Use of Visual Aids in a job interview

melon_collie

I am awaiting to be called for a job interview in January 2014. I am an engineer and sometimes it can be difficult to describe the technical aspects of my experience to a less technical interview panel. Would it be out of the question to use visual aids in a job interview situation. The use of 1 or 2 could really help me convey to the panel the technical aspects of a couple of the larger projects that I have worked on.

Ray Palmer

Unless they expect a presentation I would think it odd behaviour. Drawing a diagram in the interview can be acceptable. Part of technical jobs often involves being able to talk to non-techies. You don't want to illustrate you are poor at this and that would be how I would take it if you required a prepared visual diagram for an interview.

godtabh

I always bring examples of projects with me to interviews. I use it as a prompt and offer it to the interviewer to clarify points etc. Works very handy

beauf

Same here, little A4 portfolio with project work.

WildCardDoW

Yeah, I remember going to my first interview and really struggling to explain certain things without waving my hands magically around! Although I've never been interviewed by a non-tech person and had to go into great detail, it's when it's the other techies that it can get rough! :P

Portfolio is a good idea with pre-drawn diagrams etc. that you can then explain to illustrate your ideas/experience.

camel jockey

OP, should you be trying to explain the technical aspects to non technical interview panel? I guess it depends on the context, are they asking questions that require technical questions?


Also I'm assuming 'less technical' means non-technical, otherwise it might come across as a bit arrogant.

hmmm

Just be careful not to give away any corporate secrets from a previous employer. That wouldn't reflect well on you.