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Bring These 5 Things to Your Next Interview
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Posted By: Melissa Kennedy In: Job Seeker - Interview


Job interviews are stressful and there is so much great advice available about what to wear, how to act and what questions to ask that it's easy to get overwhelmed. Once you have the right outfit, have done tons of interview prep and are confident about your ability to show yourself in your best light, it's showtime. Before you walk out the door, however, there are a few things you need to make sure that you bring along with you.

Here are 5 things you need to bring to your next interview:

Interviewer's phone number and the company's number - It's one of those things you might not think about until you really need it, and by then, it will be too late. Make sure you have the phone number of your interviewer, along with the main number to the company written down. This way, if you have an emergency along the way, you will have a way to contact them to let them know. Not showing up for an interview is a hard thing to recover from. If you were to get stuck in a major traffic jam or some other unavoidable situation, you can call, explain what is going on and discuss rescheduling your interview.

A list of professional references - Since you know better than to list your references on your resume, make sure to bring a piece of paper that has your references listed out. This will eliminate any delay if the interviewer asks you to provide references. From the moment you leave the interview, the clock is ticking; any sort of delay on your part will only serve to give the hiring manager more time to find a better applicant. Don't take this chance and be ready to provide the list on the spot.

Copies of your resume - Don't assume that the interviewer will have a copy of your resume on hand. Instead, print out a few copies and bring them along with you. If the interviewer wants to go over your resume with you, you'll have your own copy on hand and will be able to answer any questions they might have more easily. Another reason to bring extra copies is that you never know how many people will be interviewing you. If you arrive and find that there is a panel, you can quickly supply additional copies of your resume rather than them having to share.

A small notebook with questions -  This is something many applicants forget, but it's super important. Bring a nice notepad with you to write down any important information the interviewer might give you. Also, write out a few well thought out question for the interviewer. This way, you'll be sure to ask all of the question you have and it also shows that you are prepared and interested in the job.

A nice pen - In the course of your interview, you may need to take notes, fill out an application or other forms. In this moment, not having a pen will make you look unprepared. To prevent this, make sure you bring a nice, professional looking pen with you to the interview. These small details show that you are a professional who pays attention to the little things. This goes a long way toward demonstrating that you have what it takes to do the job.



One of the most sought after qualities that hiring managers are looking for is attention to details. Arriving at the interview with everything you might need is a great way to show why you are a good fit for the job.





 
 
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Comments
Posted by: Julia T On: 4/10/2013 1:30 PM
These are very important tips that I forgot in the past. Thanks for advising us.
Posted by: GRACE U
Interesting tips.
Posted by: Christine C
Thank you. It was very informative.
Posted by: Gordana R
Thank you very much
Posted by: Raciel G
thank you very much.I've learn almost as much from the comments as from your 5 points.
Posted by: Lorna E
Your ideas are great and  very useful. I will sure put them into perspective.
Posted by: Patrick k
Thank u very much for input on being prepaired. It was helpful feel free to contact me,with ferther advice
Posted by: Teresa W
This was very informative. thank you.
Posted by: Pennye G
Great ideas never thought of theses 5 pointers for an interview. Thanks
Posted by: James P R
Excellent advice
Posted by: James O
These are good reminders I will use all of these in the next few days
Posted by: Margaret O
i found this as good advice. thank -you
Posted by: Pedro P
Very helpful , with possitive attitude , thanks.
Posted by: RICHARD B
Many thanks for your outstanding advices. I will keep these tips in mind. you are very kind for your assistance.
Posted by: Terry S
I do bring these items But having the right questions to ask  is a challenge.
Posted by: Manuela M
This are really good tips we need to know . I will put this in mind to have a success in my next interview. Thanks ,  I will like to learn more of how to do a good cover letter.
Posted by: Sharon L
I really appreciated the 5 things to take to the interview.
Posted by: satnam s
what about i an interviewer ask why you want to work for us and what is your long
Posted by: KEITH C
Thank you for the great advise. I go for my first interview this Monday.
Posted by: Yetunde A
Great information, thanks. Will sure put these in mind when i go for interviews.
Posted by: Trenia I
This article is on point. I would have never thought to prepare myself this way. Sometimes an applicant get so caught up with being called for an interview; they forget to prep themselves in advance. Thanks again.
Posted by: Pam P
common sense advice that we sometime forget.  Very helpful
Posted by: Fred A. T
I am involved in Experience Works. It's a training program that they teach us all of the basic things that we need to get a job. I feel that I have that training that I need to get a job. I am looking but haven't found anything yet. I know I will.
Posted by: Gabriel M
Good pointers. Have not had a job interview in 5 years. This 5 pointers zre good suggestions.Gabriel
Posted by: Gwendolyn M
This article was very informative, insightful and helpful. Thank you.
Posted by: James H
The advice above is essential and I have always done exactly the above.
Posted by: Elvira U
Great information. I will keep in mind of all 5. Thank You.
Posted by: Karen S
this was very helpful. thank you.
Posted by: Diana  S
Thanks excelent information.
Posted by: Samuel D
I totally agree with the above five, however one item left out is the originals of all certificates listed in the CV. The interviewer might want to authenticate every certificate quoted.
Posted by: Beth D
Nice Article. Could have mentioned :POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Posted by: Kathy B
Very good suggestions.
Posted by: Cliff B
Good article, however I would add a couple of items as follows: Write down a couple of well thought out questions before the interview.  Make sure that you are polite to everyone you meet during the interview, and mind your manners.
Posted by: Patsy R
Great information.  #2 was great. I went on a interview and that was one of the things theyy wanted. I had the names but not all of the phone numbers.
Posted by: Elinor W
very good I have a mock interview on Wednesday I will be sure to bring these five things along with me...thanks for the helpful info.
Posted by: Christopher O
good job  i have forgotten  this stuff before.Make up a checklist  for job seekers
Posted by: Manohar J
Very nicely presented- easy to understand & implement.
Posted by: beatrice b
good idea, to put into practice
Posted by: Margarita E
I 100% agree with the 5 thing to bring to your interview.  all of them will make you look prepared  and professional. Also remember to look clean and neat. It’s important to make a great 1st impression!  be dressed in corporate attire which includes a business suit, blouse, and polished shoes.  
Posted by: Kathleen D
Ask questions, but never about money unless it is brought up. Do your research and find out what their base starting is. If you are offered the job, you don't want to undersell yourself.
Posted by: Barbara B
I suggest having researched the website of your possible employer as well as knowing the company ascension. Have your resume on hand as well as typed out questions for your "to be" director. Know the company's assests  and revenue as well as goal for this particular position, " what thE company hOpes to achieve with your speciality and demonstrate how you can assist in achieving those goals. Demonstrate how YOU are indespencible in this goal and anticipate their questions  Place yourself in the interviewer's seat  What would you be looking for if you were the interviewer. As long as you reverse roles and anticiPâté what is important to the interviewer, you will be a success.
Posted by: Monique M
Do we also need an interview on site for freelance translators online.  I hope not.
Posted by: James L
Excellent advice. Perhaps and interview checklist might help as well. If you have the email address of the interviewer you could use your "phone" to send any additional information requested before you leave the room.
Posted by: AVHATAKALI V
what about i an interviewer ask why you want to work for us and what is your long term.please help
Posted by: Cassandra J
I think this is good but I'd like to what questions do you ask the interviewer.
Posted by: Claudia d
good advice for young people or people with zero common sense...sorry
Posted by: Ellie K
Good - puts into words what you need for the interview to go well.
Posted by: Lawrence B
Good solid information to keep top of mind.  I can't tell you how many times I have had to supply resumes, and lists of references to interviewers.  I believe for some interviewers this is a basic litmus test of a candidate's readiness.  Having such documents ready to send on your smart phone is a nice touch as well should you run out of hard copy.  Comments about the company's website especially about the area of interest shows you have researched the company.  Generally looking at some of the company's latest positive PR releases is a great way to break the ice.  There are so many others, but these would be good first initial interview points to be made.
Posted by: Celinda S
Great information. I have not thought about the extra Resume for myself, I've always taken in just 1 and presented it in a clear binder folder to look professional. And the note pad prepared with my questions or to use during the interview, good idea. Thank you.
Posted by: Don C
Your part on where you can ask question is a little puzzling. Asking questions at the end of the interview is no problem at all. But, when you ask for a clarification on a question which is asked during the interview they will not give one so you can answer it. That is the bad part for the one getting interviewed.
Posted by: Calixte G
I enjoyed reading the article, and it's good knowledge and experience,  So much respect  and honesty, and truth. I recommend this article most highly
Posted by: Lori W
Good Advice that i will use on my next interview scheduled for a week and a half. i have a nice portfolio folder that holds a pad of paper and looks professional that i also carry extra Resumes and references in. also, i have important info like school and job addresses and phone numbers since one interview they asked me to complete a application and i had it all in my portfolio folder on an index card.
Posted by: Teesa M
Great advice.
Posted by: TYRAN B
THANKS FOR THE INFOMATION.
Posted by: Mark S
I would add one more thing. A separate list of employment history just listing the company name, start/end dates, salary, and supervisor info. Many initial in-person interviews have you fill out an application requiring this info and it's much easier than xref'ing your resume and reference lists.
Posted by: Bill D
Loved It.Thanks so much.You may only get one chance.
Posted by: Anita C
All of these suggestions are right on! I have used all of them with the exception of questions to ask the interviewer. I was not prepared for asking them questions during a recent interview. I had to think fast and come up with a few. I did not have time to write any of those questions in my portfolio during the interview, but did write notes in it right after the interview. A portfolio is a good item to purchase. I also researched and it was suggested that a women should not bring her purse to an interview, just her portfolio. I also requested a business card from the manager I interviewed with. Usually all of the information you need is on it (phone number, fax number and email address). Hope this helps!
Posted by: Sondra P
I was told I should include my professional references with my resume, just on a separate page, why now are you saying that this is taboo?
Posted by: Sabrina R
Thank you so much for the 5 things to bring to a interview information. It is really helpful for me during my job search. I feel more relaxed,confident and well prepared for my next job interview it has been over 12 years since my last interview for employment. Again, thanks for the valued information.
Posted by: Christine P
The note book is a really good suggestion I  had not thought about . When I finished school, career services gave us most of those tips. With exception to the notebook and nice pen.
Posted by: Lawrence B
I would also bring an email address as I once had an interview at a hotel and the interviewer had his phone off.
Posted by: sorie k
I like all the tips giving and i will surely implement  them  but what are some the  few well thought out questions     you  can ask your interviewer?  thank you.
Posted by: Mark V
I learned something that may help the nerves.  I sat down and prepared a question sheet. Nicely typed out with room to write down the answers. At the top write down the interviewers names the company name.  Example:  What would the perfect candidate look like? What skills sets? How do you assess my experience and skills in comparison? Write it down whatever the answer.  Then when you write a thank you note you have valuable information to use and  expound upon.
Posted by: Kevin N
I enjoyed the article.  It is so true with traffic the way has been lately.  I also understand that HR people are often times busy therefore, they may not have a copy of your resume in the immediate area. And yes i noted the faces of some interviewers when they are asked for a pen or pencil by the applicant.A note pad or book okay. I am now better prepared, thank you
Posted by: Griselle R
I think all this advise is great. I will add another one to the list: Not to be nervous but be confident. To be nervous is a sign of insecurity of yourself in front of the interviewer and in your future position.  In being confident you show the hiring authority so much about you. Also, ask important questions related to the company.
Posted by: Darryl R
Great information for proactive job seekers.  I suggest requesting your interviewers e-mail contact info. too.  It has worked in the past for me in follow-up remarks----even when I was not selected for the position.  At least two agencies contacted me later about other posts they thought I would be good for.  Too late, I had accepted another offer but that may not occur if I had not captured their e-mail earlier
Posted by: Lydia  F
Thanks so much for the tips, super important to me not to forget this 5 things I have to do and bring to my next interview, so simple things and yet didn't have them mind!Great advice! Thank you again.
Posted by: Terri H
I always have these items w/me, for the reasons as stated. Having said items is as important as wearing a suit! A list of questions will also keep you from looking like a deer in the headlights when asked 'do you have any questions'!Although it's an afterthought, I was also advised by my job counselor to ask for a business card, for follow-up purposes.
Posted by: Janelle A
I agree with Cecilia M., always know where you are going.  I use Google maps and print out the map directions and also a close in satelite view so that I have a visual que for where to turn into the drive way and which side of the building looks like it is the best choice to park.  Saves a bit on your nerves just prior to the interview.
Posted by: Joyce N
I appreciate the information on things you need to take on an interview.  I believe it will help me get the job I have been searching for because I will be well prepared and the interviewer will be impressed  to hire the right candidate.  
Posted by: Tracy H
Being a recruiter I agreed with all of these comments.
Posted by: Anthony B
Pretty easy to remember, I make sure I have everything in one place a day or 2 before the interview. The day before, I check to make sure I have everything.
Posted by: Jeneva P
Actually this is great advice, and i do agree with Judy B.  my nerves are rattled so bad doing an interview I usually don't ask questions, but try to ask about the recruiter position in the company and how long have they been working for the company.  I actually found out that the company was an subsidiary of a company i didn't want to work for.  i didn't say that, though.
Posted by: Lynne M
The 5 suggestions are practical and simple to forget as one prepares to go for an interview. Thank you for a nice reminder.  I keep the information in a file folder I take with me.I had to call one interviewer up to get the address since he said he'd send it in the e-mail which never arrived. So it is a great idea to obtain the address and phone number where the interview will occur. It also helps (even in the age of GPS) to ask if there is anything that would be helpful to you in getting to the address.
Posted by: Judy B
Excellent..........now how about some well thought out questions I get so nervous I can't think.
Posted by: Cecilia M
I could not agree more, also just to add a few: 6.  Make sure you know exactly the place before your interview day in order to be early and not panic. 7.  Do research about the company before your interview.
Posted by: John V
These are good points before an interview.I had an interview where they asked me if I had a copy of my previous employees assessment...which I did and they were amazed and I was hired on the spot.
Posted by: Isela Z.
These are great ideas.I have done most of them. They are common sense ideas but when your nerves are rattled with the oncoming interview a lot of times you just don't remember. It feels good to see I still have my act together on interviews. I have a file folder with all the above together so I'm not running around looking for them last minute. I look forward to seeing more ideas.
Posted by: Maria R
Those are common sense things that people shouldn't have to be reminded to do. They should be done automatically.
Posted by: Deneen M
Awesome advice.  I had a few very good interviews because I had these things with me and now I am working.  This is good advice for someone just looking and always it will be the key to getting your dream job.
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