Interview Essentials: The 5 P's
post a comment | posted Jul 7
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.
type="text/javascript">
var pubId=1448;
var siteId=1449;
var kadId=6182;
var kadwidth=336;
var kadheight=280;
var kadtype=1;
>
type="text/javascript" src="http://ads.pubmatic.com/AdServer/js/showad.js">
>
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!