10 Things You Should Never Bring To Interview

An interview is the chance to make that important first impression on a company's representative, so you should be well-prepared. You've probably done research on the company, chosen the perfect interview outfit, and grabbed the handbag with a hard copy of your resume ¦ By the way, what else do you bring with you to an interview? For instance, can you bring notes to a job interview? If you have no answer to the question "What should I bring to an interview" to impress a hiring manager, this article will give you the answer and prepare you for an interview process.

However superficial this question may sound, it's more important than it seems. Moreover, there is uncustomary little information out there on what one should never bring for an interview. I'm absolutely sure you know of the necessity to arrive early, to control your body language, and to bring your professionally written resume on paper. However, bringing on the wrong things can destroy your professional image faster than you think. You can always ask the HR manager: "Can I bring notes to an interview?", It is OK, however, there are undesirable things. Your next job interview may result in a new job when you ask thoughtful questions or provide professional references. Yet, all job seekers should keep in mind that in person job interview does not require pre written questions but still depends on your preparation in answering interview questions!

So, let's have a look at what shouldn't be with you as you enter the organization for a job interview. This article covers key points. If you have a job interview coming, be sure to consider bringing notes, having a few extra copies of your resume, a positive attitude, and a cover letter, of course. It should cover all the important details. It is a good practice of taking notes, asking intelligent questions, and maintaining eye contact. Keep in mind that your task is to be different from other applicants and prove your ability to fit the company culture! You need to be genuinely interested to get the right job!

If you want to impress your prospective employer even before the next interview, you can hire a professional resume writer to prepare an impressive resume and application materials for you. Be sure to have follow up questions, work samples, and at least a couple of resume copies with you.

What Not to Bring to an Interview Even if You Want to

Your Phone on Loud or Vibrate

Of course, you'll have some gadgets with you at least, your smartphone. However, make sure to switch them off in advance. An interview is important enough for you to pay all your attention to a recruiter. Even if you don't attend to the phone, the sound of a notification or an incoming text can make an impression that you can't prioritize and can evoke the question of whether you will be focused enough when they actually hire you. It does not mean you need to come to an interview empty-handed, but at least you need to turn them off. Most interviewers will not appreciate noise and will give preference to other candidates.

Food or Drinks

Maybe you get hungry when you're nervous. Or maybe, you're just a coffee addict and feel comfortable when carrying a big cup of Starbucks everywhere you go. However, that doesn't work with interviews. If you are starving, it's better to have a snack at the cafe nearby. And ditch the idea of bringing a beverage with you not only might an interviewer think it's rude, but you also won't feel comfortable with where to put it and what to do with an empty cup. You can have a beverage if the recruiter offers you one, though. Eating during a job interview, even if it is a small snack, is never a good idea! If you bring food instead of copies of your resume, you are very unlikely to get a new job!

Chewing Gum

Taking care of your teeth is great. Chewing gum during the interview is not acceptable. You're going to keep the conversation for an hour or even longer, so make sure you'll feel comfortable and won't look like a teenager in the eyes of the person who is considering hiring you. An interview is a stressful situation in itself. If you want to stay engaged, stop chewing!

Large Bags or Backpacks

The problem here isn't the bags themselves but the message they're conveying. When you come for an interview after the shopping, it makes you look like you've got lots of other activities to complete, and attending an interview is just one of them thus, you don't care much about it. It is assumed, on the other hand, that the interview is your key focus of the day, so you should be dressed and mentally prepared for it. Speaking about the interview preparation, have you thought of the questions you'd like to ask your interviewer? The last thing during the interviewing process is to show the idea that you came to the interview right before or after shopping. You need to have only essential items with you, such as driver's license, black paper sheets, or several copies of your resume.

Overly Scented Perfume or Cologne

You may be in love with your perfume but office is typically a closed space. It means your perfume will immediately occupy the entire room. It is better not to use overly scented cologne if you want to make a good impression. The same advice applies to people who use public transportation. Other people want to have at least some air! Heavy perfume is always a bad idea! Always!

Unrelated Documents or Papers

You do not want to bring printed magazines or journals with you. Your kindergarten drawings that are highly appraised by your grandmother are also not very important to your potential employer. The best judgment is not to have anything that is not directly related to your professional career or the job of your interest.

Friends, Family, or Children

It's great that you and the other person are so close and that they are willing to support you before such an important event. However, the employer doesn't share this view. If you come for an interview with a family member, they will doubt if you are an adult person who is ready to work and take on the responsibility. So, everyone will win if your dear ones wish you good luck on the phone or via text. Even if you are applying for a job in a creative industry, bringing your mom to a job interview is still excessively creative.

Weapons or Anything Controversial

It is not one of the common questions, but you should never create an image of being a dangerous person. No one wants to hire a person whose appearance or behavior screams, "I am your biggest problem today". Avoid bringing things that add to your negative image or may scare people. Take a moment to look at your before the interview. Are you a team player? Did you take the right items with you?

Toys, Gadgets, or Headphones

Leave them at home or in your car. All these items, no matter how dear to you or expensive in price have no place during a professional interview until they are directly related to your professional career. For example, if you designed a new phone charger and applied for the position of an engineer, you need to bring it. An expert tip is to leave all these things somewhere.

Negative Energy or Complaints

If you dislike everyone and everything, your potential employer does not need to know that. Do not say bad things about your previous company or coworkers. Try your best to be positive and radiate good energy. Smile, nod, and be the best version of yourself.

What to Bring to a Job Interview

As now we have the list of items that should not be taken to a job interview, lets take a moment to check on the things that are highly desirable.

1. Multiple Copies of Your Resume
   You should take care of this aspect beforehand. It is a great idea to have at least 3 clean copies of your resume. Printed, of course. Handwritten documents are not a sign of creativity.
2. A Professional Portfolio or Folder
   If you have many papers with you, buy yourself a folder. It keeps your documents organized and you can quickly find the paper you need. It speaks in your favor during the interview.
3. A Valid Photo ID
   Many companies have security at the entrance. You need to have at least a driver's license with you. Keep in the place where you can easily get it. Do not hide it in your shoe, for example.
4. A List of References
   Not all employers ask for references. However, if they do, you should have them printed on separate paper. If you are not prepared, it is not a problem. Just tell the interviewer you will email your references in the follow-up letter.
5. Notepad and Pen
   Even if you have a great memory, it is better to have something to write down important information. You can take notes during the interview, but be sure not to write down everything you hear. It may seem strange.
6. Prepared Questions for the Interviewer
   Why do you need to prepare the questions? The answer is rather easy - it shows you are interested in the position, gave it proper analysis, and carefully condensed your request for additional information.
7. Job Description Printout
   While it is not mandatory at all, you can have it. When you are asked if you have any questions, you can refer to the printed job position to clarify professional duties or other job-related aspects.
8. Portfolio of Work (if applicable)
   It is essential for creative and technical positions to have your portfolio with you, especially if you are truly interested in the position. It is absolutely mandatory to have a portfolio with you if this information was stated in the job description. Do not forget it!
9. Interview Invitation or Confirmation
   Some companies may ask for the confirmation at the front desk. It is usually not mandatory but it never hurts to clarify this point before the interview.
10. Water Bottle (optional)
    Do not take a huge bottle with you! Usually, you will be offered tea or coffee. If you are thirty, do not hesitate to agree to the offer. If you drink a lot of water and the interview is likely to take long hours, a small bottle of water is a great solution.
11. Breath Mints or Gum (for before the interview)
    While it is not recommended to chew gum during the interview, you should consider this option before the interview. Bad breath can ruin even the most positive impression! If you have enough time, you can even brush your teeth in the bathroom.
12. A Smile and Positive Attitude
    A smile can help you get a job even if you are not fully qualified for the position. Do you not believe? People love a positive attitude! Who wants to work side-by-side with a person who does not care to smile? Your hiring manager will appreciate it as well.

A Few Notes about In Person Interview

If you were invited for an interview, it means that your resume is already good enough. But what if you are receiving less feedback than you'd like to? Then, consider hiring a professional to redo your resume. Our expert writers can identify problems with your resume and edit it to make it more effective and generate more recruiters' attention to your candidate.

During the interview, it is okay to have a water bottle, copies of your resume, cover letter. It is okay to ask how many people are going to interview you for the position. It is absolutely necessary to write a thank you letter. Do not forget to ask about the next steps. The most important thing is to be positive and confident enough in you qualifications and the ability to cope with the job!

Have you received a job offer? Don't hurry up to accept it! Ask these eleven questions to find out if the job is a truly good fit for you and will eventually contribute to your career in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

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• Top Killer Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview Process | ResumePerk
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• HR Manager Interview Questions & How to Answer Them | ResumePerk
• 11 Questions To Ask Before Accepting A Job Offer
• 20 Important Tips For Successful Job Interview