What To Bring To A Job Interview

If you’re going to a job interview, congratulations. That’s a huge hurtle in the  job hunting process. It means you’ve made the first cut. Your resume is impressive, you have the references, the experience, and the skills that make recruiters want to learn more about you. Now it’s time to put your game face on. It’s interview time and you need to know what to bring to a job interview.

Everyone gets a case of the “butterflies” when they are heading to a job interview. Being in the hot seat is a nerve wracking experience. You’re sweaty, you stumble over your words, your mind goes blank – it happens to everyone.

No matter how much you prepare, it’s hard to prepare enough (especially with all those crazy interview questions you’ve heard about!). What do you wear? What info do you need to remember before the big meeting? Now, you don’t have to worry about what to bring because JobMonkey is here to help.

Luckily, we just read a great article that helps outline the exact things you need to bring to a job interview:

• Hard copies of your resume – Bring several copies because you don’t know how many recruiters will want a copy.
• One small bag – Don’t bring  several bags. Have one and keep it organized to quickly access whatever you need.
• Professional notebook for note-taking – This makes you look pro, plus you’ll remember little details for later.
• Pens – It looks tacky to ask for a writing utensil, have one with you that’s easily accessible.
• Portfolio – If your career needs a portfolio, bring it in whatever format is most appropriate – usually a portable binder or laptop.
• Confidence – Confidence gets you hired. Know your stuff and bring a lucky charm if it makes you hold your head high.
• Personality – Who you are speaks louder than what you’ve done. Personality can often be the ticket to beating the competition.
• List of questions – Interviewing is a two way street. Having questions prepared shows that you’ve thought about this job beyond just the job description.
• Contact details for references – If you’ve made it this far, they may want a reference to double check your story. Print your reference and their contact details on a sheet of paper.
• Silent cell phone – We all have cell phones. Make sure yours doesn’t make any noise.
• Water, kleenex, cough drops, breath mints – If you’re stuffed up, hacking up a lung, are super parched, or have coffee breath, be sure to have what you need to make it through the interview.
• Comfortable shoes – Sometimes interviews involve tours or walking.
• Identification – Be able to prove who you are in case you need to fill out paperwork.
• Work Authorization – If you’re heading to a foreign country, make sure you have proof that you are eligible to work there.
• Map and directions – Don’t get lost and show up late.
• Name of Interviewer – Know who you’re interviewing with and how to pronounce their name correctly.
• Anything else? – Maybe an interviewer will ask you to bring specific items. Definitely don’t forget those.

It’s a big list, but it’s easy to put together. Obviously this list may need some tweaks and edits depending on your profession, but it’s a start. Use this checklist to help you get your stuff together. That way  you won’t forget anything. Good luck in the interview!