What Should I Bring To An Interview

Using Notes Taken On Your Cellphone

It can also be highly inappropriate to rely on notes that you have taken on your cellphone or another device. Taking out your phone every time you need to prompt yourself with answers can distract both you and the interviewer and can take away from conducting a genuine conversation. Additionally, using your cellphone even for referring to notes can make it seem like an interruption to the interview and risk your chances of being hired.

Read more:21 Job Interview Tips: How to Make a Great Impression

Twin Pocket Folders By Oxford

You want to impress but dont want to break the bank? Simply choose your signature color from Oxfords twin pocket folders line-up and youre guaranteed to be a smashing success. This folder has two large pockets for your resume or work samples. Theres even a business card window on the inside. Its textured exterior gives it a deluxe look that is professional without busting your budget.

Remember The Interview Starts As Soon As You Leave The House

The interview starts long before you shake hands and sit down around the table. You never know who you might bump into as you get off your bus or train , or enter the companys building for all you know, your interviewer could be in the same coffee-bar queue as you. So make sure you project a friendly, confident, professional air from the moment you set off.

Doubtless youll have made sure you arrive early. Give yourself time to have a comfort break and make sure youre hydrated. Make conversation with the receptionist, switch off your phone and take in your surroundings you might notice something that will make a useful small-talk topic later. Dont try and cram in any last-minute facts you want to come across as calm and organised, not flustered and under-prepared.

Read Also: What To Ask A Cfo In An Interview

What Are 5 Things To Bring To An Interview

5 Essential Items to Bring to an Interview

• Copies of your résumé You should always arrive at an interview with several printed copies of your résumé. …
• A pen and notepad. There are many reasons it’s a good idea to bring a pen and notebook with you to an interview. …
• Directions and contact information. …

Use Notes For Talking Points

If you have a list of specific talking points that you want to discuss during your interview, it can also be acceptable to bring these with you. For instance, if you found out that the company you are interviewing with has a specific tech problem that you can solve, you might write that down to refer to when talking with the interviewer.

These types of notes can be beneficial because it can show that not only have you done your research but that you have taken initiative to identify ways that you can help the company. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the job as well as your preparation.

Don’t Miss: Preparing For System Design Interview

Address And Contact Details For Interview

Make sure you have a written copy of all of the interview details, including the company address, the person youre meeting with, and the time of the interview.

Make sure you have a contact number as well, in case you happen to get lost or youre running late.

Even if its saved on your phone, a hard copy is useful as a back-up.

Can I Bring A Backpack To An Interview

If you are an employer, does it really matter to you if job applicants bring a backpack with them?

In one word, it wouldnt be an issue, as long as the applicant behaves decently.

But, if the applicant portrays him/herself as awkward, and the backpack is the reason for it, then its objectionable.

One of the non-academic questions that job seekers ask is, can I bring a backpack to an interview?

Its totally fine if you take a backpack with you on an interview.

But, the fact is, what type of backpack you will be carrying with you.

You May Like: Cfo Interview

When Should You Avoid Bringing Notes To An Interview

Bringing notes with you to an interview can also be inappropriate in certain situations. For instance, if you have a list of all the answers you plan to address the interviewer’s questions with, it can be a good idea to leave those at home. Relying too heavily on notes like these can actually make you seem unprepared and that you haven’t researched the job details or the company. There are several other situations where it can be inappropriate to bring notes with you to an interview, and some scenarios include:

• Relying on notes to answer interview questions

• Using notes in a behavioral interview

• Bringing notes to a situational interview

• Using notes taken on your cellphone

Take Notes During An Interview

It can also be perfectly acceptable to take notes during an interview. If you are thinking about doing this, you might want to double-check with the interviewer as you arrive at your meeting that it is okay for you to take notes during your conversation. This can also show your motivation to learn about what will be expected of you if you are hired as well as your ability to recognize when you need more information.

Learn more:How to Prepare for an Interview

Also Check: What To Wear For An Interview Women

Peppermint Breath Mints By Altoids

Sometimes people who get nervous experience dry-mouth. Dont let dry-mouth and bad breath get you down, especially when it counts. Altoids are the curiously strong breath mint and a best-seller for a reason. This little tin slips easily into a pocket or purse, and the mints will keep your breath fresh before your interview. Never let them see you sweat. Keeping your breath fresh is sure to boost your confidence and ace that interview.

So if youve been wondering what to bring to a job interviewnow you know! We hope these aids help you out.

Good luck on your interview.

Use College Raptor to discover personalized college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid for schools around the USfor FREE!

Ask The Interviewer Questions

It is acceptable to bring notes with you to an interview if the notes contain the questions you plan to ask your interviewer. You might also include questions about the company that you were unable to answer from your research. Showing up to your interview prepared with questions can show that you are eager and motivated to learn about the position and the company. This can actually increase your chances of being contacted for the next steps in the hiring process.

Recommended Reading: System Design Interview Prep

Resume Portfolio Folder By Stylio

Coming in prepared will earn you extra kudos. This portfolio can help with that. It has numerous pockets to hold business cards, your resume, a notepad, and even spots for paper work samples. It even comes with a downloadable job interview guide so you can look, feel, and perform your best at your interview. The black matte finish gives this resume portfolio folder a sleek, professional look.

Is It Okay To Carry A Backpack To An Interview

A backpack to an interview can ruin your impression or can make the employer impress, its pretty much one or another. The suggestion would be that you give priority to the interview and try to avoid carrying a backpack that has nothing to do with documents and stuff that you will need in the interview board.

But, if you have to carry one, make sure you carry the right one that compliments your attitude, looks, and overall impression.

Recommended Reading: Top 10 Behavioral Questions

A Portfolio Of Your Past Work

It can also be beneficial to bring a portfolio with you if it showcases your skills and work experience. For instance, a graphic designer might bring a work portfolio to a job interview as evidence of their skills and expertise. Bringing your portfolio can also show your interviewer that you are motivated and excited to share your accomplishments with the company.

What Not To Do:

I once heard someone standing outside our building, smoking furiously and complaining loudly on their phone about the early start time of their meeting and wondering aloud why they were even there. When I got to my next interview, I realised to my dismay the noisy moaner was my next candidate! Not a great start

Don’t Miss: Interview Attire Womens

Examples Of Your Work

Fact: employers love candidates who can prove their skills with real examples.

And whats the best way to do that? Aside from backing up your abilities on your CV, you can also bring examples of your work into an interview.

Of course, this wont work for every industry, but could be an essential requirement for those looking for work in the media, digital, or creative fields in particular.

Possible examples could include anything from your university dissertation, essays, or any other form of written prose , to design, fashion, or architecture portfolios.

And if youre looking to break into an industry with little work experience, providing examples of how youve gained the required skills and abilities outside of work can be a great way to stand out.

Relying On Notes To Answer Interview Questions

It can be perfectly fine to arrive at your interview with a list of questions you plan to ask or some highlights from your resume, however, relying on notes to answer your interview questions can make you look unprepared and unprofessional. Interviews serve as discussions and interactions to gauge a candidate’s qualifications for the job, and your interview should be treated as a two-way conversation. When you rely too much on your notes for answering interview questions, you can become distracted from building a genuine connection with the interviewer through your natural conversation.

You May Like: Interview Attire Women

Copies Of Your Resume & Cover Letter

Always be prepared. Just because you already sent them your resume and cover letter doesnt mean you shouldnt bring your own copy.

Why 5 copies?

Just in case. You could be a part of a group interview, say if the HR representative brings in your future supervisor and the team youll be working with. Its best practice to be able to hand them each a copy of your cover letter and resume so they wont disrupt your meeting to go print it out.

This holds true whether youre going to an internship interview or standard job interview.

Related Read: Resume Sections: 10+ Things to Include on a Resume to Land Interviews

How Do You Prepare For A Job Interview

• Read carefully all information given to you in advance. Make sure you understand what it means and what you have to do its a simple way to show you take instructions well.
• Practise how you might answer these popular interview questions below we have some tips to help you.
• Research the company/organisation. Make sure you have a solid grasp of what they do, any key developments or news about them , and perhaps a little about their history or background. In fact, this can help you when asked about why you want to work there specifically.

Also Check: What To Ask A Cfo In An Interview

How Do You Answer Tell Me About Yourself

A Simple Formula for Answering Tell Me About Yourself

Why Do You Want to Work Here?

When Is It Appropriate To Bring Notes To An Interview

There are times when it is appropriate to bring notes with you to an interview. If you have a list of questions to ask the interviewer or a few extra highlights about your skills or experience, these can often be perfectly fine to bring with you. Additionally, it can be a good idea to bring an extra copy or two of your resume or CV to an interview.

Essentially, the appropriateness of having your notes with you can depend on the interviewer you are meeting with, however, the following information can serve as a guideline for bringing notes with you to your interview, including when you:

• Ask the interviewer questions

• Provide a copy of your resume

• Use notes for talking points

• Ask questions about the job

• Take notes during an interview

Recommended Reading: Mailscoop Io

Preparing For A Job Interview

To prepare for a job interview, you should do the following:

• Work Attire. Make sure your appearance is neat and clean. Dress appropriately for the interview by wearing professional work attire such as a skirt or pantsuit and close-toed shoes. Accessories such as handbags, ties, and belts should be conservative.
• Directions. If you’re not sure where you’re going, bring directions and any instructions the hiring manager may have given you. Also, if one was sent, bring an email confirmation of the appointment. Determine how long your commute will take either by viewing a map application such as Google maps, or a train or bus schedule. Allow 30 minutes extra travel time for any unforeseen delays, as you want to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early.
• Research the Company. Make sure you become acquainted with your prospective employer prior to the interview, as you may be asked questions about your familiarity with their business. Many company websites have an “About” section that provides information on a company’s history as well as its beliefs and goals.
• List of Questions. Have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer if they invite questions at the end of the interview. You can also ask additional questions based on the conversation, which demonstrates good listening and comprehension skills.

Putting It All Together

Hopefully you now have a good sense of how to become an interview-destroying urban scout!

There is no magic bag. There is no secret technology.

Like so many things, it is all about knowledge, planning and commitment to excellence. Now go get that job, you notebook-toting, tissue-offering, water-drinking interview ninja!

Don’t Miss: Questions To Ask A Cfo

Examples From Your Career Story

Memorizing every possible answer to every possible interview question and behavioral question that might come your way could drive you full-on nuts, and it may also put you at risk for coming across as robotic and disconnected.

Instead, consider thinking about how youd weave examples from your career story around common questions like, Tell me about a time when you disappointed a client, Whats your greatest weakness?, or Describe a stressful situation you had with a colleague, and how you handled it.

You might even jot a few notes down in that notepad you brought along to refer to later. Youre heading into that interview with the expectation that it will be a genuine, engaging conversation. Its mighty hard to pull this off if youre madly searching your recall for the perfectly memorized response for every question.

What Should I Bring To An Interview

Preparation is the key to success, so what should you take with you when you are going for an interview?

Details of the interview:

Make sure you have with you the full details of who you are meeting, their job title, the company name and address and the time of the interview. Double check all details people get this wrong so often which does not look good and can be the difference better success and failure.

Sustenance:

Interviews require concentration. Make sure you have eaten before going for an interview so your energy is up. Try not to eat chocolate as it can dry your mouth out. High levels of sugar have been known to damage concentration so if you are affected in this way avoid sugary foods. A banana is quick to eat, easy to carry and can give you the spurt of energy needed to get you though the interview. Eat it 10 minutes before the interview starts. Have a bottle of plain water so you are hydrated and your mouth isnt dry during the interview. If the interview panel offers you water, take it. If they have not provided water and you feel you will need some, take out your own bottle so you can access it if/when required.

Weather protection:

Bring a few copies of your CV and cover letter:

General Items:

You May Like: Questions To Ask Cfo During Interview

An Assortment Of Emergency Items

If youve been reading our ongoing Career Quest comics series , you know that a lot of things can go wrong during a job interview. The last thing you want is to sweat over some minor issue like a stuffed nose as you are about to walk into the room.

Thats why its always worth keeping the following items in your interview bag:

• Water
• A change pair of tights
• Makeup and makeup tissues

Is My Backpack Too Big To Bring To An Interview

The size of the backpack you use for your interview should be proportional and appropriate for your torso size. Not only will it look good on you, but it also ensures youre comfortable.

To get the right measurement, have a friend with you and a measuring tape. Stand upright, chin to chest, and ask your friend to help you find your C7 vertebra, which is the most protruding point at the base of the neck. It also sticks out more than other parts of the vertebra. This point is where the measurements will start.

Extra-small or mini backpacks are around 14 to 15 inches from the C7, and are usually designed for women. Small backpacks are 16 to 17 inches, medium are 18 to 19 inches, and large backpacks are 20 to 22 inches.

Also Check: What Should Females Wear To A Job Interview