10 Essential Items to Bring for Every Successful Job Interview

Table Of Contents:

• Introduction
• What To Bring To A Job Interview?
  • Hard Copy Of Resume
  • Certificates
  • Portfolio
  • Prints Of Documents
  • Reference List
  • Office Address And Contact
  • ID Card
  • List Of Questions
  • Water Bottle
  • Confidence And Positive Attitude
• Conclusion
• Bonus Points

Introduction

Interviews can be unnerving. You want everything to be perfect. So you go through multiple job interview guides, practice your answers in front of the mirror, and even Google what documents you should bring to an interview. If that is what brought you to this article today, then let us guide you through.

What To Bring To A Job Interview?

Before you go for the interview you must prepare. You could go through these tips for your job interview preparation and improve your chances of cracking the interview.

As to answer your question of ‘what documents should you bring to an interview?’ You can use this article as a checklist.

1. Hard Copy Of Resume

This may be an obvious one but do bring a printout of your resume. Make sure you keep it safely in a folder or a file to not get it folded or wrinkled. Also, keep a soft copy of your resume handy in case you need to share it over email with the company.

2. Certificates

Sometimes, if you have multiple certificates listed in your resume, the interviewer might ask to see some of them. So to be on the safer side, just carry them with you in a folder.

3. Portfolio

Some roles like Photographers, Graphic Designers, Architects, and more, require you to have a portfolio showcasing your previous work. If your role requires a portfolio, then creating one should be a huge part of your interview preparation process.

4. Prints Of Documents

You should ask HR if they need any specific documents from you. If not, it is best to carry with you copies of your experience letters, cover letters, reference letters, and anything else you think would be relevant.

5. Reference List

If you have a few people referring you for the job, then a reference list should be one of the documents to bring to the interview. Your reference list should include your reference’s name, designation, company, address, contact details, and a brief description.

6. Office Address And Contact

If you need to get to a place you have never been before, you need the proper directions. It is best to note down the address and contact information in case of a technological problem.

You must also plan ahead regarding how you will get there. If you are using public transportation it is best to leave 15 minutes earlier to avoid delays. Also, make sure you are carrying enough cash for your journey to and from the office location.

7. ID Card

It is best to carry an ID card or license with you as the office security might need to see some identification before they let you in.

8. List Of Questions

One of the best interview tips you would get is this – ask questions! The interviewer will ask you if you have any questions at the end of the interview, so prepare a few and list them down. Other than that, you must think of an interview as a conversation and ask your questions as they naturally come into the conversation.

Remember, while the company is interviewing you to ensure that you are the right person for the job, you are also interviewing the company to ensure that they are the right organization for you.

9. Water Bottle

While most interview preparation guides stick to what documents you should bring to an interview, we are going a little beyond that. You will be travelling in the sun, walking unfamiliar roads, and talking to a lot of people, so you must stay hydrated. So bring your water bottle and even get a little snack, if you like, to keep up the sustenance.

10. Confidence And Positive Attitude

The last item in this job interview preparation guide is to bring along your confidence and a positive attitude. It’s normal to feel anxious, but you must remember that you cleared a few rounds of screening to get here. Which means you deserve to be here. So be confident and crack your interview.

Beyond these, below are some other helpful tips that will help you with your interview.

• Dress Code Guidelines: Wear professional clothes that match the job role. Formal attire is best for corporate jobs, while business casual works for creative or tech roles. Make sure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and wrinkle-free. Grooming and neat shoes also leave a good impression.

• Body Language and First Impressions: Your body language speaks before you do. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. Smile confidently and avoid crossing your arms, as it may seem defensive. A positive and open posture makes you look professional and approachable.

• Digital Copies of Documents: Save digital copies of your resume, certificates, and important documents on your phone or in cloud storage. This way, if asked, you can quickly email or print them. Having backups ensures you're prepared for any situation.

• Mock Interviews & Practice Tips: Practice answering common interview questions in front of a mirror or with a friend. You can also record yourself to check your speech and confidence. Mock interviews help you prepare better and reduce nervousness before the actual interview.

Conclusion

While most of the advice you get from interview guides revolves around what to say and how to say it, this article helps you prepare with all the necessary things to bring to an interview.

Want to gain more insights into how ChatGPT can help you with your interview preparation? Check out our blog on How To Use ChatGPT For an Interview Preparation.

All the best!

Bonus Points

• Make sure you also carry essential stationery items in your bag. You might need a pen and paper to take notes.
• Dress appropriately. You can ask the interviewer for the dress code in advance. But even then wearing formal attire is expected.
• Pick a bag that will ensure that all your documents are placed neatly. Folded or wrinkled documents can leave a bad impression.
• Read about the company. You can ask more in-depth questions in the interview to get a better understanding but you should not walk into an interview without any knowledge of the company.