Monday, July 7th, 2008 12:01 am by
J David 
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!
42 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…