What should you bring to your interview?

You may be used to attending interviews by now, they may be completely new to you, however we can all take a little time beforehand to think about what we should be bringing with us to an interview. It’s something that isn’t widely discussed, but we have a list of a few essential things you may like to take to your next interview. You shouldn’t be over-thinking this and bringing far too much, you don’t want to feel cluttered.

Copies of your CV

The first thing you should always think about taking with you, are a few copies of your CV. The employer will probably already have one handy, to make sure they don’t forget to ask you anything. But it’s always good to have one for yourself. (and spares) Interviews can sometimes be a little stressful and we can all become forgetful. Having a little reminder of your experience in front of you can prevent you forgetting key things you wanted to tell the interviewer. It can provide you with a little bit of comfort, knowing that you have a ‘cheat sheet’.

List of references

This one isn’t relevant for everyone. Some job-seekers may put their references on their CV and others will bring them if requested. If you think bringing your references to the interview is a good idea, then do it! If you are asked for them, you will have them at the ready and if they don’t ask, there’s no loss. Something to consider next time you attend an interview.

Examples of previous work and projects

Depending on the type of job you are interviewing for, it may be a good idea to bring a selection of your previous work along with you. Some employers ask for you to bring it anyway, so make sure you are reading the interview requirements, but having it handy is never going to make you look bad. Having examples of your past work or your current ideas can show the interviewer your determination as a worker and the passion you have for the field. If you are ready to talk about your past achievements with passion, then it can show them you really want the job. If you have an online portfolio, it may be a good idea to either have this on your CV or send it via email before you attend the interview.

Pen and a notepad

Some people like to take notes during interviews, others don’t. What ever your preference it can always be handy to have a pen and a pad at the ready and if you change your mind, doesn’t matter, at least you are prepared. It can be good to write down important facts about the business that you feel are important to you. If you are a forgetful person, taking notes can be incredibly good for second interviews. Always good to remember what you have talked about previously.

Questions

Having a list of questions handy can ease some of the nerves you may have before an interview. It can be difficult and may feel a little overwhelming to have to memorise questions – especially when they can be easily forgotten in the middle of an interview. Having a list doesn’t mean you have to ask all of the questions, but if you get stuck and become lost for words, you have some questions in front of you to bring back the discussion.  

Directions

If you are in an unfamiliar area, it is always good to have directions at the ready. You never know when your phone or device is going to run out of battery and that can leave you in a sticky situation. It is worth having directions handy just in case. It can prevent being late, which is not good for an interview. Try and stay prepared.

What has the interviewer asked for?

Sometimes when you get invited to attend an interview, the business will either call and let you know if they would like you to bring anything, or they may send an email. They may list what they would like from you and it is very important to remember. If they have asked for examples of your work, a task for you to complete or even your passport or National Insurance number – remember it! Keep a little list handy before you leave for your interview and tick things off before you leave.

Organisation before attending an interview can be make or break, especially if they have directly asked for you to bring something. You don’t need to stick to this list, if you don’t feel like these things will benefit you. However, having these things handy doesn’t mean you have to use them. But they can help when you get to it. Showing the interviewer that you an organised candidate is never a bad thing.