Job Interview

darren_eaf · 31-08-2006, 11:53 AM

I have a job interview tomorrow and they want me to give a five minute speech on a hobby or interest.

The only thing is, I can't think of how I can talk about a hobby or interest for five minutes.

Could anyone give me any tips.

Thanks.

huntere · 31-08-2006, 12:03 PM

Well for start what are your hobbys and interests?

The topic is not relevant to them. They want to hear you speak,

Whats the job for? That could have a bearing on how you pitch the topic.

darren_eaf · 31-08-2006, 12:09 PM

I'm into football, gaming/computing and wrestling.

It's for a job at a T.V. rental company.

Keith Hurst · 31-08-2006, 12:15 PM

Well if you're here then you have some slight interest in all things AV ?

If so then surely you can talk about the relative merits of component over scart over composite, scaling, progressive scan, general cabling issues, digital TV take-up, integration etc...

There's more than enough to cover a brief 5 minute discussion and the fact that the job is related to TV then all the better surely !!

KH

huntere · 31-08-2006, 12:23 PM

I agree with WeeJock (forgive the abbreviation!)

I'm guessing if its rentals there is an element of sales pitch. Hence they want to hear your gift of the gab.

AV would be good if you have the knowledge but remember on this topic they may well have it too! Know your topic!

If you pick another topic (of those you mention) try and put a different spin on it. Something unusual - not just "I watch every Arsenal home game......".

GeoffWork · 31-08-2006, 12:32 PM

Having interviewed lots of people over the years the main thing I always looked for was the right attitude, bright and interested. For instance when I said " do you think the job sounds what you are looking for" the answer I did not want was "spose so". I got my current job by going all out to sell myself, although I did not want it. When they asked if I could do public speaking I said that was no problem, but I can still remember my stomach hit the floor. Your talk need not be technical so as not to appear nerdy, but you need to show that you understand it and are enthusiastic. Don't appear too nervous (not easy, I know) so don't shuffle about and twitch. Project your voice clearly and speak a little more slowly than usual, when nervous we tend to gabble. Keep eye contact with the interviewers, move from one to another and project yourself, they are not buying your background or qualifications they are buying you - they want to know if they can work with you.
These are just my ideas, I hope they help and wish you all the best, let us know how you go on. Best wishes. Geoff.

GeoffWork · 31-08-2006, 12:35 PM

Sorry, another thing. Do a bit of research about the employer on the internet. People are flattered if you know a bit about them, like I see you've got 500 shops, would there be a chance to work at others or whatever.

Duncan G · 31-08-2006, 1:00 PM

Tell them about your membership of this forum, what the forum is about and why you joined.

GW43 · 31-08-2006, 1:04 PM

Don't forget the golden rule of this type of presentation:

Tell them what you're going to tell them
Tell them
Tell them what you've told them

To break this down.

Prepare your "speech". For a five minute presentation allow three minutes max. Make sure this three minutes is logical, tells a story, and goes somewhere. In this case it does not have to be of particular interest to the audience, they will be looking to see if you can gather your thoughts in a coherent manner, and put across information.

Then look at what you will be speaking about, and make an introduction. This can give a little personal background, why you chose the topic, and what you will be telling them over the course of the next few minutes.

Then prepare your conclusion. This will highlight the key points that you have raised in the main body of your presentation, the conclusions that can be drawn from this and where things are likely to go next.

You can then ask if there are any questions.

If you divide the time into 1 minute for your introduction, 3 minutes for the presentation itself and 1 minute to sum-up, then it's hardly any time at all.

Don't be afraid to take in a page of notes with your key points highlighted.

Obviously relax, try and be light-hearted without being flippant, try and make it interesting, but structure and delivery are more important.

Good luck

darren_eaf · 31-08-2006, 1:12 PM

You've all given me some good ideas there.

Thanks.