Prepare the items you need before interview day so you can focus on the conversation.
Wondering what to bring to an interview? For most in-person interviews, the useful basics are the interview details, two or three copies of your resume, a notebook, two pens, your prepared questions, and any work samples the employer asked to see. Bring identification, references, or other documents only when the invitation or recruiter says they are needed.
The best interview bag is organized but light. You want quick access to the information that helps you have a good conversation—not a folder full of documents you may never use. This checklist explains what is usually helpful, what depends on the role, and what to leave at home.
Quick checklist: what to bring to an interview
For a typical in-person interview, pack:
- The address, arrival instructions, interviewer’s name, and a contact number
- Two or three clean copies of your current resume
- A small notebook and two working pens
- A copy of the job posting and a short list of questions
- A portfolio or work samples, if they are relevant and safe to share
- A reference sheet, only if requested or likely to be needed at this stage
- Building access documents or identification, only when instructed
- Water and any personal, medical, or accessibility items you need
Store digital backups of your resume, portfolio, and directions on your phone or in an account you can reach. A backup is useful, but do not depend on the interviewer’s printer, Wi-Fi, or charging cable.
1. Interview details and a reliable contact
Save the address, suite or floor number, parking or transit plan, check-in instructions, and the name of the person you are meeting. If a recruiter sent a calendar invitation, take a screenshot or save the details offline in case reception is poor.
Also keep the recruiter’s or interviewer’s phone number handy. If a delayed train or unexpected closure makes you late, a prompt and professional message is better than arriving without an explanation. Plan to reach the area early, but enter the workplace at the time requested.
2. Two or three copies of your resume
Even when you applied online, a printed resume can help if another interviewer joins the meeting or someone has not opened your file. Use the same current version you submitted, unless you have since corrected an important error. Keep the pages clean in a simple folder or padfolio.
You usually do not need to bring a cover letter again unless the employer requests it. If your resume contains links to a portfolio or professional profile, test them before the interview and keep a digital copy ready to share.
3. A notebook and two pens
A small notebook lets you record names, next steps, and important details about the role. Two pens give you a backup without adding clutter. Ask before taking extensive notes, maintain eye contact, and write only the points you will genuinely use later.
Avoid typing continuous notes on a phone during an in-person interview. Even when your reason is legitimate, it can look as though your attention is elsewhere. If you need a phone, tablet, captioning app, or another device for accessibility, use it—there is no need to follow etiquette advice that interferes with an accommodation.
4. The job posting and your prepared questions
Bring a printed or saved copy of the job description. Highlight the responsibilities you want to discuss and prepare several thoughtful questions about priorities, the team, performance measures, onboarding, and next steps.
You can also write brief prompts for two or three examples that show your skills. Use keywords rather than a script. The notes should help you remember a result, challenge, or number while allowing the conversation to feel natural.
5. A portfolio or work samples when relevant
Designers, writers, developers, marketers, tradespeople, educators, and applicants in many other fields may benefit from role-relevant samples. Choose a small number of strong examples and be ready to explain the problem, your contribution, and the outcome.
Never disclose confidential work, customer information, private student or patient data, internal reports, or material you do not have permission to share. An anonymized or independently created example is safer than violating a former employer’s trust. If your portfolio is online, save an offline version in case the connection fails.
6. A reference sheet—if the employer is ready for it
A reference sheet is not required at every first interview. Bring one if the employer requested references, the recruiter said the process may move quickly, or you are attending a later-stage meeting. List each person’s name, role, organization, contact details, and relationship to you.
Ask each reference for permission first and let them know which position you are pursuing. Do not put references’ personal details on copies that may be left in a waiting room or shared casually.
7. Identification or credentials only when instructed
Some workplaces require photo identification for building security. Regulated or safety-sensitive roles may also involve a later credential check. Follow the instructions in the invitation, and ask the recruiter if the request is unclear.
For an ordinary Canadian job interview, do not bring or disclose your Social Insurance Number (SIN), banking information, passwords, or original identity documents simply because an unverified contact asks. The Government of Canada’s SIN Code of Practice tells employers not to ask for a SIN on an application or during an interview. Payroll details belong in a verified onboarding process after employment begins—not in an initial interview.
8. Personal and accessibility essentials
Bring water, necessary medication, mobility or communication aids, and anything else you need to participate comfortably. A service animal is not a pet, and accessibility needs should not be treated as interview mistakes. If an accommodation requires advance coordination, contact the employer through a verified channel before the appointment when practical.
Silence your phone, but you do not have to leave it at home. It can hold directions, transit alerts, emergency contacts, and digital backups. Keep it out of sight during the conversation unless you need it for the interview or an accommodation.
What to bring to a virtual interview
A virtual interview has a different packing list. Set up these items within reach:
- Your resume, the job description, and brief talking-point notes
- Your prepared questions and a notebook with a pen
- A fully charged computer and its charger
- A tested camera, microphone, headphones, and interview platform
- The interviewer’s email or phone number and a backup connection plan
- Water and any accessibility tools you use
Test the meeting link, display name, lighting, camera angle, audio, and notifications in advance. Close unrelated windows and position notes near the camera so you are not repeatedly looking away. The Harvard career-services interview guide also recommends practising with the technology and keeping materials such as your resume, notes, and questions close by.
If you are also deciding what to wear, use our role-specific guide to what to wear to a nursing interview as an example of how workplace expectations can shape an outfit.
What not to bring to an interview
Leave out anything that creates a distraction or privacy risk:
- Confidential work or samples you do not have permission to share
- Stacks of certificates, reference letters, or documents nobody requested
- Food with a strong smell or a meal you would need to eat during the meeting
- Unrelated shopping bags, bulky luggage, or noisy items when avoidable
- Banking details, your SIN, passwords, or identity documents requested by an unverified contact
Be cautious if a supposed employer offers you a job without a meaningful interview, promises unusually high pay for little work, asks you to pay an upfront fee, wants you to move money through your account, or requests sensitive documents through an unverified channel. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s job-scam guidance advises applicants to verify the company, avoid fees or deposits, and not share personal information or ID with unverified contacts.
Night-before interview checklist
- Confirm the time, location, format, and interviewer names.
- Check the route or test the video link and equipment.
- Review the job posting and choose examples that match its priorities.
- Print resumes and any requested documents, then save digital backups.
- Prepare questions, notebook, pens, water, and personal essentials.
- Choose your clothing and set an alarm with extra travel time.
The Government of Canada Job Bank interview resources can help you practise common questions and prepare examples. Once the practical details are ready, stop adding items to the bag and focus on sleep, listening, and a clear explanation of what you can contribute.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring a copy of my resume to an interview?
Yes. For an in-person interview, two or three current copies are usually enough. They help if another interviewer joins or someone does not have your application open. Keep a digital copy available as a backup.
Should I bring references to an interview?
Bring a reference sheet if the employer asked for it or you are at a later stage where references may be checked soon. Get each person’s permission before sharing their contact information. There is no need to hand out references automatically at every first interview.
Can I bring notes into a job interview?
Yes. A one-page list of questions, achievement prompts, and facts you want to remember is useful. Refer to it briefly instead of reading scripted answers. You may also take concise notes after asking the interviewer.
Do I need to bring identification?
Only when the employer or building-security instructions say it is required. Verify unusual requests through the company’s official contact information. Do not provide a SIN, banking details, or unnecessary identity documents during an ordinary interview.
What should I carry my interview items in?
A clean folder, padfolio, tote, briefcase, or compact backpack is fine. Choose something appropriate to the workplace that keeps papers flat and lets you find items quietly. Organization matters more than the brand or style of the bag.
