Panel/Presentation Job Interview - Ok to bring notes?

[Anonymous]

I have a job interview where several members of the management team (all very senior including the CEO and CFO) will be listening to me make a presentation.

Is it fine if I bring a print out of my powerpoint slides but printed in notes view (which essentially contains my speech). I tried ad-libbing but I end up missing a lot of salient points. It would give me more comfort to see the notes there and see key words pop out of the page (but of course I will try not to read it like a script).

I just don't want to leave a bad impression but also don't want to sound like I didn't research....

[Anonymous]

It’s fine.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely fine. But, are you sure that printing the notes section is the best way to go? Depending on how detailed they are I’d be concerned that you would end up basically reading them aloud. Personally I use old school index cards with just a few large words to remind me of the salient points. I can scan it in seconds to make sure I’ve covered everything.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Yep

Good luck

[Anonymous]

Yes, just make sure it’s all neat and looks professional.

[Anonymous]

What matters more than the notes is how you USE the notes. Are you reading straight from the print outs and not looking up to make eye contact? Do you quickly glance down a couple times during some transitions to make sure you hit the important points before you move on?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a job interview where several members of the management team (all very senior including the CEO and CFO) will be listening to me make a presentation.

Is it fine if I bring a print out of my powerpoint slides but printed in notes view (which essentially contains my speech). I tried ad-libbing but I end up missing a lot of salient points. It would give me more comfort to see the notes there and see key words pop out of the page (but of course I will try not to read it like a script).

I just don't want to leave a bad impression but also don't want to sound like I didn't research....

I am in a field where much of my work involves giving presentations and I strongly suggest you practice more and forget the notes. People will notice you looking down and reading, even if you think it’s discrete. Write down the main ideas for yourself and practice until you can remember them.