of when you have incorporated interactive elements such as real-time polls, Q&A sessions, or interactive demonstrations. Discuss the impact these elements had on the presentation’s effectiveness, how they helped you achieve your objectives, and the feedback received. This demonstrates your understanding of the value of interactivity and your ability to successfully implement it.

Example: “ Incorporating interactive elements into presentations has been a key strategy in my approach to engaging audiences and reinforcing key messages. For instance, I’ve utilized real-time polls during market analysis presentations to gauge audience sentiment, which not only captures attention but also provides immediate data to tailor the discussion. The dynamic nature of the poll results sparks a conversation and allows me to address specific interests or concerns on the spot, making the presentation more relevant and impactful.

Additionally, I’ve leveraged Q&A sessions effectively by integrating them at strategic points in the presentation rather than leaving them for the end. This ensures that the content remains fresh in the audience’s mind and encourages a more active participation, leading to a deeper understanding of the material. The feedback from these sessions has consistently highlighted their effectiveness in making the presentations more memorable and informative, as they foster a two-way dialogue that enriches the experience for both the audience and myself as the presenter.”

8. Detail how you measure the effectiveness of a presentation.

Gauging the effectiveness of a presentation is essential for continuous improvement and ensuring that the intended message resonates with the audience. Effectiveness can be measured through various quantitative and qualitative metrics, such as audience engagement, comprehension, feedback, and the subsequent actions taken by attendees. A skilled presenter knows that the success of a presentation extends beyond the applause—it’s about the lasting impact and the ability to drive the audience toward a desired outcome or understanding.

When responding to this question, you should discuss specific methods you use to evaluate your presentations. For instance, you might mention using real-time polls or surveys to gather immediate audience reactions, employing Q&A sessions to gauge understanding, or analyzing post-presentation feedback forms. You could also talk about tracking the implementation of ideas or strategies presented, or following up with attendees to see how the information has impacted their work or perspective. It’s important to convey that you have a systematic approach to evaluation and that you use these insights to refine your presentation skills and content.

Example: “ To measure the effectiveness of a presentation, I employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Immediately following the presentation, I utilize real-time audience engagement tools, such as polls or interactive Q&A sessions, to assess understanding and retention of the content. This provides instant feedback on the clarity and impact of the presentation, allowing me to gauge whether the audience is aligning with the intended message.

In the days following the presentation, I distribute post-presentation surveys to collect more reflective feedback on the content, delivery, and overall value provided. I analyze this data to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Additionally, I track the long-term effects by following up with attendees to understand how they have applied the information or strategies discussed. This not only helps in assessing the practical impact of the presentation but also informs future presentations, ensuring that they are tailored to foster actionable outcomes and sustained engagement.”

9. Have you ever experienced technical difficulties during a presentation and how did you handle it?

Handling technical difficulties during presentations is a common challenge that can test a presenter’s composure and problem-solving skills. The ability to handle such disruptions showcases flexibility, preparedness, and professionalism. Employers are interested in how potential candidates deal with unexpected challenges and maintain their ability to communicate effectively under pressure. They also look for evidence of a candidate’s technical acumen and whether they have a plan B, such as backup materials or alternative methods to convey their message when technology fails.

When responding, it’s crucial to recount a specific instance where you faced technical difficulties, emphasizing your thought process and actions taken to resolve the issue. Highlight your calm demeanor, your quick thinking to implement a solution, or your decision to proceed without the aid of technology, if necessary. If you had contingency plans in place, such as printed handouts or a whiteboard illustration, mention these. Demonstrating that you can keep your audience engaged despite setbacks will illustrate your resilience and capability as a presenter.

Example: “ Absolutely, technical difficulties are almost an inevitable part of modern presentations. On one occasion, I was in the midst of a critical presentation when the projector suddenly failed. Without skipping a beat, I shifted to a whiteboard to illustrate the key points while the technical issue was being addressed. This not only demonstrated my ability to adapt quickly but also my preparation; I had ensured that the main points could be communicated without reliance on slides. Meanwhile, I engaged the audience with relevant questions to maintain their attention and encourage participation, turning the potential disruption into an interactive discussion.

In another instance, the presentation software crashed, and it was clear that a quick fix was not available. I had anticipated such a scenario and brought printed copies of the slides as a backup. I distributed these to the audience and proceeded with the presentation, effectively turning it into a guided discussion. These experiences have reinforced the importance of always having a Plan B, whether it’s a hard copy of the presentation or an alternative method of delivery, ensuring that the message is conveyed effectively regardless of technological challenges.”

10. Which software platforms are you proficient in for creating compelling visual aids?

Crafting compelling visual aids is a crucial aspect of presentations, as they are the visual voice of the speaker’s ideas. Proficiency in a range of software platforms demonstrates versatility and the capacity to tailor the presentation to the audience’s needs and the context of the information. It also suggests an awareness of current technologies and an aptitude for visual storytelling, which are valuable in creating engaging, informative, and memorable presentations.

When responding to this question, it’s best to list the specific software platforms you’re skilled in, such as PowerPoint, Prezi, Keynote, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or any other specialized tools you might use. Provide examples of presentations you’ve created using these platforms and discuss how you leveraged their unique features to enhance your message. If possible, share anecdotes about how your visual aids positively influenced the outcome of a presentation or helped convey complex information in an accessible manner.

Example: “ I am proficient in a variety of software platforms that are essential for creating compelling visual aids, including PowerPoint, Prezi, Keynote, and Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on Illustrator and Photoshop for custom graphics. Additionally, I am adept at using Canva for quick yet professional designs when time is of the essence.

In leveraging PowerPoint, I have utilized its advanced animation and transition capabilities to craft a narrative flow that underscores key points, ensuring the audience remains engaged throughout the presentation. With Prezi, I’ve created dynamic, non-linear presentations that are particularly effective for storytelling and keeping viewers intrigued by the spatial journey. For executive briefings, I’ve turned to Keynote for its clean design aesthetics and seamless integration with Apple products, which often match the technological preferences of the audience. Adobe Creative Suite has been my go-to for developing high-quality, original graphics and editing images to a professional standard, ensuring that every visual element is tailored to the presentation’s message. These tools, combined with a strategic approach to visual storytelling, have consistently led to successful outcomes, such as securing stakeholder buy-in or simplifying the communication of complex data.”

11. Relate a time when you had to present a topic outside your area of expertise.

Showcasing flexibility, the ability to research comprehensively, and the skill to learn quickly are essential when conveying information on unfamiliar topics. It also demonstrates confidence and the competence to step outside one’s comfort zone, which are indicative of a growth mindset and leadership potential. Interviewers are looking for evidence of how you approach the challenge of presenting on an unknown subject, the strategies you use to become knowledgeable, and how you ensure that the information is understood by your audience.

When responding to this question, focus on a specific instance where you had to present on an unfamiliar topic. Detail the steps you took to familiarize yourself with the subject matter, including any research or learning methods you employed. Discuss how you ensured your presentation was engaging and understandable, and reflect on the outcome. Highlight any feedback you received and what you learned from the experience, emphasizing your adaptability and commitment to professional development.

Example: “ When tasked with presenting a topic outside my expertise, I immediately immersed myself in intensive research, seeking out the most current and relevant information from credible sources. I prioritized understanding the fundamental concepts and terminology to ensure I could speak with confidence and clarity. To make the material engaging, I employed storytelling techniques, relating the new information to common experiences and using analogies that resonated with the audience’s background.

During the presentation, I focused on interactive elements, such as Q&A sessions, to foster a collaborative learning environment. This approach not only enhanced audience engagement but also allowed me to gauge their understanding in real-time, adjusting my delivery as needed. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees appreciating the digestible format and the clear conveyance of complex material. This experience underscored the importance of thorough preparation and the ability to translate intricate concepts into accessible content, reinforcing my adaptability and dedication to continuous learning.”

12. How do you ensure that your body language positively contributes to your message delivery?

Nonverbal cues like body language play a significant role in engaging the audience and reinforcing the message during presentations. Your stance, gestures, and facial expressions can either distract from or enhance the clarity and impact of your communication. Presenters who are self-aware and intentionally use their body to add depth to their message ensure that it resonates more powerfully with their audience.

When responding, it’s essential to highlight your awareness of common body language principles, such as maintaining eye contact, using gestures to emphasize points, and adopting an open stance to appear approachable and confident. Discuss your strategies for practicing these techniques, perhaps through videotaping your rehearsals or receiving feedback from peers. Emphasize your commitment to continuous improvement and how you actively work to align your nonverbal communication with your spoken words to deliver a coherent and compelling presentation.

Example: “ In ensuring that my body language aligns positively with my message delivery, I prioritize the synchronization of verbal and nonverbal cues. This involves maintaining steady eye contact to foster engagement and demonstrate confidence, as well as utilizing purposeful gestures that underscore key points, thereby enhancing the audience’s comprehension and retention of the content. An open stance is adopted not only to appear approachable but also to project an aura of confidence and authority.

To refine these techniques, I engage in deliberate practice, often recording my presentations to critically evaluate my body language and its impact on the message conveyed. This self-review is complemented by seeking candid feedback from peers, which provides external perspectives on my nonverbal communication. This iterative process of rehearsal, feedback, and adjustment fosters a heightened awareness of my physical presence and ensures that my body language consistently reinforces the clarity and persuasiveness of my presentations.”

13. What techniques do you use to open and close a presentation memorably?

Understanding the psychological impact of a strong start and finish is crucial for presenters. The opening and closing of a presentation are pivotal moments that can captivate an audience or leave them with a lasting impression. A powerful opening can hook the audience’s attention, while an effective closing can reinforce the key message and call to action, ensuring the presentation’s objectives are achieved.

When responding, highlight specific techniques you employ to engage your audience from the outset, such as starting with a thought-provoking question, a relevant anecdote, or an interesting statistic. Explain how you establish the relevance of your topic to your audience’s interests and needs. For concluding your presentation, discuss methods you use to summarize the main points succinctly and clearly, possibly circling back to your opening hook for a cohesive effect. Mention any strategies you use to inspire or motivate your audience to take action, reflecting on how you ensure your final words resonate and drive home the purpose of your presentation.

Example: “ To open a presentation memorably, I often begin with a compelling hook that directly relates to the core message—this could be a surprising statistic that challenges common perceptions, a brief story that illustrates the stakes involved, or a question that prompts the audience to think critically about the topic. This technique not only captures attention but also sets the stage for the narrative arc of the presentation. It’s crucial to establish the relevance of the topic early on, so I make sure to articulate how the content will address the audience’s interests or solve a problem they care about.

Closing a presentation is just as critical as the opening, as it’s the last opportunity to reinforce the key message. I employ a strategy of bookending, where I circle back to the opening hook, creating a sense of closure and reinforcing the central theme. I summarize the main points succinctly, ensuring they are clear and memorable, and end with a call to action that is both inspiring and practical. This could be an invitation to adopt a new perspective, a challenge to apply the information presented, or a tangible next step they can take. By doing so, I ensure the presentation has a lasting impact and drives the audience toward the intended outcome.”

14. How do you incorporate feedback from previous presentations into future ones?

Incorporating feedback into presentations is an exploration into your ability to self-reflect, adapt, and evolve your approach. It demonstrates whether you see feedback as a gift for growth or as criticism to be dismissed. Employers are looking for individuals who actively seek out and apply constructive criticism to enhance their performance, ensuring their message resonates more effectively with each iteration.

To respond, outline a systematic approach: First, explain how you solicit feedback, whether through formal surveys, informal conversations, or even by observing audience engagement during the presentation. Then, discuss how you analyze this information to identify patterns or specific areas for enhancement. Finally, share examples of how you’ve altered your presentation style, content, or delivery method based on this feedback, leading to tangible improvements in audience reception or desired outcomes.

Example: “ Incorporating feedback into future presentations is a critical aspect of refining and improving the effectiveness of my communication. Following each presentation, I actively seek out both qualitative and quantitative feedback through structured surveys and open-ended discussions. This dual approach allows me to gather specific insights and gauge the emotional resonance of the content with the audience.

Upon collecting the feedback, I conduct a thorough analysis to identify recurring themes or suggestions for improvement. For instance, if multiple participants point out that certain sections were too complex or not sufficiently engaging, I prioritize those areas for modification. I then iterate on the content, simplifying complex ideas or incorporating storytelling elements to enhance engagement. Additionally, if the feedback indicates that the pacing was off or that the visuals were not impactful, I adjust the tempo of my delivery and redesign the visual aids accordingly. This process of continuous refinement, guided by targeted feedback, has consistently led to more dynamic presentations and measurable increases in audience understanding and interaction.”

15. When have you successfully adapted a presentation for multicultural audiences?

Adapting content, tone, and delivery to suit multicultural audiences is paramount when delivering presentations. The ability to navigate the subtleties of cross-cultural interactions ensures your message resonates with everyone in the room, regardless of their background. This skill is particularly valuable in a globalized business environment where teams and clientele are often international.

When responding to this question, recount a specific instance where you tailored a presentation to cater to a multicultural audience. Detail the research and preparation you undertook to understand the cultural expectations and norms of the audience. Explain how you adjusted your language, examples, humor, and even visual aids to be culturally sensitive and engaging. Highlight the feedback you received and how it informed your approach to future presentations, demonstrating continuous learning and adaptability.

Example: “ In preparation for a presentation to a multicultural audience, I conducted thorough research to understand the cultural nuances and communication styles of the participants. Recognizing the diversity in the room, I carefully selected universal themes and designed the content to resonate across cultural boundaries. I avoided idioms and region-specific references that could lead to misunderstandings, and instead, used clear, concise language.

I adapted visual aids to include a variety of cultural contexts, ensuring that imagery and examples were inclusive and relatable. Humor was used judiciously, with a focus on light, universally understandable jokes that did not hinge on cultural knowledge. The success of this approach was evident in the engaged reactions during the presentation and the positive feedback afterward, which highlighted the clarity and inclusiveness of the content. This experience reinforced the importance of cultural sensitivity and has since guided my approach to crafting and delivering presentations to diverse groups.”

16. Describe how you prioritize content when faced with strict time constraints.

Distilling complex ideas into digestible, impactful points is essential when presenting information under tight time constraints. This question serves to reveal your critical thinking and content curation skills. It also sheds light on your understanding of the audience’s needs and your ability to focus on key messages that align with the objectives of the presentation. Employers are looking for your capability to identify what’s most important and to convey it in a clear, concise manner that respects the audience’s time and attention span.

To respond, illustrate your process for determining the priority of content, which might involve identifying the core message, understanding the audience’s level of knowledge on the topic, and considering the outcomes you want to achieve. Share a specific example of a time when you successfully navigated this challenge, explaining how you decided what to include, what to leave out, and how you structured your presentation to ensure it was effective within the allotted time.

Example: “ When prioritizing content under time constraints, my approach is to distill the presentation down to its essence by focusing on the objectives of the presentation and the key takeaways for the audience. I start by identifying the core message and the most critical pieces of information that support that message. I then assess the audience’s existing knowledge and tailor the content to fill gaps or build on their understanding, ensuring that the content is neither too basic nor too complex.

For example, in a recent high-stakes presentation with a 10-minute limit, I was tasked with conveying the potential impact of a new technology. I honed in on the three most compelling benefits of the technology, supported by succinct data points that underscored its value. I omitted technical jargon and detailed methodology, which would have taken up valuable time and potentially lost the audience’s interest. Instead, I structured the presentation to open with a strong, relatable narrative that illustrated the technology’s significance, followed by the key benefits and closing with a clear call to action. This approach kept the presentation within the time frame and resonated well with the audience, leading to a successful outcome.”

17. What methods do you use to foster collaboration during group presentations?

Transforming a collection of individual contributions into a cohesive, impactful performance is the essence of effective collaboration in group presentations. Beyond assessing your skills in orchestrating a group effort, this question seeks to understand your ability to harness diverse perspectives, navigate interpersonal dynamics, and leverage each team member’s strengths to achieve a common goal. It’s about your approach to leadership, your capacity for empathy, and your strategic planning to ensure all voices are heard and integrated into the final product.

When responding, outline a structured approach: start by explaining how you set clear objectives and expectations from the outset. Discuss the importance of creating an inclusive environment where all participants feel valued, mentioning specific techniques like round-robin brainstorming or utilizing digital collaboration tools. Highlight any processes you implement to ensure accountability, such as regular check-ins or progress reports. Lastly, share a brief example from your experience where your methods led to a successful group presentation outcome, emphasizing the positive feedback and results achieved through your facilitation of teamwork.

Example: “ To foster collaboration during group presentations, I begin by establishing clear objectives and expectations, ensuring that each team member understands the goals and their role in achieving them. I create an inclusive environment by employing techniques such as round-robin brainstorming, which guarantees that everyone has a voice, and by leveraging digital collaboration tools like shared documents and real-time editing platforms to facilitate seamless communication and idea sharing.

Accountability is maintained through regular check-ins and progress reports, which help keep the team aligned and focused. For instance, in a recent project, this approach led to the development of a highly engaging presentation that received commendable feedback for its cohesiveness and the way it leveraged each team member’s strengths. The success was evident not just in the outcome, but also in the team’s increased confidence and the client’s satisfaction with our collaborative process.”

18. Give an instance where persuasive presentation skills led to a tangible outcome.

Influencing and persuading an audience to take action or to view a topic from a different perspective is a key element of effective presentation skills. Employers seek individuals who can not only present information clearly but who can also compel stakeholders, sway opinions, secure buy-in, or drive organizational change through their presentations. This question is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to impact decision-making and achieve real-world results through their communication prowess.

When responding, select a specific example that showcases your ability to craft and deliver a persuasive presentation. Focus on the preparation work, the audience analysis you conducted, and how you tailored your message for maximum impact. Discuss the strategies you used to engage the audience, any visual or data-driven aids that supported your case, and how you handled objections or questions. Conclude with the outcome, detailing how your presentation directly influenced a decision, action, or shift in perspective, and, if possible, mention any measurable results that followed.

Example: “ In a recent instance, I developed a presentation aimed at persuading a panel of stakeholders to adopt a new software solution that promised to enhance operational efficiency. I began by conducting a thorough audience analysis, identifying the key concerns and motivations of each stakeholder. This enabled me to tailor the content, focusing on the software’s ability to address specific pain points such as reducing manual errors and streamlining workflow processes.

I employed a narrative structure, anchoring the presentation around a central story of a hypothetical yet relatable scenario where the software dramatically improved productivity. To bolster my argument, I integrated compelling data visualizations that clearly demonstrated the potential return on investment and comparative analyses with existing systems. Throughout the presentation, I engaged the audience with rhetorical questions and interactive elements, maintaining their attention and fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

When faced with skepticism, I addressed questions with evidence-based responses, reinforcing the software’s benefits with real-world success stories from similar organizations. The outcome was a unanimous decision to proceed with implementation, and within six months, the organization reported a 25% increase in operational efficiency, validating the effectiveness of the persuasive strategies employed in the presentation.”

19. How do you maintain coherence when integrating data and statistics into your narrative?

Weaving data and statistics into a narrative without losing the audience’s attention or confusing them is an art form. It requires a clear understanding of the story you’re trying to tell and the role that data plays in that story. It’s not just about presenting numbers; it’s about making those numbers meaningful and relevant to your audience. Employers are looking for individuals who can take complex information and distill it into a compelling, accessible format that supports the overarching message. This skill demonstrates critical thinking, analytical prowess, and the capacity to engage and persuade an audience.

When responding to this question, emphasize your approach to storytelling with data. Discuss how you prioritize the most impactful statistics, use analogies or visual aids to illustrate your points, and ensure each piece of data reinforces the narrative thread. Mention any techniques you use to make complex data more digestible, such as breaking it down into simpler terms, building it up piece by piece, or relating it to something familiar to the audience. The goal is to show that you can make data a tool for storytelling rather than a stumbling block.

Example: “ To maintain coherence when integrating data and statistics into a narrative, I prioritize selecting data points that directly support the story’s core message. This involves a careful curation process where I identify the most impactful statistics that align with the narrative’s objective and resonate with the intended audience. I also use analogies and visual aids to contextualize the data, grounding abstract numbers in concrete and relatable terms. For instance, if I’m presenting on the growth of renewable energy, I might compare the increase in solar panel installations to a familiar concept, like the growth of a city’s population, to make the scale more understandable.

In addition, I employ a progressive disclosure technique, introducing data in layers to avoid overwhelming the audience. I start with a high-level overview, then gradually delve into more detailed statistics as the story unfolds, ensuring each data point is a logical extension of the previous information. This scaffolding approach helps the audience to assimilate complex data in manageable increments. By using these strategies, I ensure that data enhances the narrative, providing evidence and clarity, rather than detracting from the story’s flow and coherence.”

20. Reflect on a moment when you effectively used silence as a tool in your presentation.

Controlling the room and the audience’s attention can be achieved by mastering the art of silence in a presentation. Effective use of silence can emphasize important points, give the audience time to absorb information, and create a dynamic rhythm that keeps listeners engaged. It demonstrates a presenter’s confidence and comfort with the material and the presentation space. Silence can also serve as a non-verbal cue, signaling to the audience that something significant is being communicated, which can heighten interest and focus.

When responding to this question, you should recount a specific instance where you strategically employed a pause. Describe the lead-up to the moment of silence, the audience’s reaction, and the impact it had on the overall presentation. Explain your thought process behind the decision to use silence at that particular juncture and how it contributed to the effectiveness of your communication. Your response should convey your understanding of pacing and your ability to use silence not as an absence of words, but as a powerful communication tool in itself.

Example: “ In a recent presentation on the impact of strategic pauses in speech, I deliberately incorporated a prolonged silence following a key point about the power of pausing to enhance audience engagement. After discussing the cognitive overload that can occur with a constant stream of information, I paused for a full ten seconds. This silence not only allowed the audience to digest the information but also served as a live demonstration of the concept. The room’s dynamic shifted palpably; attendees leaned forward, anticipation built, and when I resumed speaking, the engagement was markedly heightened. This silence punctuated the importance of the point and underscored the effectiveness of the technique.

The decision to use silence at that moment was informed by the understanding that strategic pauses can act as an auditory underline, giving weight to the preceding statement. It was a calculated risk, but the payoff was evident in the audience’s renewed focus and the lively Q&A session that followed. This approach reinforced the message that silence, when used purposefully, is not a void but a tool for emphasizing content and facilitating deeper comprehension.”

Presentation interview questions and answers

Use these presentation skills interview questions to hire candidates who’ll successfully present your company, products and goals to customers and employees.

An experienced recruiter and HR professional who has transferred her expertise to insightful content to support others in HR.

Why assess presentation skills in interviews

Good presentation skills are essential in various positions. They’re particularly important for:

Salespeople , who sell a company’s products and services to prospective clients.
HR Professionals , who represent their company to potential and current employees.
Trainers , who prepare and deliver educational materials in classes and seminars.
Marketers , who interact and network with industry professionals.

Senior-level employees should also have solid presentation skills, as they often need to present their ideas (e.g. to investors, executives) or announce goals and results to their teams.

The following sample presentation skills interview questions will help you evaluate candidates’ abilities:

Examples of presentation skills interview questions

How do you prepare before delivering a presentation?
Describe a memorable presentation you’ve attended. What made it successful? (e.g. interesting topic, visual aids, entertaining speaker)
How do you modify your presentations for different audiences? (e.g. people with and without technical backgrounds)
Describe how you would present our company/products to a prospective client.
What would you do if you noticed that your audience looked bored during a meeting?
Describe a time when you had to announce bad news to your team.
How do you prefer to communicate your team’s results to senior managers: through a detailed report or during an in-person meeting? Why?
What tools do you use to create a presentation? (e.g. Powerpoint, SlideShare, Canva )
When is it appropriate for speakers to use humor?

How to evaluate candidates’ presentation skills

Candidates present themselves in their resumes and cover letters, so carefully read these documents. During interviews, test how well candidates describe their achievements.
Candidates are likely to be prepared for typical interview questions (e.g. “ What are your greatest strengths? ”) Use less traditional situational questions to test whether they’re ready to manage real challenges on the job.
Presentations should be brief and specific. Ask candidates about their current position, e.g. to describe a product they’re regularly using or explain a daily work procedure. Opt for people who manage to provide necessary details while holding your attention.
A good presentation is also impassioned. You could ask candidates to describe something they like even if it’s not job-related. For example, their favorite TV character or one of their hobbies. This way, you’ll test how much enthusiasm candidates bring to your discussion.
They are unprepared. During interviews, candidates should be prepared to talk about topics they’re familiar with, like past positions. Being unprepared indicates a lack of interest and difficulty in delivering presentations.
They are not persuasive. Often, the goal of a presentation is to persuade your audience to take an action (e.g. buy your products.) Candidates who use engaging language and coherent arguments during interviews will be more likely to influence others.
Their body language is uncomfortable. Good speakers are confident and maintain eye contact. Nervous candidates are less likely to keep their audience’s attention.
They don’t listen to their audience. Good presentations involve interaction between speakers and audiences. Candidates should avoid answers that are too short or too long and should be able to tell when an audience understands their points or needs further clarification.

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Interview Questions

50 Interview Questions About Presentation Skills (With Answers)

Presenting is an important part of many jobs. Here are 50 interview questions about presentation skills you need to know.

May 06, 2024

Presenting is a common skill required for the workplace. From human resources staff presenting in front of new hires to sales representatives doing a pitch, there are countless times when presentation skills will come in handy. This post will highlight why presentation skills are important in the workplace and 50 interview questions about presentation skills that you can rehearse and prepare for.

Get more interview questions.

What are presentation skills?

Presentation skills are a set of abilities that enable an individual to effectively convey information and engage an audience. These skills encompass the planning, creation, and delivery of a presentation, incorporating elements like clear articulation, confident body language, and the use of visual aids to enhance understanding. Effective presentation skills also involve the ability to adapt to audience feedback, manage time efficiently, and maintain eye contact, all of which contribute to a compelling and persuasive communication experience. Mastering presentation skills can significantly impact one's ability to influence, teach, or inform others, making it a valuable asset in both professional and personal contexts.

Why are presentation skills important in the workplace?

1. effective communication.

Presentation skills are essential for communicating ideas, strategies, and updates clearly and effectively. The ability to present information in a structured, engaging, and understandable manner ensures that messages are conveyed successfully, leading to better decision-making and team alignment.

2. Professional Image

Mastery in presentation skills significantly enhances an individual's professional image. Being able to deliver confident, persuasive, and impactful presentations positions an employee as knowledgeable and competent, fostering respect and trust among colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.

3. Career Advancement

Strong presentation skills can open doors to numerous career advancement opportunities. Individuals who can articulate their thoughts and ideas effectively in front of an audience are more likely to be noticed by senior management, leading to promotions, leadership roles, and increased responsibilities within the organization.

5 Tips for Answering Presentation Skills Interview Questions

When it comes to showcasing your presentation skills in an interview, it's all about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively, engage your audience, and convey information in a compelling manner. Whether you're applying for a role that requires regular presentations or you simply want to highlight your communication prowess, here are five tips to help you ace those presentation skills interview questions:

1. Share Specific Examples

One of the most effective ways to demonstrate your presentation skills is by sharing specific examples from your past experiences. Talk about a time when you had to present complex information in a digestible format, or when you successfully managed to engage a challenging audience. Be as detailed as possible, discussing the purpose of the presentation, your preparation process, the tools you used (such as PowerPoint or Prezi), and the outcome.

2. Highlight Your Preparation Process

Interviewers are interested in understanding how you prepare for presentations. Discuss how you research your audience, tailor your content to their needs, and practice your delivery. Mention any techniques you use to ensure your presentations are clear and engaging, such as storytelling or the use of visuals. This shows that you’re not just comfortable with presenting, but that you’re thoughtful and strategic about how you do it.

3. Discuss Your Adaptability

Presentations don't always go as planned. You might encounter technical difficulties, unexpected questions, or a lack of engagement from your audience. Share examples of how you've successfully adapted under such circumstances. Whether it's improvising with your storytelling, shifting your presentation style, or finding a quick fix for a technical issue, your ability to remain calm and adaptable is a key strength.

4. Showcase Your Ability to Receive and Implement Feedback

Great presenters know that there's always room for improvement. Talk about a time when you received constructive feedback on your presentation skills and how you applied it to enhance your future performances. This not only demonstrates your humility and eagerness to grow but also your commitment to excellence in your communication.

5. Emphasize Your Impact

Ultimately, the goal of any presentation is to make an impact. Whether it's persuading your audience, educating them, or inspiring action, be sure to highlight the results of your presentations. Discuss any positive feedback, increased sales, enhanced team understanding, or other tangible outcomes that resulted from your efforts. This will help the interviewer see the direct value you can bring to their organization with your presentation skills.

50 Interview Questions About Presentation Skills (with answers)

1. can you describe your experience with delivering presentations in front of an audience.

I have extensive experience delivering presentations in various professional settings. Throughout my career, I have presented to diverse audiences, including executives, clients, and colleagues. These presentations have ranged from project updates and sales pitches to training sessions and public speaking engagements.

2. What techniques do you use to prepare for a presentation?

To prepare for a presentation, I start by thoroughly researching my topic and understanding my audience's needs and expectations. I outline key points, create visually appealing slides or supporting materials, and practice my delivery multiple times. I also solicit feedback from peers or mentors to refine my content and delivery style.

3. How do you ensure that your presentations are engaging and impactful?

I believe in incorporating storytelling, interactive elements, and relevant examples to keep my audience engaged. I use visuals strategically to complement my message and break down complex information into digestible chunks. Additionally, I encourage participation through questions, discussions, or interactive activities to ensure that the presentation resonates with the audience.

4. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your presentation style to different audiences?

In one instance, I had to present a technical concept to a non-technical audience comprising senior stakeholders. To adapt, I focused on simplifying the language, using analogies from everyday life, and emphasizing the practical implications of the concept. This approach helped bridge the gap and ensured that everyone grasped the key points effectively.

5. What strategies do you use to handle nervousness or stage fright during presentations?

I manage nervousness by practicing mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and visualization before the presentation. I also remind myself of my preparation and expertise on the topic, which boosts my confidence. Engaging with the audience and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the presentation also helps alleviate any stage fright.

6. How do you structure your presentations to effectively convey key messages?

I follow a clear and logical structure, beginning with an engaging introduction to capture attention. I then present the main points cohesively, using transitions to ensure a smooth flow. Visual aids are used strategically to reinforce key messages, and I always end with a concise summary and a call to action or key takeaway for the audience.

7. Can you describe your approach to using visual aids, such as slides or props, in presentations?

I believe visual aids should enhance, not distract from, the presentation. I design slides with minimal text, focusing on impactful visuals, graphs, and charts to support my narrative. I use props sparingly but effectively, ensuring they add value and clarity to the content rather than being mere distractions.

8. What steps do you take to ensure that your presentations are well-researched and informative?

I dedicate significant time to research, gathering data from credible sources and staying updated on industry trends and best practices. I verify information to ensure accuracy and relevance to the audience. Additionally, I seek feedback from subject matter experts or colleagues to ensure that my presentations are comprehensive, informative, and add value to the audience's understanding.

9. How do you handle questions and feedback from the audience during presentations?

I welcome questions and feedback from the audience as they provide valuable insights and opportunities for clarification. I ensure that I actively listen to each question, repeating it if necessary to ensure understanding, and respond thoughtfully and confidently. If I don't know the answer, I acknowledge the question and offer to follow up with the information later. Additionally, I encourage open dialogue and discussion to foster engagement and address any concerns or doubts.

10. Can you give an example of a time when you had to deliver a persuasive or influential presentation?

In a recent project pitch, I had to persuade stakeholders to adopt a new strategy for customer engagement. To make the presentation influential, I focused on highlighting the benefits and potential outcomes of the strategy, backed by data and success stories from pilot tests. I tailored my language to resonate with the stakeholders' priorities and concerns, emphasizing how the proposed approach aligned with our long-term goals and competitive advantage.

11. What techniques do you use to maintain audience engagement throughout your presentations?

To maintain audience engagement, I use a variety of techniques such as storytelling, interactive elements like polls or Q&A sessions, and incorporating multimedia or real-life examples. I also gauge audience reactions and adjust my pace, tone, and content accordingly to keep them interested and focused. Asking thought-provoking questions or encouraging participation through activities ensures active involvement and enhances the overall impact of the presentation.

12. How do you handle situations where there are technical issues or challenges during presentations?

I prepare for technical issues by doing a thorough run-through of equipment and software before the presentation. In case of challenges during the presentation, I remain calm and quickly troubleshoot, utilizing backup plans or alternative methods if necessary. I maintain open communication with technical support personnel if available and keep the audience informed about any delays or changes to ensure a smooth experience despite the challenges.

13. Can you describe your experience with using storytelling techniques in presentations?

Storytelling is a powerful tool that I often use to create emotional connections and make complex information relatable. For example, in a project update presentation, I used a customer success story to illustrate the impact of our solutions, showcasing real-world benefits and building credibility. I incorporate elements like characters, plot, and resolution to weave a compelling narrative that resonates with the audience and reinforces key messages effectively.

14. What strategies do you use to tailor your presentations to different learning styles?

I tailor presentations by considering diverse learning styles such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. For visual learners, I use graphics, diagrams, and color-coded information. Auditory learners benefit from clear explanations, storytelling, and engaging dialogue. For kinesthetic learners, I incorporate hands-on activities, group discussions, or interactive simulations to reinforce learning. By addressing various learning preferences, I ensure that the presentation is accessible and impactful for all audience members.

15. How do you handle time management and pacing in presentations?

I prioritize time management by creating a detailed agenda or outline before the presentation, allocating specific time slots for each section. During the presentation, I use cues such as timekeeping devices or visual timers to stay on track and maintain a consistent pace. If time constraints arise, I prioritize key messages and adjust content or skip non-essential details while ensuring that the core objectives are met. Regular practice and rehearsal also help me gauge and refine pacing for optimal impact.

16. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to improvise or adapt during a presentation?

During a live webinar, there was an unexpected technical glitch that caused my slides to freeze. Instead of panicking, I quickly transitioned to a backup plan by engaging the audience in a discussion. I encouraged participants to share their experiences related to the topic, turning the setback into an interactive session. This improvisation not only kept the audience engaged but also allowed me to address their specific concerns in real-time, making the presentation more dynamic and memorable.

17. What steps do you take to ensure that your presentations are visually appealing and easy to follow?

To ensure visual appeal and clarity, I use a cohesive color scheme and fonts that are easy to read. I incorporate visuals such as charts, graphs, and images to break up text and make key points stand out. I maintain a clean layout with ample white space and use consistent formatting throughout the slides. Additionally, I avoid overcrowding slides with too much information, focusing on conveying one main idea per slide for easy comprehension.

18. How do you incorporate audience participation or interactive elements into your presentations?

I incorporate audience participation by using polls, quizzes, and open-ended questions to encourage engagement. For example, in a training session, I used interactive simulations where participants could role-play scenarios to apply learning concepts. I also facilitate group discussions or brainstorming activities to foster collaboration and diverse perspectives, making the presentation more interactive and relevant to the audience's interests.

19. Can you give an example of a time when you had to deliver a presentation under tight deadlines or pressure?

In a recent project kickoff meeting, there was a last-minute change in the agenda, requiring me to deliver a critical presentation within a shortened timeframe. Despite the pressure, I focused on prioritizing key messages and streamlining content to meet the deadline. I rehearsed rigorously to ensure a smooth delivery and remained composed during the presentation, addressing questions and feedback efficiently. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability and staying calm under pressure to deliver impactful presentations under tight deadlines.

20. What techniques do you use to effectively communicate complex information in presentations?

To communicate complex information effectively, I use a combination of visual aids, storytelling, and analogies to simplify concepts and enhance understanding. I break down complex ideas into manageable chunks, using visuals like flowcharts or diagrams to illustrate processes or relationships. I also provide real-world examples or case studies to contextualize the information and make it relatable to the audience's experiences, facilitating comprehension and retention of key concepts.

21. How do you handle situations where there are diverse opinions or perspectives among the audience?

I approach diverse opinions or perspectives with empathy and open-mindedness, acknowledging the value of different viewpoints. During the presentation, I create opportunities for respectful dialogue and encourage participants to share their perspectives through Q&A sessions or discussions. I actively listen to diverse opinions, validate common ground, and address any conflicting viewpoints diplomatically. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, I navigate diverse opinions constructively and promote a deeper understanding of the topic among the audience.

22. Can you describe your approach to using body language and nonverbal cues in presentations?

I believe that body language and nonverbal cues play a crucial role in effective communication during presentations. I maintain an open and confident posture, making eye contact with the audience to establish rapport and convey sincerity. I use gestures and facial expressions to emphasize key points, demonstrate enthusiasm, and engage the audience. Additionally, I pay attention to my tone of voice, pace of speech, and overall energy level to ensure that my nonverbal cues align with the message I'm conveying.

23. What strategies do you use to make data-driven presentations clear and understandable?

To make data-driven presentations clear and understandable, I follow a structured approach. I start by framing the context and objectives of the data analysis, making it relevant to the audience's interests or concerns. I use visualizations such as charts, graphs, and infographics to illustrate trends, patterns, and insights effectively. I provide clear labels, legends, and explanations for data points to aid comprehension. Additionally, I highlight key takeaways and implications of the data to ensure that the audience grasps the significance of the findings.

24. How do you handle situations where there are language barriers or cultural differences in presentations?

When faced with language barriers or cultural differences, I prioritize clarity, simplicity, and sensitivity in communication. I use plain language and avoid jargon or complex terminology that may be challenging for non-native speakers or culturally diverse audiences. I also incorporate visual aids and gestures to supplement verbal communication and enhance understanding. I respect cultural norms and adapt my approach, tone, and content to resonate with diverse perspectives, fostering inclusivity and effective communication.

25. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to use humor or storytelling to engage the audience in a presentation?

During a team training session, I used humor to lighten the mood and create a relaxed atmosphere. I shared a relevant and lighthearted anecdote to kick off the presentation, which resonated with the audience and set a positive tone. Throughout the presentation, I sprinkled humor strategically to keep the audience engaged and build rapport. This approach not only made the content more enjoyable but also facilitated learning and retention by making the presentation memorable and engaging.

26. What steps do you take to ensure that your presentations are well-rehearsed and polished?

To ensure that my presentations are well-rehearsed and polished, I follow a structured preparation process. I start by creating a detailed outline or script, organizing content logically, and incorporating visuals and interactive elements as needed. I practice multiple times, focusing on delivery, timing, and transitions between sections. I also seek feedback from colleagues or mentors to refine content, address any gaps, and improve overall coherence and effectiveness. Additionally, I conduct technical checks and run-throughs to ensure smooth execution on the day of the presentation.

27. How do you handle situations where there are unexpected disruptions or distractions during presentations?

In the face of unexpected disruptions or distractions during presentations, I remain adaptable and composed. I address disruptions promptly, whether it's technical issues, noise disturbances, or interruptions, by acknowledging them calmly and taking necessary actions to minimize impact. I maintain audience engagement by refocusing attention, using humor or anecdotes if appropriate, and seamlessly transitioning back to the presentation content. Flexibility, quick thinking, and maintaining a positive demeanor help me navigate unexpected challenges while keeping the audience engaged and attentive.

28. Can you describe your experience with using technology, such as video conferencing tools, in virtual presentations?

I have extensive experience using technology, including video conferencing tools, for virtual presentations. I familiarize myself with the platform's features and functionality beforehand, ensuring smooth navigation and interaction during the presentation. I optimize audio and video settings for clear communication and visual quality. I use screen-sharing capabilities to showcase visuals, documents, or demonstrations effectively. I also leverage interactive features like polls, chat, and Q&A to enhance engagement and collaboration in virtual settings. Additionally, I anticipate potential technical issues and have contingency plans in place to troubleshoot any disruptions seamlessly.

29. What techniques do you use to grab the audience's attention at the beginning of a presentation?

To grab the audience's attention at the beginning of a presentation, I use various techniques. I start with a compelling opening statement, question, or anecdote that relates to the topic and piques curiosity. I use visuals or multimedia elements to create visual interest and set the tone. I also incorporate audience participation, such as asking a thought-provoking question or conducting a quick poll, to engage listeners from the outset. By starting strong and capturing attention early, I lay the foundation for an engaging and impactful presentation.

30. How do you handle situations where there are challenging or skeptical audience members during presentations?

When faced with challenging or skeptical audience members, I approach the situation with empathy and professionalism. I listen actively to their concerns or questions, acknowledging their perspectives and addressing them respectfully. I provide evidence, data, and examples to support my points and build credibility. I also encourage open dialogue and invite constructive feedback to foster understanding and engagement. By demonstrating expertise, empathy, and a willingness to address concerns, I aim to win over skeptical audience members and create a positive atmosphere for productive discussion.

31. Can you give an example of a time when you had to present complex data or technical information to a non-technical audience?

In a project review meeting, I had to present detailed technical data related to software performance to a non-technical audience comprising stakeholders from various departments. To make the information understandable, I used simplified language, avoided technical jargon, and focused on high-level insights and implications rather than technical details. I used visuals such as charts and graphs to illustrate trends and key findings, ensuring that the audience could grasp the significance of the data without getting overwhelmed by technical complexities.

32. What strategies do you use to make your presentations memorable and impactful?

To make presentations memorable and impactful, I focus on storytelling, engaging visuals, and audience interaction. I start with a compelling opening and weave a narrative throughout the presentation to create emotional connections and keep the audience engaged. I use visuals such as infographics, diagrams, and videos to enhance understanding and retention of key points. I incorporate interactive elements like polls, Q&A sessions, or group activities to foster participation and make the presentation interactive. Additionally, I end with a memorable conclusion that reinforces key messages and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

33. How do you handle situations where there are last-minute changes or updates to your presentations?

In situations with last-minute changes or updates to presentations, I stay flexible and adapt quickly. I prioritize the most critical updates and incorporate them seamlessly into the presentation, ensuring that the flow and coherence are maintained. I rehearse the revised content to familiarize myself and ensure smooth delivery. I also communicate any changes to the audience transparently, addressing their expectations and concerns proactively. By staying organized, responsive, and agile, I navigate last-minute changes effectively and deliver a polished presentation.

34. Can you describe your approach to using visual storytelling, such as infographics or diagrams, in presentations?

I use visual storytelling techniques such as infographics, diagrams, and images to enhance clarity, engagement, and retention in presentations. I start by identifying key messages or data points that lend themselves well to visual representation. I design infographics and diagrams that are visually appealing, easy to understand, and aligned with the presentation's narrative. I use color, typography, and layout effectively to guide the audience's focus and convey information intuitively. I also incorporate storytelling elements into visuals, using them to support and reinforce the narrative for a cohesive and impactful presentation experience.

35. What steps do you take to ensure that your presentations are relevant and tailored to the audience's needs?

To ensure that presentations are relevant and tailored to the audience's needs, I conduct thorough audience analysis and research beforehand. I consider factors such as their knowledge level, interests, challenges, and expectations. I customize content, examples, and language to resonate with the audience's experiences and priorities. I incorporate real-life examples, case studies, or industry-specific insights to make the presentation relatable and meaningful. I also solicit feedback or input from stakeholders to ensure that the content addresses their specific concerns and adds value to their understanding.

36. How do you handle situations where there are conflicting priorities or expectations in presentations?

In situations with conflicting priorities or expectations, I prioritize clarity, alignment, and collaboration. I start by understanding the diverse perspectives and concerns of stakeholders involved. I facilitate open communication and dialogue to clarify expectations, address misunderstandings, and find common ground. I focus on shared goals and objectives, emphasizing areas of agreement and mutual benefit. If necessary, I propose compromises or alternative solutions that balance conflicting priorities while meeting overall objectives. By fostering transparency, consensus, and teamwork, I navigate conflicting priorities effectively and ensure a successful presentation outcome.

37. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to present to senior executives or stakeholders?

In my previous role, I had the opportunity to present a strategic proposal to senior executives and stakeholders. The proposal outlined a new market expansion strategy and included financial projections, risk assessments, and implementation timelines. To prepare, I conducted extensive research, gathered relevant data, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment. During the presentation, I focused on high-level insights, key recommendations, and actionable steps, tailoring the content to resonate with the audience's strategic priorities and business objectives. The presentation was well-received, leading to approval and successful implementation of the proposed strategy.

38. What techniques do you use to manage nerves and maintain confidence during presentations?

To manage nerves and maintain confidence during presentations, I employ several techniques. Firstly, I prepare thoroughly by rehearsing content, familiarizing myself with the venue or platform, and anticipating potential questions or challenges. I practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and visualization to stay calm and focused. I remind myself of my expertise and preparation, boosting self-confidence. During the presentation, I maintain a confident posture, make eye contact with the audience, and speak clearly and assertively. Positive self-talk and a positive mindset also contribute to managing nerves and projecting confidence effectively.

39. How do you handle situations where there are technical jargon or industry-specific terms in presentations?

When presenting technical jargon or industry-specific terms, I balance clarity and context to ensure understanding among the audience. I define complex terms or acronyms upfront and provide explanations using simple language and relatable examples. I avoid overloading the audience with technical details and focus on conveying the essence of the information in a digestible manner. Visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or comparisons can also aid in simplifying complex concepts and making them more accessible to non-experts.

40. Can you describe your experience with using interactive tools, such as polls or quizzes, in presentations?

I have used interactive tools such as polls and quizzes in presentations to enhance engagement and gather feedback. For instance, during a training session, I integrated a live poll to gauge participants' understanding of key concepts or gather opinions on certain topics. This interactive element not only encouraged active participation but also provided valuable insights for tailoring the presentation content to meet the audience's needs. I also utilize quizzes or interactive activities to reinforce learning and make presentations more dynamic and memorable.

41. What strategies do you use to structure persuasive arguments and calls to action in presentations?

To structure persuasive arguments and calls to action in presentations, I follow a structured approach. I start by clearly defining the problem or opportunity, providing relevant context and background information. I then present compelling evidence, data, and examples to support my arguments and build credibility. I use storytelling techniques to create emotional connections and make the content relatable and memorable. I articulate a clear and actionable call to action, outlining specific steps, benefits, and expected outcomes. Strong visuals, concise messaging, and a confident delivery style further enhance the persuasive impact of the presentation.

42. How do you handle situations where there are time constraints or limited presentation time?

When faced with time constraints or limited presentation time, I prioritize key messages, focusing on essential content that aligns with the presentation's objectives. I create a structured outline or agenda to allocate time effectively to each section, ensuring that critical points are covered within the allotted time frame. I practice concise and impactful delivery, avoiding unnecessary details or tangents. If time permits, I incorporate interactive elements or audience engagement to enhance the presentation's effectiveness within the time constraints.

43. Can you give an example of a time when you had to present in a virtual or remote setting?

During the transition to remote work, I regularly conducted virtual presentations and meetings using video conferencing tools. For instance, I presented project updates, training sessions, and strategic proposals remotely to diverse audiences. To ensure engagement and effectiveness in virtual settings, I optimized audio and video settings, utilized screen-sharing capabilities for visuals, and encouraged participation through chat, polls, and Q&A sessions. I also adapted my presentation style to maintain energy, clarity, and audience interaction despite the physical distance, leveraging technology to facilitate seamless communication and collaboration.

44. What techniques do you use to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in your presentations?

To ensure accessibility and inclusivity in my presentations, I follow several techniques. Firstly, I use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or complex terminology that may be difficult for some audience members to understand. I provide alternative formats for visual content, such as descriptive text for images and captions for videos, to accommodate diverse learning preferences and accessibility needs. I also consider color contrast and font size for readability, ensuring that content is accessible to individuals with visual impairments. Additionally, I encourage participation and feedback from all audience members, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

45. How do you handle situations where there are disagreements or pushback from the audience during presentations?

When faced with disagreements or pushback from the audience, I approach the situation with diplomacy, active listening, and empathy. I acknowledge differing perspectives and encourage open dialogue to understand underlying concerns or objections. I provide evidence, data, and examples to support my points and address misconceptions or challenges respectfully. I seek common ground and collaborate with the audience to find mutually agreeable solutions or compromises. Maintaining professionalism, staying calm, and focusing on constructive communication contribute to resolving disagreements effectively and fostering positive outcomes.

46. Can you describe your approach to using visual design principles, such as color and typography, in presentations?

In my presentations, I adhere to visual design principles to enhance clarity, engagement, and visual appeal. I use a harmonious color palette that complements the content and ensures readability, avoiding overly bright or distracting colors. I apply color contrast effectively to highlight key points and create visual hierarchy. For typography, I choose clear and legible fonts, adjusting font sizes and styles for emphasis and hierarchy. I use consistent formatting and layout throughout the presentation to maintain visual coherence and professionalism. These visual design elements contribute to a visually pleasing and impactful presentation experience.

47. What steps do you take to gather feedback and improve your presentation skills over time?

To continuously improve my presentation skills, I take proactive steps to gather feedback and seek opportunities for learning and development. I actively solicit feedback from peers, mentors, or audience members after each presentation, focusing on areas for improvement and constructive criticism. I reflect on my performance, identify strengths and weaknesses, and set goals for skill enhancement. I attend workshops, webinars, or courses on presentation techniques, public speaking, and communication skills to gain new insights and techniques. I also practice regularly, incorporating feedback and refining my approach to presentations based on ongoing self-assessment and growth.

48. How do you handle situations where there are sensitive or controversial topics in presentations?

When addressing sensitive or controversial topics in presentations, I approach them with sensitivity, empathy, and professionalism. I research and understand diverse perspectives on the topic, ensuring that I present balanced and objective information. I use language that is respectful, inclusive, and avoids triggering or offensive language. I create a safe and open environment for discussion, encouraging respectful dialogue and acknowledging diverse opinions. I remain neutral and focused on factual information, steering clear of personal biases or judgments. Handling sensitive topics with empathy, openness, and professionalism contributes to constructive engagement and meaningful discussions.

49. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to present in a high-pressure or high-stakes situation?

In a high-pressure situation, I had to deliver a critical project pitch to potential investors and stakeholders. The presentation was pivotal for securing funding and support for the project. To prepare, I conducted extensive research, refined the content to emphasize key benefits and ROI, and rehearsed multiple times to ensure a polished delivery. During the presentation, I maintained a confident and composed demeanor, addressing questions and concerns with clarity and authority. Despite the pressure, I focused on highlighting the project's value proposition, demonstrating market potential, and showcasing a solid execution plan. The presentation was successful, leading to positive feedback and securing the necessary resources for the project's success.

50. What strategies do you use to maintain authenticity and connect with the audience in presentations?

To maintain authenticity and connect with the audience, I prioritize genuine communication, storytelling, and audience engagement. I share personal anecdotes or experiences related to the topic to establish rapport and create emotional connections. I use authentic language and tone that reflect my personality and values, avoiding scripted or overly formal expressions. I actively listen to the audience's feedback, questions, and reactions, incorporating their input into the presentation and fostering a sense of collaboration. I encourage two-way communication, transparency, and vulnerability, which resonate with the audience and create a meaningful and impactful presentation experience.

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Presentation Skills Interview Questions and Answers

Explore the realm of Presentation Skills Interview Questions and Answers. Understand the significance of presentation skills in interviews and how to prepare effectively. Discover commonly asked interview questions and their expert answers. Uncover valuable tips to leave a lasting impression with your presentations during interviews.

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Table of Contents

1) The importance of Presentation Skills in interviews

2) How to prepare for a Presentation Skills Interview?

3) Commonly asked Presentation Skills Interview Questions and Answers

4) Tips for impressive Presentations in interviews

5) Conclusion

The importance of Presentation Skills in interviews

Before diving into the interview questions and answers, let's understand why Presentation Skills are crucial for job interviews. Employers often assess candidates' ability to present themselves and their ideas because it reflects their communication skills, confidence, and overall professionalism. A well-delivered Presentation can showcase your expertise, problem-solving abilities, and suitability for the role. One must also understand the advantages and disadvantages of presentation to enhance their presentations skills!

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How to prepare for a Presentation Skills Interview?

Research the company and job role

Before the interview, research the company and understand its values, goals, and culture. Tailor your Presentation to align with the organisation's needs and demonstrate your knowledge of the industry. Additionally, analyse the job role requirements to focus on relevant skills and experiences.

Understand the Presentation format

Clarify the format and duration with the interviewer or recruiter. Determine whether it should be a standalone Presentation or integrated with other interview components. Understand if any specific guidelines or topics need to be covered and prepare accordingly.

Practise, practise, practise

Rehearse multiple times to build confidence and refine your delivery. Practise in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from friends or mentors. Pay attention to your body language, voice modulation, and overall coherence of the content.

Commonly asked Presentation Skills Interview Questions and Answers

During a Presentation Skills Interview, you may encounter several questions that assess your ability to communicate effectively. Let's explore some commonly asked Presentation Skills Interview Questions and Answers:

Question 1: Tell us about a time when you had to deliver a Presentation. How did you prepare for it?

Answer: Begin by briefly describing the context, such as the purpose, audience, and topic. Then explain the steps you took to prepare, including conducting research, creating an outline, designing visuals, and practising your delivery. Highlight any positive outcomes or feedback received.

Question 2: How do you handle nervousness or stage fright during a Presentation?

Answer: Acknowledge that everyone experiences nervousness to some extent and share techniques you employ to manage it. Discuss strategies like deep breathing, positive self-talk, visualising success, and being well-prepared. Emphasise the importance of practice and exposure to build confidence.

Question 3: How do you engage and maintain the attention of your audience during a Presentation?

Answer: Mention techniques like storytelling, incorporating interactive elements, asking thought-provoking questions, and using visual aids effectively. Explain how you adapt your delivery style to connect with the audience and actively involve them throughout the Presentation.

Question 4: How do you adapt your Presentation style for different types of audiences?

Answer: Highlight your ability to tailor the content, language, and delivery approach to suit diverse audiences. Discuss how you consider factors such as demographics, cultural backgrounds, and knowledge levels to ensure the message resonates with the specific audience.

Question 5: Can you provide an example of a successful Presentation you delivered in the past?

Answer: Share a specific instance where you delivered a Presentation that achieved the desired objectives. Describe the challenges faced, strategies employed, and the positive outcomes achieved. Focus on measurable results, such as increased engagement, positive feedback, or successful outcomes.

Question 6: How do you handle unexpected technical issues or glitches during a Presentation?

Answer: In the event of technical issues, it is essential to remain calm and composed. Have a backup plan prepared, such as having a printed copy of your slides or key points. Communicate the issue to the audience, assure them that you are addressing it, and continue with your Presentation using alternative methods, such as verbally explaining the content.

Question 7: How do you ensure that your Presentation is tailored to the specific needs and interests of the audience?

Answer: Researching and understanding the audience's demographics, interests, and objectives is crucial. Before the Presentation, gather information about the attendees, their roles, and their expectations. Incorporate relevant examples, industry-specific terminology, and address their pain points to demonstrate that you have considered their needs when preparing your Presentation.

Question 8: How do you handle challenging or sceptical questions from the audience during a Presentation?

Answer: Encountering challenging questions is an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and adaptability. Remain calm and listen carefully to the question. Acknowledge the validity of the question and respond respectfully and confidently, supporting your answer with relevant evidence or examples. If you are unsure about a particular question, it is acceptable to ask for clarification or offer to follow up with a detailed response.

Question 9: How do you effectively manage your time during a Presentation to ensure you cover all the key points?

Answer: Time management is essential in Presentations. Begin by allocating specific time limits for each section or key point. Practise multiple times to ensure that you adhere to the allotted time frame. If you notice you are running out of time, prioritise the most critical points and summarise or omit non-essential details. Additionally, engaging the audience with interactive elements can help manage time while maintaining their interest.

Question 10: How do you evaluate the success of a Presentation you have delivered?

Answer: Evaluating the success of a Presentation involves considering various factors and elements of presentation . Assess the audience's engagement, such as their level of attentiveness, participation, and feedback received. Additionally, evaluate the achievement of the Presentation's objectives, such as whether the message was clearly conveyed, if the desired actions were inspired, or if the intended impact was achieved. Reflecting on areas of improvement and learning from each Presentation experience is also an important aspect of evaluating success.

Take your Presentations to the next level with our Effective Presentation Skills & Techniques Course. Sign up today!

Tips for impressive Presentations in Interviews

1) Practise active listening: Engage with the interviewer, respond to their questions or comments, and show genuine interest in their perspectives.

2) Use visual aids effectively: Utilise relevant and well-designed visuals, such as slides, charts, or diagrams, to enhance the impact of your message.

3) Speak clearly and confidently: Project your voice, articulate your words, and maintain a confident tone throughout.

4) Maintain eye contact: Establish a connection with your audience by maintaining eye contact and directing your attention to different individuals or sections of the room.

Conclusion

All in all, preparing for the aforementioned Presentation Skills Interview Questions and Answers is crucial for excelling in job interviews. By understanding the importance of effective communication, preparing diligently, and practising your delivery, you can impress interviewers with your skills and stand out from other candidates. Remember to tailor your answers to the questions asked and highlight your unique experiences and abilities.

Want to master the art of impactful Presentations? Explore our Presentation Skills Courses and elevate your communication prowess!

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15 Presentation Interview Questions and Answers

Prepare for the types of questions you are likely to be asked when interviewing for a position where Presentation skills will be used.

Giving a presentation is always nerve-wracking, whether it’s to a small group of people or a large audience. And if you’re applying for a job that involves giving presentations, the interview process can be even more daunting.

You want to make sure you give the best possible impression during your interview, and part of that is being able to answer any questions the interviewer throws at you—including questions about your experience giving presentations.

To help you prepare, we’ve put together a list of some common presentation-related interview questions and answers.

What is a presentation?
Are presentations always verbal or can they be written as well?
When and why do you think it’s appropriate to give a presentation?
Can you explain the difference between an informative speech and a persuasive speech?
What are some of the most common mistakes people make when giving presentations?
Can you explain what non-verbal communication means in context with presentations?
How do you use body language to create a positive impact on your audience?
Can you explain the importance of eye contact in public speaking?
Why should the tone and volume of your voice match the content of your presentation?
How can you improve your confidence and reduce nervousness before delivering a presentation?
What is the best way to structure a presentation, given that I have limited time?
Is PowerPoint necessary for every type of presentation? If not, then which other tools/techniques would you recommend using instead?
What makes a good presenter?
What qualities should a person possess to become a good presenter?
Can you explain how to prepare for a presentation?

1. What is a presentation?

This question is a basic one that an interviewer might ask to see if you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the role. They want to know what a presentation is, how it’s different from other types of presentations and why they’re important.

Example: “A presentation is a way to share information with others in a visual format. It can be used to explain complex ideas or concepts, show data or display images. There are many different kinds of presentations, including keynote, slideshow, webinar, screencast and podcast.”

2. Are presentations always verbal or can they be written as well?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of presentation skills and how they can be used in the workplace. It also allows you to show that you understand the differences between verbal and written presentations, which can help you explain why one might be more effective than the other depending on the situation.

Example: “Presentations are always verbal unless it’s for a group of deaf people or if there’s no time to give a verbal presentation. Written presentations are usually only done when someone needs to read along with what’s being said or if there’s a lot of information that would take too long to say out loud. However, I find that most of my written presentations are just notes that I use as a guide during my verbal presentation.”

3. When and why do you think it’s appropriate to give a presentation?

This question can help interviewers understand your presentation skills and how you use them. It can also show them whether you know when to give a presentation or if you’re more comfortable with other types of presentations, such as group discussions. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention the different situations in which you’ve given presentations and what made those situations appropriate for giving a presentation.

Example: “I think it’s important to give a presentation whenever I have information that needs to be shared with others. Whether I’m presenting to one person or a large audience, I always make sure to prepare my materials thoroughly so that I can answer any questions that may come up during the presentation.”

4. Can you explain the difference between an informative speech and a persuasive speech?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the different types of speeches. It also allows you to show that you can apply what you know about informative and persuasive speeches in real-world situations.

Example: “Informative speeches are used to share information with an audience, while persuasive speeches are used to convince an audience to take action or change their beliefs. Informative speeches are usually more factual than persuasive speeches, which often include opinions and emotional appeals. I’ve given both informative and persuasive speeches throughout my academic career, so I’m comfortable giving either type.”

5. What are some of the most common mistakes people make when giving presentations?

Presentation skills are an important part of many jobs, so interviewers may ask this question to see if you know how to avoid common presentation mistakes. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few specific mistakes and explain why they’re problematic.

Example: “The two most common presentation mistakes I’ve seen are not practicing enough and using too much technology. It’s important to practice your presentation as often as possible before the big day because that’s when you’ll find out what works and what doesn’t. Also, relying on technology too much is risky because there’s always a chance something could go wrong with the equipment or software. Instead, I try to focus more on my own speaking abilities and less on the technology.”

6. Can you explain what non-verbal communication means in context with presentations?

Non-verbal communication is a vital skill to have when presenting. Employers ask this question to see if you understand the importance of non-verbal cues and how they can affect your audience. In your answer, explain what non-verbal communication means and give an example of how it helped you in the past.

Example: “Non-verbal communication refers to all the information that we send through our body language rather than our words. For instance, eye contact, gestures and posture are all forms of non-verbal communication. I learned about the importance of non-verbal communication during my last internship. My manager asked me to present at a conference, but I was nervous because I had never done so before. She told me to focus on my non-verbal communication by making sure I made eye contact with everyone in the room and used hand gestures to emphasize certain points.”

7. How do you use body language to create a positive impact on your audience?

Presentation skills are not only about what you say, but also how you say it. Employers ask this question to see if you understand the importance of body language in presentations and how you use it to your advantage. Use examples from past experiences where you used body language to convey a message or emphasize a point.

Example: “I believe that body language is just as important as verbal communication when giving a presentation. I always make sure my posture is confident and open so that I can project positivity to the audience. In addition, I try to maintain eye contact with everyone in the room so that they feel like I am speaking directly to them. These two things alone help me create a positive impact on the audience.”

8. Can you explain the importance of eye contact in public speaking?

Eye contact is an important skill for public speakers. It shows the audience that you are confident in what you’re saying and helps them to focus on your message. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain how eye contact can help you connect with your audience and make a personal connection.

Example: “Eye contact is one of the most important skills in public speaking because it allows you to connect with your audience. If you look at each person as you speak, you can show them that you care about their thoughts and opinions. This can also help you remember key points if you’re looking at someone while you talk.”

9. Why should the tone and volume of your voice match the content of your presentation?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of presentation etiquette. It also allows you to show the interviewer that you understand how important it is to be aware of your audience and adjust your voice accordingly.

Example: “The tone and volume of my voice should match the content of my presentation because I want to make sure everyone in the room understands what I’m saying. If I speak too loudly, people may miss something important or feel overwhelmed by the volume. If I speak too softly, they may not hear me at all. The right balance will help ensure that everyone can follow along with my presentation.”

10. How can you improve your confidence and reduce nervousness before delivering a presentation?

Presentation skills are an important part of many jobs, and employers want to know that you can confidently deliver a presentation. They may ask this question to see how you handle nerves before giving a speech or presentation. In your answer, explain what steps you take to reduce nervousness and increase confidence before speaking in front of others.

Example: “I find that practicing my speech multiple times helps me feel more confident when I give the actual presentation. I also try to get enough sleep the night before so that I’m well-rested and ready for the day. Another thing I do is visualize myself delivering the speech flawlessly. This technique has helped me overcome some of my nervousness in the past.”

11. What is the best way to structure a presentation, given that I have limited time?

Presentation skills are important for many roles, and interviewers may ask this question to see how you prioritize your time. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few tips that you use when structuring presentations.

Example: “I find the best way to structure a presentation is by starting with an introduction and ending with a conclusion. This helps me keep my points organized and ensures I don’t forget anything along the way. Another tip I have is to make sure I include visuals in my presentation. Visuals help break up long blocks of text and can also reinforce key points.”

12. Is PowerPoint necessary for every type of presentation? If not, then which other tools/techniques would you recommend using instead?

This question is a great way to assess your presentation skills and how you use technology in the workplace. It also allows you to show off your critical thinking skills, as you must be able to analyze different types of presentations and determine which tools would work best for each one.

Example: “PowerPoint is an excellent tool for creating slideshows that can include images, videos, graphs and other data. However, it’s not always the most effective method for presenting information. For example, if I’m giving a speech or talking with someone one-on-one about a topic, then PowerPoint may not be necessary at all. Instead, I could simply write out my points on a whiteboard or flip chart.”

13. What makes a good presenter?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you have the skills and qualities they’re looking for in a presenter. They want someone who is confident, organized and able to communicate clearly with their audience. When answering this question, think about what makes a good presenter in your experience. Consider mentioning some of the skills that make a good presenter and how those skills helped you be successful as a presenter yourself.

Example: “A good presenter needs to be confident and clear when speaking. I find it’s important to speak slowly and loudly enough so everyone can hear me. It also helps to use simple language and avoid jargon or acronyms. Another important skill is organization. Presenters need to know exactly what they’re going to say before they get up to speak. This means having all my notes ready and practicing my speech until I feel comfortable.”

14. What qualities should a person possess to become a good presenter?

This question is a great way to assess the interviewers’ expectations for your role. It also allows you to show how you possess these qualities yourself and can use them in your work.

Example: “I think it’s important that a good presenter has confidence, charisma and passion. Confidence helps them feel comfortable speaking in front of others, while charisma makes their presentation more interesting and engaging. Passion shows that they’re excited about what they’re talking about and are invested in the topic.”

15. Can you explain how to prepare for a presentation?

This question is a great way to test your presentation skills and how you use them. It also shows the interviewer that you know what steps to take before, during and after a presentation. Use examples from past experiences where you prepared for a presentation and discuss the importance of each step.

Example: “I always make sure I have all my materials ready at least an hour before the presentation starts. This gives me time to go over my notes one last time and check if everything is in order. During the presentation itself, I try to stay calm and focused on the audience. If I’m nervous or unsure about something, I’ll pause briefly so I can gather my thoughts and remember what I want to say next.”

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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?

A man confidently gives an interview presentation.

4th Jun, 2021

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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The Secret to Crushing Your Job Interview Presentation
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Job Interview Presentation Guides The Secret to Crushing Your Job Interview

Career Tips
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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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!

Create branded content & graphics with ease

Add your brand color’s hex codes for easy access
Upload or select your brand fonts
Easily incorporate brand elements into your Vismes

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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Presentation

Use these interview questions to hire candidates with rockstar presentation skills.

Why presentation skills rule

Whether you’re hiring for a salesperson, HR pro, trainer or marketer, presentation skills are a must.

From selling products to representing your company to potential clients, there’s huge demand for presentation skills in most jobs—especially when you’re hiring for senior roles.

Presentation skills interview questions

How do you prepare a presentation?
Tell us about a time you’ve created a killer presentation. What made it special?
How do you target different audiences with your presentations?
Describe how you would use a presentation to impress a new client.
How do you pull a bored audience back in?
Describe how you’d announce bad news to the team.
Reports vs. in-person meetings. Which wins? Why?
What are your favorite presentation tools?
In a presentation, how much comedy is too much comedy?

Candidates to look for

Great resume: For some roles, you may want candidates who present well on paper as well as in person.
Outside-the-box thinking: Candidates who avoid obvious answers can hold an audience for longer. Think: intrigue and humor.
They get to the point: No one wants to sit for hours and listen to someone drone on. Candidates who get to the point quickly are on point.
Passionate candidates: Ask candidates to talk about their hobbies to test how enthusiastic they can be.

Candidates to avoid

Unprepared candidates: If your candidate didn’t prepare for their interview, they’re probably not going to prepare for presentations.
They’re unpersuasive: Candidates who struggle with persuasive language and coherent arguments won’t be good influencers.
They look uncomfortable: Check in on their body language for extra clues on their stress levels. Look for confidence and eye contact.
Bad listeners: The best presentations are a two-way street. Candidates need to show they listen as much as they talk.
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Interview Questions 

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PRESENTATION SKILLS

Presentations in Interviews

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It is increasingly common to be asked to do a presentation as part of an interview. However, these presentations often have several important distinctions from others.

Fortunately, as long as you know what to expect, you can plan accordingly and make sure that your presentation is remembered for all the right reasons.

Forewarned is Forearmed

You have been invited to an interview for a job. The invitation to interview, however, has a paragraph at the bottom that says that, as part of the interview, you will be expected to present briefly (and a time limit is almost always given, usually five to ten minutes) on a given topic. You may be given a title, or asked to develop one.

There are a number of questions to which you may find it helpful to know the answers. For example:

Will the presentation be in the same room as the interview?
Will the interview happen first, or the presentation?
Will you have access to a laptop and projector or similar?
How many people will you present to?

You have a choice: do you phone up and ask, and risk looking a bit nervous, or do you just hope for the best?

The decision is really up to you. It is not unreasonable to ask if you will have access to a projector, and also if you can bring a handout for the interviewers. Other than that, you might have to play it by ear, and see if you feel able to ask more.

Who do you phone? It depends on who has invited you to the interview. If you have been invited by someone in the HR department, then it is not unreasonable to think of it as part of their job to deal with questions like that. If, on the other hand, you have been invited by someone quite senior, you might prefer to get in touch with their secretary or PA instead.

The Skills You Need Guide to Getting a Job

Developing the Content of your Presentation

It is reasonably common to ask you to present on something like the key challenges that you think you will face in your first month in the job , or how you plan to organise your induction into the new post .

Don’t panic! They don’t expect you to know what you’re doing before you’ve even started.

They do, however, expect you to have a reasonable idea of how to find out what you need to know.

Consider it your first test. Some good ways to approach information gathering include:

Phone a friend – do you know anyone working in that company or in a similar organisation or area of work? Give them a call, take them out for lunch, and pick their brains about the problems and challenges facing the company, and the area in which you will be working in particular.

Use the internet to do some research – as well as the company’s own website, have a look for news reports linked to the area in which you will be working and see what you can find out.

Use the clues in the job description and person specification – do these include requirements for particular skills that may not normally be associated with that kind of job? That might be a clue to a particular issue in the organisation.

Planning your Presentation

There are some general ideas about planning presentations on our pages Organising your Material and Writing your Presentation .

However, it’s important to think about a few points specific to interview presentations too, particularly:

You won’t be able to say everything that you’ve discovered in the space of five to ten minutes. Cut it down to the three main points that you want to make, and remember to emphasise that these are the three key areas.

What kind of visual aid will you use? If you are permitted to provide a one-page handout, how will it support your presentation?

How will you make your presentation stand out from among the crowd, in a good way? You may decide to do this by just being the best, or you could try starting by saying something memorable. Outrageous can work, but it can also be a bit risky, especially if you don’t know your interviewers. It depends a bit on the organisation and also the industry, so you will be best placed to decide what you can get away with.

Providing a Handout

Your one-page handout is what your interviewers will look at to remind them of your presentation. It therefore needs to showcase both the content of your presentation and your ability to summarise and show something in a brief visual form.

You could, of course, simply list your three key points, together with a few sentences about each one to summarise what you said. That will be perfectly acceptable.

But you could also produce something unique to you that showcases your thinking: a mind map, perhaps, or a visual summary of the situation, like a ‘rich picture’.

It does depend on how you think but, for more ideas, take a look at our page on Creative Thinking .

Ideally, you should use your handout as your notes for your presentation too, as it demonstrates that it really does capture your key points.

Handling Unusual Circumstances

You may well walk into your interview and find that something totally unforeseen has occurred.

For example, you have been told that you will be able to use PowerPoint, but there’s no laptop and projector because the interviewers have forgotten to organise it.

Don’t be thrown. Everyone else will be in the same situation.

Instead, use it as an opportunity to demonstrate that you are not put out by something unexpected since this is a valued skill. For example, have an alternative to slides, such as a one-page handout, or make a joke about technology always letting everyone down at crucial moments.

Your ability to handle problems in a good-humoured way will not go unnoticed.

Delivering your Presentation

You are unlikely to be expected to stand and deliver a presentation in an interview, because the room is likely to be very small.

However, it’s worth saying something like:

“ I think I’ll sit, as it’s a bit formal to stand. Unless of course you’d prefer me in full presentation mode? ”

They can then say if they want to see you do a formal presentation.

If you have been given a time limit for your presentation, do not go over it . You may have chosen not to practise fully, so as to be more spontaneous. However, be alert to how long your presentation is taking, and be ready to cut it short if necessary.

Do not rely on being able to see a clock in the room.

Instead, either take a clock that you can put on the table in front of you, or take off your watch, and place it where you can see it clearly at a glance.

It’s not a good idea to keep glancing at a watch on your wrist, as it is an off-putting piece of body language.

People are conditioned to read it as ‘ I don’t really have time for you ’, and this isn’t the impression that you want to give your interviewers, even inadvertently.

Remember to speak slowly and clearly, and check that your interviewers look like they have understood your points. Be alert for any body language that suggests lack of interest or disagreement, as you may want to develop those points further.

Make sure that you clearly conclude your presentation by summarising your key points, before inviting questions from the interview panel.

Presenting in a remote (online) interview

It is not unreasonable to be asked to make a presentation in an online interview.

However, it brings some additional challenges on top of presenting in person.

First, you need to be confident that you will be able to handle the technology , and share your slides with the interviewers. If you have not done this before, you have a choice. You can avoid having slides altogether, email through a one-page handout before the interview, or ask someone for help beforehand so that you know how to share your slides.

Second, you need to think about how you will appear . The section on presenting in our page on Remote Meetings and Conferences may be helpful here.

One Final Message…

Above all, remember that you will be at your best if you are relaxed and confident.

This is hard in any interview situation, but you are testing whether you want to work there as much as they are assessing you. Be yourself, as much in the presentation as in the interview itself. Focus on presenting you: your ideas, your plans. You will then have the best chance of getting the job if it is the right job for you.

Continue to: Interview Skills Coping with Presentation Nerves Dealing with Questions

See Also: Tricky Interview Questions and How to Answer Them Creating and Delivering the Perfect Job Interview Presentation The Most Important Skills for Job Assessments

15 Presenter Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various presenter interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

or download as PDF

Common Presenter Interview Questions

What made you want to become a presenter, what do you think are the key skills necessary for a successful presenter, what do you think are the biggest challenges you face when presenting, how do you prepare for a presentation, what do you think are the most important elements of a successful presentation, what do you think are the biggest mistakes you can make when presenting, how do you deal with nerves when presenting, what do you think is the best way to engage your audience when presenting, what do you think are the most effective ways to use visuals when presenting, what do you think is the best way to structure a presentation, what do you think is the best way to open and close a presentation, what do you think are the most important things to keep in mind when delivering a presentation, what do you think is the best way to handle questions from the audience during a presentation, what do you think is the best way to follow up after a presentation, what do you think are the most important things to remember when preparing for and giving a presentation.

There can be many reasons why an interviewer would ask this question. It could be to get to know the presenter better, to understand their motivation for becoming a presenter, or to see if they are truly passionate about the role. It is important for the interviewer to understand the presenter's motivation because it will give them insight into how the presenter will approach their work and whether they are likely to be successful in the role.

Example: “ I have always been passionate about communication and sharing information. I love being able to engage with an audience and share my knowledge and ideas with them. I also enjoy the challenge of being able to think on my feet and come up with new and interesting ways to present information. ”

There are several key skills necessary for a successful presenter, including the ability to clearly articulate your message, engage with your audience, and manage your time effectively. Asking this question allows the interviewer to gauge your level of experience and expertise in these areas, and helps to determine if you would be a good fit for the position.

Example: “ Some key skills that are necessary for a successful presenter are the ability to engage with an audience, the ability to be clear and concise when communicating information, and the ability to create an effective visual presentation. Additionally, it is important for a presenter to be able to handle questions from the audience and keep the presentation interesting. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to see if the presenter is aware of the challenges they face when presenting. Second, they want to see how the presenter plans to overcome these challenges. Third, they want to see if the presenter has any unique strategies or techniques for dealing with difficult situations.

This question is important because it allows the interviewer to gauge the presenter's level of experience and expertise. It also allows the interviewer to see how the presenter plans to handle difficult situations. Finally, it gives the interviewer a chance to ask follow-up questions about the presenter's strategies and techniques.

Example: “ There are a few challenges that I face when presenting. The first is making sure that I have a clear and concise message. I need to make sure that my audience understands what I am trying to say, and that they can follow my train of thought. This can be difficult, especially if the topic is complex or if there are a lot of moving parts to my presentation. Another challenge is keeping my audience engaged. I need to make sure that I am not boring them, and that I am keeping their attention focused on what I am saying. This can be difficult, especially if the audience is tired or if they are not interested in the topic. Finally, I need to make sure that I am prepared for questions from the audience. I need to be able to answer any questions that they may have, and to do so in a way that is clear and concise. This can be difficult, especially if I am not familiar with the topic or if the question is complex. ”

An interviewer would ask "How do you prepare for a presentation?" to a presenter in order to gauge how the presenter plans and structures their presentations. This is important because it shows whether the presenter is organized and can communicate their ideas effectively.

Example: “ There are a few key things that I always keep in mind when preparing for a presentation: 1. Know your audience. It's important to tailor your presentation to the specific group of people you'll be speaking to. Consider their needs and interests, and what you can do to engage them. 2. Keep it simple. Don't try to cram too much information into your presentation. Stick to the essentials and focus on delivering your message clearly. 3. Be organized. A well-organized presentation will flow smoothly and keep your audience engaged. Make sure to structure your thoughts ahead of time and use visual aids to help illustrate your points. 4. Practice, practice, practice! The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it comes time to deliver your presentation. So don't wait until the last minute to start preparing - give yourself plenty of time to practice beforehand. ”

The interviewer is looking to see if the presenter has thought about what makes a successful presentation. It is important to be able to identify the key elements of a successful presentation in order to make sure that your own presentations are effective.

Example: “ There are many elements that can contribute to the success of a presentation, but some of the most important ones include having clear and concise objectives, engaging and relevant content, an effective delivery style, and appropriate visuals. Having well-defined objectives will help to focus the presentation and ensure that it is achieving its goals. The content of the presentation should be engaging and relevant to the audience, while also being properly structured and organized. An effective delivery style will help to keep the audience engaged and interested, while also conveying the key points of the presentation clearly. Finally, appropriate visuals can help to reinforce the key points of the presentation and make it more visually appealing. ”

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the self-awareness of the presenter. It is important to be aware of one's own mistakes in order to avoid them in the future. By knowing what the biggest mistakes are, the presenter can be more mindful of them and work to avoid them.

Example: “ There are a few potential mistakes that could be made when presenting. One mistake could be to not engage with the audience. It is important to make eye contact, use facial expressions, and gestures to keep the audience interested. Another mistake could be to use filler words such as “um” or “like” which can make the presenter sound unprofessional. Additionally, going off on tangents or deviating from the main points of the presentation can lose the audience’s attention. Finally, it is important to practice beforehand so that the presentation flows smoothly and confidently. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a presenter how they deal with nerves. Firstly, it can be a way to gauge how the presenter deals with stress and pressure. Secondly, it can be a way to see how the presenter copes with public speaking, which is an important skill for a presenter to have. Thirdly, it can be a way to find out if the presenter has any strategies or techniques for dealing with nerves, which the interviewer can then use themselves. Finally, it is important to remember that everyone gets nervous when presenting, so the interviewer is likely asking the question in order to put the presenter at ease and make them feel more comfortable.

Example: “ There are a few things that you can do to deal with nerves when presenting. First, it is important to remember that everyone gets nervous when presenting. So, you are not alone in feeling this way. Second, try to focus on the content of your presentation and not on your nerves. This will help you to stay calm and focused. Third, take some deep breaths before you start speaking. This will help to relax your body and mind. Finally, remember that the audience wants you to succeed. They are rooting for you and they want to hear what you have to say. ”

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Presenter's ability to engage an audience. This is important because a Presenter who cannot engage an audience is likely to lose their attention and fail to deliver their message effectively.

Example: “ There are a few different ways to engage your audience when presenting. One way is to make eye contact with as many people as possible. Another way is to use facial expressions and body language to convey your message. You can also use props or visuals to help get your point across. And finally, you can try to be as engaging and enthusiastic as possible. ”

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to know if the presenter is familiar with using visuals in presentations. Second, they want to know if the presenter has considered how visuals can be used effectively to enhance a presentation. Third, they want to gauge the presenter's level of creativity and innovation when it comes to using visuals. Ultimately, it is important to use visuals effectively in presentations because they can help to engage the audience, convey information more clearly, and add interest and variety.

Example: “ There are a few different ways to use visuals when presenting, and it really depends on the type of presentation and the audience you are presenting to. For example, if you are giving a presentation on data or statistics, using graphs or charts can be very effective in helping your audience understand the information. If you are giving a presentation that is more conceptual in nature, using images or diagrams can be helpful in illustrating your points. Additionally, using slides with bullet points can be helpful in keeping your audience focused and on track. Ultimately, it is important to consider your audience and what will help them best understand and engage with your presentation. ”

An interviewer might ask "What do you think is the best way to structure a presentation?" to a presenter in order to gauge their level of experience and expertise. It is important to structure a presentation in a way that is clear, concise, and easy for the audience to follow. A well-structured presentation will keep the audience engaged and will help deliver the main points of the presentation in an effective manner.

Example: “ There is no one answer to this question as the best way to structure a presentation depends on the topic, the audience, and the objectives of the presentation. However, some tips on how to structure a presentation include: -Starting with an introduction that grabs the audience's attention and sets the stage for the rest of the presentation -Organizing the main body of the presentation in a logical and easy-to-follow manner -Using visual aids to support your points and help engage the audience -Concluding with a summary of the main points covered and a call to action or next steps ”

The interviewer is trying to gauge the presenter's ability to structure a presentation. It is important because a well-structured presentation is more likely to be successful in achieving its goals.

Example: “ There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to open and close a presentation will vary depending on the topic, audience, and overall tone of the presentation. However, some tips on how to open and close a presentation effectively include: Opening: -Start with a strong hook to grab attention and set the tone for the rest of the presentation. - clearly state the purpose or main message of the presentation. - give an overview of what will be covered in the presentation. Closing: -summarize the main points of the presentation. -restate the purpose or main message of the presentation. -end with a strong call to action or takeaway for the audience. ”

The interviewer is trying to gauge the presenter's level of experience and expertise. It is important to know what the most important things are to keep in mind when delivering a presentation so that the presentation can be delivered effectively.

Example: “ When delivering a presentation, the most important thing to keep in mind is your audience. Who are they? What are their needs and wants? What will they find most interesting or useful about your presentation? Keeping your audience in mind will help you to structure your presentation in a way that engages and interests them, and ensures that they walk away from the experience having learned something new. In addition to your audience, it is also important to keep in mind the purpose of your presentation. What is the overall goal that you are trying to achieve? What specific points do you want to communicate? By being clear on the purpose of your presentation, you can ensure that every element of the presentation is working towards that goal. Finally, it is also important to keep in mind the logistics of your presentation. Where will it be taking place? What equipment will you need? How much time do you have? By being aware of these details, you can avoid any last-minute surprises or problems on the day of the presentation. ”

The interviewer wants to know how the presenter would handle questions from the audience during a presentation because it is important to know how the presenter would handle questions from the audience during a presentation. If the presenter cannot answer questions from the audience during a presentation, then the presentation will not be successful.

Example: “ The best way to handle questions from the audience during a presentation is to be prepared for them in advance. Think about what questions might be asked and have answers ready. If you don't know the answer to a question, be honest and say so. Then offer to find out the answer and get back to the person who asked the question. ”

The interviewer is asking this question to gauge the presenter's level of experience and expertise. It is important to follow up after a presentation in order to ensure that the audience has understood the key points and to answer any questions that they may have. Following up also allows the presenter to get feedback on their performance and to make any necessary changes for future presentations.

Example: “ There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to follow up after a presentation depends on the specific situation and goals of the presentation. However, some general tips for following up after a presentation include: 1. Thanking the audience for their time and attention. 2. Providing contact information in case anyone has further questions or would like to follow up with you. 3. Sending a copy of the presentation (or slides) to the organizers or attendees, if appropriate. 4. Following up with any promised action items from the presentation, such as sending additional information or resources that were promised during the talk. ”

The interviewer is asking this question to assess the presenter's ability to prepare and deliver a presentation. It is important for the presenter to be able to identify the key points that need to be covered in the presentation and to be able to deliver the presentation in a clear and concise manner.

Example: “ There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for and giving a presentation: 1. Make sure you know your audience. It is important to tailor your presentation to the group of people you will be speaking to. Consider their level of knowledge on the subject, their age group, and any other relevant factors. 2. Keep it organized. A well-organized presentation will be easier for both you and your audience to follow. Use an outline or storyboard to plan out your presentation ahead of time. 3. Practice, practice, practice! This will help you feel more confident and reduce the likelihood of making mistakes during your actual presentation. 4. Make sure you are prepared with backup materials in case something goes wrong (e.g., slides get lost or projector malfunction). 5. Be aware of your body language and use it to project confidence. Stand up straight, make eye contact with your audience, and use gestures to emphasize points. 6. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Avoid using filler words such as “um” or “like”, and try not to speak too quickly or too slowly. 7. Engage with your audience by asking questions ”

50+ Most Common Interview Questions and Answers

Wouldn’t it be great if you knew exactly what questions a hiring manager would be asking you in your next job interview ?

We can’t read minds, unfortunately, but we’ll give you the next best thing: a list of 53 of the most commonly asked interview questions and answers, along with advice on how to come up with your own responses.

While we don’t recommend having a canned response for every interview question (in fact, please don’t), we do recommend spending some time getting comfortable with what you might be asked, what hiring managers are really looking for in your responses, and what it takes to show that you’re the right person for the job.

Land more interviews by looking for more open jobs on The Muse »

Consider this list your job interview answer and question study guide. (And don’t miss our bonus list at the end, with links to resources on specific types of interview questions—about emotional intelligence or diversity and inclusion , for example—and interview questions by role, from accountant to project manager to teacher.)

50+ most common job interview questions and answers

1. tell me about yourself..

This question seems simple, so many people fail to prepare for it, but it’s crucial. Here's the deal: Don’t give your complete employment (or personal) history. Instead, give a pitch—one that’s concise and compelling and that shows exactly why you’re the right fit for the job. Muse writer and MIT career counselor Lily Zhang recommends using a present, past, future formula. Talk a little bit about your current role (including the scope and perhaps one big accomplishment), then give some background as to how you got there and experience you have that’s relevant. Finally, segue into why you want—and would be perfect for—this role.

Possible answer to “Tell me about yourself.”

“ Well, I’m currently an account executive at Smith, where I handle our top-performing client. Before that, I worked at an agency where I was on three different major national healthcare brands. And while I really enjoyed the work that I did, I’d love the chance to dig in much deeper with one specific healthcare company, which is why I’m so excited about this opportunity with Metro Health Center.”

Read More: A Complete Guide to Answering “Tell Me About Yourself” in an Interview (Plus Examples!)

2. Walk me through your resume.

Like “Tell me about yourself,” this question is a common interview opener. But instead of framing your answer around what qualities and skills make you best for the position, your answer should group your qualifications by your past jobs and tell your career story. You might choose to tell this story chronologically, especially if there’s a great anecdote about what set you on this path. Or, as with “Tell me about yourself,” you can begin with your present job then talk about what brought you here and where you’re going next. But regardless, when you speak about your “past” and “present,” highlight your most relevant experiences and accomplishments for this job and wrap up by talking about the future, i.e. connect your past and present together to show why this job should be the next one you add to your resume.

Possible answer to “Walk me through your resume.”

“Well, as you can see from my resume, I took a bit of a winding road to get to where I am today. In college, I double majored in chemistry and communications. I found early on that working in a lab all day wasn’t for me and at some point I realized I looked forward to the lab class I TA’ed the most.

“So when I graduated, I found a job in sales for a consumer healthcare products company, where I drew on my teaching experience and learned even more about tailoring your message and explaining complex health concepts to people without a science background. Then, I moved into a sales training role at a massive company where I was responsible for teaching recent graduates the basics of selling. My trainees on average had more deals closed in their first quarter than any of the other trainers’ cohorts. Plus, I got so much satisfaction from finding the right way to train each new hire and watching them progress and succeed. It reminded me of my time as a TA in college. That’s when I started taking night classes to earn my chemistry teaching certificate.

“I left my full-time job last year to complete my student teaching at P.S. 118 in Manhattan, and over the summer, I worked for a science camp, teaching kids from the ages of 10 to 12 about basic chemistry concepts and best practices for safe experiments. Now, I’m excited to find my first full-time teaching job, and your district is my top choice. The low student-to-teacher ratio will let me take the time to teach each student in the best way for them—which is my favorite part of the job.”

Read More: How to Respond to “Walk Me Through Your Resume”—and Get Your Interview Started on the Right Note

3. How did you hear about this position?

Another seemingly innocuous interview question, this is actually a perfect opportunity to stand out and show your passion for and connection to the company. For example, if you found out about the gig through a friend or professional contact, name-drop that person, then share why you were so excited about the job. If you discovered the company through an event or article, share that. Even if you found the listing through a random job board, share what, specifically, caught your eye about the role.

Possible answer to “How did you hear about this position?”

“I heard about an opening on the product team through a friend of a friend, Akiko, and since I’m a big fan of your work and have been following you for a while I decided it would be a great role for me to apply for.” Read More: 3 Ways People Mess Up the (Simple) Answer to “How Did You Come Across This Job Opportunity?”

4. Why do you want to work at this company?

Beware of generic answers! If what you say can apply to a whole slew of other companies, or if your response makes you sound like every other candidate, you’re missing an opportunity to stand out. Zhang recommends one of four strategies: Do your research and point to something that makes the company unique that really appeals to you; talk about how you’ve watched the company grow and change since you first heard of it; focus on the organization’s opportunities for future growth and how you can contribute to it; or share what’s gotten you excited from your interactions with employees so far. Whichever route you choose, make sure to be specific. And if you can’t figure out why you’d want to work at the company you’re interviewing with by the time you’re well into the hiring process? It might be a red flag telling you that this position is not the right fit.

Possible answer to “Why do you want to work at this company?”

“I saw on The Muse that you were also hiring for new positions on the West Coast to support your new operations there. I did some more reading about the new data center you’re building there and that excites me as I know this means there’ll be opportunities to train new teammates. I also learned through a Wall Street Journal article that you’re expanding in Mexico as well. I speak Spanish fluently and would be eager to step up and help liaise whenever necessary.”

Read More: 4 Better Ways to Answer “Why Do You Want to Work at This Company?”

5. Why do you want this job?

Again, companies want to hire people who are passionate about the job, so you should have a great answer about why you want the position. (And if you don’t? You probably should apply elsewhere.) First, identify a couple of key factors that make the role a great fit for you (e.g., “I love customer support because I love the constant human interaction and the satisfaction that comes from helping someone solve a problem”), then share why you love the company (e.g., “I’ve always been passionate about education, and I think you’re doing great things, so I want to be a part of it”).

Possible answer to “Why do you want this job?”

“I’ve always been a fan of X Co’s products and I’ve spent countless hours playing your games. I know that your focus on unique stories is what drew me and other fans into your games initially and keeps us coming back for more. I’ve followed X Co on social media for a while, and I’ve always loved how you have people in different departments interact with users. So I was psyched when I came across this posting for a social media manager with TikTok experience. At my last job, I was responsible for launching our TikTok account and growing it to 10,000 followers in six months. Between that experience, my love of gaming, and my deep knowledge of your games and fanbase, I know I could make this TikTok account something special and exciting.”

Read More: 3 Steps for Answering “Why Do You Want This Job?”

6. Why should we hire you?

This interview question seems forward (not to mention intimidating!), but if you’re asked it, you’re in luck: There’s no better setup for you to sell yourself and your skills to the hiring manager. Your job here is to craft an answer that covers three things: that you can not only do the work, but also deliver great results; that you’ll really fit in with the team and culture; and that you’d be a better hire than any of the other candidates.

Possible answer to “Why should we hire you?”

“ I know it’s been an exciting time for General Tech—growing so much and acquiring several startups—but I also know from experience that it can be challenging for the sales team to understand how new products fit in with the existing ones. It’s always easier to sell the product you know, so the newer stuff can get shortchanged, which can have company-wide ramifications. I have over a decade of experience as a sales trainer, but more importantly, most of those years were working with sales teams that were in the exact same boat Gen Tech is in now. Growth is wonderful, but only if the rest of the company can keep up. I’m confident I can make sure your sales team is confident and enthusiastic about selling new products by implementing an ongoing sales training curriculum that emphasizes where they sit in a product lineup.”

Read More: 3 Better Ways to Answer “Why Should We Hire You?”

7. What can you bring to the company?

When interviewers ask this question, they don’t just want to hear about your background. They want to see that you understand what problems and challenges they’re facing as a company or department as well as how you’ll fit into the existing organization. Read the job description closely, do your research on the company, and make sure you pay attention in your early round interviews to understand any issues you’re being hired to solve. Then, the key is to connect your skills and experiences to what the company needs and share an example that shows how you’ve done similar or transferable work in the past.

Possible answer to “What can you bring to the company?”

“As Jocelyn talked about in our interview earlier, PopCo is looking to expand its market to small business owners with less than 25 employees, so I’d bring my expertise in this area and my experience in guiding a sales team that’s selling to these customers for the first time. In most of my past roles, this segment has been my focus and in my current role, I also played a big part in creating our sales strategies when the business began selling to these customers. I worked with my managers to develop the sales script. I also listened in on a number of sales calls with other account execs who were selling to these customers for the first time and gave them pointers and other feedback. In the first quarter, our 10-person sales team closed 50 new bookings in this segment, and I personally closed 10 of those deals. I helped guide my last company through the expansion into small businesses, and I’m eager to do that again at PopCo. Plus, I noticed you have a monthly karaoke night—so I’m eager to bring my rendition of ‘Call Me Maybe’ to the team as well.”

Read More : What Interviewers Really Want to Hear When They Ask “What Can You Bring to the Company?”

8. What are your greatest strengths?

Here’s an opening to talk about something that makes you great—and a great fit for this role. When you’re answering this question, think quality, not quantity. In other words, don’t rattle off a list of adjectives. Instead, pick one or a few (depending on the question) specific qualities that are relevant to this position and illustrate them with examples. Stories are always more memorable than generalizations. And if there’s something you were hoping to mention because it makes you a great candidate, but you haven’t had a chance yet, this would be the perfect time.

Possible answer to “What are your greatest strengths?”

“ I’d say one of my greatest strengths is bringing organization to hectic environments and implementing processes to make everyone’s lives easier. In my current role as an executive assistant to a CEO, I created new processes for pretty much everything, from scheduling meetings to planning monthly all hands agendas to preparing for event appearances. Everyone in the company knew how things worked and how long they would take, and the structures helped alleviate stress and set expectations on all sides. I’d be excited to bring that same approach to an operations manager role at a startup, where everything is new and constantly growing and could use just the right amount of structure to keep things running smoothly.”

Read More: 3 Smart Strategies for Answering “What's Your Greatest Strength?”

9. What do you consider to be your weaknesses?

What your interviewer is really trying to do with this question—beyond identifying any major red flags—is to gauge your self-awareness and honesty. So, “I can’t meet a deadline to save my life” is not an option—but neither is “Nothing! I’m perfect!” Strike a balance by thinking of something that you struggle with but that you’re working to improve. For example, maybe you’ve never been strong at public speaking, but you’ve recently volunteered to run meetings to help you get more comfortable when addressing a crowd.

Possible answer to “What do you consider to be your weaknesses?”

“It can be difficult for me to gauge when the people I’m working with are overwhelmed or dissatisfied with their workloads. To ensure that I’m not asking too much or too little from my team, we have weekly check-ins. I like to ask if they feel like they’re on top of their workload, how I could better support them, whether there’s anything they’d like to take on or get rid of, and if they’re engaged by what they’re doing. Even if the answer is ‘all good,’ these meetings really lay the groundwork for a good and trusting relationship.”

Read More: 4 Ways to Answer “What Is Your Greatest Weakness?” That Actually Sound Believable

10. What is your greatest professional achievement?

Nothing says “hire me” better than a track record of achieving amazing results in past jobs, so don’t be shy when answering this interview question! A great way to do so is by using the STAR method : situation, task, action, results. Set up the situation and the task that you were required to complete to provide the interviewer with background context (e.g., “In my last job as a junior analyst, it was my role to manage the invoicing process”), then describe what you did (the action) and what you achieved (the result): “In one month, I streamlined the process, which saved my group 10 person-hours each month and reduced errors on invoices by 25%.”

Possible answer to “What is your greatest professional achievement?”

“My greatest accomplishment was when I helped the street lighting company I worked for convince the small town of Bend, Oregon to convert antiquated street lighting to energy-efficient LED bulbs. My role was created to promote and sell the energy-efficient bulbs, while touting the long-term advantage of reduced energy costs. I had to develop a way to educate city light officials on the value of our energy-efficient bulbs—which was a challenge since our products had an expensive up-front cost compared to less efficient lighting options. I created an information packet and held local community events aimed at city officials and the tax-paying public. There, I was able to demo the company product, answer questions, and evangelize the value of LED bulbs for the long term. It was crucial to have the public on board and I was able to reach a wide variety of community members with these events. I not only reached my first-year sales goal of $100,000, but I was also able to help us land another contract in a neighboring city. Plus, the community-focused strategy garnered attention from the national media. And I’m proud to say I got a promotion within one year to senior sales representative.”

Read More: The Perfect Formula for Answering “What Is Your Greatest Accomplishment” in an Interview

11. Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.

You’re probably not eager to talk about conflicts you’ve had at work during a job interview. But if you’re asked directly, don’t pretend you’ve never had one. Be honest about a difficult situation you’ve faced (but without going into the kind of detail you’d share venting to a friend). “Most people who ask are only looking for evidence that you’re willing to face these kinds of issues head-on and make a sincere attempt at coming to a resolution,” former recruiter Richard Moy says. Stay calm and professional as you tell the story (and answer any follow-up questions), spend more time talking about the resolution than the conflict, and mention what you’d do differently next time to show “you’re open to learning from tough experiences.”

Possible answer to “Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.”

“ Funnily enough, last year I was part of a committee that put together a training on conflict intervention in the workplace and the amount of pushback we got for requiring attendance really put our training to the test. There was one senior staff member in particular who seemed adamant. It took some careful listening to understand he felt like it wasn’t the best use of his time given the workload he was juggling. I made sure to acknowledge his concern. And then I focused on his direct objection and explained how the training was meant to improve not just the culture of the company, but also the efficiency at which we operated—and that the goal was for the training to make everyone’s workload feel lighter. He did eventually attend and was there when I talked to the whole staff about identifying the root issue of a conflict and addressing that directly without bringing in other issues, which is how I aim to handle any disagreement in the workplace.”

Read More: 3 Ways You’re Messing Up the Answer to “Tell Me About a Conflict You’ve Faced at Work”

12. Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.

You don’t have to have a fancy title to act like a leader or demonstrate leadership skills. Think about a time when you headed up a project, took the initiative to propose an alternate process, or helped motivate your team to get something done. Then use the STAR method to tell your interviewer a story, giving enough detail to paint a picture (but not so much that you start rambling) and making sure you spell out the result. In other words, be clear about why you’re telling this particular story and connect all the dots for the interviewer.

Possible answer to “Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.”

“I think that a good leader is someone who can make decisions while also listening to others and being willing to admit when you’re wrong and course correct. In my last role, my team and I were responsible for giving a big presentation to a prospective client. I quickly assigned different tasks to members of my team, but the project never really got moving. I gave everyone an opportunity to share their input and concerns, and it turned out that they were struggling in the roles I’d given them. I ended up switching a few people around. Meanwhile, the employee I’d assigned to give the presentation was nervous, but still wanted to give it a try. I worked with them to make sure they were ready and even held a practice session so that they could rehearse in a more comfortable environment. When the time came for the real thing, they nailed it! We landed the client and the company still has the account to this day. And that employee became a go-to person for important client presentations. I’m really glad I took the time to listen to everyone’s concerns so that I could re-evaluate my approach and help my team be the best it could be.”

Read More: The Best Way to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Demonstrated Leadership Skills” in a Job Interview

13. What’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?

The ideal anecdote here is one where you handled a disagreement professionally and learned something from the experience. Zhang recommends paying particular attention to how you start and end your response. To open, make a short statement to frame the rest of your answer, one that nods at the ultimate takeaway or the reason you’re telling this story. For example: “I learned early on in my professional career that it’s fine to disagree if you can back up your hunches with data.” And to close strong, you can either give a one-sentence summary of your answer (“In short…”) or talk briefly about how what you learned or gained from this experience would help you in the role you’re interviewing for.

Possible answer to “What’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?”

“In my job as a finance assistant, I was in charge of putting together reports for potential company investments. It was important to get the details and numbers right so that leaders had the best information to make a decision. One time, my boss asked me to generate a new report on a Wednesday morning and wanted it done by Thursday at 5 PM. Because I’m committed to high-quality work and I wasn’t sure my boss fully understood what goes into each report, I knew I needed to speak up. At her next available opening, I sat down with my boss and explained my concerns. She was firm that the report would be completed by Thursday at 5 PM. So I decided to ask if there was anyone who could help out. After thinking about it, my boss found another assistant who could put in a few hours. While it was a tight timeline, we got the report done, and the committee was really pleased to review it at the meeting. My boss appreciated my extra efforts to make it happen and I felt good that I hadn’t let the quality of the report slip. It was a good experience of being a team player but also knowing when and how to ask for help. And once I explained how much time and work goes into each report, my boss was careful to assign them further in advance.”

Read More: Here’s the Secret to Answering “Tell Me About a Time You Had a Conflict With Your Boss” in an Interview

14. Tell me about a time you made a mistake.

You’re probably not too eager to dig into past blunders when you’re trying to impress an interviewer and land a job. But talking about a mistake and winning someone over aren’t mutually exclusive, Moy says. In fact, if you do it right, it can help you. The key is to be honest without placing blame on other people, then explain what you learned from your mistake and what actions you took to ensure it didn’t happen again. At the end of the day, employers are looking for folks who are self-aware, can take feedback, and care about doing better.

Possible answer to “Tell me about a time you made a mistake.”

“Early in my career, I missed a deadline that ended up costing us a really big account. There were a lot of factors that contributed to this, but ultimately, I was the one who dropped the ball. From that experience, I went back and thought really hard about what I could’ve controlled and what I would’ve changed. It turns out that I was not nearly as organized as I thought I was. I sat down with my boss, asked for suggestions on how to improve my organizational skills, and a few months later I was able to score an even bigger account for the department.”

Read More: 3 Rules That Guarantee You'll Nail the Answer to “Tell Me About a Time You Made a Mistake”

15. Tell me about a time you failed.

This question is very similar to the one about making a mistake, and you should approach your answer in much the same way. Make sure you pick a real, actual failure you can speak honestly about. Start by making it clear to the interviewer how you define failure. For instance: “As a manager, I consider it a failure whenever I’m caught by surprise. I strive to know what’s going on with my team and their work.” Then situate your story in relation to that definition and explain what happened. Finally, don’t forget to share what you learned. It’s OK to fail—everyone does sometimes—but it’s important to show that you took something from the experience.

Possible answer to “Tell me about a time you failed.”

“ As a team manager, I consider it a failure if I don’t know what’s going on with my staff and their work—basically if a problem catches me by surprise then I’ve failed somewhere along the way. Even if the outcome is ultimately fine, it means I’ve left a team member unsupported at some point. A somewhat recent example would be this training we do every year for new project managers. Because it’s an event that my team has run so many times, I didn’t think to check in and had no idea a scheduling conflict was brewing into a full-on turf war with another team. The resolution actually ended up being a quick and easy conversation at the leadership team meeting, but had I just asked about it sooner it would never have been a problem to begin with. I definitely learned my lesson about setting reminders to check in about major projects or events even if they’ve been done dozens of times before.”

Read More: 4 Steps for Answering “Tell Me About a Time When You Failed”

16. Why are you leaving your current job?

This is a toughie, but one you can be sure you’ll be asked. Definitely keep things positive—you have nothing to gain by being negative about your current employer. Instead, frame things in a way that shows that you’re eager to take on new opportunities and that the role you’re interviewing for is a better fit for you. For example, “I’d really love to be part of product development from beginning to end, and I know I’d have that opportunity here.” And if you were let go from your most recent job? Keep it simple: “Unfortunately, I was let go,” is a totally acceptable answer.

Possible answer to “Why are you leaving your current job?”

“I’m ready for the next challenge in my career. I loved the people I worked with and the projects I worked on, but at some point I realized I wasn’t being challenged the way I used to be. Rather than let myself get too comfortable, I decided to pursue a position where I can continue to grow.”

Read More: 4 Better Ways to Answer “Why Are You Leaving Your Job?”

17. Why were you fired?

Of course, they may ask the follow-up question: Why were you let go? If you lost your job due to layoffs, you can simply say, “The company [reorganized/merged/was acquired] and unfortunately my [position/department] was eliminated.” But what if you were fired for performance reasons? Your best bet is to be honest (the job-seeking world is small, after all). But it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Frame it as a learning experience: Share how you’ve grown and how you approach your job and life now as a result. And if you can portray your growth as an advantage for this next job, even better.

Possible answer to “Why were you fired?”

“After working for XYZ Inc. for four years, there were some changes made to the amount of client calls we were expected to process per hour. I used the techniques we were taught after the change took effect, but didn’t want our customer service to slip. Unfortunately, I wasn’t consistently completing the required number of calls, and, as a result, I was let go. I felt really bad about this and in retrospect I could have done better sticking to the process that would have let me meet the per hour quota. But you’ve told me about the customer service standards and the volume expectations here, and I believe it won’t be a problem.”

Read More: Stop Cringing! How to Tell an Interviewer You've Been Fired

18. Why was there a gap in your employment?

Maybe you were taking care of children or aging parents, dealing with health issues, or traveling the world. Maybe it just took you a long time to land the right job. Whatever the reason, you should be prepared to discuss the gap (or gaps) on your resume. Seriously, practice saying your answer out loud. The key is to be honest, though that doesn’t mean you have to share more details than you’re comfortable with. If there are skills or qualities you honed or gained in your time away from the workforce—whether through volunteer work, running a home, or responding to a personal crisis—you can also talk about how those would help you excel in this role.

Possible answer to “Why was there a gap in your employment?”

“I spent a number of years working at a company in a very demanding job, in which—as you’ll see from my references—I was very successful. But I’d reached a stage in my career where I wanted to focus on my personal growth. The time I spent traveling taught me a lot about how to get along with people of all ages and cultures. Now I feel more than ready to jump back into my career with renewed energy and focus and I feel this role is the ideal way to do that.”

Read More: How to Explain the Gap in Your Resume With Ease

19. Can you explain why you changed career paths?

Don’t be thrown off by this question—just take a deep breath and explain to the hiring manager why you’ve made the career decisions you have. More importantly, give a few examples of how your past experience is transferable to the new role. This doesn’t have to be a direct connection; in fact, it’s often more impressive when a candidate can show how seemingly irrelevant experience is very relevant to the role.

Possible answer to “Can you explain why you changed career paths?”

“Ever since my brother was diagnosed with a heart condition, I’ve been training and running with him in your annual Heart Run to raise money for your organization and help support patients with expenses not covered by insurance. Each time, I’ve been struck by how truly dedicated and happy to be there your employees have been. So when I saw this posting for a fundraising role, it felt like it was meant to be. For the last 10 years of my career I’ve been an account executive for various SaaS companies, and I’ve really honed my skills when it comes to convincing organizations to make regular payments for something over the long-term. But I’ve been looking for a position in fundraising where I can use these skills to really help people and I’m highly motivated to do that with your organization.”

Read More: How to Explain Your Winding Career Path to a Hiring Manager

20. What’s your current salary?

It’s now illegal for some or all employers to ask you about your salary history in several cities and states, including New York City; Louisville, North Carolina; California; and Massachusetts. But no matter where you live, it can be stressful to hear this question. Don’t panic—there are several possible strategies you can turn to. For example, you can deflect the question, Muse career coach Emily Liou says, with a response like: “Before discussing any salary, I’d really like to learn more about what this role entails. I’ve done a lot of research on [Company] and I am certain if it’s the right fit, we’ll be able to agree on a number that’s fair and competitive to both parties.” You can also reframe the question around your salary expectations or requirements (see question 38) or choose to share the number if you think it will work in your favor.

Possible answer to “What’s your current salary?”

“Before discussing any salary, I’d really like to learn more about what this role entails. I’ve done a lot of research on [Company] and I am certain if it’s the right fit, we’ll be able to agree on a number that’s fair and competitive to both parties.”

Read More: Here's How You Answer the Illegal “What's Your Current Salary” Question

21. What do you like least about your job?

Tread carefully here! The last thing you want to do is let your answer devolve into a rant about how terrible your current company is or how much you hate your boss or that one coworker. The easiest way to handle this question with poise is to focus on an opportunity the role you’re interviewing for offers that your current job doesn’t. You can keep the conversation positive and emphasize why you’re so excited about the job.

Possible answer to “What do you like least about your job?”

“In my current role, I’m responsible for drafting media lists to pitch. While I’ve developed a knack for this and can do it when it is necessary, I’m looking forward to a job that allows me to have a more hands-on role in working with media partners. That’s one of the things that most excited me about your account supervisor position.”

Read More: What Interviewers Really Want When They Ask, “What Do You Like Least About Your Job?”

22. What are you looking for in a new position?

Hint: Ideally the same things that this position has to offer. Be specific.

Possible answer to “What are you looking for in a new position?”

“I’ve been honing my data analysis skills for a few years now and, first and foremost, I’m looking for a position where I can continue to exercise those skills. Another thing that’s important to me is the chance to present my findings and suggestions directly to clients. I’m always very motivated by being able to see the impact of my work on other people. And I’m definitely looking for a position where I can grow since I hope to take on managerial responsibilities in the future. To sum it up, I’d love a position where I can use my skills to make an impact that I can see with my own eyes. Of course, the position is only part of the equation. Being at a company where I can grow and work toward something I care about matters, too. DNF’s goal of being at the intersection between data and education inspires me, and I’m really excited about this opportunity.”

Read More: 4 Steps for Answering “What Are You Looking for in a New Position?”

23. What type of work environment do you prefer?

Hint: Ideally one that's similar to the environment of the company you're applying to. Be specific.

Possible answer to “What type of work environment do you prefer?”

“I really like the environment in my current position. My manager is a great resource and always willing to help out when I run into an issue, but they trust me to get my work done so I have a lot of freedom in how I schedule and prioritize, which is very important to me. Everyone has their own cubicle, so it’s often pretty quiet to get our work done, but we all get lunch together and our team has a lot of check-in meetings and communicates frequently via Slack so we still get a lot of opportunities to bounce ideas off each other. So I like both individual and more collaborative work. How would you describe the mix here?”

Read More: 3 Steps to Answering “What Type of Work Environment Do You Prefer?”

24. What’s your work style?

When an interviewer asks you about your work style, they’re probably trying to imagine you in the role. How will you approach your work? What will it be like to work with you? Will you mesh well with the existing team? You can help them along by choosing to focus on something that’s important to you and aligns with everything you’ve learned about the role, team, and company so far. The question is broad, which means you have a lot of flexibility in how you answer: You might talk about how you communicate and collaborate on cross-functional projects, what kind of remote work setup allows you to be most productive, or how you approach leading a team and managing direct reports. Just try to keep it positive. And remember, telling a story will almost always make your answer more memorable.

Possible answer to “What’s your work style?”

“I tend to do my best work when I’m collaborating with colleagues and we’re working together toward a common goal. I was that rare student who loved group projects and now I still get a rush of excitement when I’m planning marketing campaigns with a team and bringing new and different voices into the fold. When I was working at XYZ Agency, I made it a habit to extend invitations to folks in different departments to join certain brainstorming and feedback sessions. Some of our most successful campaigns grew out of the ideas we generated together with coworkers in IT, HR, product, and customer success. That’s why I was so excited to learn that this role would have me working closely with the product and sales teams as well as with a talented marketing team. The other thing I find is crucial to making these collaborations successful is organization and documentation, so I’m also really big on creating one central home for all materials related to a project, including meeting notes, action items, drafts of campaign copy and visuals, and timelines.”

Read More: How to Answer “What Is Your Work Style?” in an Interview (Plus Examples!)

25. What’s your management style?

The best managers are strong but flexible, and that’s exactly what you want to show off in your answer. (Think something like, “While every situation and every team member requires a bit of a different strategy, I tend to approach my employee relationships as a coach...”) Then share a couple of your best managerial moments, like when you grew your team from five to 15 or coached an underperforming employee to become the company’s top salesperson.

Possible answer to “What’s your management style?”

“ Management style is so hard to put your finger on, but I think in general a good manager gives clear directions and actually stays pretty hands-off, but is ready and available to jump in to offer guidance, expertise, and help when needed. I try my best to make that my management style. I also go out of my way to make sure I know when my team needs help. That means plenty of informal check-ins, both on the work they’re doing and on their general job satisfaction and mental well-being. I remember one project in particular at my most recent position that involved everyone working on a separate aspect of the product. This meant a lot of independent work for my team of seven people, but rather than bog everyone down with repetitive meetings to update me and everyone else on progress made, I created a project wiki that allowed us to communicate new information when necessary without disrupting another team member’s work. I then made it my job to make sure no one was ever stuck on a problem too long without a sounding board. Ultimately, despite the disparate project responsibilities, we ended up with a very cohesive product and, more importantly, a team that wasn’t burnt out.”

Read More: How to Answer “What’s Your Management Style?”

26. How would your boss and coworkers describe you?

First, be honest (remember, if you make it to the final round, the hiring manager will be calling your former bosses and coworkers for references!). Then try to pull out strengths and traits you haven’t discussed in other aspects of the interview, such as your strong work ethic or your willingness to pitch in on other projects when needed.

Possible answer to “How would your boss and coworkers describe you?”

“Actually, in my most recent performance review in April, my direct supervisor described me as someone who takes initiative and doesn’t shy away from hard problems. My role involves a lot of on-site implementation, and when things go wrong, it’s usually up to me to fix it. Rather than punting the problem back to the team, I always try to do what I can first. I know she appreciates that about me.”

Read More: 3 Strategies for Answering “How Would Your Boss or Coworkers Describe You?”

27. How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?

Here’s another question you may feel the urge to sidestep in an effort to prove you’re the perfect candidate who can handle anything. But it’s important not to dismiss this one (i.e. don’t say, “I just put my head down and push through it,” or, “I don’t get stressed out”). Instead, talk about your go-to strategies for dealing with stress (whether it’s meditating for 10 minutes every day or making sure you go for a run or keeping a super-detailed to-do list) and how you communicate and otherwise proactively try to mitigate pressure. If you can give a real example of a stressful situation you navigated successfully, all the better.

Possible answer to “How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?”

“I stay motivated by thinking about the end result. I’ve found that even in the midst of a challenging situation, reminding myself of my goals helps me take a step back and stay positive.”

Read More: 3 Ways You’re Messing Up the Answer to “How Do You Deal With Stressful Situations?”

28. What do you like to do outside of work?

Interviewers will sometimes ask about your hobbies or interests outside of work in order to get to know you a little better—to find out what you’re passionate about and devote time to during your off-hours. It’s another chance to let your personality shine. Be honest, but keep it professional and be mindful of answers that might make it sound like you’re going to spend all your time focusing on something other than the job you’re applying for.

Possible answer to “What do you like to do outside of work?”

“I’m a huge foodie. My friends and I love trying new restaurants in town as soon as they open—the more unusual the better! I love discovering new foods and cuisines, and it’s also a great activity to share with friends. I try to go out with the same group at least once a week and it’s a fun way to make sure we keep in touch and share experiences even when we’re busy with other things. We even took a trip to New York City and spent each day in a different neighborhood, buying something to share from a few restaurants.”

Read More: How to Answer “What Are Your Hobbies?” in an Interview (It’s Not a Trick Question!)

29. Are you planning on having children?

Questions about your family status, gender (“How would you handle managing a team of all men?”), nationality (“Where were you born?”), religion, or age are illegal—but they still get asked (and frequently). Of course, not always with ill intent—the interviewer might just be trying to make conversation and might not realize these are off-limits—but you should definitely tie any questions about your personal life (or anything else you think might be inappropriate) back to the job at hand.

Possible answer to “Are you planning on having children?”

“You know, I’m not quite there yet. But I am very interested in the career paths at your company. Can you tell me more about that?”

Read More: 5 Illegal Interview Questions and How to Dodge Them

30. How do you stay organized?

Would you want to work with a hot mess? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Neither does anyone else. A disorganized worker doesn’t just struggle in their own role, they can also create chaos for peers, managers, direct reports, clients, customers, and anyone else they interact with. So interviewers will often ask about how you keep yourself organized to make sure you’d be able to handle the workload and gauge what you’d be like to work with. In your answer, you’ll want to reassure them you’d have things under control (both in what you say and how you say it), describe a specific system or method you’ve used (bonus points if you can tie it to the role you’re interviewing for), and explain how it benefited you and your team. Just make sure your answer is succinct and, well, organized.

Possible answer to “How do you stay organized?”

“I take pride in my ability to stay organized, and it’s really come in handy in my past roles and especially the social media assistant job I’m in now. First, I keep a really meticulous calendar for each of the platforms I’m responsible for using Hootsuite—which I noticed you use here as well—and I try to block off time twice a week to get ahead on creating and slotting in posts.

“ Second, I’m a big fan of Trello, where I have one personal board I use as a to-do list color-coded by type of task and marked with priority level and one shared marketing team board that we use to coordinate campaigns launching across social, email, and other channels. We pay very close attention to the news in case we need to pause a campaign. If needed, I’d tag all the relevant stakeholders on Trello, immediately suspend all scheduled content in Hootsuite, and start a discussion on Slack or suggest a meeting to reassess strategy.

“Finally, I created a shared folder on Google Drive with subfolders by campaign that I update with one-pagers on goals and strategies, assets, a record of the actual posts deployed, performance analyses, and retros. That way, there’s a go-to place for anyone on the team to refer back to past projects, which I’ve found really helps us learn from every campaign and incorporate those learnings into what we’re working on next.”

Read More: What Interviewers Really Want to Know When They Ask “How Do You Stay Organized?”

31. How do you prioritize your work?

Your interviewers want to know that you can manage your time, exercise judgement, communicate, and shift gears when needed. Start by talking about whatever system you’ve found works for you to plan your day or week, whether it’s a to-do list app you swear by or a color-coded spreadsheet. This is one where you’ll definitely want to lean on a real-life example. So go on to describe how you’ve reacted to a last-minute request or another unexpected shift in priorities in the past, incorporating how you evaluated and decided what to do and how you communicated with your manager and/or teammates about it.

Possible answer to “How do you prioritize your work?”

“I’d be lost without my daily to-do list! At the beginning of each workday, I write out tasks to complete, and list them from highest to lowest priority to help keep me on track. But I also realize priorities change unexpectedly. On one particular day recently, I had planned to spend most of my time making phone calls to advertising agencies to get price quotes for an upcoming campaign. Then I did a quick check-in with my manager. She mentioned she needed help putting together a presentation ASAP for a major potential client. I moved the more flexible task to the end of the week and spent the next few hours updating the time-sensitive presentation. I make it a point to keep lines of communication open with my manager and coworkers. If I’m working on a task that will take a while to complete, I try to give a heads-up to my team as soon as possible. If my workload gets to be unmanageable, I check in with my boss about which items can drop to the bottom of the priority list, and then I try to reset expectations about different deadlines.”

Read More: A Foolproof Method to Answer the Interview Question “How Do You Prioritize Your Work?”

32. What are you passionate about?

You’re not a robot programmed to do your work and then power down. You’re a human, and if someone asks you this question in an interview, it’s probably because they want to get to know you better. The answer can align directly with the type of work you’d be doing in that role—like if, for example, you’re applying to be a graphic designer and spend all of your free time creating illustrations and data visualizations to post on Instagram.

But don’t be afraid to talk about a hobby that’s different from your day-to-day work. Bonus points if you can “take it one step further and connect how your passion would make you an excellent candidate for the role you are applying for,” says Muse career coach Al Dea. Like if you’re a software developer who loves to bake, you might talk about how the ability to be both creative and precise informs your approach to code.

Possible answer to “What are you passionate about?”

“One of my favorite pastimes is knitting—I love being able to create something beautiful from nothing. Of course, knitting also requires a keen attention to detail and a lot of patience. Luckily, as an accountant I have cultivated both of those qualities!”

Read More: 3 Authentic Ways to Answer “What Are You Passionate About?” in a Job Interview

33. What motivates you?

Before you panic about answering what feels like a probing existential question, consider that the interviewer wants to make sure you’re excited about this role at this company, and that you’ll be motivated to succeed if they pick you. So think back to what has energized you in previous roles and pinpoint what made your eyes light up when you read this job description. Pick one thing, make sure it’s relevant to the role and company you’re interviewing for, and try to weave in a story to help illustrate your point. If you’re honest, which you should be, your enthusiasm will be palpable.

Possible answer to “What motivates you?”

“I’m driven primarily by my desire to learn new things—big or small—and take on new responsibilities so that I’m constantly growing as an employee and contributing more to my team and organization. I spent several summers working as a camp counselor and felt most fulfilled when I volunteered to lead planning for a talent show, jumped in to help with scheduling logistics, and learned how to run pickups efficiently. All of that experience helped immensely when I took a step up to become the lead counselor last year focused on operations, and that’s what excites me so much about the opportunity to take on this managerial role for the after-school program.”

Read More: 5 Easy Steps to Answer “What Motivates You?” in an Interview

34. What are your pet peeves?

Here’s another one that feels like a minefield. But it’ll be easier to navigate if you know why an interviewer is asking it. Most likely, they want to make sure you’ll thrive at their company—and get a glimpse of how you deal with conflict. So be certain you pick something that doesn’t contradict the culture and environment at this organization while still being honest. Then explain why and what you’ve done to address it in the past, doing your best to stay calm and composed. Since there’s no need to dwell on something that annoys you, you can keep this response short and sweet.

Possible answer to “What are your pet peeves?”

“It bothers me when an office’s schedule is really disorganized, because in my experience, disorganization can cause confusion, which can hurt the motivation of the team. As a person who likes things to be orderly, I try to help keep my team on task while also allowing for flexibility.”

Read More: 6 Tips for Answering “What Are Your Pet Peeves?” in an Interview

35. How do you like to be managed?

This is another one of those questions that’s about finding the right fit—both from the company’s perspective and your own. Think back on what worked well for you in the past and what didn’t. What did previous bosses do that motivated you and helped you succeed and grow? Pick one or two things to focus on and always articulate them with a positive framing (even if your preference comes from an experience where your manager behaved in the opposite way, phrase it as what you would want a manager to do). If you can give a positive example from a great boss, it’ll make your answer even stronger.

Possible answer to “How do you like to be managed?”

“I enjoy having my hands in a lot of different projects, so I like working with managers who allow their employees to experiment, be independent, and work cross-functionally with other teams. At the same time, I really welcome it when a boss provides me with support, guidance, and coaching. No one can do anything alone, and I believe when managers and employees collaborate together and learn from one another everyone comes out on top.”

Read More: 3 Easy Steps to Answer “How Do You Like to Be Managed?” in an Interview

36. Do you consider yourself successful?

This question might make you uncomfortable. But you can think of it as an opportunity to allow the interviewer to get to know you better and to position yourself as an excellent choice for this job. First off, make sure you say yes! Then pick one specific professional achievement you’re proud of that can be tied back to the role you’re interviewing for—one that demonstrates a quality, skill, or experience that would help you excel in this position. You’ll want to explain why you consider it a success, talk about the process in addition to the outcome, and highlight your own accomplishment without forgetting your team. Zooming in on one story will help if you feel awkward tooting your own horn!

Possible answer to “Do you consider yourself successful?”

“I do consider myself successful, even though I’m early in my professional career. I took a full load of classes in my junior year of college because I wanted to take that summer to volunteer for a human rights organization overseas. I knew that I needed to make sure I was on track with my major, minor, and graduation requirements. It was difficult to juggle it all with my part-time job, which I kept to help account for the fact that I wouldn’t be earning money over the summer, and there were a few sleepless nights. But it was worth the hard work: I ended the year with a 3.9 GPA and the opportunity to volunteer for the agency in Ghana without falling behind my graduation timeline. For me success is about setting a goal and sticking with it, no matter how hard it is, and this experience was proof that I could be successful even when there’s a lot to balance, which I know there always is at a nonprofit like this one.”

Read More: How to Answer “Do You Consider Yourself Successful?” Without Feeling Like a Show-Off

37. Where do you see yourself in five years?

If asked this question, be honest and specific about your future goals, but consider this: A hiring manager wants to know a) if you've set realistic expectations for your career, b) if you have ambition (a.k.a., this interview isn't the first time you’re considering the question), and c) if the position aligns with your goals and growth. Your best bet is to think realistically about where this position could take you and answer along those lines. And if the position isn’t necessarily a one-way ticket to your aspirations? It’s OK to say that you’re not quite sure what the future holds, but that you see this experience playing an important role in helping you make that decision.

Possible answer to “Where do you see yourself in five years?”

“In five years, I’d like to be in a position where I know more about my longer-term career aspirations as a designer. I will have gotten experience working for a design agency and know more about the industry overall. I’ll have grown my technical skills and learned how to take feedback from clients and incorporate it. And the way your agency is set up, I’ll also have gotten the opportunity to design different kinds of deliverables—including websites, branding, and ad campaigns—for different kinds of clients to see where I really feel at home before settling on a focus.”

Read More: How to Answer “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?”

38. How do you plan to achieve your career goals?

Having goals shows interviewers you care, are ambitious, and can think ahead. Having a plan for how you’ll achieve your goals demonstrates your self-motivation as well as organizational and time management skills. Finally, the fact that you’ve accomplished past goals you’ve set for yourself is proof of your ability to follow through. All together, these are indications that you can not only set and achieve goals of your own, but also help your prospective boss, team, and company do the same. To craft your answer, make sure you focus on one or two goals in detail, explain why the goals are meaningful, communicate what milestones are coming up, highlight past successes, and connect back to this job.

Possible answer to “How do you plan to achieve your career goals?”

“My current goal is to earn the CPA license so that I’m fully certified and prepared to contribute in a junior staff accounting job. My undergraduate degree is in finance and I completed an accounting internship with XYZ Company last summer. While I was there, I decided that each week I’d ask one person from a different team to coffee to learn about their job and career path. Not only did those conversations impress upon me the importance of getting my CPA as soon as possible, they also helped me realize I was eager to pursue forensic accounting, which is why I’m so excited about the opportunity to join this team. In order to ensure I earn my CPA this year, I enrolled in NASBA workshops, created a study schedule to keep myself on track, and will be taking my first trial test in three weeks. I plan on taking the actual test within the next three to six months.”

Read More: How to Answer “How Do You Plan to Achieve Your Career Goals?” in an Interview

39. What are your career aspirations?

Career aspirations are bigger and loftier than career goals. With this question, interviewers are asking: What kind of career would make you happiest (while also being realistic)? Your aspirations might revolve around what kind of company you’d like to work for, what tasks you’d like to do, who you’d like to help, or how you’d like to be seen by your colleagues. So to answer this question, talk about what would energize and fulfill you and connect it to the position you’re interviewing for. Be specific about how this job will help you achieve your career aspirations.

Possible answer to “What are your career aspirations?”

“After growing up in a food desert, my biggest professional aspiration is to help make healthy food more widely available and accessible regardless of where you live. I also love solving complex problems. Currently, as a project manager, I specialize in strategic planning and combine it with a natural ability to engage critical stakeholders—resulting in on-time and under-budget delivery. This role would help me use those skills to work on a mission I’m passionate about. I am determined to use these skills to help your organization guarantee our community has access to affordable, nutritious food and information to make healthy decisions. In the next five or so years, I would love to take on additional responsibility and be in a decision-making role to drive the mission beyond our community and support even more families in gaining access to nutritious food options.”

Read More: How to Answer “What Are Your Career Aspirations?” in an Interview

40. What’s your dream job?

Along similar lines, the interviewer wants to uncover whether this position is really in line with your ultimate career goals. While “an NBA star” might get you a few laughs, a better bet is to talk about your goals and ambitions—and why this job will get you closer to them.

Read More: The Secret Formula to Answering “What's Your Dream Job?” in an Interview

41. What other companies are you interviewing with?

Companies might ask you who else you’re interviewing with for a few reasons. Maybe they want to see how serious you are about this role and team (or even this field) or they’re trying to find out who they’re competing with to hire you. On one hand, you want to express your enthusiasm for this job, but at the same time, you don’t want to give the company any more leverage than it already has by telling them there’s no one else in the running. Depending on where you are in your search, you can talk about applying to or interviewing for a few roles that have XYZ in common—then mention how and why this role seems like a particularly good fit.

Possible answer to “What other companies are you interviewing with?”

“I’m interviewing with a few companies for a range of positions, but they all come down to delivering an excellent customer experience. I wanted to keep an open mind about how to best achieve that goal, but so far it seems that this role will really allow me to focus all of my energy on customer experience and retention, which I find very appealing.”

Read More: How to Answer “What Other Companies Are You Interviewing With?”

42. What makes you unique?

“They genuinely want to know the answer,” Dea promises. Give them a reason to pick you over other similar candidates. The key is to keep your answer relevant to the role you’re applying to. So the fact that you can run a six-minute mile or crush a trivia challenge might not help you get the job (but hey, it depends on the job!). Use this opportunity to tell them something that would give you an edge over your competition for this position. To figure out what that is, you can ask some former colleagues, think back to patterns you’ve seen in feedback you get, or try to distill why people tend to turn to you. Focus on one or two things and don’t forget to back up whatever you say with evidence.

Possible answer to “What makes you unique?”

“I basically taught myself animation from scratch. I was immediately drawn to it in college, and with the limited resources available to me, I decided to take matters into my own hands—and that’s the approach I take in all aspects of my work as a video editor. I don’t just wait around for things to happen, and when I can, I’m always eager to step in and take on new projects, pick up new skills, or brainstorm new ideas.”

Read More: A Simple Way to Answer “What Makes You Unique?” in Your Job Search (Plus, Examples!)

43. What should I know that’s not on your resume?

It’s a good sign if a recruiter or hiring manager is interested in more than just what’s on your resume. It probably means they looked at your resume, think you might be a good fit for the role, and want to know more about you. To make this wide-open question a little more manageable, try talking about a positive trait, a story or detail that reveals a little more about you and your experience, or a mission or goal that makes you excited about this role or company.

Possible answer to “What should I know that’s not on your resume?”

“Well, one thing you won’t find on my resume: the time I had to administer emergency CPR. Last year, I was at the lake when I saw a young girl who looked like she was drowning. I was a lifeguard in high school, so I swam out, brought her to shore, and gave her CPR. Although this was—hopefully—a one-time event, I’ve always been able to stay calm during stressful situations, figure out a solution, and then act. As your account manager, I’d use this trait to quickly and effectively resolve issues both within the team and externally. After all, obstacles are inevitable, especially in a startup environment. And if anyone needs CPR at the office beach party, well, I’m your woman.”

Read More: The Right Way to Answer “What Should I Know That’s Not on Your Resume?”

44. What would your first few months look like in this role?

Your potential future boss (or whoever else has asked you this question) wants to know that you’ve done your research, given some thought to how you’d get started, and would be able to take initiative if hired. (In some interviews, you might even get the more specific, “What would your first 30, 60, or 90 days look like in this role?”) So think about what information and aspects of the company and team you’d need to familiarize yourself with and which colleagues you’d want to sit down and talk to. You can also suggest one possible starter project to show you’d be ready to hit the ground running and contribute early on. This won’t necessarily be the thing you do first if you do get the job, but a good answer shows that you’re thoughtful and that you care.

Possible answer to “What would your first few months look like in this role?”

“It’s been exciting to hear about some of the new initiatives the company has started in our previous conversations—like the database project and the company-wide sync, but I know there’s still a lot for me to learn. The first thing I’d do is line up meetings with the stakeholders involved in the projects I’d be tackling to help me figure out what I don’t know and then go from there. Hopping into a database project halfway through can be tricky, but I’m confident that once I know what all the stakeholders are looking for, I’ll be able to efficiently plot out our next steps and set appropriate deadlines. From there, I’ll be focused on hitting the milestones that I’ve set for the team.”

Read More: The 30-60-90 Day Plan: Your Secret Weapon for New Job Success

45. What are your salary expectations?

The number one rule of answering this question is: Figure out your salary requirements ahead of time. Do your research on what similar roles pay by using sites like PayScale and reaching out to your network. Be sure to take your experience, education, skills, and personal needs into account, too! From there, Muse career coach Jennifer Fink suggests choosing from one of three strategies:

Give a salary range: But keep the bottom of your stated range toward the mid-to-high point of what you’re actually hoping for, Fink says.
Flip the question: Try something like “That's a great question—it would be helpful if you could share what the range is for this role,” Fink says.
Delay answering: Tell your interviewer that you’d like to learn more about the role or the rest of the compensation package before discussing pay.

(And here’s some more info on responding to a question about your salary requirements on an application form .)

Possible answer to “What are your salary expectations?”

“Taking into account my experience and Excel certifications, which you mentioned earlier would be very helpful to the team, I’m looking for somewhere between $42,000 and $46,000 annually for this role. But for me, benefits definitely matter as well. Your free on-site gym, the commuter benefits, and other perks could definitely allow me to be a bit flexible with salary.”

Read More: 3 Strategies for Answering “What Are Your Salary Expectations?” in an Interview

46. What do you think we could do better or differently?

This question can really do a number on you. How do you give a meaty answer without insulting the company or, worse, the person you’re speaking with? Well first, take a deep breath. Then start your response with something positive about the company or specific product you’ve been asked to discuss. When you’re ready to give your constructive feedback, give some background on the perspective you’re bringing to the table and explain why you’d make the change you’re suggesting (ideally based on some past experience or other evidence). And if you end with a question, you can show them you’re curious about the company or product and open to other points of view. Try: “Did you consider that approach here? I’d love to know more about your process.”

Read More: How to Answer the “How Would You Improve Our Company?” Interview Question Without Bashing Anyone

47. When can you start?

Your goal here should be to set realistic expectations that will work for both you and the company. What exactly that sounds like will depend on your specific situation. If you’re ready to start immediately—if you’re unemployed, for example—you could offer to start within the week. But if you need to give notice to your current employer, don’t be afraid to say so; people will understand and respect that you plan to wrap things up right. It’s also legitimate to want to take a break between jobs, though you might want to say you have “previously scheduled commitments to attend to” and try to be flexible if they really need someone to start a bit sooner.

Possible answer to “When can you start?”

“I am excited for the opportunity to join your team. I have several projects to wrap up in my current role at [Company]. I plan to give them two weeks’ notice to make a smooth transition for my coworkers and will be happy to come onboard with the team here after that time.”

Read More: 4 Ways to Answer the Interview Question “When Can You Start?”

48. Are you willing to relocate?

While this may sound like a simple yes-or-no question, it’s often a little bit more complicated than that. The simplest scenario is one where you’re totally open to moving and would be willing to do so for this opportunity. But if the answer is no, or at least not right now, you can reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, briefly explain why you can’t move at this time, and offer an alternative, like working remotely or out of a local office. Sometimes it’s not as clear-cut, and that’s OK. You can say you prefer to stay put for xyz reasons, but would be willing to consider relocating for the right opportunity.

Possible answer to “Are you willing to relocate?”

“I do love living in Raleigh and would prefer to stay here. However, for the right opportunity I’d be willing to consider relocating if necessary.”

Read More: The Best Responses to “Are You Willing to Relocate?” Depending on Your Situation

49. How many tennis balls can you fit into a limousine?

1,000? 10,000? 100,000? Seriously? Well, seriously, you might get asked brain-teaser questions like these, especially in quantitative jobs. But remember that the interviewer doesn’t necessarily want an exact number—they want to make sure that you understand what’s being asked of you, and that you can set into motion a systematic and logical way to respond. So take a deep breath and start thinking through the math. (Yes, it’s OK to ask for a pen and paper!)

Read More: 9 Steps to Solving an Impossible Brain Teaser in a Tech Interview (Without Breaking a Sweat)

50. If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?

Seemingly random personality-test type questions like these come up in interviews because hiring managers want to see how you can think on your feet. There’s no wrong answer here, but you’ll immediately gain bonus points if your answer helps you share your strengths or personality or connect with the hiring manager. Pro tip: Come up with a stalling tactic to buy yourself some thinking time, such as saying, “Now, that is a great question. I think I would have to say…”

Read More: 4 Steps for Answering Off-the-Wall Interview Questions

51. Sell me this pen.

If you’re interviewing for a sales job, your interviewer might put you on the spot to sell them a pen sitting on the table, or a legal pad, or a water bottle, or just something . The main thing they’re testing you for? How you handle a high-pressure situation. So try to stay calm and confident and use your body language—making eye contact, sitting up straight, and more—to convey that you can handle this. Make sure you listen, understand your “customer’s” needs, get specific about the item’s features and benefits, and end strong—as though you were truly closing a deal.

Read More: 4 Tips for Responding to "Sell Me This Pen" in an Interview

52. Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

Just when you thought you were done, your interviewer asks you this open-ended doozy. Don’t panic—it’s not a trick question! You can use this as an opportunity to close out the meeting on a high note in one of two ways, Zhang says. First, if there really is something relevant that you haven’t had a chance to mention, do it now. Otherwise, you can briefly summarize your qualifications. For example, Zhang says, you could say: “I think we’ve covered most of it, but just to summarize, it sounds like you’re looking for someone who can really hit the ground running. And with my previous experience [enumerate experience here], I think I’d be a great fit.”

Read More: How to Answer “Is There Anything Else You’d Like Us to Know?”

53. Do you have any questions for us?

You probably already know that an interview isn’t just a chance for a hiring manager to grill you—it’s an opportunity to sniff out whether a job is the right fit from your perspective. What do you want to know about the position? The company? The department? The team? You’ll cover a lot of this in the actual interview, so have a few less-common questions ready to go. We especially like questions targeted to the interviewer (“What's your favorite part about working here?”) or the company’s growth (“What can you tell me about your new products or plans for growth?”) If you’re interviewing for a remote role, there are some specific questions you might want to ask related to that.

Read More: 57 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview in 2022

Bonus questions

Looking for more common interview questions and answers examples? Check out these lists of inquiries for different types of jobs.

Behavioral interview questions
Phone interview questions
Remote interview questions
Second interview questions
COVID-related interview questions
Diversity and inclusion interview questions
Emotional intelligence interview questions
Internship interview questions
Manager interview questions
Account management interview questions
Accounting interview questions
Administrative assistant interview questions
Brand management interview questions
Customer service interview questions
Data science interview questions
Digital marketing interview questions
Financial analyst interview questions
IT interview questions
Nursing interview questions
Product marketing interview questions
Project management interview questions
Retail interview questions
Sales interview questions
Software engineering interview questions
Teaching interview questions

Want even more advice for answering common interview questions?

If you are looking for more in depth advice about these 53 interview questions and how to answer them, here's a list of articles with detailed guides to teach you how to approach your responses.

Tell me about yourself.
Walk me through your resume.
How did you hear about this position?
Why do you want to work at this company?
Why do you want this job?
Why should we hire you?
What can you bring to the company?
What are your greatest strengths?
What do you consider to be your weaknesses?
What is your greatest professional achievement?
Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it.
Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership skills.
What’s a time you disagreed with a decision that was made at work?
Tell me about a time you made a mistake.
Tell me about a time you failed.
Why are you leaving your current job?
Why were you fired?
Why was there a gap in your employment?
Can you explain why you changed career paths?
What’s your current salary?
What do you like least about your job?
What are you looking for in a new position?
What type of work environment do you prefer?
What’s your work style?
What’s your management style?
How would your boss and coworkers describe you?
How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations?
What do you like to do outside of work?
Are you planning on having children?
How do you stay organized?
How do you prioritize your work?
What are you passionate about?
What motivates you?
What are your pet peeves?
How do you like to be managed?
Do you consider yourself successful?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
How do you plan to achieve your career goals?
What are your career aspirations?
What’s your dream job?
What other companies are you interviewing with?
What makes you unique?
What should I know that’s not on your resume?
What would your first few months look like in this role?
What are your salary expectations?
What do you think we could do better or differently?
When can you start?
Are you willing to relocate?
How many tennis balls can you fit into a limousine?
If you were an animal, which one would you want to be?
Sell me this pen.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know.
Do you have any questions for us?

When is Elon Musk's interview with Donald Trump? Date, start time, how to stream

Former President Donald Trump will sit down for an interview on Monday night with Elon Musk , one of the world's richest men.

Musk announced the interview Sunday on X, formerly Twitter, after Trump had teased it last week in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Musk owns X, and is also the founder of SpaceX and co-founder of Tesla. He did not give any mention in the brief post of what would be discussed in the interview, other than it would be "unscripted with no limits on subject matter."

The interview between Trump and Musk comes as the former president is seeking reelection to the White House against Vice President Kamala Harris , who recently announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. Trump chose Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running mate in July.

Here's what to know about Monday's interview between Donald Trump and Elon Musk.

Election news: Trump campaign says 'hostile' foreign sources hacked and leaked internal documents, emails

When is Elon Musk interviewing Donald Trump?

Musk announced on X that he will be interviewing Trump on Monday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. ET.

How to stream Elon Musk's interview with Donald Trump

The interview between Musk and Trump will be streamed live on X , formerly Twitter, on Monday, Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. ET.

The interview will be hosted on Trump's account, @realDonaldTrump , X announced.

Musk made a call out for questions and comments in a tweet Sunday night.

Trump interview comes after DeSantis' rocky campaign announcement on X

This isn't the first live event to take place on X this election cycle, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis launching his brief presidential campaign on the social media platform last year.

The live event with Musk, DeSantis and moderator David Sacks was plagued by technical difficulties , which persisted for more than 20 minutes before the governor was able to deliver his speech and participate in a question-and-answer session.

Musk is hoping to avoid any technical difficulties that could arise before the interview with Trump, posting Sunday that he will do "some system scaling tests tonight & tomorrow."

Is Elon Musk interviewing Kamala Harris?

Musk has made no mention of any plans to interview Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, on X.

Is Donald Trump still banned from X?

Since taking over the social media platform, Musk reinstated Trump's account in 2022, which was banned in January 2021 in the final days of his term.

Although his account has been unbanned, the former president prefers to share news via his own platform, Truth Social .

More From Forbes

25 questions to ask at the end of an interview in 2024.

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Coming prepared with strategic interview questions puts you in the driver's seat for your remote job ... [+] interview

You've finally identified a remote job that fits you perfectly, applied for it, and been successful in securing an interview. You've built rapport with the hiring manager. The interview questions may have been tricky, but you successfully breezed through the answers and handled every scenario they threw at you like a boss.

Now it's your turn. The table is flipped on you, and the question is poised: "Do you have any questions for us?"

How do you respond? Should you even have any questions prepared at all?

What You Need To Know Before Answering, "Do You Have Any Questions For Us?"

In this scenario, the very worst thing you could ever do is to come unprepared, without having any questions to ask the interviewer at all.

Answering with a "no," or much worse, a lame question that could have easily been answered through a quick perusal of the company's career page or the job description—demonstrates that you have little interest and enthusiasm in the role, do not pay attention to details, and are not going to be worth the company's time and investment since you are not showing signs of a committed employee.

When the interviewing panel opens the floor to you for your questions, it's key to remember here that your job is not over. Although this part tends to be more informal and friendly, and less stressful, you should still bear in mind that this is still all a part of the interview process, and how you conduct yourself here will factor in to the final hiring decision.

Apple iPhone 16 And iPhone 16 Pro Key Upgrades Revealed In Latest Dispatch

The blake lively backlash on tiktok, explained, today’s nyt mini crossword clues and answers for thursday, august 15.

When you approach the question, "Do you have any questions for us?" strategically, you will still be able to convincingly sell yourself as the perfectly qualified candidate for the role, even though you're the one asking the questions.

It's essential to plan the questions you will ask in advance. This gives you enough quality time to be strategic, research the company, ask questions related to your research, and ensure you are not asking commonplace questions, questions that have little bearing or importance to the successful execution of the role, or ones that are already answered clearly.

Additionally, if you are applying for a remote job, you should be cautious to ensure that you are comfortable with the interviewer, the management team, and the remote company culture. You also want to clarify expectations right from the beginning, so as to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings later on with regards to flexible working, as relates to your hours and location of work.

The quality of the questions you ask is essential—so put thought into them as this will weigh into ... [+] the overall impression the hiring manager has of you

25 Questions To Ask At The End Of An Interview

Here are 25 questions you might want to consider asking at the end of the interview—whether for a remote job or not. Some apply more specifically to remote work, however.

What is a typical day or week like in this role?
What are the key challenges I would face in this role should I be hired?
How is performance measured and reviewed for this position?
What are the main priorities for this role in the first 90 days/ 6 months?
How does this role contribute to the organization's overall goals?
What functions are on the team I would be working with, and can you tell me more about my team?
How does the team communicate and collaborate when working remotely?
What is the company's approach to maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
How does the company support professional development and career growth?
How often do you provide feedback and performance reviews?
What tools and technologies do you use across the organization to support remote work?
What events or activities do you have in place to ensure employee connection and engagement? Do you have in-person meetups at any pint in the year?
Are there any expectations for remote employees such as myself to work specific hours or be in a particular time zone?
What is the onboarding process for remote employees?
Is this a newly created vacancy or am I filling a role after someone has left? Why did that person leave?
What did the last person who filled this role do, or not do, that I should replicate or do better?
Where do you see this company in a year's time? Three years' time? And how would this role make a difference to that vision?
In light of the recent news regarding XYZ, what mechanisms have you put in place to adapt to changes in the industry?
How far along are with XYZ project, and where/how would my role contribute to its success?
How do you foster diversity and inclusion within the team and across the organization?
Are there opportunities for progression within this role or department?
What strengths do you think would make someone successful in this position?
How does the company support continuous learning and skill development?
Are there opportunities to work on cross-functional projects or with other departments?
What are the next steps in the hiring process, and when can I expect to hear back?

Asking the company about their long-term goals and how your role fits in with their vision, allows ... [+] you to have a clearer perspective of expectations and to decide if you are truly committed

Asking these questions at the end of your interview demonstrates leadership skills, proactiveness, and strong communication skills—all three competencies of which are highly favored by employers. These questions put you in the driver's seat, give you more control over the job outcome and interview experience, and leave a memorable, favorable impression on the hiring panel.

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27 PowerPoint Interview Questions To Review. Many industries use PowerPoint to give presentations to colleagues, clients or students. From marketing to sales, if you plan on interviewing for a new position that uses PowerPoint, it can be beneficial to review some of the questions an interviewer may ask you. Exploring some potential questions ...
10 Sales Interview Questions and Answers for 2024
10 sales interview questions This section will explore 10 sales job interview questions, why interviewers ask them, how to form answers, and alternative phrasings to listen for. All 10 questions are focused on sales, but keep in mind that interviewers may also ask you general questions, such as 'What are your strengths and weaknesses'? 1.

Top 20 Presentation Interview Questions & Answers