You have done all your research and preparation but do you know what you should take to your interview? At times you will be informed about what you should bring but there are basics you should take no matter what. The materials we recommend you to take to your interview are all things that can either help you in your interview or support your skills & achievements to the interviewer.
CV/Resume
You should always take several copies of your CV, either the one you sent in for the job or one that has been customised for that job. You can use your CV to help you remember your unique selling points on your way to the interview or while you waiting to go in. Having extra copies can be helpful in case they needed by your interviewer(s). It also helps to evidence you are very organised & prepared.
Cover Letter or Application
Whether you used a cover letter or an application form to apply for the job, you should always take it with you. Like your CV, you can review it either on your way or before you go into in your interview. It’s important to refresh your memory of what you stated to help get you the interview in case you’re either questioned or you need to elaborate more.
Letter of Invitation
Always take your invitation letter with you. You may be requested to produce it at the reception or in case you have any unexpected travel delay, you have the contact information with you so you can contact them and inform them of what your delay is.
Maps & Directions
Depending on the location of the interview venue, you may have to have a map and written directions. Hopefully you have done a practice run so you know where to go but it is always best to have them as a back-up just in case. You never know you may take a wrong turn by accident and you may need the map/directions to get you back on the right path.
Notepad & Pen
Do you know that you can make notes during your interview to help you? If you didn’t, you do now. Sometimes you can be bombared with questions and facts and you can lose your train of thought. Making notes can help you note what you been asked to help you give the best possible response. You may also pick up on some aspects that you wish to ask some questions about and noting them down can help you to ask about them later. Just make sure if you’re noting down points & information that you don’t get distracted as it can appear rude to the interviewer which will hurt your chances.
Portfolio or Evidence
If you can evidence your skills and achievements with evidence then you must take it with you. This could be samples of your work, letters of praise, evaluations, certificates, news articles etc. Interviewers appreciate it if you can evidence what you say about your skills/achievements. They have hard proof instead of trying to find out by questioning you. If you give them any copies of your evidence, be sure to have your name & details on them. If you have used LinkedIn or created your own website then make sure you give them the full details in both your application and in your interview. Having your evidence online is becoming a trend in the digital age.
*Note – If asked to provide evidence of your certificates, never let them keep the real copies. Ask them to take a photocopy of it!
Documents
Sometimes you may be asked to take documents that prove you say who you are. This could be passport, driving licence, anything to proof you living in the address you say you live at etc. This is because you have the job and they wish to process your application so you can start as soon as possible. Even if you not asked to take them, always have them on you as you never know what may happen. It’s not about being arrogant, it’s about being prepared & organised.
Last Minute Notes
Some interviewees will make themselves a last minute revision guide that is full of points or tips to help them in their interview. If you make yourself one of these then make sure you take it with you to review it on your way to the interview.
CV/Resume
You should always take several copies of your CV, either the one you sent in for the job or one that has been customised for that job. You can use your CV to help you remember your unique selling points on your way to the interview or while you waiting to go in. Having extra copies can be helpful in case they needed by your interviewer(s). It also helps to evidence you are very organised & prepared.
Cover Letter or Application
Whether you used a cover letter or an application form to apply for the job, you should always take it with you. Like your CV, you can review it either on your way or before you go into in your interview. It’s important to refresh your memory of what you stated to help get you the interview in case you’re either questioned or you need to elaborate more.
Letter of Invitation
Always take your invitation letter with you. You may be requested to produce it at the reception or in case you have any unexpected travel delay, you have the contact information with you so you can contact them and inform them of what your delay is.
Maps & Directions
Depending on the location of the interview venue, you may have to have a map and written directions. Hopefully you have done a practice run so you know where to go but it is always best to have them as a back-up just in case. You never know you may take a wrong turn by accident and you may need the map/directions to get you back on the right path.
Notepad & Pen
Do you know that you can make notes during your interview to help you? If you didn’t, you do now. Sometimes you can be bombared with questions and facts and you can lose your train of thought. Making notes can help you note what you been asked to help you give the best possible response. You may also pick up on some aspects that you wish to ask some questions about and noting them down can help you to ask about them later. Just make sure if you’re noting down points & information that you don’t get distracted as it can appear rude to the interviewer which will hurt your chances.
Portfolio or Evidence
If you can evidence your skills and achievements with evidence then you must take it with you. This could be samples of your work, letters of praise, evaluations, certificates, news articles etc. Interviewers appreciate it if you can evidence what you say about your skills/achievements. They have hard proof instead of trying to find out by questioning you. If you give them any copies of your evidence, be sure to have your name & details on them. If you have used LinkedIn or created your own website then make sure you give them the full details in both your application and in your interview. Having your evidence online is becoming a trend in the digital age.
*Note – If asked to provide evidence of your certificates, never let them keep the real copies. Ask them to take a photocopy of it!
Documents
Sometimes you may be asked to take documents that prove you say who you are. This could be passport, driving licence, anything to proof you living in the address you say you live at etc. This is because you have the job and they wish to process your application so you can start as soon as possible. Even if you not asked to take them, always have them on you as you never know what may happen. It’s not about being arrogant, it’s about being prepared & organised.
Last Minute Notes
Some interviewees will make themselves a last minute revision guide that is full of points or tips to help them in their interview. If you make yourself one of these then make sure you take it with you to review it on your way to the interview.