Resources
Drafting your resume to be strong and powerful is done. You feel like you wait forever until you get a call back for an interview. Once you finally do, now you can start preparing for your interview. You probably thought you were done preparing, but the interview is the first impression the hiring manager will get of you. Read this list to make sure you don’t forget something that will help you make a good impression.
- Directions
Email or call the person you are interviewing with to find out the best place to park, enter the building, and go once you enter the building. Find out if you need a parking pass or to register at a front desk as a guest. Print out all this information and place it in your bag ahead of time so you don’t forget it.
- Phone number of the interviewer
Have the name and number of someone to contact in case you get lost or have an emergency.
- Money
If you have to pay for parking in a garage or at a meter, be sure you have the money needed with you. If you take public transportation, make sure your pass has enough money on it to cover the trip or reload it before the day of the interview.
- Identification
The building may or may not have security, so it is smart to bring your ID just in case. Plus, some job applications require your driver’s license number to apply.
- A professional bag
Unless you are applying for a position at a fashion company, stick to bags that are professional looking and one color. The bag should be big enough to fit everything you need.
- Business cards
Keep business cards with you to give to the interviewer at the end of the interview. Hopefully they will offer theirs in return. If not, you can always ask for it. Business cards are a great way to make sure you know the name of the interviewer and get their credentials correct for your thank you note following the interview.
- Tide to go stick
The day of an interview always seems to attract stains. Carrying a Tide bleach pen with you will allow you to tackle that stain before your interview. Plus, they are fairly cheap and small so they can fight inside a purse or briefcase.
- Gum or mints
You never want to risk having bad breath for an interview or any other professional encounter. Keep gum or mints with you at all times.
- Copies of your resume
Even though they already saw your resume, it doesn’t hurt to bring 4-5 more copies in case there is more than one person for the interview that wants their own copy. A copy of your resume can serve as a reference point for yourself when explaining past experiences too.
- References
Interviewers will commonly call your references after your interview, so providing them with a reference sheet is important. Make sure everyone on your list is aware that you are using them as a reference so they are prepared.
- Paper and pens
Bring more than one pen in case one pen decides not to work and bring paper to take notes on. Taking notes of the important things discussed during the interview shows the interviewer that you care.
- A portfolio or flash drive
Depending on the kind of position you are applying for, you may be required to produce examples of your work. If you can display your work in a physical portfolio then bring it. If it is better seen on a computer then bring your flash drive or a link to your online portfolio.
- Questions
Always go to an interview with questions prepared for the end of the interview. This requires doing some research about the company and position beforehand.
- Confidence
You won’t do well if you don’t have confidence that you are the right fit for the job and can be successful doing it.
See the following articles for more information:
- 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
- The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
- How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
- How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
- How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question
Photo: commpro.biz
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