What to Bring to a Job Interview, the first meeting with the recruiter is an exercise dreaded by candidates. With a little preparation, it is possible to relieve the pressure. Here is the list of things to prepare to have peace of mind on the big day.
Preparing for a job interview can be a daunting task, but being well-prepared can significantly increase your chances of success. One important aspect of interview preparation is knowing what to bring with you on the big day. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the job and company, there are some essential items that you should always have on hand.
In this article, we will discuss what to bring to a job interview, including necessary documents, materials, and personal items, to ensure that you are fully equipped for a successful interview.
What to bring to a job interview
Here are eight essential items you should bring to a job interview:
- Copies of your resume: It’s advisable to bring at least five copies of your resume in a folder or professional folio to ensure they remain in good condition and can be easily accessed.
- Pre-written questions: It’s a good idea to jot down a few questions beforehand on paper in case you are asked if you have any questions during the interview. This allows you to reference them if needed.
- A list of references: While you may not be asked for references, it’s always better to be prepared. Your references should be individuals who can speak about your professional abilities. Avoid including family members and friends on this list, but former teachers or community leaders can be suitable options if you lack prior work experience.
- Directions: To avoid getting lost and potentially arriving late, it’s wise to bring directions with you. Aim to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early to ensure you are punctual.
- A briefcase, bag, or portfolio: These items can help you keep your belongings organized while also presenting a professional appearance. Backpacks may be acceptable in certain situations, but it’s best to use your judgment based on the company culture.
- Breath mints or gum: Having breath mints or gum can help you feel refreshed and confident before your interview.
- Pen and paper: Taking notes in an interview can be helpful, especially if you want to follow up and thank your interviewers later.
- Any additional documents or materials: If there are any specific documents or materials that the employer has requested or that you believe may be relevant to the interview, be sure to bring them along.
By being well-prepared and bringing these essential items, you can approach your job interview with confidence and increase your chances of success.
Here are some tips
- Jotting down notes during an interview can prove beneficial, particularly if you intend to express gratitude and follow up with your interviewers afterward.
- In the realm of job hunting, employers are increasingly prioritizing skills over experience when making hiring decisions.
- Prepare yourself for common interview questions with expert advice to enhance your chances of success in your next job interview.
- Exhibiting professionalism and readiness, bringing along a resume, references, and thoughtful questions can leave a positive impression during a job interview.
- Anticipate common questions: Expert tips to help you ace your next job interview
- Bringing a resume, references, and questions to a job interview can show your professionalism and preparedness.
What should you not bring (or do) at a job interview?
An interview can be the deciding factor in whether you get a job. These are things to avoid when in an interview:
- Being arrogant
- Avoiding eye contact
- Being late
- Being too early
- Lying
- Fidgeting
- Blaming others for your mistakes
- Checking the time
- Answering the phone
- Acting or saying you’re desperate for the job
- Appearing angry
- Crossing your arms
- Using aggressive or defensive language
- Coming unprepared
- Looking bored
- Being rude
- Eating
Here are some tips
There is also a list of things not to take with you. Doubt is part of it. Even if you’re not completely confident, keep your imposter syndrome at bay. All the other candidates are like you, with their strengths and weaknesses. Remember that the ideal candidate does not exist.
Here are 5 things to never say in an interview:
- You doubt your motivations or you apply by default.
- You fear not being good enough.
- You don’t know your availability time.
- You have no idea where you will be in 5 years.
All of these questions are legitimate, but they will not be shared with the recruiter. Your goal is to get the job: to convince him, it is above all your self-confidence and your unfailing motivation that you will need to bring to the job interview.
What to bring to a job interview to have peace of mind on the big day
The best business schools will teach you that 80% of a sale is linked to good preparation. It’s the same with landing a position during a job interview. Having prepared for your interview with the recruiter is the minimum to convince him of the seriousness of your application.
Candidate do common mistakes during a recruiting session
99% of candidates prepare for their recruitment interview. But often, this exercise is limited to a simple repetition of the exchange to come. Many people neglect the logistical aspects of preparation. However, these are essential to limit stress on the big day.
Lack of preparation for a job interview can manifest itself in different ways. Among common errors:
- Not having learned enough about the company, and being taken by surprise by the recruiter.
- Arriving late due to poor anticipation of travel time.
- Neglecting your outfit because it was not prepared early enough.
- Forgetting the essential documents to bring to a job interview.
Not to mention the stress generated by improvisation, which will also be noticed by your interlocutor and which may influence their response.
List of essential documents to bring to the recruiter
To avoid these disappointments, prepare a folder containing the essential documents to bring to a recruitment interview.
It is :
- Your CV, ideally printed in color;
- The cover letter sent or not with the CV;
- The job description / job offer to which you are applying;
- The appointment confirmation email or job interview invitation.
The little extras to arrive calmly during a recruitment interview
Also, remember to note the name and telephone number of the recruiter. If you have difficulty finding the company’s website on the day or you are late, this will be useful in reaching your contact. Same, plan to bring your identity card. This may be required to enter the offices.
Another tip to gain peace of mind: download a mobile geolocation application that will allow you to anticipate the journey and easily find the meeting place. In the same vein, a cardiac coherence application will allow you to tame stress before the meeting with the recruiter.
Take a bottle of water and possibly a change of clothes, but only if you are driving to the recruitment location. Otherwise, you will be burdened for nothing.
Useful things to avoid panicking during the interview
Certain objects can also be brought to a job interview for their reassuring power. Among the best known, the notepad and the pen. Not only are they very useful for taking notes, but they will also give you presence if you are uncomfortable during discussions.
Just because you’ve prepared for your job interview doesn’t mean you need to know all the information about the company by heart. It is not forbidden to equip yourself with cheat sheets to help you remember important points. Note for example: the company’s main types of customers, its sector of activity, its main values, etc.
You can also prepare a list of questions to ask the recruiter during the interview. Ideal for not losing sight of your priorities during the recruitment process and demonstrating your motivation.
Here is what you should (and shouldn’t) bring to the interview.
Job interviews can be quite stressful, as they hold the power to determine whether or not you secure a job. This can create a significant amount of pressure, especially if you have never experienced a job interview before.
However, by adequately preparing and practicing common interview questions, you can increase your chances of having a successful interview and ultimately landing the job. Even if you don’t end up getting the job, a positive interview experience can leave a lasting impression on future opportunities.
It’s important to remember that preparation is only part of the equation; you should also arrive at the interview fully prepared for any situation. If you’re unsure about what to bring to an interview, we have the answers for you.
What can you bring to a job interview to avoid improvising?
The recruiter will also ask you if you have any questions about the position. After so much preparation effort, it would be a shame to end your interview with awkward silence. To leave no room for improvisation, here are some examples of questions to prepare.
Example list of questions to ask in an interview
Your questions should reveal your motivation and interest in the position. For example :
- What are the expected results after 6 months in the position? At a year?
- How is the current team made up?
- Who will be my direct reports (colleagues, managers, subordinates)?
- What would be the qualities of the ideal candidate for this position?
- Does recruitment follow a departure, a replacement, or the creation of a position?
- How does the selection process take place? Have you seen any other candidates?
Conversely, avoid asking too direct questions about company benefits, days off, or even salary bonuses. The recruiter might think that it is not the content of the position that interests you, but everything else. Whatever happens, never leave a job interview without knowing what the next steps in the recruiting process are.
A cheatsheet of points to discuss with a recruiter
It is as valuable as the list of questions to ask the recruiter. The checklist of points to discuss will serve as a guide throughout the recruitment session.
You can therefore note:
- Your strengths for the position and concrete examples of your previous experiences;
- your salary expectations ;
- the list of your qualities (soft skills and technical skills) and faults
The goal is not to arrive with a 200-page file for a job interview. These cheat sheets will allow you to demonstrate to your future employer that your application is thoughtful and your real motivation as well as your qualities and technical skills for the position.
What to bring to an interview to score points with the recruiter?
Now that you have the essentials so as not to panic, let’s see what elements to bring to the interview to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Here’s something to appeal to any HR manager.
The little extras to make a good impression with the recruiter
A list of your references (contact details of people with whom you have already worked) or a letter of recommendation always has a small effect. The key is knowing when you can draw it. Ideally, only mention this document when you talk about your professional experiences.
Ditto, the portfolio is very appreciated to land a position as a graphic designer or web designer. You can bring a tablet to a job interview to allow the recruiting manager to view your digital skills portfolio and examples of achievements. Adopt the right mindset: you should definitely not rush your interlocutor or be insistent. It is the recruiter who conducts the interview, not you. The additional documents are at his disposal, but nothing obliges him to consult them.
Other useful documents include a copy of the diplomas mentioned in the application as well as a business card with your contact details.
What outfit to wear to a job interview?
To make a good impression, you also have to choose the clothes to wear on recruitment day. Banish originality. Whether you like it or not, your appearance will be judged by recruiters from the first seconds. However, physical appearance often remains one of the main differentiating factors in hiring, according to a recent survey on discrimination at work. 1 in 6 employees has already been confronted with malicious comments about their hairstyle or the way they dress. Imagine what it is like for a candidate who is not yet in office.
So plan a classic and versatile outfit. Also avoid bringing accessories to a job interview that reflect a strong style or personality (piercing, original hairstyle, cap, bag, etc.).
Smile and politeness: to keep with you in all circumstances
Smile and politeness: we can only advise you to bring them to a job interview. And above all, to keep them throughout the interview. A smile and good manners are essential to land a job, whatever the sector and profession are concerned.
Some recruiters sometimes try to destabilize candidates during the selection process. You don’t have to play along, but always stay calm and polite in your responses.
Check Out:
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- End of Interview Questions That Will Help You Secure the Job
- Have You Ever Had a Bad Experience with Previous Employers?
Conclusion
To ensure a successful job interview, it is important to come prepared with the necessary items. This article has outlined the essential items that should be brought to a job interview, including multiple copies of your resume, a list of references, and any relevant documents or certifications.
Additionally, it is recommended to bring a pen and notepad for taking notes during the interview. By being organized and prepared with these items, you can confidently present yourself as a professional candidate. Good luck with your job interview!