Going to a job interview can be nerve-wracking. You want to make the best impression possible on the interviewer so they see you as the right person for the job. An important part of this is bringing the right items with you to the interview. Having the correct things shows you are prepared and professional.
1. Multiple Copies of Your Resume
Bring at least 5 printed copies of your most recent resume. Hand a copy to everyone interviewing you like the hiring manager. Also have some extras just in case more people join the interview. Print your resume on professional resume paper rather than regular printer paper. This shows extra effort to look prepared.
For example, Jane brought 7 copies of her resume printed on thick ivory resume paper to her interview at a law firm. She gave one to the hiring manager, one to the senior partner, and had five copies ready just in case. The interviewers were impressed Jane came so well prepared.
2. List of References
You should always be prepared to provide references if asked during a job interview. Type up a list with 3-5 professional references and their contact information. Only choose people like former managers who can vouch for your skills and work performance.
Make sure to let your references know ahead of time so they expect a call about you. This will help them prepare better answers to questions the hiring manager asks them.
For instance, Mike brought a list of 3 references with phone numbers and emails to his school district interview. One was a former principal, one a co-teacher, and one a college mentor. The hiring team asked Mike for references near the end of the interview so having the prepared list helped him promptly provide qualified contacts.
3. Portfolio Related to the Job
Having a portfolio showcasing work samples relevant to the job is an excellent way to showcase your skills and come across as professional. For example, bring writing samples if it is a writing job or design prototypes if you are a designer. Even in non-creative fields, include items like performance reviews, awards, letters of recommendation from past jobs or professors. Only include your very best, high-quality pieces that support why you should get this job.
For example, Kamika was interviewing for a project coordinator role at a marketing agency. She created a portfolio binder containing sample marketing decks she created, her highest-scoring college presentations, Excel trackers showing her event planning process, and photos from events she coordinated. Being able to visually show relevant work helped Kamika stand out.
4. Small Notebook and Pen
Bring a professional notebook like a moleskin and a nice pen to every interview. Use this to write down key points and take notes during the interview so you can refer back to them later when the interviewer asks the dreaded “do you have any questions for me” question. Write down names and titles of interviewers so you can customize thank you notes. Taking notes shows active listening.
For example, Ahmad brought his leather-bound notebook and a nice pen when interviewing with a tech startup. He wrote down details about the open roles, company growth plans, and names of all 6 people who interviewed him in different rounds. Reviewing his notes helped Ahmad ask good follow up questions that impressed the CEO.
5. Charged Phone
In case you need to call your references or review important notes on your phone, make sure it is fully charged. Also bring a phone charger in your bag just in case. Put your phone completely on silent rather than vibrate so it does not cause any disruption during the interview.
Some interviews may involve technical knowledge assessments done on your phone or a brief work sample writing task where references on your phone may be helpful. Having full charge prepares you for these possibilities.
For instance, Tayshaun’s phone stayed charged during his 4-hour interview at an accounting firm. His final interview involved analyzing complex tax scenarios on a business software platform they sent him to access on his phone. Having full battery was essential so his phone did not die partway through this important final test.
6. Professional Padfolio, Bag, or Briefcase
Bring a professional bag like a padfolio, leather bag, or nice briefcase to transport items to the interview. It should be nice enough quality to match a professional workplace environment. Make sure it is big enough to hold all the items on this list. For women, a larger purse can also work well.
Pick neutral colors like black, brown, tan or gray rather than loud patterns or bright colors not typical of an office. Your overall presentation including attire and accessories creates an impression.
For example, Jamal brought a brown leather padfolio case to his job interview with a law firm. All his resumes fit inside neatly along with his notebook and pen. The hiring manager complimented what a put together impression Jamal gave right from the start.
7. Business Cards
Having professional business cards printed with your name, title and contact information establishes credibility. Only bring if relevant to your profession and industry. For example marketing, sales, real estate, legal and academic job interviews may expect applicants to present business cards.
Bring at least 5 cards per interviewer so they can share with colleagues. Having no cards if expected gives an unprepared image.
For instance, Nina designed attractive business cards showcasing her title as Social Media Marketing Manager. She brought 20 cards to give out at her interview with a digital marketing agency. Being able to present herself professionally right away helped Nina stand out to the agency as someone already familiar with standard business customs.
8. Interview Outfit
The right interview attire can project confidence. Bring the complete professional outfit you plan to wear including pants or skirt, blouse or dress shirt, jacket, dress shoes, belt and accessories. Hang it neatly in your car if the interview is right after work to change into.
For example, Tyrone had to go straight to a job interview from his restaurant shift where his work clothes would be too casual. During his lunch break, he neatly hung a suit and tie in the back seat of his car to change into. Having the professional outfit easily accessible prevented issues trying to prep last minute.
9. Extra Copies of Your Background Check Documents
Many jobs require company background checks before final offer. This checks information from your resume and application like Identity, employment dates, driving records, criminal history etc.
To speed this process, bring neatly organized copies of items which take 1-2 weeks like driver’s license, social security card birth certificate passport diplomas transcripts court records and military discharge documents if applicable. Keep copies of these handy during your job search.
Having them readily available if requested shows transparency and that you have nothing to hide.
For example, the school district interview asked Linda for identity and degree copies midway through when they decided to progress her candidacy. By having extras accessible in her folder, she promptly provided them to facilitate quick completion of her background check.
10. Hard Copies of Your Professional Licenses, Certifications and Achievements
Bring documents proving specialized credentials needed for the type of job. These may include licenses, IT certificates, coding credential badges etc. For jobs requiring specialized college degrees like engineering accounting nursing or teaching bring an extra sealed undergraduate transcript copy if not already provided with your application.
This further substantiates your qualifications beyond just listing credentials on your resume.
For example, the engineering firm asked to see John’s Professional Engineer license and official college transcripts during his Director of Operations interview to vet his engineering degree. Having both readily available helped his candidacy move swiftly to the final rounds.
11. Well Researched Company Information
If allowed, bring neatly organized notes, printouts or bookmarked pages on your tablet researching the company mission, initiatives, operations and challenges they aim to solve. Tying your background directly to alignments with the company’s goals throughout the interview makes a stronger case for your fit.
Ask insightful questions that show genuine interest in making meaningful contributions aligned with overall strategic objectives.
For example, Yasmin found news articles with interviews on her potential manager about the Accounting unit’s upcoming restructuring plans and need for someone highly analytical to lead certain audit functions undergoing changes. Her insightful questions instantly impressed them.
12. Positive Attitude and Confidence
The most essential thing to bring to any interview is self-confidence, positive energy and active listening skills. Smile make steady eye contact and focus completely on the conversation. Do not check phone or clock watch which gives off disinterest or nervousness. Show genuine passion and interest in representing the company brand. Stay focused on emphasizing your unique value-add.
For example, Jamar did extensive preparation to understand exactly how his analytics skills would directly benefit the hospitals network optimization goals for better patient outcomes. His confident well-researched responses won over the Chief Analytics Officer to see he approached solutions from an innovative technology-driven lens missing in the department.
Bringing the proper physical items lays the groundwork. Pairing those with the right enthusiastic mindset and ability to connect your background to the company’s strategic priorities impresses interviewers the most. Think through what exactly makes you the ideal culture carrier for the brand through unique skills talents and fit. Use these 12 tips to make a lasting great impression at your next big career interview.