What to Take to an Interview

What to Take to an Interview

Making a good first impression with a potential employer involves more than just showing up with a smile. During an interview you have numerous opportunities to show your potential new employer how organized, prepared, experienced, and effective you are. It just takes a little bit of preparation.

From the basics to the unique, here are a few pointers to help you know exactly what to bring to an interview.

What to Bring to an Interview

Personal

In your briefcase, bag or tote there are a few grooming tools that are good to keep on hand. Breath mints, brush or comb, tissues, and even personal touches like travel size perfume, cologne or lotion. Try to arrive to an interview ten or fifteen minutes early. Not only will this help you orientate yourself with where you are going, but it will give you a chance to freshen up if needed. Wind, rain and stress can "ruffle your feathers." Having a few extra minutes to straighten your hair, blot your face, blow your nose, check your breathe and use the restroom may very well come in handy.

Professional

It is also important to have your resume in order. If the potential employer told you not to bring a resume, bring two copies. If they told you to bring a resume, bring five. Show them that you are organized by opening a dark leather or heavy two pocket folder and presenting your resume (if asked), printed on heavy resume paper. Another, more formal option, is to have a dark two pocket folder with your resume on one side and work examples, references, and a completed application on the other side.

Depending on your industry and experience, creating a brief slide show of your work is a unique way to feature your talents. It can give your interviewer visuals that compliment your verbal presentation. A "portfolio" of this sort is not just for designers. One of our Emurse.com members sent us an amazing six slide presentation he had printed out to include in his resume folder. This "portfolio" contained photos and a brief description of a few events he had coordinated. Seeing a pictures of a crowded room filled with guests and local media allowed him "seal the deal" in his interview for a communications job.

Just in Case

Taking notes may not be appropriate, or possible, but it is always a good idea to be prepared to do so. Keep a clean pad of paper in your briefcase or purse along with two pens. Not only will this protect you if one fails, but in the rare instance that the interviewer might need a pen as well, you can offer them one of yours!

Another use for your pad of paper is write down your questions for the employer in advance. When your interviewer asks if you have any questions, having your three or four written down lets them know you thought about it ahead of time.

Taking your cell phone with you while traveling to an interview is a necessity. If you will absolutely not be on time you will be able to call ahead. Before entering the building for your interview however, place your phone on silent, or better yet, turn it off entirely.

Other Important Tips

• A few dollars in cash. Be prepared just in case the interview turns into a cup of coffee, or you need to pay for parking or a cab.

• Handing out a current business card is appropriate, but make sure your personal contact information, including your Emurse Website URL, are written on the back. Point it out in case they need access to your most updated resume at any point.

• When setting up the interview, ask if there is anything you should bring along and then make sure you bring it. If they are expecting references or need proper identification, do not show up without it.

Preparation is the key to a great interview. Researching the company, practicing common interview questions and knowing what you should bring to an interview will help give you the confidence that you need. You will be able to walk in with a great attitude, a fresh smile and a firm handshake.

Have any suggestions or experiences? Share in our comments below!

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