Presentations

[Amylou]

Would most jobs in places such as Scottish Wildlife/SNH require you to do presentations?

Just a general query.

[ChrisJB]

I would say it depends on the post you are going for. When I used to work in the sector, presentations were unheard of, but in some jobs they seem to be the in thing these days. Perhaps if your job spec' involves promotion and/or education based work, aimed at groups, then maybe. If your work is a bit less front line, then I wouldn't think so, but I am only speculating. Rather vague, sorry!

Regards, Chris

[eeyore]

I would imagine not, for junior positions unless the work is going to involve a lot of educational or presentational work. at the junior end it is more usual to have a site visit and formal interview and sometimes a practical test (remember that the site visit is also part of the interview process - and you will be assessed on how you conduct yourself, your manners, your attitude to other candidates, the questions you ask etc just as much as you would be in the formal part of the day.)

its also important to remember that you need to make a good impression on every staff member you meet - it is entirely possible that even the secretary who meets you at the front desk will be asked for his or her opinion.

However as you progress upwards in the feild presentations will become more likely - for my current role i had to do a 15 min presentation, a hour interview , and a practical aptitude mgnt test. Therefore it is still a good idea to embrace presntations and hone your presentation skills now - as you will need them at some point

[thunder]

Originally Posted by eeyore

Therefore it is still a good idea to embrace presntations and hone your presentation skills now - as you will need them at some point

And if you can learn to do a presentation without the dreaded Powerpoint, so much the better!

henrya

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by thunder

And if you can learn to do a presentation without the dreaded Powerpoint, so much the better!

henrya

Oh, I do so agree. I you have nothing to say, saying it with powerpoint is embarassing. If you have something to say, say it like you mean it, perhaps with a few pics in the background from powerpoint. I was on an interview panel recently, the candidate stepped up and said they were going to do it without the computer, she nearly got a round of applause. It has it's place, unfortunately it is often used as a "let's see if they can use a computer " Test. Bad idea.

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by thunder

And if you can learn to do a presentation without the dreaded Powerpoint, so much the better!

henrya

very true - my best presentation which got me my current job was done soley with a flip chart, a few pre prepared handouts and force of personality -no better way to impress potential employers with your skills , as you want the focus to be on you not on the screen.

However PP is a necessary evil of modern life so it is a good idea to learn how to use it slickly as well just in case it is specified either in interview or job

[thunder]

Originally Posted by eeyore

However PP is a necessary evil of modern life so it is a good idea to learn how to use it slickly as well just in case it is specified either in interview or job

Oh yes, by all means learn to use it, but please learn to use it well, and please please please don't put a complete page of A4 twelve point on one slide!

henrya

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by thunder

Oh yes, by all means learn to use it, but please learn to use it well, and please please please don't put a complete page of A4 twelve point on one slide!

henrya

lol - i used to have a lecturer who did that

my rule is text no smaller than 24pt and no more than three or four lines per slide - let your pictures and graphics do the talking.

also text to be black on white or white on black - no difficult to read colours and no text superimposed on pics, and standardise on one sort of slide transition throughout.

[thunder]

Originally Posted by eeyore

lol - i used to have a lecturer who did that

my rule is text no smaller than 24pt and no more than three or four lines per slide - let your pictures and graphics do the talking.

also text to be black on white or white on black - no difficult to read colours and no text superimposed on pics, and standardise on one sort of slide transition throughout.

And avoid all those sound effects

henrya

[Earth Hart]

Originally Posted by thunder

And avoid all those sound effects

henrya

The Bells! The Bells! Oh, Esmeralda, the bells