What do you need to bring to an interview?
Picture this - after spending months on end job hunting and applying for vacancies, you finally receive an interview call back.
You are delighted, to say the least, and spend another few days intensely preparing for the upcoming interview.
And finally, on D-day, you walk in confidently for the interview, but when the recruiters ask you for a copy of your resume and other documents, you realize you’ve forgotten to carry them.
This is nothing short of a nightmare for any candidate.
With the stress of performing well for the interview and the pressure to perfect your interview answers, some things can slip out of your mind.
Therefore, to help you avoid the same, this blog will give you clarity on what to bring to an interview and related FAQs like the following:
- What should a person do to prepare for an interview?
- What should you bring to an interview?
- What documents should applicants bring to an interview?
- What not to bring to an interview?
How to Prepare for an Interview?
A substantial part of your interview performance will depend on the amount of preparation you’ve done before the day.
There are also certain dos and don’ts that you must follow on the day and after the interview to leave a great impression on the recruiters.
Before the interview, your preparation must include researching and learning about the company, analyzing the job description, and practicing common interview questions.
Apart from that, given below are some tips that you can follow to prepare for an interview:
- Review the job description to assess the requirements and the probable interview questions that recruiters can ask related to it
- Gather information about the company and see how you are a cultural fit
- Practice common interview questions specific to the job profile you’re interviewing for
- Review the interview itinerary and job listing to check if the recruiters have asked to bring any documents in particular
- Update your social media pages and ensure that doesn’t show any red flags
- Assess the commute time and the interview venue to ensure that you’ll reach on time for the interview
- Choose an appropriate attire for the interview
- Prepare at least 3-4 thoughtful questions that you’d like to ask the recruiters
- Post the interview, send a thank you letter
Also Read: How to ace any job interview in 2022?
What to Bring to an Interview?
Besides bringing your A-game to the interview, given below is a comprehensive checklist of things that you must take to the interview:
Resume Copies
Even though the recruiters will probably have a copy of your resume that you submitted when applying for the job, you must bring at least 4 to 5 copies of your resume to the interview.
Carry them in a folder and keep them in a place that is easily accessible.
It is necessary to carry multiple copies of your resume because you might get interviewed by more than one recruiter.
Pen and a Notebook
Since you can’t be sure about what insights you might get about the job or the company during interviews, consider carrying a pen and a small notebook with you.
The interviewer might also give you some instructions about the next round of interviews and in such scenarios, you might need to jot down the details.
Questions to Ask the Recruiters
Asking thoughtful questions to the interviewers helps you stand out from the crowd of applicants and shows your genuine interest in the role and company.
And on the contrary, if you don’t ask any questions to the recruiters or even worse, ask salary-related questions in your first interview, it can hamper your chances of getting shortlisted.
Here are some good questions to bring to an interview:
- If I get hired for this role, how will my performance be evaluated?
- What does a typical work day look like in this role?
- What will be my first priority if I get hired for this role?
- What are the most important qualities required to excel in this position?
- How can I grow within the company with this position?
- What’s your favorite thing about working for this company?
Supporting Documents
Apart from multiple copies of your resume, given below is a list of supporting documents that you must carry along to your interview:
- A list of references with details like their names, titles, companies, phone numbers, and email addresses.
- Your identification cards like driver’s license, or any other photo ids, in case the security guards ask for them while entering the building.
- A physical work portfolio showcasing examples of your work, such as architectural designs, website articles, advertisements, apparel designs, etc. if it applies to your job profile.
- If you are interviewing for an entry-level position or as a fresher, carry your college mark sheets, degree certificates, and other college documents.
- Crosscheck the job listing or call the HR representative to check if they require any specific documents like salary slips, experience certificates, etc.
A Positive Vibe
Needless to say, positive body language and a warm smile is essential to make a good first impression on the recruiters.
And surveys show that 33% of recruiters decide whether they will hire a candidate in the first minute and a half of the interview, based on the first impression.
Ensure to maintain good eye contact, a good posture, and exude confidence during interviews.
A Bottle of Water
While this might be a very general item on the list, sipping on a bottle of water can help you calm your nerves and keep your larynx hydrated to help with the tone of your voice.
While you can get a bottle of water in most of the interview venues, it’s best to carry your own just in case they don’t.
Also Read: What are the most common mock interview questions that you must prepare in 2022?
What Not to Bring to an Interview?
To put it simply, don’t carry anything that can distract the recruiters during interviews, which includes the following items:
- Any food items
- Heavy baggage
- Chewing gums (strictly avoid chewing gums during interviews)
- Reading materials or books
- Friends and family
- Pets
- Hats or any other flashy accessories
- Products or items from a competitor’s brand
- Unnecessary electronic gadgets
Also Read: How to sell yourself during an interview?
Key Points from the Blog
- Before the interview, your preparation must include researching and learning about the company, analyzing the job description, and practicing common interview questions.
- Review the interview itinerary and job listing to check if the recruiters have asked to bring any documents in particular.
- Carry at least 4 to 5 copies of your resume to the interview.
- Bring a small notebook and a pen to the interview, along with 4 to 5 written questions to ask the recruiters.
- Crosscheck the job listing or call the HR representative to check if they require any specific documents like salary slips, experience certificates, etc.
- Maintain a positive attitude and maintain eye contact during the interview to leave a good impression on the recruiters.
- Carry a bottle of water to sip on to help calm your nerves before the interview.
Should you require expert guidance to help you with your interview preparation, visit Hiration’s Career Activator Platform with round-the-clock chat support. You can also write to us at support@hiration.com if you have any queries.
