The quality and delivery of your job interview presentation could literally make or break your chances of landing a job these days. With the very many applicants applying for nearly every job these days, you can’t afford to have your presentation fall below the mark. Your presentation should grab the interviewers’ attention and should be memorable for some time to come post-interview.

The only huge secret to delivering a compelling presentation during an interview is to prepare yourself ahead of time. Those who are prepared for such competitive moments in life will perform better because they will be more confident and self-assured. Preparation and knowledge are the pre-requisites for a successful presentation, but confidence and control are just as important.

Good preparation is the key to confidence, which is the key to you being relaxed, and this settles the butterflies. Good preparation and rehearsal will reduce your nerves by 75%, increase the likelihood of avoiding errors to 95%. This is the most important rule for effective presentations and public speaking:
 
1. Prepare, which means plan it, and practise it. Then you’ll be in control, and confident. Your interviewer will see this and respond accordingly buy striking a conversation. This in turn will help build your confidence, and dare we imagine, you might even start to enjoy yourself too.

2. Prior to the interview; read your CV/ application and skills demanded for that particular position. Also, know the company; its main production / service, annual sales, profit, dividends, competitors, area of operation, new product/service launched e.t.c
 
3. Get a friend to check your handshake to ensure that it is neither the ‘wet fish’ nor the ‘knuckle-crusher’. A good handshake should be vertically palm to palm, with a firm grip, while maintaining eye contact.
 
4.Use non- verbal or Body Language- Your body language conveys a lot about you. Keep your body language open and relaxed. Closed hand movements and crossed arms give the impression of being defensive. By sitting comfortably with your back against the chair you will appear confident.  For posture: sit erect without learning on the desk or slouching in the chair, but don’t be stiff and tense.

5. Good eye contact is essential during an interview- Always make eye contact when you speak, but avoid continuous staring.  Don’t use too many hand movements and frequent change of facial expressions not in relation to words you have expressed

Although you may be nervous, If you find that difficult, use pauses to help you pace what you are saying. Deep breathing while waiting will also help you relax.

Good presenting is about entertaining as well as conveying information. If you are hoping to make the best impression possible, do not leave your presentation skills to chance. Today’s job market is tough; and, securing that position over all the other candidates is tougher still. If your education and experience are up to the task at hand, you can win the competition with presentation skills that speak for you and not against you.