Introduction Congratulations on landing a job interview! This is your opportunity to showcase your qualifications, experience, and personality to potential employers. However, even the most qualified candidates can stumble if they’re not properly prepared. That’s why knowing what to bring to an interview is crucial. In this comprehensive guide from What2Bring.net, we’ll walk you through everything you need to pack to make a great impression and increase your chances of getting hired.
Essential Documents
First and foremost, make sure to bring multiple copies of your resume or CV. Print them on high-quality paper and store them in a protective folder. If you have a portfolio or work samples that are relevant to the position, bring those as well. Don’t forget to include a list of references with their contact information. Lastly, bring a valid form of ID and any necessary forms the employer may have requested, such as an I-9 or tax forms.
- Multiple copies of your resume/CV printed on high-quality paper and stored in a protective folder
- Portfolio or work samples relevant to the position
- List of references with their contact information
- Valid form of ID and any necessary forms the employer may have requested (e.g., I-9, tax forms)
Grooming and Attire – What to bring to interview
Your appearance is the first thing the interviewer will notice, so it’s essential to dress appropriately. Choose professional, well-fitting clothing that aligns with the company culture. Make sure your hair, facial hair, and nails are neat and tidy. Keep accessories minimal and non-distracting. To ensure fresh breath, pack breath mints or gum, but avoid chewing during the actual interview.
- Professional, well-fitting clothing that aligns with the company culture
- Neat and tidy hair, facial hair, and nails
- Minimal, non-distracting accessories
- Breath mints or gum (avoid chewing during the interview)
Tools for Notetaking and Organization
Bring a padfolio or professional folder to hold your documents and take notes during the interview. Pack a pen and notepad to jot down important points, questions you want to ask, or details about the next steps in the hiring process. If you use a planner or calendar, bring it along in case scheduling is discussed.
- Padfolio or professional folder to hold documents and take notes
- Pen and notepad to jot down important points, questions, or details about next steps
- Planner or calendar in case scheduling is discussed
Technology and Connectivity
In today’s digital age, it’s wise to bring a fully charged phone to the interview. Keep it on silent mode to avoid any disruptions. If you’ve been asked to give a presentation or complete a skills test, bring a laptop or tablet. Don’t forget a portable battery charger to ensure your devices don’t run out of power.
- Fully charged phone on silent mode
- Laptop or tablet if asked to give a presentation or complete a skills test
- Portable battery charger to ensure devices don’t run out of power
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Essential Documents | – Multiple copies of your resume/CV – Portfolio or work samples (if relevant) – References list – ID and necessary forms (e.g., I-9, tax forms) |
| Grooming and Attire | – Professional, well-fitting clothing appropriate for the company culture- Neat and tidy hair, facial hair, nails- Minimal, non-distracting accessories – Breath mints or gum |
| Tools for Notetaking and Organization | – Padfolio or professional folder to hold documents- Pen and notepad for jotting down important points – Planner or calendar in case scheduling is discussed |
| Technology and Connectivity | – Fully charged phone on silent mode- Laptop or tablet if you may be asked to give a presentation or take a skills test- Portable battery charger |
| Personal Care and Comfort Items | – Tissue pack- Stain remover pen- Lint roller or brush for removing hair and fuzz- Compact umbrella in case of unexpected rain- Water bottle to stay hydrated |
| Confidence Boosters | – A memento or good luck charm if it helps you feel confident (kept discreetly in a pocket)- Talking points or notes to reference in the lobby before going in- A smile and positive attitude! |
Personal Care and Comfort Items
Small personal care items can help you feel more comfortable and confident during the interview. Pack a tissue pack in case of sniffles or sneezes. A stain remover pen can be a lifesaver for last-minute clothing mishaps. Use a lint roller or brush to remove any hair or fuzz from your outfit. If the forecast calls for rain, bring a compact umbrella. Lastly, stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle, which you can discreetly sip before the interview begins.
- Tissue pack for sniffles or sneezes
- Stain remover pen for last-minute clothing mishaps
- Lint roller or brush to remove hair or fuzz from outfit
- Compact umbrella in case of rain
- Water bottle to stay hydrated (sip discreetly before the interview)
Confidence Boosters
If you have a small memento or good luck charm that helps you feel confident, bring it along and keep it discreetly in your pocket. Prepare a list of talking points or notes to reference in the lobby before the interview. This can help calm your nerves and keep you focused. Most importantly, bring a smile and positive attitude! Confidence is key when making a great first impression.
- Small memento or good luck charm to keep discreetly in your pocket for confidence
- List of talking points or notes to reference in the lobby before the interview
- Smile and positive attitude – confidence is key!
Conclusion Preparing what to bring to an interview is an essential step in the job search process. By following this ultimate checklist from What2Bring.net, you’ll have everything you need to feel confident, prepared, and professional. Remember, the goal is to pack the most critical items that will help you showcase your best self. We hope this guide has been helpful, and we wish you the best of luck in your upcoming interview!
FAQs – What to bring to interview
Do I really need to bring printed copies of my resume? Won’t the interviewer have their own copy?
Yes, it’s important to bring multiple printed copies of your resume to the interview. Even though the interviewer will likely have a copy, bringing extra copies shows that you are prepared and organized. Plus, additional copies can be useful if there are multiple interviewers or if the interviewer wants to share your resume with other colleagues involved in the hiring process.
What should I wear to the interview?
The appropriate attire for an interview largely depends on the company’s organizational culture and the role you’re interviewing for. However, in general, it’s best to wear professional, well-fitting clothes that convey a sense of attention to detail. For men, a suit or slacks with a button-down shirt and dress shoes are usually a good choice. For women, a business dress, pantsuit, or skirt and blouse are appropriate. Make sure your clothes are clean, well-pressed, and neat. Avoid overly revealing, casual, or flashy outfits.
Is it okay to bring “good luck charms” or other personal items to the interview?
If you have a memento or good luck charm that helps you feel confident, it’s perfectly fine to bring it with you to the interview. However, make sure to keep it discreetly in your pocket and not display it during the interview itself. The focus should be on your skills, experience, and qualities, not on personal objects. Other small personal care items like a tissue pack or stain remover are also acceptable to bring, as long as they are used discreetly if needed.
