Going on an interview for a job will likely be the most important time in your new career. All eyes are on you in the job interview and depending on how you come across, you may or may not land the job you want. There is only one opportunity to do things right. It is vitally important to be prepared for this event.

 

The first thing you should take when going to a job interview is a map to the office you will be visiting. If you haven't been there too many times it is important to know where you are going and when you need to be there. You should always give yourself plenty of extra time, just in case there is a wreck or other problem that slows down your trip. While many interviewers are understanding about delays in arrival, it still looks unprofessional. It is better if you never have to try to explain your tardiness in the first place.

 

Resume - Yes, you already sent in your resume when you were first vying for the job, but in a large business things get shuffled around and it's better to make sure you have this information on hand, just in case it's wanted. It also wouldn't hurt to edit your resume a few times before you go into the interview. Think of it as your cliff notes on your career.

 

Job Application - Whether or not you have filled out a job application before, you should take one with you. It never fails someone will ask you to fill another one out during your interview. If you already have one ready to go you will not only save yourself time, but also stress. There is nothing more annoying than pulling out a driver's license and other important documents to copy appropriate numbers and codes onto a job application. This is made worse if you feel like the interviewer is waiting for you to get done. It's better to have it finished before hand. It will likely also impress the interviewer that you had such forethought.

 

Reference Letters - It's always good to have a support system, especially if it's one you can show off. While you may have sent in reference letters with your resume, you may as well have a copy of these with you when you go into the office so you could pull them out, if the occasion arises.

 

Identification - If things go well, the interviewer may ask you for various documents to prove who you are. Generally this means you need to have a driver's license on you. You should already have this if you drove to the interview, but it's important to remember. For some employers there is a need for proof of country residency, or certain driving abilities. If this is the case in the job you are applying for, make sure to have these items on you. Again, no one may ask, but it's better to be ready with the items just in case they do.

 

Proof Of Skills - If you are interviewing for a job that requires special certifications, training or licensing, and you have these things, bring proof. Copies of any licenses or certificates should be ready to present in order to show you have what it takes to take on the job they are considering you for.

 

Professional Finish - All of these items should be kept neatly organized in a professional looking binder. Don't take them in a file folder or other messy looking carrier. Put out a few dollars for a nice professional portfolio you can slip file folders into, keeping all these items neat and crisp looking.

 

Back to home page