It is the day before your big interview and, as you make your final preparation, you begin to wonder what you should physically bring with you. You want to make sure you are prepared for anything on this important day.
So, in the spirit of preparation, what should a savvy Job Seeker leave their house or apartment with as they depart for the interview?
• Directions/Address – This is something to be left in the car, but I recommend making sure you have somewhere noted the address that you are going to and who you will be initially asking for at the Front Desk. If you have GPS, either a stand-alone unit or from your smart phone, consider still having a hard copy set of directions in case the electronic method would fail. This is especially true if you plan to use your smartphone but are travelling in a place where the signal is a bit spotty.
• Weather Related Items – If it is pouring rain outside, it is perfectly acceptable to walk to the building with an umbrella and carry it inside.
• Identification – Depending on the level of security of the facility you are visiting, you may need to identify yourself through your personal identification, in order to enter. Carry your drivers’ license (or other picture ID) with you in order to positively identify yourself.
• Application Information – If you think there is any chance you will be asked to complete an application, then bring with you any information you will need to complete the document. You do not want to be in the lobby asking for a phone book because you do not remember the address of a previous employer. This is where you can use your smartphone to assist, but make sure it is turned off and out of site for the interview(s).
• Itinerary – If you are going to be speaking to multiple people during this interview session, then create a simple Word document outlining your day (or print out the itinerary if it was sent to you). The timing of interviews are always fluid, but this list should include the names and titles of those who you will be speaking to. This will be important for you to reference during the course of the sessions in order to help you keep track of who you have spoken to, and who you are speaking to next. Introductions are much easier if you have remembered the name of the person you are meeting. You also do not want to run the risk of calling someone the wrong first name and causing you to lead off with a poor first impression.
• Extra Copies of Cover Letter/Resume – Do not assume that everyone you are going to be speaking with will already have an accessible copy of your documents. Find out, ahead of time, who you are going to be speaking to that day, and add a couple more to that number to account for any surprises. Bring that amount of professional looking Cover Letters and Resumes with you that day. In order to keep them safe from the elements and the potential of damage, store them in a folder that you will carry with you.
• Notebook/Portfolio – At some point, during the course of the interview(s), something may be said that you will want to remember. Why not write it down? It will signal to the Interviewer that what he or she is saying is important, and will communicate your high engagement level. Don’t use it to take extensive notes to the point of it being a transcript of the conversation. By doing this, you may lose your focus on listening, provide the impression that you do not retain information, or simply scare the Interviewer into thinking you are trying to set them up later for something said. Inside the portfolio you can also keep a few questions for the Q&A neatly tucked away until needed.
• Pens- This may sound so simple, but a pen is something that is very easy to forget. You do not want that awkward moment of frantically checking your pockets for that pen you thought you had and then having to ask the Interviewer for one. It will give off the impression that you are a bit unorganized and not prepared. I recommend having more than one accessible to you during the interview – perhaps one in a pocket and one in your portfolio.
• Reference Page – Bring a page outlining your references, in case you are asked for them. This will allow you to avoid any delays in providing this information, and also may impress the Recruiter with how thorough and prepared you are.
A little bit of prep time can allow you to easily assemble what you need to bring for an interview. You will look and act prepared due to your actions and provide yourself with a competitive advantage over those who are “winging” it for the interview.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
