What to Bring to an Interview? Here are 6 Things That You Must Bring to a Job Interview

A man going for an interview (Image Source: iStocks)

You’re preparing for a job interview and asking others about what to bring to an interview as you’re not sure. Well, there are many important things that you must carry to job interview.

An interview is vital but a daunting ordeal for a job search. You are already in the game if you have received an interview call. But it would be best if you are prepared well to ace it. Your looks, what you wear, and how you carry yourself are important to prepare for the interview.

The last step is to bring the right items on that big day. Make sure you have everything ready in time to make a sound first impression. It will also show how well-organized you are with a positive attitude before the community leaders. You must be clear about what should you bring to an interview. You can make a checklist to avoid last-minute hassle.

In this article, you will have a clear Mind Map about what to bring to an interview. Once you organize things accordingly, you are good to go in your interview prep.

Let’s consider what should you bring to an interview to keep things in control and organized in these job interview tips.

6 Things That You Must Bring to an Interview

Irrespective of the type of job place and experience, job interviews are equally nerve-racking for a few reasons. If you move in an organized way with the things prepared before the time, you will be more relaxed and calm.

Here are the 6 important thing that you must carry with yourself at job interview day;

1. Copies of the cover letter and your resume

Copy of Cover Letter (Image Source: iStocks)

If you have sent your resume already, you still have to keep multiple copies ready on the day of the interview. Mostly a hiring manager prefers a hard copy of a cover letter and resume. It also leaves a good impression and shows how well-prepared you are for your interview.

Just make sure to add it to your list of what to bring to interview. Your pages must be wrinkle-free and clean.

2. A folder or a file

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You should have this essential to keep things in a well-organized way. It will help you in keeping the documents in place and assembled. You have to choose a professional folder for your interview.

It is a little soft skill, but in the end, it will make a big difference to bring you to a job. It will show the interviewer how organized you are.

Thus it is essential to hit your list of what should you bring to an interview.

3. A pen and a notepad to take notes before the hiring manager

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A good pen and a notepad is another important thing to bring to your interview. Taking a few notes on the job interview day will be a good gesture in so many ways. It will show you are genuinely interested in the interviewee’s conversation and will keep you engaged throughout. You can also go through them later.

Just make sure to get the interviewer’s permission beforehand. Try to make short notes so you can also focus and concentrate on your speaker while making eye contact. Bring a trustworthy pen with you.

4. A sample of your work or a portfolio

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Your previous work holds a special place for creative posts like architecture, journalism, advertising, photography, fashion industry, and graphic designing. It is the best part to show your skills and command of the post you are applying for. So pick out the best pieces of your work, arrange them, and set them ready to show if asked.

You can also keep some positive feedback or remarks you have ever received about work. But it is something optional and only be done if requested by the interviewee authorities.

5. A list of References

Job Referrances (Image Source: iStocks)

Keep it ready and prepared, in case if asked by the interviewee as per company culture. You must have a  neat, printed list of your references’ names, contact information, and relation with you in the reference list.

Although there are chances that the interviewee may not ask for it, you still have to be prepared for everything expected in advance

You have to provide the company with all the things they could need further in the hiring process to bring you to a job. So it is another must-have while making a list of what to bring to an interview.

6. Make bullets of the talking key points

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Don’t forget to pen down the points you want to mention during the interview in the interview room. An interview makes you nervous, and you may get confused before hiring managers.

So it’s better to keep things ready and organized in time to avoid any stress. You can mention your skills, leading to your achievements, and what you have accomplished.

You can also make bullet points of job responsibilities and how you exceeded your previous projects’ expectations. So don’t ignore this important thing to mention while listing what should you bring to an interview.

Some Last Minute Job Interview Tips & Essentials for Your Checklist

These are some minor yet important things you must focus on while preparing for things to bring to the interview. These will bring you to ease and help in organizing last-minute things.

• Your identification
• Business cards
• Breath mints
• Travel directions
• Water
• A professional-looking bag

What Should You Avoid to Bring to Job Interviews?

We know you are also keen on knowing what you must not bring to an interview. These things are a big no and can tarnish an impression.

1. Headphones or earbuds

It’s okay to use these devices for virtual or online interviews. But you have to avoid these for face-to-face or in person interview.

2. Recording devices

These devices are not allowed everywhere; you need consent from the other side. You can’t record the conversation without permission. So try to avoid such devices.

3. Cell phone

Your cell phone must be silenced or in airplane mode throughout the interview. During in-person interviews, you must avoid such distractions.

4. Pets

A pet is a big no for both online and in-person interviews. Pets are usually not welcomed at such official visits.

No matter how cute and dear they are, they must not be there.

5. Lunch

Eating during an interview is a disgrace, in case it’s not a lunch interview. Keeping a whole meal in your bag can be trouble for you if it leaks or gets smelly. Instead, you can keep a mini snack if needed.

Thus, you must not bring these things with you in an interview. Otherwise, they will impact your big day. You have to seriously avoid them.

Conclusion

An interview is an executive event for everyone. You try to give your best at that time. So it’s much better to keep things ready regarding what to bring to an interview.

You have to bring a portfolio, a folder, a list of references, a notebook, a pen and copies of the resumes. These are essential while noting what should you bring to an interview.

Listing all these things before the interview day will save much of your time. You will also remain calm and at peace till time. Also, consider the things you have to avoid bringing with you to the interview.

So get all the things ready on time and keep them organized. Now you are all set to go for the interview and to get your desired position.

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