What are the six Ps of an interview?

Excelling in an interview involves mastering various aspects that collectively create a positive and memorable impression on your potential employer. One effective framework to guide your preparation and performance is the Six Ps of Interview Success. This model focuses on six key areas: Preparation, Presentation, Punctuality, Positivity, Professionalism, and Post-Interview Follow-Up. Mastering each of these elements can significantly enhance your interview performance and increase your chances of securing the desired role.

1. Preparation

a. Research the Company

• Understand the Mission and Values: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission statement, core values, products, services, and recent achievements. This knowledge allows you to tailor your responses to align with the organization's goals.
• Know the Industry and Competitors: Gain insights into the company's position within its industry, including key competitors and market trends.

b. Analyze the Job Description

• Identify Key Requirements: Highlight the essential skills, experiences, and qualifications the employer is seeking.
• Match Your Skills: Prepare examples from your background that demonstrate how you meet or exceed these requirements.

c. Prepare Your Narrative

• Elevator Pitch: Develop a concise and compelling summary of who you are, your professional background, and what you bring to the role.
• STAR Method: Practice structuring your answers using the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) framework to provide clear and impactful responses to behavioral questions.

2. Presentation

a. Dress Appropriately

• Match the Company’s Dress Code: Whether it's business formal, business casual, or casual, ensure your attire aligns with the company's culture.
• Grooming: Maintain neat hair, minimal and professional accessories, and an overall tidy appearance.

b. Body Language

• Maintain Eye Contact: Shows confidence and engagement.
• Firm Handshake: Conveys professionalism and confidence (if culturally appropriate).
• Open Posture: Sit or stand with an open posture, avoiding crossed arms or slouching.
• Genuine Smile: Reflects friendliness and approachability.

c. Clear Communication

• Articulate Thoughtfully: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace to ensure your ideas are easily understood.
• Conciseness: Be direct and avoid rambling. Focus on delivering relevant information succinctly.

3. Punctuality

a. Arrive On Time

• In-Person Interviews: Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early.
• Virtual Interviews: Test your technology in advance and log in a few minutes early to address any technical issues.

b. Plan Ahead

• Know the Location: Familiarize yourself with the interview location to avoid delays.
• Prepare Documents: Have multiple copies of your resume, portfolio, and any other required documents ready.

4. Positivity

a. Positive Attitude

• Show Enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the role and the company.
• Upbeat Demeanor: Maintain an optimistic and energetic attitude throughout the interview.

b. Handle Challenges Gracefully

• Discussing Weaknesses or Failures: Focus on what you learned and how you overcame the challenges rather than dwelling on the negatives.
• Problem-Solving Examples: Highlight instances where you turned challenges into opportunities for growth.

c. Express Gratitude

• Thank the Interviewer: Show appreciation for their time and the opportunity to interview.
• Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email after the interview to reinforce your interest and professionalism.

5. Professionalism

a. Respect and Courtesy

• Polite Interactions: Be courteous to everyone you meet, from the receptionist to the interviewer.
• Professional Language: Use appropriate language and avoid slang or overly casual phrases.

b. Ethical Behavior

• Honesty: Answer questions truthfully and avoid exaggerating your qualifications or experiences.
• Integrity: Demonstrate ethical standards through your responses and demeanor.

c. Follow-Up Appropriately

• Thank-You Email: Within 24 hours of the interview, send a personalized thank-you note reiterating your interest and summarizing how your skills align with the role.
• Polite Inquiries: If you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe, send a polite follow-up email to inquire about your application status.

6. Post-Interview Follow-Up

a. Send a Thank-You Email

• Timing: Send it within 24 hours of the interview.
• Content: Reiterate your interest, summarize how your skills align with the role, and express gratitude for the opportunity.

b. Reflect on Your Performance

• Self-Assessment: Evaluate what went well and identify areas for improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: Use this reflection to enhance your performance in future interviews.

c. Stay Engaged

• Follow Up: If appropriate, send a follow-up email after a week or two to inquire about the status of your application, reaffirming your interest in the position.

Conclusion

Excelling in an interview using the Six Ps framework—Preparation, Presentation, Punctuality, Positivity, Professionalism, and Post-Interview Follow-Up—can significantly enhance your chances of success. By thoroughly preparing, presenting yourself confidently, being punctual, maintaining a positive demeanor, demonstrating professionalism, and following up appropriately, you can leave a strong and lasting impression on your potential employer.

By integrating these principles into your interview strategy, you can effectively showcase your qualifications and suitability for the role, positioning yourself as a standout candidate.