Job Interview Presentation Subjects

[Alastairm]

Chaps

I need some ideas for subject matter that i can get potential employees to present on for 3-5 minutes.
Can be any subject, ideally i'd like a sales element to see if they can think on their feet. They will be given then brief on the day and given 15 minutes to prepare for it.
So, fire me over thoughts on subject i can let them select from!

[edb49]

Eurotunnel vs. ferry vs. flying? Costs/time/risks etc

[Stevenj214]

"Prepare an initial sales strategy for..." then either invent a product or use an existing product.

[MINIrocket]

What about getting them to name a company/sales strategy they admire, and why.

[BigAlinEmbra]

MINIrocket said:

What about getting them to name a company/sales strategy they admire, and why.

Good one, either that or a dog of a product that's tricky to shift and what they'd do about it.

[drjazz]

.." this is my friend Mr.Eskimo......please sell him a fridge.."

[Brown and Boris]

With the internet I would definitely get them to present on a subject related to the organisation. I do some selection with senior police officers and school leaders and often the presentation subject is based specifically around the policing or school developmnet plan; what would you do Day 1, Month 1, year 1, year 3. It gives you a chance to see if they can pick up the key issues/problems, think around your problems and come up with workable solutions. Also gives you a chance to see what ideas they have, and perhaps steal them.

I am guessing most organisations have a set of accounts, annual reports, mission statement on their web site so that is easy enough, especially for midle manager positions but I have seen candidates provided with a package of materials on the orgnaisation and then bolt on a 'new product launch' or particular aspect of expected change. I have also seen them , if trying to acess their strategtic perspectyive or innovation, ask them to outline the impact of something on the business such as global warming, the world financial problems, a rise in oil prices, collapse/entry of a competitor and how the organisation might respond.

Pitching the level of that will depend on the job and calibre of candidates.

[srebbe64]

How about a talk on "how best to prepare for an interview presentation".

[jazzybee]

I've been through those interviews many times. You show of your true skills only when you present on a subject you know well, or do as part of your existing job. If you want to see their real skills without less of the nerves, ask them to present the products they currently sell/present. You'll see a lot more confidence, it will flow better, they'll have more interaction with you and generally be more informative.