What to Bring to a Job Interview

When you are preparing for an interview, you have to think about many things – what to say, what questions to ask. But you should not forget about the little things that should be at your fingertips during a conversation with a recruiter. We’ve compiled some useful tips from sources like Forbes, and many more, about what to bring to a job interview.

Before we make a list of things that you need to take with you, let’s try to tune in and prepare for an onsite interview morally step by step. Here are some interesting and effective tricks below.

How to Get Ready and What to Do in an Interview

• Arrange for an interview at 10:30 am on Tuesday

There is an opinion that this is the best time for the interviewer: they are relaxed, have already managed to drink their coffee, their week has been planned, but they are not tired of work tasks yet. And this is very beneficial for the candidates. Therefore, if the HR manager gives you some flexibility in choosing the time for an interview, suggest Tuesday 10:30 am.

• Create the desired image

It turns out that the color of clothes can tell others what qualities are inherent in you. Think about what to wear for the interview, choose the right image to demonstrate only the best character traits.

Here’s what some colors can tell a recruiter:

• team players wear blue;
• leaders choose black;
• green, yellow, orange or purple are for creative personalities;
• gray means you are a person with a logical/analytical mindset;
• white is a sign of organization;
• brown is a sign of reliability.
• Compliment avoiding falsehood

The research has found that candidates who said something nice at the interview, and it looked sincere, were hired more often.

Praise the company and the interviewer, demonstrate your enthusiasm and loyalty to the organization. But the main thing is to do it from a pure heart.

• Find something in common with the interlocutor

We like people who we have something in common with. Therefore, if you know that the interviewer appreciates, for example, volunteering, and it is close to you too, find the opportunity to mention this fact.

The Checklist of Things to Take to an Interview

After you have prepared mentally and dressed beautifully for an interview, make sure your bag contains several useful things. Check on this list of what to take to an interview if you have everything prepared.

1. Information on How to Get to the Office

Before you go for an interview, you will surely look for information on how to get to the place. If you don’t have a smartphone with a GPS navigator, print this data out – you don’t want to get lost and be late, right?

Be sure to also include the names and contact details of your recruiter in your phone or notebook. So, if something goes wrong on the way to the interview, you can contact him and explain everything. This is also a good way to remember the recruiter’s name.

2. The Passport

You never know when they will ask to show your ID, so it’s better to take it just in case. If in doubt, you can find out in advance whether you need to bring this document for an interview.

3. Diploma

You may need to take a copy of your diploma. This is a confirmation that you really have a university degree.

4. Notebook and Pen

You may be used to taking notes on a laptop or phone, but it’s better to use some paper and a pen for bringing notes to an interview. Bring your own – so the recruiter will understand that you are proactive and have prepared for the interview responsibly.

5. Resume and Cover Letter

Print a few copies of the latest version of your resume as you can be asked to fill in some worksheets. Make additional copies in case several recruiters come for an interview. To create a great cover letter you can visit https://www.getcoverletter.com/ to get the best template.

During the conversation, a resume should be put in front of you and offered to the interlocutor. Firstly, it is a sign of good form. Secondly, questions will definitely arise that require clarification, including in terms of wording. In order to avoid scratching your head and rolling your eyes, it’s easier to just lower your gaze to the printed text.

6. References

Bring a fresh list of your recommendations. Perhaps the recruiter will not ask you for them, but it is better to prepare just in case. The list should contain at least three professional recommendations, as well as information on how you met these people and how to contact them in the case to get feedback.

7. Portfolio

Depending on where you are applying for a job, it might be worth taking a portfolio of your previous work with you. It can be a folder for interviews with materials and samples or a whole site that you show to the recruiter on your tablet. Your portfolio should be structured carefully and clearly so that it can be easily accessed during an interview. What will be in it depends on your profession, but it must definitely include qualitative examples of your work and achievements.

8. The List of Questions

After you answer all the questions, at the end of any interview you will be asked if you have any questions. Be sure to prepare the list in advance. Questions may relate to the next stages of employment, corporate culture and everything that interests you. But remember that your questions should be specific and show that you are looking for information about the company you are trying to get a job. So the employer will understand that you are really interested in this position.

In addition, there are some things you do not need to take to the interview as they can distract the interlocutor. Some things like chewing gum, food, drinks, a large number of jewelry, your parents (yes, some people do come for an interview with mom and dad!) are not allowed. Also, do not forget to put the phone in silent mode.

To consolidate the knowledge gained, you can also read this guide.

Conclusion

When you think about things to bring to an interview, a lot of options may come to mind, but these eight things can be considered mandatory. This list may seem simple to some, but do not forget that all these little things can play an important role in discussing your future career opportunities.