16 Things To Bring To An Interview
You’ve done it, you’ve landed an interview at your dream job!
You’re excited, a little nervous, and may be wondering what you should bring to the interview with you.
In-addition to bringing great energy, you should never go to an interview empty-handed!
An in-person interview is your best shot at landing the job.
You’re given the opportunity to meet with the hiring manager and the team and to see the office.
But you need to prepare before the interview in order to nail it and give it your best shot.
There are a number of items you should bring with you to appear more professional and to be as prepared as possible.
Once the in-person interview is confirmed, you should prepare the following items to bring with you.
Being prepared for the interview is just as important as what’s on your resume and you should gather the following items if you want to appear organized and make a great first impression.
Multiple Copies of Your Resume
It is paramount that you bring multiple copies of your resume with you to the interview.
You’ll likely be meeting with the hiring manager, but don’t assume that there won’t be other people from the company looking to interview you and meet you.
Having multiple copies of your resume ensures that everyone interviewing you can receive a copy.
In addition, it is better to be safe than sorry.
If you spill or accidentally rip one copy of your resume, you can simply pull out another one.
We recommend printing your resume on resume paper to make a great first impression.
A Professional Folder
You’ve printed multiple resumes correct?
Where are you planning on keeping those resumes?
Your best bet is to bring a folder with you with your resume and other important papers in.
Ideally, you want to use a professional folder.
A Professional Bag
So, now you have your resumes printed on resume paper, housed in a professional folder, correct?
Good.
Now, put that professional folder into a professional bag.
You want to enter the interview with a nice, professional, clean bag.
The bag should be easily accessible, and you should be able to quickly grab the folder out from it.
You can find great recommendations for professional bags for women and for men.
Business Cards
Ideally, your resume will have information on how to contact you, including your personal number and email address.
However, it doesn’t hurt to bring business cards.
Business cards are easy to hold and to hand-out and will reinforce the information on your resume.
A Professional Pen
You should bring a pen with you if you need to take any notes or sign any documents.
While you don’t want to be hunched over writing the entire interview, you never know if you need to quickly jot something down.
A Professional Notebook
Similarly, you want to jot down any thoughts, ideas, or questions on a professional notebook.
Bringing a notebook with you to the interview can save you from any embarrassment if you do need to write something down.
In addition, having a notebook with you is a great way to have your list of questions and notes already written down for you.
Take notes before the interview on what you would like to ask the interviewer and any findings you may have found that you would like to bring up.
Over The Counter Medication
A surprise to be sure, but you should always carry some over the counter medication with you.
Whether it’s to relieve a headache or a stomachache, you should be prepared by bringing some with you.
If you do get a headache or stomachache, you should inconspicuously take some before meeting with the interviewer.
Breath Mints or Gum
You’ll want to make sure that your breath is fresh and clean before meeting with interviewer.
Nothing can kill the mood of the interview faster than bad breath.
Be sure to use a breath mint or gum before meeting with the interviewer.
You should dispose of the breath mint or gum before meeting with the interviewer.
Perfume or Cologne
Keeping on the same theme, not only should your breath be fresh and clean, but you will want to make sure that you smell good.
Keeping a small bottle of perfume or cologne in your car or your bag can help you smell fresh before meeting with the interviewer.
A few spritzes is perfect.
You don’t want to douse yourself in perfume or cologne.
Deodorant
Keeping the theme of hygiene going, you should bring a travel sized deodorant with you.
Use the deodorant quickly and inconspicuously before meeting with the interviewer.
Identification
You may be asked to show government identification, either to enter the building or when speaking to reception.
Bring two forms of identification with you.
While it may not be asked or needed, it is better to bring along.
A List of References
While most interviewers won’t ask for a list of references, some may.
You should compile a list of professional and personal references beforehand.
These references should be people that you trust and have worked with.
In addition, you should confirm with these individuals that they would be open to having you use them for a reference.
Never assume that anyone would be willing to be a reference.
It is more professional and more polite to ask beforehand.
Directions On How To Get To The Interview
In this age of Google and Apple maps, it’s easy to assume that the directions will be available when you need it.
However, you should always do your homework beforehand and input the address in your map service of choice.
Make sure you know how to get there and what your travel plans are.
If you have trouble finding the location, it is much better to ask a few days before the day of the interview.
Questions For The Interviewer
Preparation is the name of the game here.
Before your interview, jot down a list of questions that you would like to ask the interviewer.
These should be common, as well as pointed, job specific questions.
By preparing your questions before the interview, you avoid the embarrassment of not having any questions available.
The Name of The Interviewer’s
Before your interview, review the list of interviewers’ you will be meeting with.
Feel free to check-out their LinkedIn profiles and put a “name to a face”.
This will help you feel more comfortable and allow you to prepare your questions for your specific audience.
Work Samples and/or Professional Work
If you’re interviewing for a more creative position, you should bring work and professional samples with you.
These samples can be used to showcase your previous work and shows the interviewer that you’re prepared for the interview.
