Interviews with a software company for a position as a sales executive

Hello, hope u can give me some pointers. I have been invited back for a second round of interviews with a software company for a position as a sales executive.

I have been asked to do a 10 to 15 minute presentation to the board on a software package focussing on the product and its rivals in the market. Problem is i have never sold or used this software and have done presentations but not used aids like power-point and it is required by the company.

Can you suggest a structure for my presentation? Do u perhaps have a templet i can work on? How much time to spend on the product and how much on the competition etc.

Would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

It sounds like you have a tough assignment. Start blocking out some considerable time in your diary. This will probably mean canceling a few visits and some social activities.

I would suggest that you spend your available time in three ways. Split your time into thirds - let's assume that you have the presentation in 6 days. Divide these stages into three sections

1. Research the software and the competition

Trawl through Google, particularly looking at message boards. Don't give up if you can't find things on the first ten pages - just keep looking. It will probably be there somewhere. The Google advanced search could be useful. Try searching for PowerPoint presentations. You may find a few ready made slides.

Also try phoning anyone you know who may know the software - their customers, resellers anyone who could give you a few pointers.

2. Put together your power point presentation.

The template does not matter as much as the images that you use. Google image search could help you to locate some images or logos (although always make sure that you have the permission of the copyright owners).

In terms of structure start with the software and maybe a SWOT analysis. Strength Weakness Opportunity Threats - although with limited time suggest that you go with strengths and weaknesses. Go easy on the weaknesses of the company you are presenting to. Try to limit number of competitors - pick the top three. Spend 50% on their product and 50% on the competition. Go easy on the bullet points - use pictures, logos tables graphs etc.

Am I right in assuming that you have told them you do not know too much about this software type? If so tell them at the beginning of the presentation and demonstrate how quickly you can pick things up and how eager you are to learn.

3. Rehearse

Spend one third of your time in rehearsal practicing what you say. Say it out loud at least four times - one of which should be in front of a real audience - friends, partner, colleagues spouse, kids, parents. The scarier the audience the better.

This is the one section that you should really spend your time on.

I hope that this helps

Good luck - and please let me know how you get one

Kind regards

Over and over again, until you know the subject inside out.
Be ready for questions!

tony verdigi