Creating Your Interview Survival Kit

What to bring to an interview

Here’s a simple list of items every interviewer should bring (in no particular order):

Extra copies of your resume. Even though everyone probably has copies of your resume already, sometimes fax machines, e-mail programs, and resume software do unsightly things to resumes. Having more than enough clean copies of your resume on-hand will help you appear well prepared and will allow you to replace that butchered version. Furthermore, if one of the interviewers misplaced her copy, you can come to the rescue. Many candidates miss out on this opportunity for a positive first impression at the interview by forgetting to bring extra resumes.

Samples of your work. Most candidates don’t even think about this. If work samples can illustrate how awesome you are, bring them! Web designers should bring a laptop with samples of pages they have designed, sales people should bring copies of sales ranking reports, HR people could bring copies of policies they wrote or project plans developed.

References. Names and contact numbers of important references on a separate sheet of paper.

Performance Reviews. In my career, I’ve only had a handful of candidates bring in copies of old performance reviews to prove how strong they were. It made a huge impact, especially if there were a few areas of growth described by their boss along with the achievements. This shows not only how strong you are, but also that you have nothing to hide or be ashamed of in your performance. If you have strong performance reviews, run copies and bring them to your interview. Have them ready.

Make-up (ladies only). All face make-up should be light and tasteful, never overblown. PLEASE leave the perfume at home (some interviewers, including myself, have allergic reactions). Bring some extra make-up in case you have an unintended smudge. I'm not saying you must wear make-up, but if you do, bring some spare.

Comb or Brush. Freshen your appearance before every interview if possible. First impressions are critical. Don’t allow yourself to appear tired, disheveled, or worn out. You are always fresh, energetic, and put-together.

Extra Tie / Dress Shirt / Blouse. Have one of these in the car, even if your interview is just across town. You’re offered a coke in the waiting room, and it drips down your front end. Don’t enter the interview with a distracting brown puddle on your chest. Interviewers will understand if you excuse yourself for two minutes for a quick change. With a spare in the car, you are saved!

Breath Mints. Who knows where they will take you to lunch? Don’t go back into the interview with onion breath. Keep some of these babies handy.

Driving Directions and Maps. Make sure you know where you are going. Plan out your route ahead of time. Bring a map in case you get lost.

Cell Phone. In case you get lost, but also so the interviewer can contact you immediately before the interview (if plans change), or after the interview (for a job offer).

Interviewer contact name and phone number. Bring this along in case the unthinkable happens. Heavy traffic is not an excuse to be late for an interview. If you get into a car wreck, you can immediately call the interviewer, apologize, and reschedule the appointment. If you are prompt and call before interview time, a car accident is forgivable. Calling promptly shows initiative and responsibility. Requires Cell Phone (above).

Build your Interview Survival Kit ahead of time, and put it in your car or suitcase. It does you no good if you leave it at home.