After much searching, applying and networking, you have finally landed an in-person interview — congratulations! You feel confident in your ability to interview well, with answers to anticipated questions masterfully crafted and a stylish outfit selected to help you feel your best. And while you have prepared each answer and accessory with meticulous detail, you cannot help but wonder, “What do I bring?”
Rest assured, you are not alone.
In this day and age of technology and automation, I completely understand the uncertainty. Today, everything is completed online. Your job application, your resume and your cover letter have already been reviewed, and you likely submitted an assessment that was provided to you by the hiring manager. You have even received a confirmation email to confirm your initial confirmation email, reminding you of your interview date, interview location and interview time (with alerts the day before and the day of).
And while all of these automated systems are incredibly convenient for both the person conducting the interview and the person being interviewed, there are still items a candidate should bring with them, along with printed copies of their resume and references.
1. Hard Copies Of Travel And Contact Information
All too often our mobile devices fail us, leaving us in a position where there is no service or data to obtain the information we need. Rather than relying solely on a cellphone to get where you need to go, print out hard copies of directions, mass-transit schedules and contact numbers, just in case something goes wrong.
No day ever goes as planned. If your phone does not work when a train is delayed or rerouted, or a major roadway is blocked with a detour, you will be happy you had this information readily available for you to use. I strongly recommend leaving with plenty of time to spare and arriving at your destination fifteen minutes early — at least!
2. Printed Job Description — With Notes!
Bring a printed copy of the job description, highlighting various areas that need further clarification. Be sure to have a list of questions on hand so that when your interviewer asks if there is anything you would like more information on, you are fully prepared. You should also be engaged during your interview, noting items of interest so that you are focused when discussing how your experience aligns with their expectations.
While you are in the lobby waiting to be called, I strongly recommend turning off your cellphone and keeping it away. Wear a watch so that you are not even tempted to pull your phone out to check the time. Review the job description and your notes while you wait. Remember, appearances are everything. Playing Angry Birds on your phone does not say “Hire me” the same way reviewing material for your interview does.
3. Portfolio Containing Samples Of Your Work
A common misconception about preparing a portfolio for an interview is that you are only required to bring one if you work within a creative field, such as graphic design, architecture or content writing. This is simply not the case. Samples of your work should be provided regardless of the field you are in — whether you are an administrative assistant providing examples of correspondence you have written or a project manager listing action plans you have developed and then implemented.
Research has shown time and time again that while people tend to forget what they hear, they almost never forget what they see. Providing real-life examples of your work shows your expertise level firsthand, proving you can do what you say while making your candidacy stand out above the rest.
4. Knowledge About The Company You Are Interviewing For
You may not have realized this, but you are heading to this meeting to conduct an interview of your own. You are interviewing this company to see if it is a good fit for you! Besides having questions prepared about the specific position you applied for, do your due diligence, and research the company you are interviewing for thoroughly. Search through recent mentions in the media, employee and customer reviews (if applicable), and LinkedIn profiles of past and present employees.
Are the articles you are finding positive? Do the reviews raise any red flags? Do you see a pool of employees who have been there long-term, or are the profiles you are coming across showing one to two years at the company, maximum? Conducting this type of research will provide you with the ability to ask questions that are focused on the larger picture while gauging important information about the company’s stability, future and culture.
5. A Smile — Seriously. Be Human.
A young college graduate arrived for an interview in downtown Manhattan on time and dressed to perfection. Resume in hand, she greeted her interviewer with a firm handshake, made her way past reception and fell flat on her face.
Everyone in the office saw, and my friend, the hiring manager, was absolutely mortified, checking immediately and fussing over her profusely to make sure she was OK. The young girl got up, laughed and said with a smile, “So, did I get the job?”
Needless to say, everyone was relieved and laughed along with her. She gave a strong interview, and out of a pool of highly qualified candidates, got the job (and never wore flashy heels again). My friend said her ability to handle such an embarrassing situation with confidence sealed the deal for her. The person you are interviewing with is not looking for you to be a perfect robot. They want to get a sense of who you are and how you will fit within their team. You can easily be personable and friendly while remaining professional. And if you fall, get yourself together, laugh and move forward.
Let’s face it. If you fall down, there’s nowhere else to go but up!
