{"id":22998,"date":"2022-02-25T03:50:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-25T10:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/?p=22998"},"modified":"2022-02-26T20:37:15","modified_gmt":"2022-02-27T03:37:15","slug":"what-to-bring-to-a-job-interview-in-person-or-virtual","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/what-to-bring-to-a-job-interview-in-person-or-virtual\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Bring to a Job Interview: In-Person or Virtual"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When you\u2019re prepping for your job interview, you know you need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/common-interview-questions-answers\/\">practice your answers to common job interview questions<\/a> and pick out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/what-to-wear-to-a-job-interview-choosing-the-right-interview-outfit\/\">right interview outfit<\/a>. But you also need to figure out what you need to bring to the interview to ensure you\u2019re prepared for any situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether virtual or in-person, here are some <strong>tips on what to bring to an interview and what you should leave behind<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Bring to a Job Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Names and Phone Numbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes the person coordinating your interview isn\u2019t the person you\u2019re meeting with. You might have multiple interviews in a day or even have a panel interview with several people interviewing you at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring the name of your contact and their phone number (or email if that\u2019s all you have) on a separate piece of paper or as a note on your phone. If you\u2019re running late or something goes wrong on the day of the interview, you have an easy way to get in touch, and you don\u2019t have to waste time searching your messages to find the information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, you may have to give the name of the person you&#8217;re meeting with when you arrive at the interview. While that could be your contact, it could also be someone else. <strong>Having everyone\u2019s names handy makes it that much easier for you to get in the building and to your interview<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your ID<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While you shouldn\u2019t give anyone a copy of your identification until you\u2019re hired, it\u2019s possible you\u2019ll need to show your ID before you\u2019re allowed in the building. Some buildings have strict security procedures that require your identification, so it\u2019s best to be prepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Address, Directions, and Parking Info<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Was it 102 South First Street or 120 South First Street? Keeping a copy of the exact address handy will stop you from going to the wrong building in case your memory fails you. Also, bring directions (no matter your transportation) and parking information if you\u2019re driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pens and a Notepad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Taking notes is an essential part of the interview<\/strong>. Not only will it help you formulate questions at the end of the interview, but you can also refer to your notes when you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/sample-job-interview-thank-you-notes\/\">write thank-you notes<\/a> after the interview. Bring multiple pens (just in case!) and at least one full pad of paper to write down questions, take notes, and get everyone\u2019s full name, title, and contact information.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Multiple Copies of Your Resume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Though you\u2019ve emailed everyone your resume, it\u2019s always a good idea to bring several paper copies to the job interview, along with any supplemental materials you\u2019ve shared or want to highlight (like your portfolio).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sometimes, interviewers ask for a paper copy of your resume as a test to see if you\u2019re prepared<\/strong>. Other times, interviewers forget their materials, so having extra copies of your resume makes things easier for you and them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most interviews include time at the end for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/smart-questions-to-ask-in-job-interview\/\">you to ask questions<\/a>. Knowing that this is the case, it\u2019s wise to prepare a few questions in advance, write them down, and bring them with you to the job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, while you might think you\u2019ll remember your questions, you might be so overwhelmed at the end of the interview, anything you want to ask may fly out of your head!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, having questions at the ready shows that you\u2019ve prepared and demonstrates that you\u2019re truly interested in the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And finally, <strong>you can refer to your written list of questions throughout the interview to see if your questions are answered or not<\/strong> (and form new ones on the fly!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Water Bottle and Snacks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes interviewers offer you a drink, but not always. And because you\u2019re probably doing a majority of the talking, bring a water bottle in case you get a case of dry mouth or even a cough.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the interview, you might be a little worn out. And if it\u2019s been a series of interviews, you might even be a little hungry. A snack to eat afterward will help keep your blood sugar and spirits up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emergency Items<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter how much you prepare, sometimes things go awry. But a few emergency items can help you manage the unexpected. Consider bringing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Breath mints or mouth wash<\/li><li>Dental floss (or floss picks)<\/li><li>Cash<\/li><li>Deodorant<\/li><li>Band-aids<\/li><li>A phone charger or external battery<\/li><li>A change of shoes<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Bag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you review this list of what to bring to an interview, you can see you should bring a lot of stuff!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need a bag to help you organize and carry everything. While you could use a grocery or beach bag, that sends the wrong message. Use a professional bag, briefcase, or even backpack to corral everything you\u2019re bringing to the job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Bring to Your Virtual Job Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Virtual interviews are different from in-person ones in that you won\u2019t need to worry about transportation or parking. But <strong>there are items you should bring to your virtual interview that you may or may not bring to an in-person one<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">An Up-to-Date Computer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need the latest model computer for your virtual interview, but you should find out what platform your interviewer uses. Make sure you have the current version installed on your computer, then give it a test run for good measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Professional Background<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>No matter where you are for your virtual interview, make sure you have a professional background<\/strong>. It doesn\u2019t need to be full of books and diplomas. As long as whatever\u2019s behind you is neat, clean, and professional, you\u2019ll send the right message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unfortunately, however, being neat, clean, and professional isn\u2019t always an option (say you have to conduct the interview from your car). If that\u2019s the case, blur your background, or select <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flexjobs.com\/blog\/post\/video-interview-background-really-says\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">a virtual one<\/a> that\u2019s interview appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Solid Internet Connection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The last thing you want during a virtual interview is a laggy connection that skips, buffers, or even cuts out. <strong>Again, no matter where you are for your virtual interview, you also need to make sure you&#8217;ve got a solid internet connection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Privacy (or Peace and Quiet)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t want to bring your pets, kids, or the barista to your job interview. Find someplace that is private or, at a minimum, quiet and interruption-free. That could be your car, the closet, or a private study room at the library.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Good Lighting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To make sure the interviewer sees you in a positive light, make sure you\u2019re well lit. You don\u2019t want your face to appear shadowed or have an image that\u2019s difficult to see. Before your interview, test out your webcam settings and adjust your lighting accordingly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might need a ring light, but in a pinch, a few well-aimed lamps can do the trick. Likewise, sitting by a window with natural lighting will help put you in the spotlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Paper Copies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You might want a paper copy of your resume and portfolio handy. Even if you have two screens, one will be devoted to the interviewer\u2019s video, and the other might have a copy of a job description or project on it, making it impossible to refer to your resume if you need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Paper copies can sit on your desk and are easy to refer to if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pens and Paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, you\u2019ll take notes in your virtual interview. But the best way to do this is with paper and pen! While you could type your notes, the clicking of the keyboard may prove too distracting to you and the interviewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A <em>Whole<\/em> Interview Outfit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Though your interviewer will likely only see you from the waist up, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/prepare-dress-video-job-interview\/\">pants (or a skirt) are not optional during a virtual job interview<\/a><\/strong>. You never know when you might have to stand or lean during the interview, and the interviewer will see that you\u2019re only half-dressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While there\u2019s nothing wrong with superhero PJ pants, only getting half-dressed for the interview may signal that you\u2019ll only do half the job.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To make a great impression, follow these tips to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/what-to-wear-to-a-job-interview-choosing-the-right-interview-outfit\/\">choose the right interview outfit<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Not to Bring to an Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Though the list of what to bring to an interview is extensive, there are several things you also <em>shouldn\u2019t<\/em> bring to your interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your Phone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, you\u2019ll have your phone with you during the interview. But make sure you turn it off or, at least, mute notifications before the interview. Likewise, if you\u2019re in a virtual interview, mute desktop notifications, or exit instant-messaging programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Earbuds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s fine to listen to music, a podcast, or even a guided meditation before your interview using earbuds. But once it starts, stow them in your bag. Even if you use the wireless kind, keeping your earbuds in during an interview sends the message that you\u2019re not totally invested in the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lunch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Small snacks, like a granola bar or bag of chips, are fine to have stashed in your bag after the interview. But a full lunch is probably not a great idea. Not only will it take up a lot of room in your bag, but there\u2019s also a chance it could leak and damage the other items inside. Or, worse, it might start to smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Odors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of smells, you want to leave all kinds of odors at home. So, don\u2019t eat a garlic and fish meal right before the interview. And try not to use perfumes, colognes, or any other personal care item with a strong smell. Your interviewer may not find them as pleasant as you do, or worse, they could be allergic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bring Your A-Game<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You know that the key to wowing your interviewer is to bring your A-game. And while that includes excellent answers that illustrate why you\u2019re the best person for the role, including (or excluding) the items from this list will help you shine as a well-prepared candidate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Whether your interview is in-person or virtual, here&#8217;s what to bring and how to prepare. Use this checklist to ensure you won&#8217;t miss anything important.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":23066,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"old-site-template.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[89,96,93],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22998","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interview-tips","category-informational-interviews","category-new-grads"],"last_modified_at":"","edited_by":"Elly Stauffer","acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22998","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/87"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22998"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22998\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25189,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22998\/revisions\/25189"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23066"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22998"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22998"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.job-hunt.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}