What documents do you usually bring to an in-person interview?

12 Comments

1. mary jo colwellFebruary 7,2023 at 2:53PM UTC

   I bring a notepad/folio with copies of my resume my list of questions and a couple pens.

   I like to take notes during an interview- it helps me process and having my list of questions shows the interviewer that you prepared for the interview.

   I’ve heard in some interviews for more creative jobs that bringing a portfolio of your work is common.

2. AnonymousFebruary 7,2023 at 4:21PM UTC

   Such a timely question, I have a virtual interview on Monday. Going to have the items Mary Jo listed below ready (though resume will be ready to email).

   Good luck, you got this!

3. Barb HansenFebruary 7,2023 at 4:58PM UTC

   here is what I brought to in-person interviews in the past;

   -- a few copies of my resume to share with anyone in the room who needs a copy

   -- a list of questions that I want to ask. This document is just for me.

   -- a note pad for jot down questions that come to me during the meeting or items that I want to reference in a follow-up email.

   -- my portfolio

   I'm not a designer, but I am a Product person who over the years has created many different types of documents including technical requirements, scripts, wireframes, process documents, presentation, reports and more. Over the years, I anonymized and recreated representational examples of documents/process that I'm proud of. I have a big binder with these documents organized into sections.

   That binder was great to have when an interviewer asked a "what would you do in this situation" or "how did you handle this type of problem" and I could not only talk about what I did but show them the solution.

   Good luck!

4. Anne KrookFebruary 7,2023 at 5:03PM UTC

   good advice here already. I would also bring hard copy of the names and contact info of your references, but only hand them over if asked

5. Cindy GloverFebruary 8,2023 at 2:58AM UTC

   Copy of your resume.

   Reference letters (2) from previous employers if possible.

   Be confident and take your time answering questions.

   Dress not only professionally but something you feel good wearing.

   do your homework about the company and ask questions relatable to their business and they will know you’ve done your due diligence. Bonus points there!!

6. AnonymousFebruary 9,2023 at 1:51PM UTC

   If they don't ask for anything specific then all I bring is a copy of my resume.

7. Rondinella OlsenFebruary 9,2023 at 3:10PM UTC

   I bring my resume in a portfolio in case they need a copy or three. I also have paper and a pen so I can write questions for the interview in advance and take notes on questions I want to ask. This way I don’t interrupt the speaker to ask my question but don’t forget either.

8. AnonymousFebruary 9,2023 at 3:10PM UTC

   Perhaps write down some questions for them. They will ask you if you have any and the mind tends to go a little blank sometimes.

9. Deb AllenFebruary 9,2023 at 3:27PM UTC

   Bring - 2-3 clean copies of your resume. A separate printed document with references if asked, and ensure you give your references a heads-up that you used them for reference for XYZ company. Have a notebook or pad-folio with a working pen to take notes or have pre-written a list of potential questions for the interviewer. Good luck!

10. AnonymousFebruary 9,2023 at 4:39PM UTC

    What type of position? Take a resume, a list of questions that show your interest in the organization. A sample of your "product" would be smart.

    Sales? Take your resume and list of questions only. More than likely, they have already downloaded your resume or profile on LinkedIn.com.

11. AnonymousFebruary 9,2023 at 7:39PM UTC

    Good suggestions already. It depends on what stage of interviewing you are - Clean resume, list of references if asked and always have your 'atta-girl' file with certifications, awards, recognition if there is an appropriate time to share these - anything that sets you apart from everyone else interviewing!

12. GlennFebruary 9,2023 at 8:40PM UTC

    Barb’s answer on portfolio sample types is something you should find easily adaptable. If you can access Zoom.com, Vimeo.com, Loom.com or similar free video recording tools, record yourself screen sharing a 5 minute or less how-to which illustrates your ability to explain a topic in your field of expertise. These can be uploaded to YouTube on public or private URLs, then you can share the shortcut link to each video using bitly.com as part of your resume. They may not have time to watch them all while you’re in the interview, but you can be damn sure the interviewer will watch them once you leave!