{"id":1132,"date":"2022-08-25T20:34:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T20:34:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=1132"},"modified":"2024-03-25T14:28:55","modified_gmt":"2024-03-25T18:28:55","slug":"bring-job-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/basics\/bring-job-interview","title":{"rendered":"What to Bring to a Job Interview in 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether in-person or over Zoom, the interview is a big step toward a job. And besides your A-game, do you know what to bring to a job interview? Or what not <\/em>to bring to a job interview? Having the right items with you during a job interview will help you feel confident and prepared, giving you the boost you need to shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Bring to a Job Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter where your interview<\/a> is, career adviser Laci Baker, MEd and certified career management coach, suggests creating a checklist of everything you need to bring to the job interview. \u201cThis makes the day of easier, and you can avoid forgetting something important,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use a checklist to ensure you have everything you need on the big day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Bring to an Interview That’s In Person<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You know that what you wear to a job interview<\/a> is a critical part of your interview, but so is bringing the right gear. Here\u2019s what you should bring to an interview that’s in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Resume<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Though it doesn\u2019t happen often, you might need to refer to your resume<\/a> during the interview. It\u2019s possible the interviewer doesn\u2019t have their copy handy or you need to look at it to figure something out. While you could look up the digital version on your phone, you never know when a poor signal might prevent that. And, even if you can get to it, trying to read your resume on your phone may not be as easy as you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Resume Writing Masterclass<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Discover the ins and outs of writing a resume that pops. You'll learn what goes where and how to talk about your accomplishments.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWriting these sections: qualifications statement, skills, experience, education, internship\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Have a paper copy of your resume handy, just in case. While you\u2019re at it, print out several copies on nice paper that isn\u2019t stained or crinkled. This way, if the interviewer asks you for one, you\u2019ll \u201cshow you\u2019re prepared and took the extra step to get it printed, meaning you really want the job,\u201d Olga Eippert, former director of people operations at Forage, explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Directions <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Part of your in-person interview prep includes figuring out how you\u2019re going to get there. Using your phone\u2019s GPS is fine, but, just like your resume, consider printing a hard copy or saving the directions to your phone\u2019s camera roll just in case. If bad reception knocks out your connection to the satellites, old-fashioned paper directions can save the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If possible, go to the interview site beforehand to identify anything that may delay you, like road construction. It can also help you figure out where to park and where the building is located. While you\u2019re at it, come up with a few routes and methods (car, Uber<\/a>, public transportation) for getting to the interview in case your primary plan doesn\u2019t work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Professional-Looking Bag <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

One tote bag or briefcase for stashing everything is a more professional and polished look than juggling several items in your hands and under your arms. It doesn\u2019t need to be a big bag, just big enough to hold what you need. You can use a backpack as long as it\u2019s clean and not \u201cwell-used\u201d (as in, frayed, torn, or falling apart).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Expert Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Throw a folder with rigid sides or a padfolio in your bag to protect your paper resume and any other documents you bring to the job interview.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Breath Mints <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Better safe than sorry! Pack a small container of mints to freshen your breath. A small bottle of mouthwash is also OK, but make sure it\u2019s in a leakproof container (or two!). Skip the gum. You don\u2019t want to forget about it and spit it out on your way to the interview room or chew it while you’re interviewing. Bonus: Add some floss to your bag in case you eat something before the interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your ID<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you bring your ID to your job interview. Some buildings and offices have strict visitor policies and you may need to show your ID to prove you\u2019re \u201con the list.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Items <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If you have room in your bag, consider including a small stash of Band-Aids, stain remover, and even deodorant for minor emergencies. If you don’t have room, that’s fine. These aren’t essential items to bring to a job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shoes <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Shoes fall into the \u201cmaybe\u201d category. Depending on how far you\u2019re walking and the time of year, you may want to stash your interview shoes in your bag and wear more comfortable or weather-appropriate shoes to and from the interview. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water and a Snack <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hopefully, your interviewer will offer you something to drink during the interview. But if they don\u2019t, at least you\u2019ll be prepared. Either keep the water bottle in your bag when you aren\u2019t using it or make sure to cap the bottle tightly between sips. The last thing you want is to spill water all over the interviewer! Bring a quick snack for after<\/em><\/strong> the interview, in case things go long and you end up hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Bring to an Interview That’s Virtual<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even though you\u2019re not traveling, you still need to prepare for your virtual interview. Here\u2019s your checklist to ensure you have everything handy even when you\u2019re interviewing from the comfort of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Printed Resume <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While you won\u2019t need multiple copies to share with the interviewer, bring at least one paper copy of your resume to your virtual interview. Why? First, if you don\u2019t have multiple screens and need to look at your resume, you\u2019ll have to toggle between different tabs. While that happens in virtual meetings, it could make you look unprepared during a job interview. Second, you never know when technology will fail and you\u2019re unable to get to it. If that happens, a hard copy of your resume will save the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> 7 Types of Resumes: Which Is Right for You?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Fully-Charged Device (and Backup)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A battery at 100% is always a good idea for virtual interviews \u2014 even if you can plug your device into a wall outlet. But it\u2019s smart to have an external, fully-charged battery on hand just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Updated Software<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your device is up-to-date, and you\u2019ve got the right hardware and software for the interviewing platform. Conduct a tech check before<\/em> the interview. You don\u2019t want to log in right on time, only to have to spend five minutes updating and rebooting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Interview Success<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Uncover the tips and tricks for interview success in this free course from BCLP. You'll learn how to ace a video interview, the online skills assessment, and more.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tVideo interviewing, public speaking, organization, time management\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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A Backup Plan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A virtual interview is only as good as its connection. While conducting your interview from someplace quiet and distraction-free usually means \u201cfrom home,\u201d if the power or internet goes out, you\u2019ll need a backup plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doing your interview from the car can work in a pinch. You\u2019ll have to explain your situation, but the interviewer might be impressed by your creative thinking<\/a> and problem-solving skills<\/a>. A friend\u2019s house or the library might also be options, but if you can\u2019t find a quiet place to conduct your interview, you may be better off rescheduling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>Looking for more virtual interview advice? <\/strong>Read up on Zoom interview tips<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Bring to Any Job Interview<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what to bring to a job interview, no matter where it is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pens and Paper<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From writing down key details to formulate follow-up questions<\/a> to jotting down someone\u2019s name and email for a thank you note<\/a>, a pen (or three!), and a notepad are essential items to bring to a job interview. Consider bringing a pencil, too, as a backup to your pens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Names<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Being nervous is normal during a job interview, and preparation can help you stay calm. Having the name or names of those you\u2019re meeting with (and their contact information) will help you remember who they are and get their name right the first time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A big part of interview prep is researching the organization and people to help you better understand the company, its mission, and how you\u2019d fit in. Keep that research<\/a> handy during your interview to help you answer questions and ask a few of your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> What Is Company Culture (and Why Does It Matter)?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Questions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the interview, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to ask questions<\/a>. These should be thoughtful, insightful, and prepared in advance. While you may formulate questions during the interview, bringing a few questions to the job interview demonstrates your deep interest in the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Technical Interview Prep<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Get ready to nail your technical interview in this free course from Girls Who Code. You'll practice whiteboarding, take home assessments, and more.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Your Portfolio <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Examples of your work demonstrate your real-world abilities. Whether it\u2019s an online portfolio<\/a> or lookbook of your best work, examples of your skills can make the difference between getting the job (or not!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well-Prepared Answers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t want to sound too rehearsed or robotic, but make sure you\u2019ve prepped answers to common interview questions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Not to Bring to a Job Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, that\u2019s an extensive list of what to bring to a job interview. But we\u2019re not done yet. In addition to what to<\/em><\/strong> bring, here\u2019s what not<\/em><\/strong> to bring to a job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Phone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Make sure you silence your phone, preferably by setting it to airplane or do not disturb mode. Unless, of course, you have a phone interview<\/a> \u2014 in which case, your phone is an integral part of the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earbuds or Headphones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re doing a virtual interview, you may need headphones and that\u2019s fine. During an in-person interview, stash the earbuds or headphones. There\u2019s no need to wear them when you\u2019re interviewing face-to-face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perfume, Cologne, or Aftershave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s best to tone these products down during an interview. If nothing else, your interviewer may be allergic, and they can\u2019t conduct the interview if they keep sneezing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lunch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eating during an interview is frowned upon (unless it\u2019s a lunch interview!) a small snack in your bag is fine, but bringing your whole lunch might lead to smells and leaks that distract from your interview. If you need lunch, eat before or after your interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recording Devices <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While recording a mock interview is a great way to practice and get feedback, refrain from trying to record your actual interview. \u201cI saw someone bring a recorder to an interview,\u201d says Elisa Pineda, former senior recruiter at Forage. \u201cIt was very awkward.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you live in a two-party state<\/a>, you\u2019re legally obligated to ask for and obtain consent from everyone to record any conversation. In an interview, you\u2019ll explicitly need the recruiter\u2019s permission to record it, and if they don\u2019t give it to you, you\u2019re out of luck. In a one-party state, you may not need the other party\u2019s permission, but the interviewer may not be thrilled with you recording the conversation without their knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pets <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At an in-person interview, a service animal is welcome, but a pet is not. And the same is true for a virtual interview. Fido or Fluffy parking themselves in front of the camera may not be the best look during an interview (no matter how cute they are).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get Interview Ready<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Got a job interview coming up? Get prepped and ready for it. Read up on answers to common interview questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n