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What is the purpose of a technical presentation during an interview?
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I am being interviewed, and was asked to prepare a short technical presentation about any topic of my choice.
What is the purpose of such assignment and what points should I take into account when preparing/giving the presentation?
Context
The position I'm applying for is that of a software engineer.
professionalism interviewing presentations
edited Dec 19 '13 at 12:53
CMW
5,79912849
asked Dec 19 '13 at 8:47
Asahi
7051816
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
favorite
I am being interviewed, and was asked to prepare a short technical presentation about any topic of my choice.
What is the purpose of such assignment and what points should I take into account when preparing/giving the presentation?
Context
The position I'm applying for is that of a software engineer.
professionalism interviewing presentations
edited Dec 19 '13 at 12:53
CMW
5,79912849
asked Dec 19 '13 at 8:47
Asahi
7051816
3
I pulled the context to the bottom of the question, because the general question may be interesting to more than just software engineers.
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 13:42
2
I hope it wasn't to find out if you will ask questions when you don't understand a task you've been given.
– user8365
Dec 19 '13 at 18:36
1
@JeffO Just to clarify - I am asking not because I do not understand the task I am given but because I'd like to know how it will be graded
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:23
Just wondering how long you had to prepare and how short is a "short technical presentation"?
– MrWhite
Dec 20 '13 at 12:17
1
@w3d: a couple of days to prepare; presentation + Q&A not more than 30 minutes
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 21:27
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
favorite
up vote
17
down vote
favorite
I am being interviewed, and was asked to prepare a short technical presentation about any topic of my choice.
What is the purpose of such assignment and what points should I take into account when preparing/giving the presentation?
Context
The position I'm applying for is that of a software engineer.
professionalism interviewing presentations
edited Dec 19 '13 at 12:53
CMW
5,79912849
asked Dec 19 '13 at 8:47
Asahi
7051816
I am being interviewed, and was asked to prepare a short technical presentation about any topic of my choice.
What is the purpose of such assignment and what points should I take into account when preparing/giving the presentation?
Context
The position I'm applying for is that of a software engineer.
professionalism interviewing presentations
edited Dec 19 '13 at 12:53
CMW
5,79912849
asked Dec 19 '13 at 8:47
Asahi
7051816
edited Dec 19 '13 at 12:53
CMW
5,79912849
edited Dec 19 '13 at 12:53
CMW
5,79912849
edited Dec 19 '13 at 12:53
CMW
5,79912849
5,79912849
asked Dec 19 '13 at 8:47
Asahi
7051816
asked Dec 19 '13 at 8:47
Asahi
7051816
asked Dec 19 '13 at 8:47
Asahi
7051816
7051816
3
I pulled the context to the bottom of the question, because the general question may be interesting to more than just software engineers.
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 13:42
2
I hope it wasn't to find out if you will ask questions when you don't understand a task you've been given.
– user8365
Dec 19 '13 at 18:36
1
@JeffO Just to clarify - I am asking not because I do not understand the task I am given but because I'd like to know how it will be graded
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:23
Just wondering how long you had to prepare and how short is a "short technical presentation"?
– MrWhite
Dec 20 '13 at 12:17
1
@w3d: a couple of days to prepare; presentation + Q&A not more than 30 minutes
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 21:27
add a comment |Â
3
I pulled the context to the bottom of the question, because the general question may be interesting to more than just software engineers.
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 13:42
2
I hope it wasn't to find out if you will ask questions when you don't understand a task you've been given.
– user8365
Dec 19 '13 at 18:36
1
@JeffO Just to clarify - I am asking not because I do not understand the task I am given but because I'd like to know how it will be graded
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:23
Just wondering how long you had to prepare and how short is a "short technical presentation"?
– MrWhite
Dec 20 '13 at 12:17
1
@w3d: a couple of days to prepare; presentation + Q&A not more than 30 minutes
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 21:27
3
3
I pulled the context to the bottom of the question, because the general question may be interesting to more than just software engineers.
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 13:42
I pulled the context to the bottom of the question, because the general question may be interesting to more than just software engineers.
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 13:42
2
2
I hope it wasn't to find out if you will ask questions when you don't understand a task you've been given.
– user8365
Dec 19 '13 at 18:36
I hope it wasn't to find out if you will ask questions when you don't understand a task you've been given.
– user8365
Dec 19 '13 at 18:36
1
1
@JeffO Just to clarify - I am asking not because I do not understand the task I am given but because I'd like to know how it will be graded
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:23
@JeffO Just to clarify - I am asking not because I do not understand the task I am given but because I'd like to know how it will be graded
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:23
Just wondering how long you had to prepare and how short is a "short technical presentation"?
– MrWhite
Dec 20 '13 at 12:17
Just wondering how long you had to prepare and how short is a "short technical presentation"?
– MrWhite
Dec 20 '13 at 12:17
1
1
@w3d: a couple of days to prepare; presentation + Q&A not more than 30 minutes
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 21:27
@w3d: a couple of days to prepare; presentation + Q&A not more than 30 minutes
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 21:27
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
As far as I know, this concept was popularized by the book Peopleware, in chapter 16 it has a section called "Holding an Audition". It's only a page and a half long, so if you have an interview involving this, it's probably worth your time to read it. Here's the summary: even in technical positions, most people spend a large portion of their day communicating with coworkers. The purpose is to evaluate a candidate's ability to communicate with their coworkers. If the company is following the advice in the book, the audience will be composed of people that would be your peers.
With that in mind, you should then create the presentation as if you're presenting to peers (albeit potentially ones with more or less experience/knowledge than you).
answered Dec 22 '13 at 3:49
Tom Panning
41424
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
TL;DR
Be brief, clear and to the point in your presentation. Keep it interesting and don't overwhelm your audience and remember that you present yourself too.
What's the purpose?
Some of the purposes to this task are obvious:
- Figuring out your presentational skills
- Gauging your level of confidence in an unfamiliar setting
- Getting a feel for what projects you did and how they went
These are easy to understand and incorporate in your presentation to present yourself in the best light.
Other details that interviewers may be looking for are less obvious and need more thought:
- Some interviews may take note of what type of projects you present
- Others look for specific techniques presented
- Detailing the concepts you implemented in your project can be important
Let me explain what the less obvious facets of these questions are: It's all about what you think noteworthy about your skills and knowledge.
The presenter omits certain parts completely? Maybe they don't even know how to do those.
The presenter elaborates at length about rather mundane aspects of the trade? They might not be as senior as they present themselves.
They go on and on about all the big paradigms you included in your work? Maybe they they like to use each and every tool in their tool box to get that thumb tack into the cork board.
These aspects can influence the picture you are trying to shape.
Important points:
Be brief. You don't want to go rambling on about one aspect and lose all attention on the way.
Be clear. Tell the audience about why you did and didn't do certain things (but see above)
Be interesting. Boring projects will not score big points but nor will projects that nobody understands.
Be aware. Awareness of what you present (not just your project but also yourself) and what you are highlighting about what you present is key.
edited Dec 19 '13 at 22:58
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:13
CMW
5,79912849
1
And make sure that what you are presenting is technically correct. If you show code, make sure the code has no syntax errors and that you have actually tested it and it has run. This is especially critical if you are going to run the code as part of the presentation. Having an error pop up on the screen while doing a presentation is very stressful to the speaker and not very impressive to the audience.
– HLGEM
Dec 19 '13 at 15:52
1
@HLGEM Oh absolutely. I thought that was a given, but it's probably better to mention it...
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 16:01
1
@HLGEM you're absolutely right though I think it goes without saying
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:21
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
tl;dr: This is a great idea and you should probably take it as a compliment that you made it to this level in the interview process.
What is the purpose of such assignment ...
There are plenty of good reasons to have a possible new hire do this:
Is there anything that they feel strongly about at all (technical or otherwise)? If not, they're likely not an interesting person to work with.
Can they string enough sentences together about their favorite topic to fill a Powerpoint presentation? If not, it's highly unlikely that they'll be able to write work-related words and will be nearly incapable of presenting concrete ideas to the team.
Can they get up in front of a group of people and speak at all? Many people are deathly afraid of public speaking. Can this person make the mental transition from "I'm doing public speaking" to "I'm talking to my team and this is an important part of my job"? If not, they'll never be able to take even the smallest leadership role: if you can't talk to a group, you can't lead an effort.
Can they respond to questions and critical feedback? There will almost certainly be questions during the presentation (unless the topic is toxically banal, putting everyone to sleep). How do they respond in this situation? Are they defensive? Do they panic? Are they constructive?
In short, this is a great way to start a conversation with a possible new hire in a venue that's not an across-the-desk interview. The candidate gets to choose the topic and style (within some bounds, I'm sure). The audience then gets to participate as a group in the discussion. This is an excellent distillation of the standard team effort.
... what points should I take
into account when preparing/giving the presentation?
There are several questions and points you should probably clarify before the presentation:
Who are you talking to? Senior management? The team that you'll be working with? This can drive the formality vs. chatty style of your presentation.
What's the venue? Big room vs. small room, do you need a pointer or can you just point to a screen to make a point?
How many people? If it's a huge room (and I doubt it is), you might need to wear a microphone to be heard in the back.
What's the technology for the presentation? Powerpoint? Mac vs. PC? Are you handing them a disk of slides? Will you be clicking next page or will someone else be advancing the slides?
Will you have some setup time before the presentation? You're going to be nervous so take as much time as they offer to get all the technical ducks in a row.
Make it clear that you cannot present any sensitive information from current or prior employers. That will come as no surprise but it's a level of maturity that not all candidates will show.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 13:20
Bob Cross
41136
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
It's purpose is for you to demonstrate technical knowledge (or any knowledge if it's that broad), level of comfort with it, enthusiasm (which is hard to hit on in standard interview Q&A) and ability to accept and deal with challenges to your propositions. If it's a senior position they'll also be looking at your presentation skills and confidence, otherwise they'll overlook the extra nervousness.
They'll be expecting...
- you to pick a subject you are enthusiastic about, so show enthusiasm. People without enthusiasm don't like their job much.
- a level of comfort with your subject, so you're not just reading from a script. So know your subject.
- to be able to challenge your suggestions and see how you deal with those challenges, if you know what your talking about outside what you've rehearsed. So know your subject, don't just learn some facts and statements about something fancy.
They wont be expecting...
- A super technical talk on a super advanced subject. Perhaps something technical but explainable within the time frame and something which you can deal with requests for further information.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:04
Ross Drew
2,523930
1
Good point - they won't expect...
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:25
add a comment |Â
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
As far as I know, this concept was popularized by the book Peopleware, in chapter 16 it has a section called "Holding an Audition". It's only a page and a half long, so if you have an interview involving this, it's probably worth your time to read it. Here's the summary: even in technical positions, most people spend a large portion of their day communicating with coworkers. The purpose is to evaluate a candidate's ability to communicate with their coworkers. If the company is following the advice in the book, the audience will be composed of people that would be your peers.
With that in mind, you should then create the presentation as if you're presenting to peers (albeit potentially ones with more or less experience/knowledge than you).
answered Dec 22 '13 at 3:49
Tom Panning
41424
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
As far as I know, this concept was popularized by the book Peopleware, in chapter 16 it has a section called "Holding an Audition". It's only a page and a half long, so if you have an interview involving this, it's probably worth your time to read it. Here's the summary: even in technical positions, most people spend a large portion of their day communicating with coworkers. The purpose is to evaluate a candidate's ability to communicate with their coworkers. If the company is following the advice in the book, the audience will be composed of people that would be your peers.
With that in mind, you should then create the presentation as if you're presenting to peers (albeit potentially ones with more or less experience/knowledge than you).
answered Dec 22 '13 at 3:49
Tom Panning
41424
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
up vote
6
down vote
accepted
As far as I know, this concept was popularized by the book Peopleware, in chapter 16 it has a section called "Holding an Audition". It's only a page and a half long, so if you have an interview involving this, it's probably worth your time to read it. Here's the summary: even in technical positions, most people spend a large portion of their day communicating with coworkers. The purpose is to evaluate a candidate's ability to communicate with their coworkers. If the company is following the advice in the book, the audience will be composed of people that would be your peers.
With that in mind, you should then create the presentation as if you're presenting to peers (albeit potentially ones with more or less experience/knowledge than you).
answered Dec 22 '13 at 3:49
Tom Panning
41424
As far as I know, this concept was popularized by the book Peopleware, in chapter 16 it has a section called "Holding an Audition". It's only a page and a half long, so if you have an interview involving this, it's probably worth your time to read it. Here's the summary: even in technical positions, most people spend a large portion of their day communicating with coworkers. The purpose is to evaluate a candidate's ability to communicate with their coworkers. If the company is following the advice in the book, the audience will be composed of people that would be your peers.
With that in mind, you should then create the presentation as if you're presenting to peers (albeit potentially ones with more or less experience/knowledge than you).
answered Dec 22 '13 at 3:49
Tom Panning
41424
answered Dec 22 '13 at 3:49
Tom Panning
41424
answered Dec 22 '13 at 3:49
Tom Panning
41424
answered Dec 22 '13 at 3:49
Tom Panning
41424
41424
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
TL;DR
Be brief, clear and to the point in your presentation. Keep it interesting and don't overwhelm your audience and remember that you present yourself too.
What's the purpose?
Some of the purposes to this task are obvious:
- Figuring out your presentational skills
- Gauging your level of confidence in an unfamiliar setting
- Getting a feel for what projects you did and how they went
These are easy to understand and incorporate in your presentation to present yourself in the best light.
Other details that interviewers may be looking for are less obvious and need more thought:
- Some interviews may take note of what type of projects you present
- Others look for specific techniques presented
- Detailing the concepts you implemented in your project can be important
Let me explain what the less obvious facets of these questions are: It's all about what you think noteworthy about your skills and knowledge.
The presenter omits certain parts completely? Maybe they don't even know how to do those.
The presenter elaborates at length about rather mundane aspects of the trade? They might not be as senior as they present themselves.
They go on and on about all the big paradigms you included in your work? Maybe they they like to use each and every tool in their tool box to get that thumb tack into the cork board.
These aspects can influence the picture you are trying to shape.
Important points:
Be brief. You don't want to go rambling on about one aspect and lose all attention on the way.
Be clear. Tell the audience about why you did and didn't do certain things (but see above)
Be interesting. Boring projects will not score big points but nor will projects that nobody understands.
Be aware. Awareness of what you present (not just your project but also yourself) and what you are highlighting about what you present is key.
edited Dec 19 '13 at 22:58
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:13
CMW
5,79912849
1
And make sure that what you are presenting is technically correct. If you show code, make sure the code has no syntax errors and that you have actually tested it and it has run. This is especially critical if you are going to run the code as part of the presentation. Having an error pop up on the screen while doing a presentation is very stressful to the speaker and not very impressive to the audience.
– HLGEM
Dec 19 '13 at 15:52
1
@HLGEM Oh absolutely. I thought that was a given, but it's probably better to mention it...
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 16:01
1
@HLGEM you're absolutely right though I think it goes without saying
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:21
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
TL;DR
Be brief, clear and to the point in your presentation. Keep it interesting and don't overwhelm your audience and remember that you present yourself too.
What's the purpose?
Some of the purposes to this task are obvious:
- Figuring out your presentational skills
- Gauging your level of confidence in an unfamiliar setting
- Getting a feel for what projects you did and how they went
These are easy to understand and incorporate in your presentation to present yourself in the best light.
Other details that interviewers may be looking for are less obvious and need more thought:
- Some interviews may take note of what type of projects you present
- Others look for specific techniques presented
- Detailing the concepts you implemented in your project can be important
Let me explain what the less obvious facets of these questions are: It's all about what you think noteworthy about your skills and knowledge.
The presenter omits certain parts completely? Maybe they don't even know how to do those.
The presenter elaborates at length about rather mundane aspects of the trade? They might not be as senior as they present themselves.
They go on and on about all the big paradigms you included in your work? Maybe they they like to use each and every tool in their tool box to get that thumb tack into the cork board.
These aspects can influence the picture you are trying to shape.
Important points:
Be brief. You don't want to go rambling on about one aspect and lose all attention on the way.
Be clear. Tell the audience about why you did and didn't do certain things (but see above)
Be interesting. Boring projects will not score big points but nor will projects that nobody understands.
Be aware. Awareness of what you present (not just your project but also yourself) and what you are highlighting about what you present is key.
edited Dec 19 '13 at 22:58
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:13
CMW
5,79912849
1
And make sure that what you are presenting is technically correct. If you show code, make sure the code has no syntax errors and that you have actually tested it and it has run. This is especially critical if you are going to run the code as part of the presentation. Having an error pop up on the screen while doing a presentation is very stressful to the speaker and not very impressive to the audience.
– HLGEM
Dec 19 '13 at 15:52
1
@HLGEM Oh absolutely. I thought that was a given, but it's probably better to mention it...
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 16:01
1
@HLGEM you're absolutely right though I think it goes without saying
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:21
add a comment |Â
up vote
13
down vote
up vote
13
down vote
TL;DR
Be brief, clear and to the point in your presentation. Keep it interesting and don't overwhelm your audience and remember that you present yourself too.
What's the purpose?
Some of the purposes to this task are obvious:
- Figuring out your presentational skills
- Gauging your level of confidence in an unfamiliar setting
- Getting a feel for what projects you did and how they went
These are easy to understand and incorporate in your presentation to present yourself in the best light.
Other details that interviewers may be looking for are less obvious and need more thought:
- Some interviews may take note of what type of projects you present
- Others look for specific techniques presented
- Detailing the concepts you implemented in your project can be important
Let me explain what the less obvious facets of these questions are: It's all about what you think noteworthy about your skills and knowledge.
The presenter omits certain parts completely? Maybe they don't even know how to do those.
The presenter elaborates at length about rather mundane aspects of the trade? They might not be as senior as they present themselves.
They go on and on about all the big paradigms you included in your work? Maybe they they like to use each and every tool in their tool box to get that thumb tack into the cork board.
These aspects can influence the picture you are trying to shape.
Important points:
Be brief. You don't want to go rambling on about one aspect and lose all attention on the way.
Be clear. Tell the audience about why you did and didn't do certain things (but see above)
Be interesting. Boring projects will not score big points but nor will projects that nobody understands.
Be aware. Awareness of what you present (not just your project but also yourself) and what you are highlighting about what you present is key.
edited Dec 19 '13 at 22:58
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:13
CMW
5,79912849
TL;DR
Be brief, clear and to the point in your presentation. Keep it interesting and don't overwhelm your audience and remember that you present yourself too.
What's the purpose?
Some of the purposes to this task are obvious:
- Figuring out your presentational skills
- Gauging your level of confidence in an unfamiliar setting
- Getting a feel for what projects you did and how they went
These are easy to understand and incorporate in your presentation to present yourself in the best light.
Other details that interviewers may be looking for are less obvious and need more thought:
- Some interviews may take note of what type of projects you present
- Others look for specific techniques presented
- Detailing the concepts you implemented in your project can be important
Let me explain what the less obvious facets of these questions are: It's all about what you think noteworthy about your skills and knowledge.
The presenter omits certain parts completely? Maybe they don't even know how to do those.
The presenter elaborates at length about rather mundane aspects of the trade? They might not be as senior as they present themselves.
They go on and on about all the big paradigms you included in your work? Maybe they they like to use each and every tool in their tool box to get that thumb tack into the cork board.
These aspects can influence the picture you are trying to shape.
Important points:
Be brief. You don't want to go rambling on about one aspect and lose all attention on the way.
Be clear. Tell the audience about why you did and didn't do certain things (but see above)
Be interesting. Boring projects will not score big points but nor will projects that nobody understands.
Be aware. Awareness of what you present (not just your project but also yourself) and what you are highlighting about what you present is key.
edited Dec 19 '13 at 22:58
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:13
CMW
5,79912849
edited Dec 19 '13 at 22:58
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
edited Dec 19 '13 at 22:58
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
edited Dec 19 '13 at 22:58
bethlakshmi
70.4k4136277
70.4k4136277
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:13
CMW
5,79912849
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:13
CMW
5,79912849
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:13
CMW
5,79912849
5,79912849
1
And make sure that what you are presenting is technically correct. If you show code, make sure the code has no syntax errors and that you have actually tested it and it has run. This is especially critical if you are going to run the code as part of the presentation. Having an error pop up on the screen while doing a presentation is very stressful to the speaker and not very impressive to the audience.
– HLGEM
Dec 19 '13 at 15:52
1
@HLGEM Oh absolutely. I thought that was a given, but it's probably better to mention it...
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 16:01
1
@HLGEM you're absolutely right though I think it goes without saying
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:21
add a comment |Â
1
And make sure that what you are presenting is technically correct. If you show code, make sure the code has no syntax errors and that you have actually tested it and it has run. This is especially critical if you are going to run the code as part of the presentation. Having an error pop up on the screen while doing a presentation is very stressful to the speaker and not very impressive to the audience.
– HLGEM
Dec 19 '13 at 15:52
1
@HLGEM Oh absolutely. I thought that was a given, but it's probably better to mention it...
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 16:01
1
@HLGEM you're absolutely right though I think it goes without saying
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:21
1
1
And make sure that what you are presenting is technically correct. If you show code, make sure the code has no syntax errors and that you have actually tested it and it has run. This is especially critical if you are going to run the code as part of the presentation. Having an error pop up on the screen while doing a presentation is very stressful to the speaker and not very impressive to the audience.
– HLGEM
Dec 19 '13 at 15:52
And make sure that what you are presenting is technically correct. If you show code, make sure the code has no syntax errors and that you have actually tested it and it has run. This is especially critical if you are going to run the code as part of the presentation. Having an error pop up on the screen while doing a presentation is very stressful to the speaker and not very impressive to the audience.
– HLGEM
Dec 19 '13 at 15:52
1
1
@HLGEM Oh absolutely. I thought that was a given, but it's probably better to mention it...
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 16:01
@HLGEM Oh absolutely. I thought that was a given, but it's probably better to mention it...
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 16:01
1
1
@HLGEM you're absolutely right though I think it goes without saying
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:21
@HLGEM you're absolutely right though I think it goes without saying
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:21
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up vote
7
down vote
tl;dr: This is a great idea and you should probably take it as a compliment that you made it to this level in the interview process.
What is the purpose of such assignment ...
There are plenty of good reasons to have a possible new hire do this:
Is there anything that they feel strongly about at all (technical or otherwise)? If not, they're likely not an interesting person to work with.
Can they string enough sentences together about their favorite topic to fill a Powerpoint presentation? If not, it's highly unlikely that they'll be able to write work-related words and will be nearly incapable of presenting concrete ideas to the team.
Can they get up in front of a group of people and speak at all? Many people are deathly afraid of public speaking. Can this person make the mental transition from "I'm doing public speaking" to "I'm talking to my team and this is an important part of my job"? If not, they'll never be able to take even the smallest leadership role: if you can't talk to a group, you can't lead an effort.
Can they respond to questions and critical feedback? There will almost certainly be questions during the presentation (unless the topic is toxically banal, putting everyone to sleep). How do they respond in this situation? Are they defensive? Do they panic? Are they constructive?
In short, this is a great way to start a conversation with a possible new hire in a venue that's not an across-the-desk interview. The candidate gets to choose the topic and style (within some bounds, I'm sure). The audience then gets to participate as a group in the discussion. This is an excellent distillation of the standard team effort.
... what points should I take
into account when preparing/giving the presentation?
There are several questions and points you should probably clarify before the presentation:
Who are you talking to? Senior management? The team that you'll be working with? This can drive the formality vs. chatty style of your presentation.
What's the venue? Big room vs. small room, do you need a pointer or can you just point to a screen to make a point?
How many people? If it's a huge room (and I doubt it is), you might need to wear a microphone to be heard in the back.
What's the technology for the presentation? Powerpoint? Mac vs. PC? Are you handing them a disk of slides? Will you be clicking next page or will someone else be advancing the slides?
Will you have some setup time before the presentation? You're going to be nervous so take as much time as they offer to get all the technical ducks in a row.
Make it clear that you cannot present any sensitive information from current or prior employers. That will come as no surprise but it's a level of maturity that not all candidates will show.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 13:20
Bob Cross
41136
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
tl;dr: This is a great idea and you should probably take it as a compliment that you made it to this level in the interview process.
What is the purpose of such assignment ...
There are plenty of good reasons to have a possible new hire do this:
Is there anything that they feel strongly about at all (technical or otherwise)? If not, they're likely not an interesting person to work with.
Can they string enough sentences together about their favorite topic to fill a Powerpoint presentation? If not, it's highly unlikely that they'll be able to write work-related words and will be nearly incapable of presenting concrete ideas to the team.
Can they get up in front of a group of people and speak at all? Many people are deathly afraid of public speaking. Can this person make the mental transition from "I'm doing public speaking" to "I'm talking to my team and this is an important part of my job"? If not, they'll never be able to take even the smallest leadership role: if you can't talk to a group, you can't lead an effort.
Can they respond to questions and critical feedback? There will almost certainly be questions during the presentation (unless the topic is toxically banal, putting everyone to sleep). How do they respond in this situation? Are they defensive? Do they panic? Are they constructive?
In short, this is a great way to start a conversation with a possible new hire in a venue that's not an across-the-desk interview. The candidate gets to choose the topic and style (within some bounds, I'm sure). The audience then gets to participate as a group in the discussion. This is an excellent distillation of the standard team effort.
... what points should I take
into account when preparing/giving the presentation?
There are several questions and points you should probably clarify before the presentation:
Who are you talking to? Senior management? The team that you'll be working with? This can drive the formality vs. chatty style of your presentation.
What's the venue? Big room vs. small room, do you need a pointer or can you just point to a screen to make a point?
How many people? If it's a huge room (and I doubt it is), you might need to wear a microphone to be heard in the back.
What's the technology for the presentation? Powerpoint? Mac vs. PC? Are you handing them a disk of slides? Will you be clicking next page or will someone else be advancing the slides?
Will you have some setup time before the presentation? You're going to be nervous so take as much time as they offer to get all the technical ducks in a row.
Make it clear that you cannot present any sensitive information from current or prior employers. That will come as no surprise but it's a level of maturity that not all candidates will show.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 13:20
Bob Cross
41136
add a comment |Â
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
tl;dr: This is a great idea and you should probably take it as a compliment that you made it to this level in the interview process.
What is the purpose of such assignment ...
There are plenty of good reasons to have a possible new hire do this:
Is there anything that they feel strongly about at all (technical or otherwise)? If not, they're likely not an interesting person to work with.
Can they string enough sentences together about their favorite topic to fill a Powerpoint presentation? If not, it's highly unlikely that they'll be able to write work-related words and will be nearly incapable of presenting concrete ideas to the team.
Can they get up in front of a group of people and speak at all? Many people are deathly afraid of public speaking. Can this person make the mental transition from "I'm doing public speaking" to "I'm talking to my team and this is an important part of my job"? If not, they'll never be able to take even the smallest leadership role: if you can't talk to a group, you can't lead an effort.
Can they respond to questions and critical feedback? There will almost certainly be questions during the presentation (unless the topic is toxically banal, putting everyone to sleep). How do they respond in this situation? Are they defensive? Do they panic? Are they constructive?
In short, this is a great way to start a conversation with a possible new hire in a venue that's not an across-the-desk interview. The candidate gets to choose the topic and style (within some bounds, I'm sure). The audience then gets to participate as a group in the discussion. This is an excellent distillation of the standard team effort.
... what points should I take
into account when preparing/giving the presentation?
There are several questions and points you should probably clarify before the presentation:
Who are you talking to? Senior management? The team that you'll be working with? This can drive the formality vs. chatty style of your presentation.
What's the venue? Big room vs. small room, do you need a pointer or can you just point to a screen to make a point?
How many people? If it's a huge room (and I doubt it is), you might need to wear a microphone to be heard in the back.
What's the technology for the presentation? Powerpoint? Mac vs. PC? Are you handing them a disk of slides? Will you be clicking next page or will someone else be advancing the slides?
Will you have some setup time before the presentation? You're going to be nervous so take as much time as they offer to get all the technical ducks in a row.
Make it clear that you cannot present any sensitive information from current or prior employers. That will come as no surprise but it's a level of maturity that not all candidates will show.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 13:20
Bob Cross
41136
tl;dr: This is a great idea and you should probably take it as a compliment that you made it to this level in the interview process.
What is the purpose of such assignment ...
There are plenty of good reasons to have a possible new hire do this:
Is there anything that they feel strongly about at all (technical or otherwise)? If not, they're likely not an interesting person to work with.
Can they string enough sentences together about their favorite topic to fill a Powerpoint presentation? If not, it's highly unlikely that they'll be able to write work-related words and will be nearly incapable of presenting concrete ideas to the team.
Can they get up in front of a group of people and speak at all? Many people are deathly afraid of public speaking. Can this person make the mental transition from "I'm doing public speaking" to "I'm talking to my team and this is an important part of my job"? If not, they'll never be able to take even the smallest leadership role: if you can't talk to a group, you can't lead an effort.
Can they respond to questions and critical feedback? There will almost certainly be questions during the presentation (unless the topic is toxically banal, putting everyone to sleep). How do they respond in this situation? Are they defensive? Do they panic? Are they constructive?
In short, this is a great way to start a conversation with a possible new hire in a venue that's not an across-the-desk interview. The candidate gets to choose the topic and style (within some bounds, I'm sure). The audience then gets to participate as a group in the discussion. This is an excellent distillation of the standard team effort.
... what points should I take
into account when preparing/giving the presentation?
There are several questions and points you should probably clarify before the presentation:
Who are you talking to? Senior management? The team that you'll be working with? This can drive the formality vs. chatty style of your presentation.
What's the venue? Big room vs. small room, do you need a pointer or can you just point to a screen to make a point?
How many people? If it's a huge room (and I doubt it is), you might need to wear a microphone to be heard in the back.
What's the technology for the presentation? Powerpoint? Mac vs. PC? Are you handing them a disk of slides? Will you be clicking next page or will someone else be advancing the slides?
Will you have some setup time before the presentation? You're going to be nervous so take as much time as they offer to get all the technical ducks in a row.
Make it clear that you cannot present any sensitive information from current or prior employers. That will come as no surprise but it's a level of maturity that not all candidates will show.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 13:20
Bob Cross
41136
answered Dec 19 '13 at 13:20
Bob Cross
41136
answered Dec 19 '13 at 13:20
Bob Cross
41136
answered Dec 19 '13 at 13:20
Bob Cross
41136
41136
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
It's purpose is for you to demonstrate technical knowledge (or any knowledge if it's that broad), level of comfort with it, enthusiasm (which is hard to hit on in standard interview Q&A) and ability to accept and deal with challenges to your propositions. If it's a senior position they'll also be looking at your presentation skills and confidence, otherwise they'll overlook the extra nervousness.
They'll be expecting...
- you to pick a subject you are enthusiastic about, so show enthusiasm. People without enthusiasm don't like their job much.
- a level of comfort with your subject, so you're not just reading from a script. So know your subject.
- to be able to challenge your suggestions and see how you deal with those challenges, if you know what your talking about outside what you've rehearsed. So know your subject, don't just learn some facts and statements about something fancy.
They wont be expecting...
- A super technical talk on a super advanced subject. Perhaps something technical but explainable within the time frame and something which you can deal with requests for further information.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:04
Ross Drew
2,523930
1
Good point - they won't expect...
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:25
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
It's purpose is for you to demonstrate technical knowledge (or any knowledge if it's that broad), level of comfort with it, enthusiasm (which is hard to hit on in standard interview Q&A) and ability to accept and deal with challenges to your propositions. If it's a senior position they'll also be looking at your presentation skills and confidence, otherwise they'll overlook the extra nervousness.
They'll be expecting...
- you to pick a subject you are enthusiastic about, so show enthusiasm. People without enthusiasm don't like their job much.
- a level of comfort with your subject, so you're not just reading from a script. So know your subject.
- to be able to challenge your suggestions and see how you deal with those challenges, if you know what your talking about outside what you've rehearsed. So know your subject, don't just learn some facts and statements about something fancy.
They wont be expecting...
- A super technical talk on a super advanced subject. Perhaps something technical but explainable within the time frame and something which you can deal with requests for further information.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:04
Ross Drew
2,523930
1
Good point - they won't expect...
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:25
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
It's purpose is for you to demonstrate technical knowledge (or any knowledge if it's that broad), level of comfort with it, enthusiasm (which is hard to hit on in standard interview Q&A) and ability to accept and deal with challenges to your propositions. If it's a senior position they'll also be looking at your presentation skills and confidence, otherwise they'll overlook the extra nervousness.
They'll be expecting...
- you to pick a subject you are enthusiastic about, so show enthusiasm. People without enthusiasm don't like their job much.
- a level of comfort with your subject, so you're not just reading from a script. So know your subject.
- to be able to challenge your suggestions and see how you deal with those challenges, if you know what your talking about outside what you've rehearsed. So know your subject, don't just learn some facts and statements about something fancy.
They wont be expecting...
- A super technical talk on a super advanced subject. Perhaps something technical but explainable within the time frame and something which you can deal with requests for further information.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:04
Ross Drew
2,523930
It's purpose is for you to demonstrate technical knowledge (or any knowledge if it's that broad), level of comfort with it, enthusiasm (which is hard to hit on in standard interview Q&A) and ability to accept and deal with challenges to your propositions. If it's a senior position they'll also be looking at your presentation skills and confidence, otherwise they'll overlook the extra nervousness.
They'll be expecting...
- you to pick a subject you are enthusiastic about, so show enthusiasm. People without enthusiasm don't like their job much.
- a level of comfort with your subject, so you're not just reading from a script. So know your subject.
- to be able to challenge your suggestions and see how you deal with those challenges, if you know what your talking about outside what you've rehearsed. So know your subject, don't just learn some facts and statements about something fancy.
They wont be expecting...
- A super technical talk on a super advanced subject. Perhaps something technical but explainable within the time frame and something which you can deal with requests for further information.
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:04
Ross Drew
2,523930
edited Dec 19 '13 at 9:09
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:04
Ross Drew
2,523930
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:04
Ross Drew
2,523930
answered Dec 19 '13 at 9:04
Ross Drew
2,523930
2,523930
1
Good point - they won't expect...
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:25
add a comment |Â
1
Good point - they won't expect...
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:25
1
1
Good point - they won't expect...
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:25
Good point - they won't expect...
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:25
add a comment |Â
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3
I pulled the context to the bottom of the question, because the general question may be interesting to more than just software engineers.
– CMW
Dec 19 '13 at 13:42
2
I hope it wasn't to find out if you will ask questions when you don't understand a task you've been given.
– user8365
Dec 19 '13 at 18:36
1
@JeffO Just to clarify - I am asking not because I do not understand the task I am given but because I'd like to know how it will be graded
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 11:23
Just wondering how long you had to prepare and how short is a "short technical presentation"?
– MrWhite
Dec 20 '13 at 12:17
1
@w3d: a couple of days to prepare; presentation + Q&A not more than 30 minutes
– Asahi
Dec 20 '13 at 21:27