Monday, July 7th, 2008 12:01 am by
jdmacor 
I am preparing for a very important job interview. This one isn’t my first interview by any means, but it is for a really good job for me (if it were my first, would I have any advice to give…?). To be fully prepared for the interview, I have a set of 5 go to essentials; and not just any essentials, but 5 P’s. And while you don’t need to bring the exact same kit that I do, I feel that many of these items and tips are useful.
Padfolio
A leather notebook is the most essential thing to bring with you on the interview. It will literally be your lifeline. Almost all of the rest of the 5 P’s will be stored in this handsome case. Always keep a notepad along with a couple of pens in here. Even a calculator may come in handy.
Pages of Notes
Exactly what kind of notes? Well, everything that you need for your interview, of course. These can include:
- Directions to the office
- Info about the company
- Questions you want to ask
- Answers to Common Interview Questions
And by the way, you can use the pages to take notes! Another tip, for when you are stumped, is to tell the interviewer that you are taking a note down; meanwhile, you will have time to think of a reply!
Personal Swag
Alright, now don’t go making pens and gift bags covered in your name to give to interviewers; that is borderline bribery. Instead, be sure to bring plenty of good clean copies of your masterpiece resume. The fact is that you have only 30 seconds to make an impression with you resume, so make sure it is bullet proof. Don’t forget to have some form of business card as well; although I wouldn’t go too crazy!
Professional Clothes
This is something that I feel is often overlooked. It is not just enough to wear a suit or the equivalent for a girl. It needs to be crisp, clean and well put together. Now, you don’t need to get a sweet Armani suit from Saks, but it is a good investment to take your older suit or clothes to a skilled tailor who can really get the fit right. And accessories do really matter; nothing too glitzy. A watch is all that a guy needs and for the ladies, a watch and a conservative earring and necklace set will do.
Personal Digital Assistant
PDA’s are essential for any serious business person. Combining calendars and contacts is a great enough feature, but now when you throw in email and phone calling, you have the ultimate scheduling and productivity machine. You will have a hard time forgetting where you interview is, or what the name of the interviewer is. Anything Blackberry or iPhone like will do. Of course, if that is too high tech for you, there is always the famous hipster PDA!
Bonus Essential: Thank You Cards
While sending a thank you card may not land you that dream job, it will help the interviewer remember you. And the main reason I use them is to build up my network. It will keep you fresh in the mind of the recipient and they will be more likely to call you if something opens up. The Simple Dollar has a great post telling when and how to write great thank you notes.
Do you have anything uniquw that you take to an interview? I would love to hear about it!
215 Responses to “ Interview Essentials: The 5 P’s ”
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I’d like to add one more P! Plesant manners. You may get just so far with the rest and it will be this 6th P that is the deciding factor between you and your closest competition.
I would add a good dose of humility. I have found having been both sides of the table at interviews that an ability to say, “I am sorry, I do not know the answer to that question, but am willing to find out” or some such honest answers are far more effective than bluffing one’s way out of difficult questions.
Another interesting idea is to find out how the company and its competitors market their products and suggest some ways to innovate on it if the opportunity presents itself. The fact that you have taken the pains to study this, leaves a great impression.
@Eva: You are right. My girlfriends parents were headhunters for years, and they gave me similar advice; namely, always be pleasant and grateful on the interview, without of course seeming too desperate or fake.
@Nicole: That is good to know. I am getting very nervous about my upcoming interview and I have been reading every possible question I can find, but I am sure they will find one that I struggle with. I will just have to be honest at that point!
I wish you all the best David. I know that it is easy to advise but difficult to follow, do not be nervous. Approach it as though you will win.
I hope you are successful too. At the same time remember that being a pleasant person and a good human being will always help you in life. It shouldn’t be a practised act for an interview but a way of life! Now I’ll quit the sermon.:) All the best!
Finding out how the company and its competitors market their products and suggest some ways to innovate on it if the opportunity presents itself is a good idea…
The 5 P’s are really interesting and important too.
I should recognize them more often.
Thank you for this great article.
The 5 Ps are really essential.
But I know, this is my problem.
I would be happy if it were more Ps-I have a use for 100 Ps so I will get successfull too
What happened David? Hope everything is alright with you and the interview went off well.
I got the job! I start in a week from Tuesday!!
Congratulations. I am very happy for you and quite relieved too. Here is wishing you all the very best in the new career. I hope that you will continue to blog though!
Congratulations on the job, seems like your five P’s worked then
These 5 P’s you’ve written about are really the essentials.
Thank you for this informative article, very good writing.
Thanks for the 5 Ps man. I just need a PDA now xD
I hope new job will not prevent writing new articles
I’ve been to more then 1 interview
I have to say you have some good advices, but I like to add that honesty is a weapon many people don’t use.
It’s expected from you to lie a bit, and by telling truth, you will surprise them and leave a different impression.
Oh, I see you got the job! Congratulations then!
Hope your job interview went well. You have some really good points in this post. Thanks!
What has happened David? We are in August and no posts from you? All well?
I hate interviews, it always make me nervous and when i get nervous i choke
Thanks for the post. I am actually in the process interviewing for a new job and these will come in handy!
This reminds me of the time that you went off all our radar for a couple of months earlier this year. What is happening David? I hope that it is just being too busy in the new job and nothing else. Hope to see you soon.
Hope the job interview went well. I had one recently and I could’ve used these, since I didn’t get the job!
One suggestion from years of being an interviewer - Please remember to remove your bluetooth headset!
Good luck to your interview! Break a leg.
Where are you David? It has been a looooooong time since you posted something! All well?
I am getting quite worried about your silence. Are you alright? The job treating you well?
David … hellloooooooooo … I guess the job is working out great.
I agree with Nicole, it has been many months since you posted. Did you get the job?
The 5 Ps were interesting to read.
You pointed out some important things which I will realize soon.
So thanks your your engagement.
I hardly prepare for an interview because that just makes me more nervous. So it’s better to just take it as it comes.
Thank you for this 5 P’s David
Hi David, how’s the job going? Have you quit this blog for good?
Is there any other site that you are working on or is the new job taking up too much of your time?
Thanks for this 5 very useful tips.
I think that those 5 P will help also for many other people who read them!
maybe throw in a bit of passion as well. it doesn’t hurt to show a little excitement about the company, i feel.
Congrats on getting the job!
You’ve provided some awesome advice here for job interviewers. I’ve done plenty of them in my time, and I really like the way you summed things up. And yes, don’t forget the Thank You notes.
Personal Swagger. This matters more than we think. They say most of our communication is non verbal. Your gestures and posture can send a message of confidence. The hiring manager want someone who is confident about his skills without being cocky.
Looks like you have abandoned this site.
mention if you have gone on to another blog please so that we may follow you…
And did you get the job David? We are eager to know…
I think that that is the first time I ever ran across the word PadFolio. I would say that it is a new mix. Also, the “P” theme here is quite memorable, and “Thank You Cards” are a surprise ending.
Good luck to your interview
good tips, i just try and stay calm
David, I think that main thing that you must well understand this business confidence. For example, so I went on interview and wanted to surprise them with my skills, and at once I was taken for work.
Your job interview suggestions are excellent, and I’m glad to hear that they paid off well for you.
Like other commentators, I’m curious to hear if you’re still posting here, or have you moved to another blog?
Even though these are basic principles, putting them into practise is what matters. Most interviewers always expect the best from each and every candidate that walks through the door. First impression matters with or without the 5 P’s.
Congrats .
You may not still be posting here but thought I’d add another P.
P for personality.
John
I think that the main task of the journalist is preparing sincere and interesting issues. Too many journalists do not know how to ask the right questions
For those ladies out there reading this, smart outfit with heels and pantyhose for professionals. UPS which is a global company has just started enforcing their dress code and doing away with casual attire. Me thinks more companies are bound to follow.
thanks for the good information that you shared.. many will learn with this! it helps!
Good luck, David!!!;-)
Good for you. Great interview.
I think interview could be more confidential as possibile. Good luck for your interview.
I must say all five tips are very impressive.
Thanks for sharing the 5P’s. Great interview.
Very impressing blog. well done. Thank you. :-))
I must say all the tips you have shared are very usefull and important.
Good tips. Can be at least useful. Thank you for that
If that were the magic combination to get a job …
you never know what they are looking for
Well I working in network marketing and I always observe that people I propose a business opportunity never pay attention on such simple things!
I offers mobile office services and I can confirm that the 5 P´s are very important for an interview.
You’re totally right that,that is true. Thanks
I agree all of you said about that.. thanks
yeah i think it is right :)I agree all of you said about
you can say that again. thanks
i dont agree this text. sorry
sorry for two post. i added new words
you never know what they are looking for
Tell me. Did you get a new job?
Do you mean it serious with that 5P´s? I think this should be normal to pay attention for such things. Who goes to a job interview and does not take care about his outfit?
I agree all of you said about Interview Essentials: The 5 P’s.
Thanks for the list of P’s. I would like to contribute the one from my side. It is patience and calmness inside.
thank you webmaster good blog
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love you
great post
All the tips are really very nice.
Thanks I really like it.
How about a 6th P: Pretty Full Tummy.
In the past, it’d seem like I’d always be pretty scatterbrain the morning of my interview. This often meant that I’d have to skip breakfast. And not having any breakfast bars to take on the go, I’d later find myself sitting in the interview and praying that my underfed tummy stayed quiet. lol.
Clearly, a pretty full tummy is key.
Many thanks for this. I know so many people said that already. Keep on doing like that…
All the tips are very unique and helpfull thanks.
very usefull informations..
Really very informative article worth bookmarking. Stumbled.
Quite interesting really. I wouldn’t have thought a leather notebook would be so important.
Useful post. Bookmarked. Thanks.
great post
Great Post.
Real Estate Investments
The stuff is very informative, I’ve got interested.
Hi , thank you for sharing the informations.
any news on the interview? success?
Hey,David,in the new year let’s discuss the new aspects of the situation.
Still no news from you … are you still blogging here?
Wish you all the best for your interview. Looks like you have covered most of the checklist for a good interview session.
Very good tips, and something to bear in mind during my job hunt. Been unemployed now for 6 months since being made redundant. Trust that to happen before the start of the recession! It’s making it even harder to find work now.
Quite interesting 5Ps you have described there. I wouldn’t have thought some of them were so important.
Many people are getting during this bad phase of recession. An interesting read for all those looking for a job.
The 5 P’s are really somethings. Thanks. Very usefull informations that I will use in near future.Good tips and good post.
Thank
thanks
thanls
@Free Ipod I agree with you about gating a job at this times.
Still no news from you … are you still blogging here?
Thanks for thee tips davi !!
I love Armani suits..
Seth Godin had a great blog post about how an interview is the “you show.” I agree. The interview is your show. Show you are a good fit. Show your verbal communication skills. Show your passion. Show your confidence. Show that personal swagger
i like the last P, but i still don’t have money to buy PDA.
i hope someone will give me free..
thanks.
thank you for sharing
Great advice! You don’t know it yet, but you might be saving my life ! I will be going for my first job interview in a few days and quite frankly, I am a bit nervous.
I was hoping to rely on my personal charm, but now that I know how to back it up with some real advice, I feel confident.
Thank you!
This is truly innovative and insightful information- thanks a lot for the post.
Really great advice. I always say one can never look too professional. Thanks for putting adequate emphasis on this as I believe this is the key to success.
I will try your advice above guys
Thanks for the tips given. They are very useful. Good luck for the interview.
Really an interesting and informative Post,it is a type of post which I was searching since long. thanks for a good article.
thank you
Awesome article - concise and correct. Really article is is informative I would like to thank the author for shearing the information.
Good to read a thread where advice is given, followed and the result is positive, I will certainly use the 5 p’s
Thanks for the post. What do you all think of the future of blogging? I have been reading a lot about google’s attempt to gain preferential treatment for its site from internet providers. This will result in their sites being faster than sites owned by individuals and/or smaller comapnies. It’s my beleif that if google is able to succeed there will be far less websites out there and therefore far less blogging.
Your article is so right! I’ll make sure I’ll follow this to the detail when I apply for my next job.
Wonderful article. Thanks for the great advice that will definitely be useful in some stressful up-coming interviews!
Great tips. A thank you card??? Wow, I’ve never ever thought of that before. Thank you for that one, I’ll give it a go on my next interview.
What do you all think of the future of blogging? I have been reading a lot about google’s attempt to gain preferential treatment for its site from internet providers.
Great post.
But in my opinion,
Its not important what do you tell on interview its important how you do it..
Ever heard about NLP? Its minb blowing discovery..
Good tips for interviews. Thanks.
This are pretty unique tips. I love the PDA tip the most.
Great tips and insight
Wonerful article that will definitely assist
Blogging is fast becoming an essential part of any business, keeping your customers is absolutely key in any marketplace.
i was think about giving advice but i noticed that you already get the job , good for you .
The key to good a good interview is good research, valid questioning and the abilty to demonstrate you will be a valuable asset to the company.
Nice Tip fo Interview.Thanks
Always remember to do adequate research about the company you are applying for.
tskler canlarim
mirc indir
Good clothes are the most important thing. If you’re not looking proffessionaly noone will take you seriously. Unless it’s a job interview for wendy’s you need to look good.
About the Professional Clothes, I think its a good idea to get a custom suit that is tailored to your needs. I think this is often overlooked, and people usually wind up in suits that are too big for them, and it makes the whole point of wearing a suit go bad.
Hello! I am from Belarus. Therefore, I am sorry for my bad English.
I have been reading your project jdavidmacor.com via translate.google.com. Now I want to help you. … Yesterday, I learned that you have the plugin, which is a serious error. Plugin - Top Commentators Widget. Error in plugin allows any user to take a place in the list of active commentators. To do this, leave only 1 comment! To this end, the visitor must:
1. leave a comment
2. specify any name that is already in the LIST Top Commentators (eg, Calabria Property),
3. link to your site
Now the list of Top Commentators, under the name Calabria Property will be a link on someone else’s site.
Detailed, I described here - http://www.vse-ok.com/2009/03/17/bag-v-plagine-top-commentators-widget-dayot-eshhyo-odnu-lazejku-dlya-optimizatorov
Nice blog… great article… Must be bookmarked…
@ CPU It’s nice to see someone offering to help.
@CPU i checked the widget or the plugin and didn’t notice anything wrong , maybe it was error appeared to you , i see much bloggers use it and no problem .
I have never written anything about a company beforehand. After reading the tips, I need to study the company before I go for interview. I’m also a very shy person so even if I perfect the 5 P’s, I still have trouble with shyness.
Congratulations,I am happy for you.
Great tips, Congratulations.!!
Thaaaaaanks.
Great post. I hope you do good at the interview! Best of luck!
Congrats David !!
Another think is be frank and do not ever try to speak about something which you do not know. It’s always better to say I dont know or I’m not sure..
@CPU that is a commonly known exploit, but it is what it is. Those that use it, usually get caught.
All about the swag baby!
@Used tires - that’s an automated comment, I’m seeing it verbatim on a whole pile of blogs.
David,
I find by researching the company and coming up with 5-10 really solid questions to ask them, it takes the pressure off immensely. Use the interview process to interview them and see if they are right for you (or you want to “hire” them so-to-speak).
This change of mindset empowers you and exudes confidence that the potential employer certainly picks up on.
@ Andrew Power - you’re right, especially if you’ve done your research and can show some solid knowlege of the company.
Good clothes are the most important thing. If you’re not looking professionally no one will take you seriously. Always know the company inside out,. it does help.
Ok, i’ve also Tips for answering 50 questions list for Job Interview. This is the link : http://rijal28.wordpress.com/2008/10/15/50-pertanyaan-pada-interview-kerja/
Well… did you get the job? I take it you did since you dont seem to have time to post anymore
hey Kampanye Damai Pemilu, thanks for that link, interesting read!
I’m with Toronto House Cleaning, that’s a good read!
Thanks Affordable Airline Tickets!
Oops, screwed up my name in the comment above
Nice entry, I love the fact that you called it Personal Swag…
Seriously, what does a pda have to do with your interview going well? Meh.
-Bill
Very good information.
What has worked for me on top of this is definitely to research and know about the company, be yourself, don’t try to impress, don’t be a smart ass, be prepared as in the post and ask questions.
-Mark
you’re right, especially if you’ve done your research and can show some solid knowlege of the company.
I am totally agree with the post, If you have some thing speical than no body can stop you.
Always look your best no matter what position you are trying to get! That shows what kind of person you are! After you get the position, then you can dress down!
Great writing, well-done! This is very informative, fresh, and somehow can inspire my project.
Use the interview process to interview them and see if they are right for you.
Thanks for the tips
It is really very nice
i am have been working as web page developer for past 3 yrs and havent dealt with ado.net concept and many other stuffs .. now looking for change so please wats the subjects i need to brush up look confident than making fool of myself ..
I am going for my first job interview next week, and I really want the job. It’s at a place that sells cookies and drinks. What do you think the employer would be looking for?
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IndyCar Series Driver Danica Patrick talks about modeling for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
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I have passed the entrance written test at igrua. I have to prepare for the Wombat and interview now. Can anyone give me an idea of the kind of questions that i should be prepared for at the interview? would really appreciate if people could please share their interview experiences with me.
I think most of the people on here are in the US or maybe the UK. Not sure anyone here would have ever heard of a flight training center in India.
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You guy’s heard it’s some accident happened in Mike Tyson family pure guy, his so great and popular , even he do a lot of crazy things he didn’t deserve it . I’m a big fan of his - we should pray for him.
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5 P’s are really interesting..I really liked the way you explained.
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It is really very great post.
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Don’t be intimidated! That’s key to having a great interview.
Just cause the employer looks mean doesn’t mean he/she actually is.
Get comfortable and don’t treat it like a live or die situation.
great I like it.
I think the notes are very important as they wil epscially ask you about how much you know about the company. If you come out with load of information it will speak volumes about yourself
Taking Interview of any one while Well known personality or common your 5Ps very important.
Good post about interview essentials. All points are most important.
first I congratulate for your site, I have enjoyed your site in a general look. I wish for continuance of your success
Magnificent post. Has real pleasure reading it. Thank you.
Do all the things that “one real” said and add this. Don’t show up on time, show up early. ALWAYS. No more than 30 mins and no less than 15 mins. Make sure you are talking to someone, even if it the receptionist no later than 15 mins before you are scheduled.
Professional clothes are a must, some great tips here David, thanks.
I have ever been interviewed for several times. And I used to get the job when I could pass the interview well.
Professional clothes is a must if you expect to be respected. All your other tips are very important as well.
If you’re not looking proffessionaly noone will take you seriously.
Deadly required your essentials “5 P’s”. defiantly no one less important than other need profession clothes, Portfolio, Notes, PDA, need to generate fully professional image of interviewer.
sometimes we have to practice to do all of the tips above..
so they’ll come naturally
saol Lan.
saoLas?n
üh artiSt.
thnX admin
Mine are: practice, practice, practice, practice, practice!! Honestly, you can’t practice enough. Get used to being interview and when an important interview comes around you wont have any nerves. So yup, I’m saying go to interviews regularly just to get used to them!
Great to hear you got the job David, congrats!
Thank you for the in-depth tips as well, I have a job interview coming up this Friday, eehhh! But I should be a little more prepared cause of your article, thanks again.
What a great post, thanks David. This is so important in our tough economic times, with jobs being so hard to get. Also I am glad to hear you got the job after all.
PS: Update us on how it is going as well!
Nice interveiw thanks yeah
The 5 P’s are really somethings. Thanks. Very usefull informations that I will use in near future.Good tips and good post.
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I think you need to add the 6th P (Personal Driver) to drive you where ever you wanna go in the city to attend job interview, hehehehehehe…
Very comprehensive tips for an interview, would never had thought of the thankyou card, but would imagine they’re quite effective.
Great news you got the job David, Congrats!
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Great I really like your this work.