Help - Interview Presentation

[BYTEr]

Hi all,

I've just been offered an interview for a Graduate Management Trainee role for a recycling, renewable energy and waste management company and I've been asked to deliver a 10 minute presentation on a topic of my choice. There will be no electronic aids available, however, I will have use of a flipchart.

I'm totally bricking it to be honest, I'm 'ok' at presenting, did quite a lot of it at uni, but I tended to be the one who made the presentation and did a lot of the research, I'm not the best speaker and tend to speak quite fast or slur some of my words through nerves.

I would have rather been given a topic, but currently I'm thinking of either doing something on space junk/debris as its quite interesting and it could fall under 'waste management' so it slightly relates to the business. My other idea was to analyse whether the River Parret should have been dredged, only because its a little contraversal, close to home and my dissertation was on it so I'm fairly confident to talk about it.

If anyones got any tips it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BYTEr]

Thanks for all the replies so far. In terms of topic, I think I will do it on dredging the River Parrett, I was initially a little woried as it might seem a little boring, but I think it would work best.

As for making use of the flipboard, I don't think I'll get an opportunity to draw anything too significant beforehand, the interview is at 10:00 too, not to mention my drawing ability is severely lacking! I think I'll just try and make a few A4 posters.

Once again, thanks all for the replies, its only my 2nd job interview after uni and its an amazing opportunity with a big company in an industry relevant to my degree and interests and I just want to make sure I do the best I possibly can.

 

[BYTEr]

Sounds like the River Parrett is a good choice. However, as the interview is for a graduate position you may get asked about your dissertation - will it cause a problem for you if it's the same topic as your presentation?

Well my dissertation was analysing the effect of climate change on the flood freuqency and magnitude on the Somerset Levels and Moors, analysing the effect of dredging was a relatively small part and so if I am asked about my dissertation I've still got a huge amount to discuss.

 

[BYTEr]

Just an update if anyone cares.

I had my presentation and interview this morning.

Started with the interview, which was in the presence of the regional director and head of training and development and it was going really well, with the usual questions of 'what do you think is good communication', 'tell us about a time you have demonstrated leadership' and so on, but then I completely fell down when I was being asked questions like what do I know about the company, specific EU directives and what is circular economy? I did do my research, but I was so worried about my presentation that I've basically only skim read a lot of it and under the pressure just forgotten it all.

So pretty disheartened after the interview, it was time for my presentation with 2 other directors, which was far more laid back than I was expecting, had a decent chat beforehand and they said just stay seated, in the end, I felt so relaxed it was easy, especially talking about a topic I knew a lot about it, they were really interested in it and we talked about it a fair amount. Did some scenarios with them too, 'How would you act if an angry customer rang' etc, again went really well.

All in all it could have gone worse I suppose, but I screwed up the 2nd half of my interview with the regional director and so I'm not holding out much hope, its all experience though. Surprised I was even asked for an interview, the other candidates seemed quite strong, a few with masters, one with a phd and a few who had even flown from other countries for the interview.

Thanks again to everyone who helped with tips etc.