Interview presentations and tasks
Advice on interview presentations and tasks
Interviews often include other assessments in addition to the question-and-answer format. Presentations are the most common but there are other formats such as group activities and tasks.
What tasks can you be asked to do during an interview?
A suitable interview task is anything relevant to the job for which you are applying. The idea is that they assess skills that are fundamental to success in that job.
Try not to worry about the possible tasks, because, ultimately, if you are right for the job, the task will be within your skillset. The employer should be focussed on assessing skills according to the Person Specification and candidates should be focussed on demonstrating them.
The range of tasks can include:
- A presentation about your suitability.
- A presentation outlining the impact you will make.
- A presentation in which you propose a strategy or set of ideas for the employer. These are usually briefed in advance and you will have the opportunity to prepare. They are, however, less common nowadays. There is increasing understanding that these tasks disadvantage those with significant work or family commitments and can lead to some candidates working an inordinate number of hours in preparation. Candidates are increasingly less tolerant of such tasks.
- A group task that assesses your contribution and ability to collaborate.
Writing interview presentations
Some interview presentations are on a subject briefed to you in advance and some are briefed on the day. I can help with both of these, in different ways.
For those briefed in advance, I can collaborate with you on the content, bring ideas on how best to deliver the brief (based on recruitment, management, strategy, and marketing expertise), and write the slides that you will use.
You will attend the interview with a professional slideshow and a powerful message to convey.
For those not briefed in advance, I can help you prepare for possible tasks and subjects and understand how best to use your preparation time and deliver your content. This could be part of an overall interview coaching package.
How I can help you to perform better
If your idea of an effective presentation is a series of bullet point lists, then, I can help you to present more compellingly.
I’ll help you to determine suitable content for the brief, a suitable level of detail, and communicate with confidence.
Coaching on interview tasks
You should remember that in any professional organisation, interview tasks will always be relevant to a job. So, whilst the exact task won’t be predictable unless they choose to tell you in advance, the criteria by which they assess you will be known.
If there are skills tests, then there isn’t much you can do specifically to prepare, except know your job.
Presentations involve a skillset that can be learned. I can help you to develop the content and convey it effectively. I often write slides in collaboration with clients. I and specialist colleagues can help with presentation methods.
Consultancy services for your job applications
For help with presentations and other aspects of job applications, get in touch or buy below:
- Job application consultancy – per hour (online) – £120
- Job application advice – per hour (in person) – £150
For large engagements, a fixed-fee quote can be provided.
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