This is a simple question but a hassle for many. Tomorrow is the big day. You are going to have the interview for your dream job and you are wondering what to bring with you to that interview. It is important to keep in mind that you are most likely still competing against other shortlisted candidates and every little detail counts.
1- Dress to impress
Let’s start with the basics. The first impression is crucial. You are going to meet your future bosses and colleagues for the first time and should leave with a nice impression of you. The first thing that people will see is how you look. Thus, you must be neat and well-dressed. From your look interviewers will take first indications of many factors including
- How organized are you? If you are looking after look, you are probably a more organized person than those who don’t.
- Are you a good fit to reflect the professional image of the organization to customers and clients?
- Did you take this interview seriously? Yes, some people will think you are not taking this job opportunity seriously if you are not dressing well.
Do not overdress though. Dressing for an interview is subject-specific. In other words, think of how you will dress and the makeup you will use in a meeting if you were employed at this organization, or perhaps on a regular workday. Overdress has almost the same negative effect as underdressing.
2- Your ID and/or driving license
In some job interviews, you might be asked to identify yourself with your ID, maybe at the entrance by the guards or before the beginning of the interview. Therefore, it is essential to take your original ID with you.
Some jobs require that you have a driving license. If this was mentioned on the job post, then you must have it with you on the interview day.
3- Printed copies of your up-to-date CV
It is recommended to take printed copies of your CV to the interview. If you know the number of interviewers, take a copy for each one. Don’t hand it to them until they ask you for it. Just be prepared if they ask you for an extra copy. In addition, if you score a significant achievement since your last submission of your CV, you may mention that and distribute the updated CV to the interviewers.
4- Original copy of your credentials
Starting from your undergraduate degree to the first aid course you had. You should bring with you the certificate you have for every degree or course mentioned in your CV. It is also recommended that those certificates are authenticated by the relevant authorities in the country where you are applying for the job.
5- Original copies of your employment letters from previous and current employer
It is essential to have the employment letters of previous and current positions. Those are the proofs of your tears of experience. A golden role of CV writing is that never write something on your CV that you don’t have proof for. You cannot claim that you have worked at a specific organization in a certain position without having something to prove that. The employment letters must be issued by your employer(s) and it is also recommended to be authenticated by the relevant authorities in the country where you are applying for the job.
6- A photocopy of your ID and credentials
This is required in many countries and a protocol followed by several organizations. You may ask the HR team if you are required to submit a copy of your credentials on the interview day.
7- Proof of your skills and achievements.
As mentioned before, don’t write anything on your CV that you don’t have proof for. If you have documents, patents, or even videos to prove your skills you should take them with you to the interview.
8- A fully charged and working laptop
If you are required to give a presentation at the interview, you must take your laptop with you. Do not expect that the committee will have a ready-to-go setup for your presentation. Also, if you mentioned that you gave specific IT skills relevant to the job, you should have your laptop ready with you if you were asked to practically prove them. Your laptop must be fully charged and tested for technical errors on the interview day.
9- Reference letters or the contacts of your referees
If you were asked to provide referees, don’t forget to take your reference letters with you. If the HR team prefers to contact your referees by themselves, you should have their contact details ready. It is not recommended to add the contact details of your referees on your CV, especially if you are actively looking for a job and sending your CV to many employers.
10- A pen and a notepad
You should take a pen and notepad with you to write anything that is required of you to do after the interview, a phone number you should contact or any other important notes.
11- Any additional stuff required by the employer
Some jobs may require additional stuff like a photograph, a birth certificate, your publications, or a specific medical test. Such specific requirements will be mentioned in the interview email or letter that you will receive. It is essential to read this letter carefully and comply with all the instructions listed within.
Those are the main things that you should bring to a job interview. Remember that you are still competing against other candidates. Better prepared and organized candidates are at a step ahead towards obtaining the job.
