What to bring to a job interview

Sometimes, no matter how much you prepared and rehearsed, you will still feel insecure and self-conscious. Even if you have a basic idea of what you want to say, you may still fear that somehow you will mess up. This is absolutely normal. Pre job interview fear is something very common.

Sometimes it is a good idea to bring certain things to your job interviews in order for you to revise certain things you need to say or just to feel more confident. Maybe you have a lucky item? Bring it, by all means.

What I will tell you may or may not help you - you may not need all of these things or the character of the interview may be different. Anyway, these are all just ideas and suggestions that worked for me and a few people I know.

To cut to the chase, in the following parts of this lens will be a list of things you should consider having on your interview and some valuable tips on how to behave before and during the interview.

Photo credit: Alan Cleaver / Foter.com / CC BY

1. A copy of your CV, your recommendations, notebook and a pen

This is very basic. Even though you have already sent your recommendations and CV to your potential employer, it is an very good idea to have a printed version of these with you on your interview. This is crucial during your presentation. The way you present yourself tells a lot about you - and you should take advantage. When you have little reminders with you, it will give your potential employers a feeling that you are meticulous in the sense that you always double-check things.

There is another thing that is even more important here, and that is the fact that providing another copy of these documents to your interviewer shows your respect - you take them seriously and you are well prepared. You will seem like an outgoing, honest and organized person.

You may wonder why you need a pen and a notebook also? When you take small notes during your interview you will come across as a responsible, hard-working person, and it is a great display of respect. Just make sure not to stare in your notebook all the time. This little gesture will make you appear like a good listener, and that is a pretty big deal.

There is that little saying that smart people take notes, and dumb people remember. This may be a good card to play, if you ask me.

2. Your visit card

Not all people perceive the information around them the same way. When you are on your interview, of course you will want the interviewer to remember you clearly. The visit card is a good way to do this. First of all, you will appear more professional, and that is more than desirable in such situations. The other reason why it is an excellent idea to reach out and give them your visit card is a bit basic - the sense of touch. This may seem a bit odd, but please let me explain.

This is one golden rule that you should remember about many aspects of life, and not just first impressions. When you want people to remember you, try to trigger as many senses as you can. For example, when you are trying to attract someone, it is good to 'accidentally' touch them. You probably heard about this. It's the same in this scenario - your visit card is a physical reminder of you. It will make you more memorable.

1. Ask for directions before the job interview

If you are going to a company you have never been to before, you are going to need directions on how to reach their office. Make absolute sure that you have this information beforehand, and if you can go there before the interview just to see how long it takes you to get there. Ask around, and make sure you have the exact address and an exact idea of how long you will need to reach it. I had a horrible experience of almost being late for the interview just because I did not know where the company office was.

You do not need the stress and anxiety of worrying about anything before the big day - it may ruin your focus.

2. Leave your cell phone behind or switch it off

If your phone should ring during your interview, it will appear as a big sign of disrespect. I know this part seems a bit obvious, but when you are under a lot of stress or in a rush, this is very easy to forget.

I have learned that the best thing to do is to leave the phone behind with a friend, but if you are sure that you will receive no important calls, just leave the cell at home or in the car. Don't let it ring or vibrate loudly and embarrass you and potentially cost you your job!

3. Do some research about the company

A question that will almost definitely show up on your interview is how well you know the company. Gather all of the information you can beforehand, check their internet site, ask around, try to find someone who works there and ask about the company - then print that out and bring it with you. If you want, highlight some parts and make sure to ask a question or two about the company. This little gesture can do wonders.

Even if you find the history of the company appallingly boring, try to seem interested about it. If they are seated in an old building, mention something about it. If they have a long tradition, be sure to emphasize that you know about it.