If you show up to a job interview empty-handed, you are putting yourself at a disadvantage! Here is a list of what to bring to a job interview to give yourself the best chance at success. I recommend getting an inexpensive, but professional, portfolio folder to keep the items below neatly organized!
What to Bring to a Job Interview: 7 Items for success!
- Copy of the job description
- Your resume on professional paper
- Polished self-introduction
- Prepared interview stories
- Questions for the hiring manager
- A list of things you want to make sure you discuss in the interview
- Evidence of your work (optional)
1. Copy of the job description
The first, and perhaps somewhat shocking, item on my list of what to bring to a job interview is a printed copy of the job description. Why? Because it is helpful to review the position description prior to walking into the building. This will help you speak the company’s language and serve as a great refresher of the skills and traits they are looking for.
If you are not in the habit of printing or saving the job descriptions for each position you apply to, make that your practice moving forward. Some organizations can move through the hiring process quite slowly. It isn’t uncommon for larger companies to hold interviews up to a month after you submit your application. If you don’t save and review the position description, it can be difficult to recall what was included.
2. Your resume on professional paper
Start every interview by offering a copy of your resume to the panel. If you are unsure how many people will be interviewing you, I suggest taking five copies to be safe. Having your resume available and printed on professional resume paper is an easy way to set yourself apart. It is likely that they will have printed copies of your resume if interviewing at a larger company; however, if you are interviewing informally or at a smaller organization, it is less likely.
Having your resume available and ready to distribute shows attention to detail, prior preparation, and eagerness. If you are interviewing remotely, I recommend offering to put a PDF of your resume in the chat for the hiring panel’s reference.
Designed to help you prepare for your upcoming interview – providing you with essential steps and tips to ensure you’re ready to impress!
3. Polished self-introduction or elevator pitch
The most common first request from an interview panel is for the candidate to share about themselves. It is the open-ended statement, “Tell me about yourself” that many people are under-prepared to answer.
If you haven’t thought about your self-introduction in advance, it is easy to fall victim to over-sharing, rambling, or making your response personal. Instead, prepare a confident self-introduction that is tailored to this company. Resist the urge to get personal or to share your entire professional journey or history. Instead, determine how you want to highlight yourself in this first question. While you will want to mention your education and work experience, strategically choose which relevant experiences you want to spend time highlighting. Give enough information to hook your audience, but don’t ramble.
If interviews make you nervous, consider writing a few notes for your introduction in your portfolio. You can rehearse before the interview or while in route.
4. Prepared interview stories to illustrate experience and outcomes
Many candidates believe it is impossible to prepare for an interview. While it is impossible to know what questions you will be asked, it isn’t impossible to prepare. In fact, I’ve devoted an entire article to how to prepare interview stories that will help you answer a diverse array of job interview questions.
If you prepare at least five stories using the STAR method and have quick notes in your notebook or portfolio, it will help refresh your memory during the interview. I highly recommend rehearsing these stories as well and predicting the types of questions you feel that story could help you answer. Without interview stories and illustrations, your answers will be vague and brief. Using stories will help bring your experience to life in tangible ways for the hiring manager!
5. Questions for the hiring manager
As common as it is for an interview to begin with, “Tell me about yourself,” it is just as common for it to end with “What questions do you have for us?” It is crucial that you prepare a list of at least five questions that you have about the job or company. Again, write these questions in your portfolio so you can refer to your list and make sure you get your questions answered.
Many candidates are unsure what to ask in the interview. I’ve got you covered with a great list of questions to ask the hiring manager at a job interview! Having good questions prepared is not only an easy way to demonstrate your interest in the position and company, but it also ensures you have the information you need to make an informed and confident decision should you be offered the job.
6. A list of things you want to make sure you discuss in the interview
Have you ever left an interview and thought, “Oh no! I forgot to talk about…” Having a shortlist of skills, qualities, and experiences written in your portfolio or notebook can serve as a reminder to you at the end of the interview when you are asked, “Is there anything else you would like to discuss?” This list is also a powerful reminder for you if you are asked, “Why should we hire you?”
I have witnessed many candidates say, “No, that’s all!” when a panel asks if there is anything else at the end of the interview. This is a prime opportunity to leave a lasting impression in the minds of the hiring manager or committee. If you truly feel like you have discussed everything you want/need to discuss, consider reminding them of your strongest attribute and briefly summarizing why you want to work for them in this role. Be genuine and authentic!
7. Evidence of your work (optional)
This last item on my list of what to bring to a job interview is optional and will depend on your industry. If you have a professional portfolio, examples of your work, etc., I strongly encourage you to bring it with you. For example, a graphic designer should be prepared to show a few examples of his work. As a higher education professional, I have been asked to prepare a teaching demonstration. In addition to being prepared and delivering the lesson, I also bring a complete lesson plan. Often, demonstrations or working interviews are condensed. Any documentation that provides evidence of your abilities can help set you apart from other candidates!
FREE GUIDE! How to Prepare for a Successful Interview
Preparing for a job interview can be done in these five, easy steps. Download the guide!
Hi! I’m Loren and I love helping candidates ace their interviews!
Does the list above of what to bring to a job interview seem great but daunting? What if I told you I can help! I love meeting with candidates to prepare for an interview and instill confidence! Investing in interview preparation is an investment in your future and is sure to boost your confidence!
