When a potential employer offers you the chance to give a presentation during a job interview then make sure you don’t let the opportunity pass you by. From an employer’s perspective a confident presentation will be one step nearer a job offer for you, so preparation is important to allow you successfully achieve this.

This 3 step guide will help ensure that your presentation is confident, that it leaves nothing to chance and that you leave the interview having created the right impression.

Step 1 – The basics.

1. Make sure you are dressed to impress so wear business attire for your presentation.

2. If you are using powerpoint bring a cable for your laptop, the last thing you want is for your battery power to weaken as you are presenting.

3. Bring a copy of your presentation on a memory-stick should you encounter any problems with your laptop.

4. If you are giving handouts make sure that they are free from errors and that you have enough for each interviewer.

Step 2 – The presentation.

1. Speak cleary using descriptive language and be mindful of the pace of your speech, don’t talk too quickly.

2. Make use of examples when making a point.

3. Be sure to make points that are a match to the interviewing company’s core values (these could be related to ethics, teamwork etc).

4. Don’t allow your visual aids to overshadow your performance, you want the interviewers to focus on you, not your handouts.

Step 3 – After the presentation.

1. Thank each person and open the floor for questions regarding your presentation.

2. Answer these questions as honestly as possible.

3. Shake each person’s hand,again, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.

4. Send each interviewer a short thank-you note.

Building a rapport is important so give your presentation in a likeable manner and show an enthusiasm for the role as these are two important traits in any new hire. I have lost count of the amount of times candidates came in with great handouts and props only to give a disappointing presentation so remember to focus on your presentation first and everything else after.