In this guide
Interviews and salary conversations
How to prepare an interview presentation
Read the brief closely, structure to the time limit, keep slides simple, rehearse aloud and prepare for questions, with a ten-minute structure to adapt.
Read the brief like an exam question
Questions to settle before you plan anything
- What exactly am I asked to cover, and what is out of scope?
- How long do I have, and is that including questions?
- Who is the audience: the panel only, or role-playing as a board or team?
- What equipment will be available, and can I send slides in advance?
- Is there anything I can ask the employer to clarify?
If the brief is ambiguous, email to ask. Employers usually welcome a clarifying question and it shows care.
A structure for ten minutes
| Part | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | 1 minute | The question, your answer in one sentence, what you will cover |
| Point one | 2.5 minutes | First reason or action, with evidence or an example |
| Point two | 2.5 minutes | Second reason or action, with evidence |
| Point three or risks | 2 minutes | A third point, or the main risk and how you would manage it |
| Close | 1 minute | Your answer again and the first step you would take |
| Spare | 1 minute | Buffer so you finish on time |
Slides that help
- One idea per slide, with a headline that states the point.
- Few words, large text, no dense tables you cannot explain in time.
- Number slides so panel members can refer to them in questions.
- Bring a copy on a memory stick and in your email, and printed handouts if appropriate.
- Be ready to present without slides if the equipment fails.
Illustrative example
A slide headline that states the point
Before
Headline: “Volunteer recruitment”
After
Headline: “Partnering with two local colleges would double our weekday volunteers”
The panel should be able to follow your argument from the headlines alone.
Rehearse and prepare for questions
Rehearse aloud, standing, with a timer, at least three times. The first run will be too long; cut until you finish with time to spare. Then list the questions your presentation invites: the weakest assumption, the cost, what you would do first, what you would do if it did not work. Prepare short answers to each.
On the day
Arrive early to check the room and equipment. Make eye contact with the panel rather than the screen. If you lose your place, pause, check your notes and continue; a brief pause looks more composed than rushing.
Common questions
Should I use notes during an interview presentation?
Brief notes or cue cards are usually fine. Reading a script word for word is not, because it disconnects you from the panel.
What if I run out of time?
Jump to your conclusion rather than rushing through the remaining slides. A clear ending matters more than covering every point.
Put it into practice
Prepare with interview practiceDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.