Congratulations! You’ve landed an interview for your dream job. Now it’s time to prepare so you can make the best impression possible. It’s important to remember that first impressions matter, and what you bring with you to the interview can say a lot about you as a professional. Here’s a helpful checklist of what to bring to an interview, so you can be sure you have everything you need to Ace the interview and get the job!
Table of Contents
What to Bring to an Interview
A notepad and pen
This may seem like a no-brainer, but trust us, you’ll want something to write on and with during the interview. You’ll want to take notes on what the interviewer says (more on that later), and you may also be asked to do a written exercise as part of the interview process. So come prepared with something to write with and on—no one wants to see you borrowing a pen from the receptionist when it’s time to get started.
Directions to Interview Location and Parking Information
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so take a few minutes the night before your interview to map out the route and ensure you know exactly where you’re going. This will help you avoid any stressful situations on the day of the interview, like getting lost or arriving late. And if you’re driving, find out where you can park ahead of time. Nothing puts a damper on an interview like getting a parking ticket!
Several Copies of Your Business Card
Bring a few copies of your business card to the interview if you have them. This is always a nice touch, and it can come in handy if you meet more than one person during the interview.
Your ID
Make sure you have your driver’s license, passport, or another form of identification when you go to the interview. You may need it to fill out paperwork, and the interviewer may also want to see it.
Water Bottle
A water bottle is always a good idea, especially if you have a long commute or the interview is scheduled for later in the day. You don’t want to be caught off guard by thirst during the interview, so come prepared with your water bottle that you can keep refilling throughout the day.
Snacks
If you have time before the interview, stop by a nearby café and grab a coffee or a light snack. This will help you stay focused and energized during the interview, and it’s always better to have something in your stomach before meeting with a potential employer.
Multiple copies of your resume
It’s always a good idea to have more than one copy of your resume, just in case. The interviewer may have misplaced theirs, or multiple people may be interviewing you who want their copy. Either way, it’s better to be safe than sorry—after all, your resume got you the interview in the first place, so make sure it’s readily available.
Bag or Briefcase
You’ll want a place to store your materials (resume, business cards, notepad, etc.), so be sure to bring a bag, briefcase, or portfolio to keep everything organized. This will also give you a place to put any materials you may be given during the interview, like an information packet about the company.
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Your Portfolio or Work Samples
If you’re interviewing for a creative position, you must bring samples of your work. This will give the interviewer a better sense of your skillset and what kind of work you can produce. Even if you don’t think your portfolio is “perfect” yet, it’s better to bring something than nothing. After all, your portfolio is a work in progress—just like you!
A list of references
While most interviews are informal, it’s still a good idea to have a list of references on hand—just in case. If the interviewer requests them at the end of the meeting, you’ll be prepared with contact information for past employers or professors who can vouch for your qualifications.
A copy of your cover letter
Just like with your resume, it’s possible that the interviewer misplaced or lost a copy of your cover letter. Having an extra one handy will ensure they have all the information about why you are the best candidate for this job.
Breath mints
First impressions matter; nothing says “unprofessional” like bad breath. Be sure to pop a breath mint (or two) before heading into the interview so you can make confident small talk without worrying about whether or not your breath smells fresh.
Interview Schedule
If you have a printed copy of the interview schedule, bring it with you. This will help you keep track of time and ensure you’re prepared for each step of the interview process.
Answers to common interview questions
This is where those practice interviews with friends or family come in handy (if you haven’t done any, now’s the time!). You should prepare a few talking points for each of the most common questions asked in an interview so that you’re not caught off guard when they come up. Of course, each interview will be unique, but having some general answers prepared will help ease any nerves and give you a confident start.
Common Interview Questions and Answers
Conclusion:
An interview is often make-or-break when it comes to landing a job—which is why preparation is key! By coming prepared with everything you need—a notepad and pen, multiple copies of your resume, and answers to common questions—you can set yourself up for success. So next time you land an interview, don’t forget to pack these essentials!