10 Things You Should Always Bring with You to an Interview
April 7, 2011 
7 Comments
The current state of the economy and the job market has made it almost impossible to find a job. If you want to be one of the “chosen” to land an interview, you must be at the top of your game. No longer is it enough to simply appear at an interview dressed in a suit and armed with a positive attitude. Today’s candidates must be thoroughly prepared for each interview they attend. An important component of that preparation is knowing the ten things you should always bring with you to an interview.
1. Five copies of your resume – even if you have submitted your resume electronically, it is still important to bring along hard copies. In many cases, candidates will find themselves interviewed by multiple managers, so it is always important to have enough resumes to go around.
2. Professional references – be sure to bring a list of 3-5 professional references. Include each reference’s contact information including email address as well as the capacity by which they know you.
3. Personal references – more and more companies are turning to personal references to round out the interview process, so bring a list of personal references as well. Phone numbers, email address and relationship should be carefully noted for each reference.
4. Work History – keep a list of your previous employers including physical address, phone number, employment dates and manager names. Being unable to provide this information is unprofessional and may raise an eyebrow or two.
5. Education – bring a list of each school you attended, the address and the degree, or program studied.
6. Skills – As technology continues to evolve, many potential employers are interested in what programs candidates have mastered. You should also include any specialized skills or equipment you can operate
7. Questions – almost all hiring managers will end the interview by asking if the candidate has any questions – prepare a list in advance. It is a great idea to do this by carefully reviewing the company website. The questions should be thought-provoking and relevant.
8. Documentation – Bring along any professional certifications as well as a valid driver’s license and social security card. In the event that the position is immediately offered to you, you will have all of the information needed with you.
9. Samples – Many jobs require a candidate to provide samples of their work. Be sure to bring along representations of your best work. This applies to almost all jobs. For example, an architect may bring along samples of their designs while a teacher might bring lesson plans or an example of a teaching plan.
10. Attitude – never underestimate the power of your attitude – remember you are selling yourself, so it is crucial you come prepared to do just that. Be well rested and eat shortly before your interview.
Being adequately prepared for an interview is the first step towards has a successful session. Be sure to prepare your interview items in advance so you are not rushing around trying to locate everything right before your interview.
Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 9+ best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Erin has written thousands of resumes for executives and professionals.
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Categories: Career Advice, College Students, Interview Tips, Job Hunting Strategies, Job Market, Job Openings
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Since Erin Kennedy was mentioned at the bottom of the article, I would guess that she wrote the article. So Erin, thank you for this list.
This is the best set of ideas I have seen in how to prepare for an interview and anyone serious in landing a job must follow these 10 steps. It will put you heads above everyone applying for the position.
In all of the interviews I have participated in, no one met even half of these suggestions. If they had, I would have hired them over someone else who appeared to have a better background.
It is the idea of show me your value as opposed to tell me your value. Someone who is this well prepared shows me they are well organized and have thought of all possible outcomes.
Gary Gile recently posted..It’s not the things we buy that make us happy it’s what we share with others that make us happy
I agree with Mr. Gile. This is the best list of how to come to an interview well prepared.
And let’s not forget a breath mint! Better than bad breath or chewing gum during an interview. Very distracting.
Sarah Says recently posted..Team Rebecca- Three Career Lessons from Rebecca Black
I agree with 7 of this 10 things. But, why do I have to make lists for the 4), 5), 6) items? Firstly, I might be able to answear to any Q about my work experience, education history, etc. Secondly, these informations are already presented in my resume…
Nice article!! However I do not agree with the references or social security card. I tell candidates to not give out their references until they are certain they want the job. Their references do not want to be called unless a job is on the table let alone used for sales reps to contact them. Regarding personal references, I think those are a thing of past. If any of my friends would give me a bad reference, then they aren’t my friend
And I think there is a legal line that can be crossed in asking personal references questions since it does not pertain to their potential job duties. There are no legal personal questions that I can think of. We only take prior direct manager/supervisors are references. Rarely do we accept a co-worker.
I also would not suggest bringing along a social security card until they have the job and are filling out an I-9.
I do like your article, I just have a different thought on giving out my managers direct phone numbers and email addresses until I have an offer in front of me – of course contingent that I pass their background check and references.
Everything else I 100% agree with and thanks for the article too!!
I agree with melissa and cristi..other than that the article was okay.