Interview essentials
Interview essentials
Company informationPurpose: Use as a reference when asking questions about the company or relating your experience to the job you are interviewing for
What Richman says: Well before the job interview, print out information from the company’s Web site — its product mix, mission and vision of its future — the "broadest stroke overview of what this company is about."
ResumePurpose: So you can follow along while being asked about your experience
What Richman says: "You have to be conversant with your own resume and amazingly a lot of people are not." Some have retrospective memory — that is, they remember what they did; others have prospective memory — they remember what they are supposed to do. If you’re part of the latter group, you definitely want your resume in front of you during the interview.
ReferencesPurpose: A list of professional references to give to the interviewer
What Richman says: The list should include the reference’s name, title, employer, address and telephone number. If you are interviewing at a company that requires you to fill out an official job application, bring all information you will need — your employers, their addresses, your salary history, etc. Fill out all applications completely. Don’t leave anything blank.
Interviewer’s contact informationPurpose: In case you get lost on the way to the interview and need directions, or if something unexpected happens, such as a flat tire
What Richman says: When scheduling the interview, make sure you get the name and number of the person who will be interviewing you, as well as the name and phone number of that person’s administrative assistant. In the event you get lost on the way to the company, or if you have car trouble, call to notify you will be running behind schedule.
Pen and paperPurpose: For taking notes or writing down the answers to questions you have about the job or the company
DirectionsPurpose: You may have a general idea where the company is located, but always get the specifics by printing out driving directions from the Internet, or by asking the company.
Cell phonePurpose: To call the interviewer in case you get lost, are in an accident or have car trouble on the way to the interview
What Richman says: The need for your phone ends in the company’s parking lot. "You want to have your cell phone with you. Once you get there, leave it in the car." During an interview, hearing a cell phone ringing, beeping or vibrating "really is off-putting."
PortfolioPurpose: An easy carry-along for all of your pertinent paperworkWhat Richman says: "Most people, when they are the least bit tense, go into ‘interview blindness.’ That’s what’s problematic about a briefcase or bag (because you end up digging through it looking for the needed item). Only bring what you need with you." A small portfolio is sufficient to keep organized all the paperwork you will need to bring with you for the interview. "To me the notion of (a portfolio) is a very slim kind of a binder in which you can slip a few items."
CalendarPurpose: To schedule future interviews/meetings/job start datesWhat Richman says: Especially if you have a full-time job already, bring a calendar in case you need to be scheduled for a second interview.
Self-care itemsPurpose: To make sure you’re looking presentable before the interview
What Richman says: Bring along a travel kit with essential grooming and hygiene products. Keep it in your car. Include a comb or brush, which may come in handy after a blustery windows-down car trip to the interview; a toothbrush and toothpaste to use after eating lunch or a snack, which you may want to do for longer interviews that include breaks; and breath mints, for a quick refresher.
Cash/changePurpose: So you can get something to eat or drink
What Richman says: If you have an interview that will be longer than is typical — some interviews can take hours or even an entire business day — you certainly don’t want to go hungry. Bring plenty of single dollars and some change so you can grab a quick bite from a vending machine or the company’s cafeteria. — Compiled by special sections writer Patrick Collins
