Don’t show up empty-handed. Use this checklist to make sure you know what to bring to an interview.
Picture this nightmare: You walk into an interview for your dream job, shake hands with the hiring manager, sit down, and then realize you’ve arrived completely empty-handed. We’re talking no copies of your resume, no pen and paper for notes—heck, it’s a miracle you remembered to put on deodorant!
Unfortunately, your lack of preparation may have just cost you your dream job.
To prevent something like this from happening, you should start preparing for your interview as soon as a company gets in touch with you about your candidacy. Use this comprehensive checklist to make sure you have everything you need to make a good first impression in the job interview. This way you’ll show up prepared 100% of the time.
What to bring to an interview
1. Folder
We’re about to outline a significant amount of paperwork you need to bring to a job interview, so first things first, you’ll want to have a folder where you can neatly store these documents.
This simple act also shows you’re organized, This is a soft skill many employers look for in candidates.
2. Several copies of your resume
You most likely already submitted your resume when you applied for the job, but don’t assume the interviewer will have a copy of it on hand.
Get multiple copies, you never know how many employees you’re going to be meeting with.
3. Portfolio/work samples
If you’re in a creative industry—like advertising, journalism, graphic design, architecture, or fashion—you should bring samples of your work that you can give to the interviewer. Depending on what you do, you may also want to have a sheet that showcases positive feedback you’ve received from past clients on your work.
4. References
If the interview goes well—better yet, when the interview goes well, the hiring manager might ask you for references on the spot, so you should have a list prepared with their contact information.
Theoretically, you could just email the interviewer this information when you get home, but that’s a bad approach. You should make sure you give the company everything they need to move forward with the hiring process as quickly as possible .
5. Identification
This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning. You may need to provide photo ID to enter the building, so check with the employer beforehand to find out what the building’s security requirements are. The security guard may ask you the company you’re visiting, the name of the person you’re meeting with, and what floor they’re on. Confirm all of that information when you set up the interview, so you aren’t fumbling in the lobby before your big meeting.
6. A smile
It’s time to show off those pearly whites! Before you start, consider the benefits of arriving with a positive attitude: Employers want to see that you’re enthusiastic and excited about the position
Yes, it’s important to know what to bring to the interview, but as you can probably surmise, it’s what you say during the interview that will have the biggest impact on whether or not you move on to round two..
Ref: Monster
