I got an interview! Now I need some help please :D

[Traveller]

It's for a learning leader position (students helping students learn) on one of the units I have already studied at uni. The interview is on Thursday and I need to prepare a 5 minute presentation. Can anyone help me please with the following?

1) It says for the presentation - no need for power point. Does this mean you don't have to use powerpoint, or does it mean do not use powerpoint?

2) what to wear? I am assuming formal as in an office job interview would be too much, but would denim be too relaxed? I could go with leggings and a floaty skirt, plus a t-shirt but that would show off a heap of my tattoos - would that be ok for an interview? Normally I would hide them but this is for a peer position dealing with students so it might be ok? But then again it is a paid position so should I be a bit more formal??? Help!!!

[LionsandBears]

1) powerpoint is overrated and often people use it as a crux, including academics. If you can speak on your feet confidently, then I'd go without, though it can be seen to be more "professional". I'd rather listen to or interact with someone rather than read slides, but that's just me.

2) i'd dress for an informaloffice. It's better to be overdressed than under. The old "smart casual" comes in here. I'd hide the tattoos unless you know the interviewees. No denim. Slacks, top with a light overshirt /jacket type thin may work.

Good luck

[Traveller]

Thanks so much! I will try and find some props that I can interact with for my presentation but will focus on mainly speaking without them For the outfit I was thinking cream trousers with a white t-shirt and a white 3/4 length shirt on top. Smart casual with all tattoos hidden - sound ok?

[nothing2lose]

Congrats on the interview

I agree with L&B. Definitely no denim. Some bosses I have had despise it in the workplace. And save the tatts for later on.

What you have described sounds nice

I too would stay away from PowerPoint. It is a bit 90s and it is a nightmare if something goes wrong (it can really throw you).

Best of luck! I will be rooting for you (figuratively, not literally )

[Beach Mama]

Outfit sounds nice hun, neat casual no denim is a good idea! As for the presentation I would think of some sort of game/ice breaker that you could play as well to show your interaction with the students as well! Good luck!

[Traveller]

Thanks everyone I know it seems really obvious no denim or tattoos on show, but I am (as usual) over thinking this. I know I am going against teenagers for this position and don't want to look old fogeyish Cream trousers and a white blouse it is I'll give some serious thought to the presentation tonight and start work on it tomorrow.

[PumpkinZulu]

Dude you look cooler than any teens I know

[Traveller]

I was genuinely going to wear my cream/green pearl necklace. Might leave that one for another day.

[nothing2lose]

I was genuinely going to wear my cream/green pearl necklace. Might leave that one for another day.

especially if you plan on wearing a twin set

[Traveller]

I thought by opening my presentation by telling everyone to call me by my gheto nickname - M-shizle, then gaining some more street cred by saying the words "street cred". Too far?

[nothing2lose]

Can you then say "wassup biatches"??

[nothing2lose]

Maybe you could throw in some "cool" words in your interview....What constitutes cool I have no idea. In my day it was words such as "rad" and "bad" and "man". So best to avoid all of those

[MistyFying]

That's great news! I think they'll be looking for good, confident, engaging communication. All the best with it.

[My Three Sons]

LOL.

Good luck with it!

[Traveller]

Serious question now

The presentation is to cover a few topics, including why people struggle with the subject, and what study techniques I used to succeed. I want to use some props to make it a bit more interesting, so was thinking of using the 4 large textbooks as a visual tool to demonstrate how overwhelming the subject can be. Then using an empty A4 folder and a highlighter pen to show how simple tools can make it all much easier. Sound good or too corny?

[peanutter]

Serious question now

The presentation is to cover a few topics, including why people struggle with the subject, and what study techniques I used to succeed. I want to use some props to make it a bit more interesting, so was thinking of using the 4 large textbooks as a visual tool to demonstrate how overwhelming the subject can be. Then using an empty A4 folder and a highlighter pen to show how simple tools can make it all much easier. Sound good or too corny?

maybe compare exam techniques in this way ...

One pile - the four big books, the printed materials, your notebooks, and a thin folder of your summaries ...

Other pile - just your folder and highlighter.

Personally, I plan presentations kind of like an essay:-

1. introduce topic, and tell them what I'm going to tell them, with the roadmap.

2. first point, with an example (analogy or event-based-vingette is best, becaues it's easy to retell without having to consult your notes - you already know it!!)

3. second point, with an example

4. third point, with an example (if I'm not running out of time)

5. sum up, telling them what I've told them and how we got there.


Any props I use, I have set up at the start and just covered over - that way, they don't take up my time during the talk, and I don't have to turn away from the audience, or waste eye-contact time. And I link them into the three stories - aiding the recall of the story, and painting the picture more clearly. And then I indicate to them during the summing up, if relevant.

[Traveller]

That really helps, thanks Peanutter!

OK another question. During the section on "effective study habits" would it be too arse kissy to talk about study snacks, such as lollies, then hand some out?

[peanutter]

Always start with a cartwheel. It adds drama and a certain air of severity to the mood, and will enhance their fear of you. Only powerful, intimidating people who demand respect, authority and quarterly salary raises can do cartwheels.

If you cannot do cartwheels, an electric blue mohawk can also work.

As for your actual questions:-

1. If it specifically says no need for powerpoint, I would take it as being that they're expecting you to do it without. They might have the projector and laptop there just in case, but it sounds like they'd rather you not use it. Now, if you can use Prezi (sp??) I would ... it rocks! But five minutes is short ... it will be hard not to overdo it.

2. I wouldn't go in denim. If in doubt, I'd go for black/grey/brown slacks, a neat top, and take a matching jacket, but (if you think it's likely to be more casual than not) I'd carry the jacket, and then just pop it on if they're wearing one. But if that's all way too formal, wear whatever is neat but comfortable for you. If you have tattoos, I'd treat them in the same way as the rest of the clothing question: what will your colleagues be wearing - is that respectful and appropriate in the working environment? If so, let it rip (as in, don't stress about tattoos showing ... I don't mean to start farting in the interview ... at least, not before you've discussed your salary ...). I've seen lawyers and nurses etc with tattoos - I don't think they're the tabboo they used to be. But if I wasn't sure, I'd cover them up - so that I wasn't thinking about them and second guessing my choice during the interview!!

As for an opening, you could go in with a bottle of Stolichnaya, some paper cups and some pot, screaming "Merry Christmas, B1tches!!" and then ask them if they know which Musical it's from (answer: Rent).

Both your cultural knowledge, your ability to score weed and your good taste in beverages will show instantly that you're a shoe-in for the position.

Most of all, GOOD LUCK!!



So the crits notes? No powerpoint, dress neatly, do a cartwheel, don't fart, and get the job