Hell yeah, I got the interview but could use advice...

Vidar

Vidar

Vidar

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A little while a go I posted a thread about an application I wanted to make for a management development scheme with a security and events company I've been working for off and on since 2001.


Well thanks to the advice some of you gave me I've managed to get an interview so am over the moon, but now am I'm really nervous. I've gone through a hell of a lot over the past few years; the psychotic ex, the court battle to see my kids and the battle with depression being some of the main highlights. Naturally my confidence has taken a huge knock and this is the best opportunity I've had career wise in some time.

Anyway, the email I received doesn't give a hell of a lot of information on what to expect, other than that I'm to prepare a 5 minute presentation on any subject I like other than about the company itself.

Other than that, what sort of things can I expect? How else can I best prepare? I've never applied for a management role (trainee scheme or otherwise) so just looking for advice from you wonderful people who may have gone through it etc...
 
If you have a choice of any topic, try to pick something interesting which you know a good deal about. They will be judging your presentation skills rather than the content, so it's important you come across as confident and knowledgeable.
 
I made a presentation (albeit 15 minute one) for my current job in IT Security based on mobile device security and the threats to the organisation.

As Thomson said it's about how you present, how you put it together and how you answer questions that they'll be grading you but if you do something that could genuinely be of use that's even better.

My boss ended up asking for permission during the interview to use my presentation later that month at a national meeting lol.
 
You must convey to them how Alpha you are. I'd recommend nuking them from orbit, followed by pooping through their letter box. When they ask you what previous experience you have, tell them about queen wasps and how your dad kills them for a living.

That should cover most of the GD responses :D
 
Thank you all for this opportunity, I've spent many hours preparing this presentation and I hope you will find it useful. So without further delay

Wearing Bread products as a hat, by Vidar.
 
My housemates away for the next few days but if it's still of any use next week and I remember I'll ask him.
He's been a team leader, operations manager for a security company and is in the middle of applying for a national management position within another security company.
 
tom_e said:
My housemates away for the next few days but if it's still of any use next week and I remember I'll ask him.
He's been a team leader, operations manager for a security company and is in the middle of applying for a national management position within another security company.
Click to expand...


The interview is on Wednesday morning, so if you could that would be a huge help mate.... thank you!
 
"Home Taxidermy for Fun and Profit" is an exciting and engaging topic for your presentation that will make you stand out from any other applicants. Remember to take along plenty of examples of your work and encourage them to feel the quality – much better than looking at boring slides. Pro tip: Offer to stuff one of their pets for free - maybe even get a voucher printed to hand out.
 
OK, let's try and give you some pointers....

I'd start by sending them a quick return email confirming your attendance at the required time and seeking their confirmation of who you will be meeting with and how long they expect the meeting to last if you don't have that already.

Once you have that, do a little LinkedIn search to see if you can find some background on the people and see if anyone you know knows them, as an inside track on their personality and approach is always useful and might help you form the content of your presentation too.

In terms of your presentation I'd pick something you are confident in, ideally passionate about and you feel can speak about with confidence. I'd not kill it with slides, in fact I would urge against using any content, unless they have asked you to do so. If they have, aim for 3 slides maximum.

On the day shower, shave, manicured facial hair if you have it and combed hair. Clean shirt, clean tie, clean and pressed suit and shiny black shoes. First thing I do when people walk in is a judgement on how they present themselves, most people do. If you come into the room looking pin sharp you are already ahead of 70% of the people they are meeting with.

2 ears and one mouth, use them in that way and don't finish sentences and consider responses. When people are nervous they tend to want to answer before the question is asked or be overly verbose. Try and breath and relax before you go in and don't be afraid to buy yourself time before you answer questions.

The company will want to know about your value to them, how you can make a difference. Understand the role and have some ideas about how your first 30/60/90 days might look. To see an interviewee lay that out is always impressive as it shows for thought and consideration and also someone who plans ahead. Pick 2 or 3 things that makes you valuable, things that are not generic or irrelevant, like "I'm a good timekeeper". Talk about what the roles means for you, what drives your enthusiasm for this role and why it should be you.

Also, be prepared for tough questions.

1) Give me an example of how, though your actions you turned a negative into a positive.
2) What are your weaknesses

CLOSE THE INTERVIEW

DO NOT leave without asking how you have done, what their initial thoughts are and how they plan to proceed form that point forward. If it goes well do not be afraid of asking for the job. CLOSE THEM!

The amount of people who interview well, get up and don't ask "how did I do and what is next" is astonishing and off-putting.

Bit of a brain fart but some initial thoughts.
 
Thank you guys, especially you Housey & tom e....

It's given me a lot to think about... I just hope I don't balls it up now! This could be the start of some big changes in my life....
 
Thanks Hyburnate.....


So I'm narrowing my list of possible subjects to do my presentation on, am thinking either covering 'male victims of domestic abuse' or 'Bullying' but think they maybe a bit too serious, what do you guys think? Should I go for something with a touch of humor about it instead?
 
Vidar said:
Thanks Hyburnate.....


So I'm narrowing my list of possible subjects to do my presentation on, am thinking either covering 'male victims of domestic abuse' or 'Bullying' but think they maybe a bit too serious, what do you guys think? Should I go for something with a touch of humor about it instead?
Click to expand...

My topic today is "The funny side of domestic abuse". Hmmm... Might be difficult to strike the right balance there :eek:
 
Vidar said:
Thanks Hyburnate.....


So I'm narrowing my list of possible subjects to do my presentation on, am thinking either covering 'male victims of domestic abuse' or 'Bullying' but think they maybe a bit too serious, what do you guys think? Should I go for something with a touch of humor about it instead?
Click to expand...

Nope, not a good idea unless you are moving into social services. Focus on something that relates to business. Give a speech on that and all questions will be about your background, your own experience and will turn into an issues worry and a bloke with 'baggage' in many companies. Focus on something lighter is my advice.
 
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