NHS presentation interview, tips?

xpinkladyx

Hi all,

I've been invited to an interview with an NHS type organisation (trying not to identify myself here).

Part of the process is a 5 minute spoken presentation on 'the major challenges' facing finance dept.

Just wondering how others would interpret this, should I prepare a PowerPoint presentation?

Any help/ tips very much appreciated 🤓

robatwork

xpinkladyx wrote: »

Hi all,

I've been invited to an interview with an NHS type organisation (trying not to identify myself here).

Part of the process is a 5 minute spoken presentation on 'the major challenges' facing finance dept.

Just wondering how others would interpret this, should I prepare a PowerPoint presentation?

I speak as an interviewer but nothing to do with your field.

If you can speak without any notes or powerpoint, it's much more impressive....

GlasweJen

Do not go over time, our hiring managers hate when speakers go over time by even a minute. If you're using other people's materials make sure a reference list is available to the interviewers even if you don't use PowerPoint.

My OH (also NHS worker) said the interviewers like something to take away and scrutinise after so some sort of hand out or print off of slides will go down well.

A lot of NHS IT systems ban the use of flash drives and setting up laptops for projectors can be a pain so if you're using PP ask the interviewer if they wish to have it emailed in advance so they can load it from their own system.

FBaby

What level is it at? Do your research. The challenges will revolve around the type of set up, ie. How is the organisation financed. 5 mns is short so stick to the main points but show you understand what you are saying especially if the intention is to ask questions afterwards.

robin_banks

xpinkladyx wrote: »

Hi all,

I've been invited to an interview with an NHS type organisation (trying not to identify myself here).

Part of the process is a 5 minute spoken presentation on 'the major challenges' facing finance dept.

Just wondering how others would interpret this, should I prepare a PowerPoint presentation?

Any help/ tips very much appreciated 🤓

read the accounts.


don't slag off PFI !!


If you're ok with powerpoint then do it, but don't have too many slides.

polgara

off the top of my head - 5 year forward view, commissioning arrangements, impact of reduced social care budgets and knock on effect - all depends on the level of the role really

xpinkladyx

Thanks so much for all responses, some really helpful points!

Role is middle level Accountant, feel confident I can do the job but have never given presentation at interview before so a bit nervous

pioneer22

Tell them how it is, if its really bad tell them how far in the red they are.

pioneer22

In seriousness go with powerpoint and take some notes you dont want IT failing on you. unless they have said they have it, do you research if you have time FOI requests and so on. Good luck!

polgara

Oh god please don't do an FOI request unless there is a specific piece of information you want/need. Don't do a fishing exercise as it just wastes everyone's time!

Honestly, the NHS is pretty transparent so you will be able to find the last accounts on the organisation's website, plus strategic direction documents are available from NHS employers and the Department of Health.

Sanne

I agree with the previous point made, if you plan to do a ppt make sure you ask before the interview if a laptop/projector with PowerPoint or a PowerPoint viewer are available. If you want to use any particular features also check the version of PP with them.

Though I'd always say keep it simple, nothing worse than presentations where someone has tried to use each page turning effect going just because they can! Also make sure the slide layout looks corporate, don't use any silly themes. Maybe you can even find a presentation from the organisation and can base yours on their layout.

Definitely prepare a handout, at a minimum the slides with space to take notes (as you can print from within ppt). You might want to prep an extra page printing accounts you are referring to, stats, charts etc. Make sure you highlight relevant points.

If you can't use PowerPoint then a page with key points to summarise your presentation, any charts or tables you are referring to etc.

Make sure your slides are short, no novels - just sat in a presentation the other day where I wondered why they hadn't just printed off the slides for us to read as that's what the presenter was doing. Really bad.

Obviously keep eye contact, try to speak freely (notes are OK) and all the usual.