Should I bring my resume to an interview?

 

You’ve got the job interview. This means, on paper at least, the company thinks you have what it takes to do the job. Proving it is the next step and that means conversing with the interviewer(s) to show them you do have what it takes to move their company forward in an ever-changing world.

 

Sweaty palms, butterflies in your stomach and a potential roar in your hot ears is more than enough to deal with on the day; to lessen the stress of the interview be prepared and enhance your confidence on the day by using the list below. Here are 10 things you should always take to a job interview.

 

 

You should have received this before the interview. Make sure you have a copy as a reference to glance at to help you stay focused during the interview process.

 

 

Before you even attend the interview – and in some cases apply for a job – it is imperative to know the company you’ll be working for. Use a search engine to find out as much as you can about the company. Read reviews online and use LinkedIn to find out what you can about other employees.

 

You’ll be able to impress the interviewers if you know facts and details about how the company has performed and if they have won awards or accolades for their efforts. They can also picture you on the job easily.

 

 

If you really want to impress, make sure you bring a few copies of your CV to interview. If you’re facing a panel of interviewers, you will look organised if you can supply them with their own copy. It is perfectly acceptable to have a copy of your CV in front of you for your reference as you discuss your skills, too.

 

Bear in mind that even if you’re using a more dynamic template, such as Canva or LinkedIn for your CV, most employers will still expect to see hard copies.

 

 

These days, most people simply write ‘references available on request’ at the end of their CV to save room – which is perfectly fine! However, it’s worth bringing your referees details with you to your interview.  This will save the interviewer time later on and will really show off your organisation skills and highlight how keen you are to progress in the process.

 

Make sure they are not related to you and are reliable for providing a detailed status of your competences and capabilities. You will need printed copies of their names and contact details – usually a telephone number and an email address. If you have reference letters, it’s worth taking these along, too.

 

 

It may seem silly, but having a pen and paper to hand shows the prospective employers you are organised. After all, it says ‘I’ve thought ahead’, which speaks volumes in the mind of the interviewer. It also gives you the opportunity to write down questions you might want to ask and make notes about the position.

 

You can also make notes about what the interviewer tells you, making you look like someone who takes the position seriously and are someone who thinks ahead about what you can bring to the company and the position. Certain positions may require you to answer difficult questions that require note taking to answer them effectively.

 

 

Being prepared with questions save you the embarrassment of going blank when asked ‘is there anything you would like to ask us?’.  Asking your prospective employers a question or two is imperative and shows you have thought about the position and the future of the company. ‘How much is the pay?’ should NOT be one of these questions as it suggests you are only interested in money.

 

Judgements about you will be made based on what you ask.

 

Instead, think about smart questions that show how you can fit into the role and support the company and what the company is doing to expand and develop over the coming years. Some examples might include:

 

How will this role evolve in the next three years?

What other information can I give you to clarify why you should hire me?

How will my role contribute towards the mission of the company?

 

 

While there are many things you can control during the interview, getting there is not one of them and traffic or public transport can easily let you down. Plan ahead how you will get there and make sure you have the contact details of the person you are meeting in case you need to contact them for anything.

 

Have directions to where you are going before hand and if you can, find your way there before the interview, so you know exactly where you are going.

 

 

Depending on the position you’re applying for, you may need to provide a portfolio with samples of your work.  Consider the medium of the position – taking printed work to a digital agency or publication isn’t suitable. Instead, host the portfolio online or provide links to it. Pick your best pieces – an entire back catalogue of your work won’t impress anyone.

 

Also, prepare to discuss your work, especially in a creative role such as design or architecture.  To support your portfolio, and show off your abilities, add the following if necessary:

 

Commendations

Client testimonials

Company awards

Target achievement results

 

9. Folder/briefcase

Because you’ll carry papers with you, take a folder or a briefcase with everything neatly organised, so you know where it is when you need to reach for it. This will also ensure you don’t leave anything behind by accident. This will show you are prepared and organised on the day.

 

To help your nerves on the day, make sure you have food and drink with you – snacks and a bottle of water are really important. Take some grooming tools as you never know if bad weather will hit or the wind will spoil your perfectly coiffed hair. Freshening your breath is very handy, but make sure you get rid of any mints or gum before the interview starts.