What to Bring to an Interview: Twelve Must-Haves
Key Takeaways
During an interview, your professional appearance, including your clothing and accessories, sets the tone and allows your abilities to shine.
Consider the items on this list as practical, personal, or professional. They all serve distinct purposes and can make you feel better prepared for your interview.
Creating a checklist of these items a few days before your interview is not just crucial, it’s empowering. It helps you stay organized and ensures you remember what to bring on the big day, giving you a sense of control and confidence.
Acing a job interview is solely about having work experience on your resume or describing your strengths and faults with charisma. But there’s more that influences a hiring manager’s perception of you, particularly how prepared you are and what you bring to the interview.
A job interview is a crucial occasion in which first impressions matter. We’ll go over a few necessities that will help you get your interview off to a good start and a few things you should leave in the car.
So you can arrive confident and prepared, here is what to bring to an interview.
Important Things to Bring to an Interview
Remember to bring these 12 essential items as you prepare for your interview. From business documents to personal accessories, having these items on hand can help you feel polished, appear ready, and make the interview process easier for you and the hiring managers.
- Multiple copies of your resume.
- Your interview schedule and a map of the journey
- Please include a printout of the job description
- Professional references.
- A pen and notebook.
- A list of questions regarding the job and company
- Personal hygiene products
- A jacket or scarf.
- Your passion and optimistic approach.
- A tiny snack.
- A quick pitch explaining why you are interested in the job
- Gratitude
Provide many copies of your resume.
Your hiring manager should already have a copy of your resume, but bringing an extra (or three) is still a good idea. You can share your resume with another hiring manager you meet or keep one as a reference. An extra copy also allows you to evaluate your experience before your interview, highlighting your most relevant talents and passions throughout the conversation without falling silent (hey, it happens to the best of us!).
Your Interview Schedule and Map of Your Route
Hopefully, the HR department will give you an interview time and directions to the office or meeting space. If not, save the office address to your phone’s navigation app. Take your interview to start time and work backward to ensure you leave home with extra time to account for unexpected delays. I recommend you arrive 15 minutes early.
Printout of the job description
Before your interview, print and examine the job description. Make a note of any questions or concerns you have about the company and the position’s requirements. Bring a copy of the job posting to take note on during the interview. That way, you can keep track of all the new information you discover and take notes on aspects of the role that may or may not be a good fit for your objectives.
List of Professional References
Bring a list of professional contacts your hiring manager can contact for a reference check. Your interviewer will often take the initiative and notify you when they require this material. However, being prepared can make a good impression, even with something as simple as a phone list and email addresses.
A pen and notebook.
Bringing a pen and notebook is a powerful way to show your preparedness and active participation in the interview. It’s a simple yet effective method to say, “I’m paying attention.”
A list of questions about the job and company.
An interview allows you and the company to learn more about each other. Before your interview, review the company’s website and social media pages. Have a list of questions to ask the hiring manager. Please write down your questions about the job’s culture, team, and duties and bring them to the interview. Here are examples of questions to ask when you are in the interview.
- Why are you hiring for this position?
- How are performance and success evaluated in this role?
- What are some typical challenges for someone in this position?
- How would you define the workplace and team atmosphere?
Personal Hygiene Items
Keep a few small items in your purse or satchel, such as breath mints, Chapstick, a comb, and makeup touch-up tools. These items can help you freshen up during a fast bathroom break, which can be especially useful on a windy day or after a meal. Aside from that, looking beautiful makes you feel good.
A jacket or scarf.
Office temperatures can be variable, and the weather can change rapidly depending on the season. Bring a light layer, such as a jacket or scarf, to stay warm if the office is exceptionally cold or you find yourself shivering from the wind while strolling across the office campus. Just keep your clothes professional.
Your enthusiasm and positive attitude.
It’s not just about having the best portfolio or resume; your attitude matters. Hiring managers can spot negativity from a mile away, so it’s crucial to maintain a positive attitude and demeanor. Your enthusiasm and optimism can set a hopeful tone for the interview.
- Establish eye contact.
- Sit up straight.
- Smile!
- When you meet someone new, give them a solid handshake.
A small snack.
If your interview will last a few hours or more, carry a light lunch. Granola bars, jerky, and fruit are easy to transport and clean up after. Now, it is an excellent opportunity to satisfy hunger sensations if you can rest and reset between meetings. Just wait to open a bag of Doritos during the interview!
A brief pitch about why you are interested in the job.
It’s not about revealing your entire life story, but it’s important to have a few phrases prepared to explain who you are, why you’re interested in this career opportunity, and what you’re all about. This will help you avoid rambling or struggling to articulate your thoughts when introducing yourself and discussing your career aspirations during your interview.
Gratitude
A simple “thank you” can go a long way toward making a favorable impression. Expressing your gratitude can make you appear more appreciative and respectful to the interviewer, leaving a positive impact.
What Not to Bring to an Interview.
Just as you want to bring critical items to an interview, leaving some things at home is vital. We’ll look at the behaviors and items you should avoid bringing to your interview to increase your chances of impressing your hiring managers and presenting your best self.
Your phone (or other devices)
This is Job Interview 101. Turn off your phone (or set it to quiet or “Do Not Disturb”) to avoid disrupting your interview. You want to be fully present during this vital conversation. A sudden phone call would be distracting, and a corny ringtone would not reflect well on your personal brand. The same applies to your smartwatch: turn off notification sounds until after your interview.
Chewing Gum and Takeaway Meals
I wish I didn’t have to mention it, but chewing gum during an interview will likely make a negative impression on your hiring manager. Even if you’re interviewing at a more informal workplace, chewing gum is never appropriate when you want to communicate clearly and professionally. Also, don’t bring your leftover lunch into the office. You want to avoid getting a plastic bag of chicken tikka masala into the office, which will make noise and smell unpleasant.
Valuables that require storage or safekeeping.
If you’re traveling for an interview and must carry your luggage before a flight, deciding what to do with your bags can take time and effort. Whether you can’t leave your belongings safely in your car, ask whether they can be kept at your hotel or in the reception area of the office where you’re interviewing. It would be inconvenient (not to mention unpleasant) to pull your suitcase through a maze of cubicles and conference rooms. Failing to plan here means intending to fail.
Inappropriate clothing or strong fragrances.
I want your talents and qualities to stand out, not your torn hems or strong cologne. Here is a rule of thumb: Keep your attire appropriate for the workplace and prevent strong odors as much as possible. It’s basic etiquette to keep your scents light. During an interview, you want to be remembered for yourself, not your cologne or eye-catching outfit.
A negative or stressed-out attitude.
Please leave your negative attitude outside the building. Even if you are stopped in traffic or spill coffee on your shirt, these minor inconveniences provide opportunities to discuss how you handle disappointment and unexpected. Instead of being flustered or angry, accept responsibility and move on. You have a squad to impress!
Related articles from your friends at Your Career Place.
https://yourcareerplace.com/career-development/mastering-the-where-do-you-envision-yourself
https://yourcareerplace.com/career-development/unlocking-your-potential-the-path-to-career-growth