Are you ready for your job interview? Preparing for one can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Knowing what to bring to your job interview is the first step to ensuring you’re well-prepared and ready to make a great impression.
This article will cover what to bring to a job interview, from your resume and cover letter to business cards, references, and a notepad and pen. We’ll also look at some items you should bring to a virtual interview, like a fully charged device and earbuds. So let’s dive in and knock that upcoming job interview out of the park!
What do You Bring to a Job Interview?
Your Resume:
Your CV is the first opportunity to make a good impression on a potential employer. It should be clear, concise, and free of any errors. You should remember some things to ensure that your resume is the best representation of your professionalism.
- First, tailor your resume to each job you apply for. This means specifying why your experience and skills make you an excellent fit for that particular position. Generic resumes are less likely to get noticed.
- Second, don’t be afraid to Use keywords. These are terms that the employer will be searching for when they scan resumes. Including them in your resume makes you more likely to appear in the search results.
- Third, highlight your accomplishments. Showcase your successes to demonstrate what kind of employee you are. Don’t just list your responsibilities; include evidence of what you’ve achieved in previous roles.
- Fourth, proofread your resume carefully before sending it off. Take the time to review it multiple times, or have someone else look it over. Nothing will sink your chances quicker than a resume with typos or other errors.
These things will help you ensure that your resume makes a great impression and increases your odds of getting hired for the job you want.
Cover letter
A tailored cover letter should be at the top of your list of items to bring to an interview. Your cover letter should show the recruiter why you are the best candidate for their job.
Explain how your qualifications, skills, and experience align with the position and company. This shows that you have taken the time to learn about the company and are genuinely interested in the job.
Taking the time to create a well-crafted cover letter will make you stand out from the competition and give you a better chance of landing the job.
Portfolio
If you’re applying for a job related to a field where you can showcase your work, it is essential to bring a portfolio of your work with you to the job interview.
A portfolio is a perfect way to demonstrate the skills and talents you can get to an employer. Include samples of your recent work, professional awards, certifications, and references. Your portfolio should also include a statement of goals and any relevant digital presentations.
Bringing an organized and well-curated portfolio to the job interview will help you stand out among other applicants and show employers that you are a serious and professional job seeker.
Bring References
Make sure to bring a list of professional references to support your qualifications and experience. Include each reference’s full name, title, current employer, and contact information.
This gives you an edge and makes you appear more credible because having people to vouch for you practically means you can be trusted with the job.
Identification
It’s essential to bring along some form of government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Depending on the company you’re interviewing with, they may require you to bring a valid ID. This can help complete any paperwork or provide additional proof of your identity.
It’s always better to be prepared, so if you don’t already have an ID, take the necessary steps to get one before your interview.
What to Bring to a Job Interview: Business cards
Having business cards on hand is a small but powerful thing you can do to make sure you stand out from the competition. Regarding job interviews, bringing a few business cards is a great way to make a long-lasting impression.
Not only do they demonstrate your professionalism and organizational skills, but they also give the interviewer a handy way to follow up after the interview.
Be sure to include all your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, as well as your job title and the company name on the business card. Also, if you have a personal website or LinkedIn profile, include the appropriate links or make QR codes and add them on the card.
Some Breath mints
No matter how well-prepared you are for the job interview, a few breath mints can make all the difference. Not only can they help mask any unfortunate morning breath, but they can also give you the extra boost of confidence you need to land that job! Knowing you smell good takes the edge off of your nervousness.
Notepad and Pen
Taking notes during a job interview is also an excellent way to show them that you are engaged and focused on the conversation. Having a notepad and pen allows you to make any last-minute notes or ideas before the interview.
Additionally, having a notepad and pen can be helpful if you need to jot down an answer to a question.
You can also bring a list of questions you may want to ask the interviewer. This shows that you are organized, prepared, and engaged in the interview process!
Research on Company
Before attending an interview, it is essential to research the company. Take time to learn about the company’s products, services, industry, mission, vision, and culture. Knowing this information about the company can help you provide meaningful answers to questions asked during the interview and make a positive impression on the interviewer.
Since many companies post details about their mission and values online, visiting the company’s website is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with their company culture and expectations.
Additionally, you can research job descriptions for other company positions to understand the duties and responsibilities within the organization.
All the knowledge you gain before the interview will show the recruiter that you are committed and interested in the role and genuinely understand the company.
What to Bring to a Virtual Job Interview:
Virtual job interviews can be just as intimidating as in-person interviews. One thing you should do to ensure you stay on top of your game is to be prepared! Keep the following items handy when answering questions or talking with your interviewer:
- A printed copy of your resume
- A notebook and pen
- A copy of all job material
- Access to reliable wifi
- A glass of water
- A positive attitude
Keeping all of these items with you will help ensure you hit the mark regarding having a successful interview. Besides these, some most essential things to have include:
Fully Charged Device
The most critical thing to keep in mind when preparing for a virtual interview is to keep your devices fully charged and up-to-date.
Fully charging your device will ensure that your connection runs smoothly and that you can concentrate on the interview without disruptions.
Also, ensure that your device is up-to-date with necessary software updates, so you don’t get pop-ups or force updates during the interview.
Earbuds
A quality pair of earbuds can help ensure that you can adequately hear the interviewer without background noise distracting you. Moreover, it should block out a significant amount of environmental noise so that you can focus on the conversation instead of any outside sounds.
It’s also essential to ensure that the earbud mic has noise-canceling technology so that you can be sure that your interviewer can make out what you are saying clearly.
What to Bring to a Job Interview: Printed Resume
Having a printed version of your resume is a must, even during a video-call-based interview. It’s much easier to discuss your qualifications and experiences while having them in front of you.
If you have a soft copy on your computer, then during the interview process, you may have to go back and forth between the video call screen and the PDF viewer, which can make you lose concentration.
Having a printed version in your hand avoids all that, and you can just refer to specific parts of your resume while ensuring the interviewer’s video screen is in front of you.
What to Bring to a Job Interview: Backup Internet Device or Dongle
Make sure to have a backup plan for the internet in case it suddenly goes out, or the video starts getting choppy or cut off due to poor connectivity. A backup device or’ dongle’ is one way to ensure you don’t have to reschedule the interview due to a bad internet connection.
A dongle is a small device that plugs into the laptop or computer and provides a backup internet connection in case the primary internet connection fails.
Parting Words:
As you head into your job interview, remember to bring all the necessary items to make a great impression.
From your resume and references to relevant work samples or portfolio pieces, be sure to have them all in hand. Dress for success and arrive on time to show that you take the opportunity seriously. Many people today take advantage of QR code generators to make it easy to share their business cards and resumes.
And don’t forget to bring a notebook and pen to take notes. You should also bring any questions you have for the interviewer. But most importantly, don’t forget to get some extra confidence – it is a crucial ingredient in making a lasting impression.
