When you are offered the opportunity to have a job interview, you should ensure you are doing everything possible to make the best first impression. This means carefully considering what to wear to an interview and not being late to your job interview.

It also means you should consider what to bring to a job interview. You want to look professional, organised, and well-prepared, yet don’t want to carry too many things with you or have a cluttered bag that requires you to rummage in it to find the items you need.

If you require specific items, the hiring manager who has arranged a time to meet will generally let you know what you should bring.

Otherwise, here’s what to bring to a job interview:

• Your Printed Resume

The hiring manager will likely have already received and read your resume and will have brought a copy into the interview. It is still important to have spare copies, printed on quality paper and held in a folder so they don’t get crumpled, as you never know if additional employees will join your interview, or the hiring manager may have forgotten theirs or want a fresh one.

• Your Portfolio and Work Samples, or Application Aids

Sales, visual representations of past work, Testimonials and references

• Your Business Card

Business cards are an important element of business. Whilst it may not be appropriate or you may not wish to give your card of your current role, you can always give a personal card with your LinkedIn details, contact details, and personal website. This would work equally well for students who may not have had a serious office job or full-time job before.

• Directions / Contact Information

There are benefits to not being late to an interview, so make sure that you have detailed directions of where you are going and the contact information of key stakeholders you will meet when you arrive.

• Pen and Paper

Bringing your own pen and notepad will show that you are prepared and organized. You may not require them, but being equipped for every situation could swing an interview in your favor.

• Identification

Carrying identification is important. Some buildings may require it for security purposes and some employers may require it for HR records or background checks. During the interview process, a simple form of identification will do. Your hiring manager should let you know if there are specific other levels of identification required.

• A Briefcase

Leave your handbag or backpack behind and look more professional by carrying your things in a briefcase or other work-appropriate bag. Make sure it is not too heavy or over-packed though as you don’t want it to look bulky and you don’t want to be uncomfortable.

If you would like further tips and advice for the interview process, visit our job interview hub, or contact our team today.