7 Items To Bring to a Job Interview
You’ve applied to a job, received the callback and probably passed a phone screen. This means it’s time for the in-person interview. Take a moment to congratulate yourself at this stage—it’s taken a lot of hard work and persistence to get here. Once you’ve mentally prepared and chosen what you’re going to wear, the last step is making sure you’re bringing the right items.
In this article, we discuss the seven most important items to bring with you to a job interview.
What to bring to a job interview
1. Copies of your resume
Bring at least five resume copies. Keep them in a separate folder or professional folio so they don’t bend or wrinkle and are easy to access.
2. Pen and paper
Take notes on the questions your interviewers ask or surprising insights they share. You can use these notes to follow up later in a thank you email.
3. Pre-written questions for your interviewers
When you are putting the resume copies and the blank paper in your folder or folio, also add at least two or three pre-written questions for your interviewers to have on hand. It’s good to write them down ahead of time in case your mind suddenly goes blank when you get the question, “Do you have any questions?”
Related: Phone Interview Tips to Get You to the Next Round
4. A list of references
Your interviewers may not ask you for a list of references, but it’s good to be prepared in case they do.
References should be people who can speak to your professional abilities and achievements. If you don’t have much work experience or can’t easily identify people to be your references, consider any groups or volunteer activities you’ve been a part of. Former teachers or community leaders who can address your commitment and work ethic are strong options as well. Do not include family members and avoid listing friends.
Image description
Reference List Format
Reference name
Reference position
Reference company
Reference address
Reference phone number
Reference email address
Reference description
Reference List Example:
Linda Martinez
Director of Sales, North America
ABC Company
1234 Main St.
Austin, TX 78701
512-555-6789
l.martinez@abccompany.com
Linda was my direct manager while I worked as a regional sales manager for the ABC Company from 2013 to 2017.
Joeseph Smith
Professor, McCombs School of Business
The University of Texas at Austin
2110 Speedway
Austin, TX 78712
512-555-1234
Joseph.z.smith@email.edu
Joseph Smith was my professor through numerous courses I completed to earn my Masters of Business Administration.
Related: How To Ask Someone To Be Your Reference
Include their name, title, department, organization, phone number, and email address. You should also include a short sentence about their relationship to you—for example, "I reported to Monica for two years in my role as a sales associate."
If you have time before your interview, get in touch with the people on your list. A call, email or coffee date is a great opportunity to ask them what stood out about working with you in the past, what areas they see for improvement, and what advice they’d give to your next manager.
Print out five copies and keep them in a folder so they don’t bend. If you aren’t asked for your references during the interview, you can ask if they are needed at the very end.
Related: Follow-up Email Examples for After the Interview
5. Breath mints or floss
Bring along something to help maintain great oral hygiene. Whether it’s mints, gum, floss or a toothbrush and toothpaste, choose the option that will make you feel clean and confident.
6. A bag, briefcase or portfolio that neatly contains all your items
Once you have the things you need to bring to the interview, you should decide how you’ll organize and carry them. The goal is to look put together and unburdened. Choose a handbag, briefcase, messenger bag or portfolio that can hold everything and looks professional. Backpacks are appropriate for some settings but not for others. Use your best judgment based on the company research you’ve done and what you know about their culture.
7. Directions on how to get to the interview
After all your careful preparation, don’t let a late arrival undermine your chances of getting the job. You should plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early, and you should study your route to the interview beforehand. If you’re using public transportation, add extra time to account for delays or unexpected interruptions. If you’re driving, be sure you have information about parking—if you’re working with a recruiter, you can ask them to provide these details.
If after all this preparation you are still running late, call the office or recruiter you are working with and let them know. More often than not they will be understanding, but it is important to be respectful of their time.
Related: How To Ace Your Final Interview
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring notes to a job interview?
Yes, you may bring notes to a job interview, especially if you've questions you plan on asking the interviewer. Make sure not to rely too much on the notes, to show you're prepared. Research the company and job details before the interview to make a positive impression on the interviewer and avoid confusion.
Is it appropriate to bring a gift to a job interview?
It's inappropriate to bring a gift to a job interview. Bringing a gift could distract the employers or create an awkward situation. It's good to avoid the perception of influencing the hiring decision or creating a sense of obligation during the interview process.
Is it OK to ask what to bring to an interview?
Yes, you can ask what to bring to an interview when a hiring manager contacts you about your candidacy. This would help you stay prepared and avoid any confusion. You can also prepare a checklist of items to bring, such as the number of resume copies, reference sheets or certificates.
Can I bring the job description to the interview?
Yes, you may consider bringing the job description to the interview. It's helpful to have a copy of the job description to understand the role and ask follow-up questions after the interview. Having the job description can also help you anticipate questions the interviewer might ask.
Is it OK to bring my social security card to a job interview?
Yes, you may bring your social security card to a job interview. It can help the interviewer fill out paperwork in the event of your selection. It also allows them to verify your identity and work authorization.
What are some items to avoid bringing to a job interview?
There are certain items to avoid bringing to a job interview that may otherwise distract the interviewer or create a negative impression. Here are some items to avoid:
Cellphone: Avoid bringing your cell phone to the job interview to minimize distraction. You can turn it off or place it in "Silent" mode.
Food and drinks: It's best not to bring food or drinks to a job interview to promote focus. You can have a light meal one or two hours before an interview to feel energized and comfortable.
Chewing gum or cigarettes: Chewing gum or smoking cigarettes during an interview may be distracting.
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