What to bring to an interview | Do's and Don'ts for any successful Interview section

a man and a lady sitting facing each in an interview section

Attending interviews is one of the most scary parts of life, both for the old and young.

The thought of sitting down and having a series of new faces throwing questions at you is enough to make anyone resort to being an entrepreneur instead of joining the corporate world.

But even as an entrepreneur, there might be situations where you’d need to undergo interviews to get funds or create more awareness for your business so you might not be able to escape it.

Still, there's nothing to cringe about since we've created a list of helpful tips in various categories to help you get the best out of an interview.

Sit back and relax as we take you through the interesting world of interviews!

What To Bring To An Interview?

Like a soldier needs his guns and bullet proof to succeed on a battlefield, there are some essential items you need to carry along with you to every interview.

You might already be familiar with some of them but don't forget to pen down the ones you weren't aware of before.

Here you go:

Travel Directions

Sometimes, you might be lucky to be familiar with the location of an interview. In such cases, you have nothing to worry about.

However, in a situation where you’ve never been there before, don't be discouraged. Instead, search online for travel directions or ask a friend who's familiar with the location.

Still, don't just stop there. Ensure you pen down the route in your notepad or type it on your phone in case you forget.

SUGGESTED READING: Job Interview Tips - How to make great impression

Folder

The importance of a folder can't be overemphasized as it’ll help keep your documents collectively and in good condition.

Also, bringing a folder displays organization and professionalism.

Preferably, choose a folder with a solid color and no designs and ensure it's free of tears or scratches.

Resume

Of course, your interview folder would be incomplete without a resume.

Preferably, print five copies of your resume so it can go round if you have more than one interviewer.

Some of the most important things to include in a resume include professional header, professional summary, education, work experience, skills, certifications and additional accomplishments.

Business Cards

There's a slim chance that your interviewer(s) might ask for a business card during your interview so it just pays to bring it along.

Asides that, you might get the opportunity to network while waiting to be interviewed or after your interview.

Your business card can include your name and title, business logo, contact details, social media handles, address, QR code and tagline.

Portfolio

Portfolios are more common among artists like photographers and painters but not restricted to them.

Even as a non artist, you can create a portfolio that includes your past performance reviews, ranking reports, awards and positive feedback emails.

In fact, an interviewer is likely to be more interested in what you’ve achieved in the past rather than your resume.

Reference Sheet

If you're able to impress your interviewer well enough with your resume and portfolio, they might ask for a reference to finalize their take on you so remember to take it along.

It should include the names and contact details of up to five persons who can vouch for your skills, either past employers or clients.

In a situation where they ask for a reference sheet and you’re unable to provide one, it might give another interviewee an edge over you.

Notepad and Pens

Even though you're not attending a lecture, you're still advised to bring along your notepad and pens for note taking when necessary.

The reward is that it’ll show interviewers you care about what they‘re saying.

You’ll also be able to reference their speeches in a follow-up email.

Still, you should ask for their permission before taking notes.

Questions

As awkward as this sounds, you should actually prepare questions for your interviewer(s).

However, stick to memorizing instead of going as far as printing. Your questions should revolve around the company’s culture, history or expectations for the role.

Asking questions shows that you’ve prepared and researched about the organization.

Personal Hygiene Products

Let's face it. The feeling of not looking good or smelling well enough can be the major cause of one’s downfall in an interview. If you feel an area is lacking, your concentration will be there and it won't allow you focus well on the most important business of the day.

Therefore, it's advisable to go for your interview with products like breath mints, floss and deodorants in your bag so you can do a mini touch up before it gets to your turn.

Photo ID

In most cases, interviewer(s) don't require photo ID but it's advisable to take it along in case they show desire to hire you on the spot.

Asides that, it’ll help you get through security.

Dos and Don'ts for any successful Interview section

Now that we’ve successfully put you through the list of essential items to bring to an interview, it's time to get enlightened on the dos and don'ts of every interview.

It pays to pay more attention because this actually covers the main part of an interview.

The dos

Dress The Part

Yes, you're so good at what you do that you’ve probably earned a BSC or masters.

Still, before assessing your wealth of knowledge, the first thing that will catch your interviewer(s) eyes is your dressing so ensure you dress the part.

Ensure your clothes are clean, well-ironed and well-fitted.

As you already know, it's best to stick with official outfits when it comes to interviews.

You’d do well with a dark-coloured suit and light colored shirt.

Greet Professionally

After stepping into the interview room, the next crucial thing to do is greet your interviewer(s) in a professional manner.

No one is going to scold you for extending your arm, offering a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact and smiling.

People are hardly interested in hiring grumpy individuals, aren't they?

Show Enthusiasm

As the interview session proceeds, ensure you sit up straight and maintain eye contact as you listen to your interviewer(s) and answer their questions.

Ensure they get to the end of every question before you answer.

Furthermore, you can use examples to align yourself with the company's values and mission statement.

Lay emphasis on how you can help them achieve this.

Ask Questions

Recall that you were told to prepare questions earlier?

Don't forget to ask these questions as it shows you’ve researched about the company and you’re interested in knowing more.

Also, asking about the job requirements shows you’ve thought about it and figured out how you can fulfill it.

Still, you don't necessarily have to suspend asking questions till the end of your interview.

If they pop up in the middle and there's room to ask, you can open up to your interviewer(s).

Show Appreciation

Once you're done with the interview, thank your interviewer(s) for their time and the opportunity.

Reiterate your interest in the job offer then suggest they contact you if they have further questions.

Upon getting home, send them a follow-up email, similarly thanking them and stating your desire to hear from them.

After this, you don't need to send them messages again.

The Don'ts

Be Critical

Even though you're already familiar with this rule, for the sake of emphasy, stay away from criticizing yourself during an interview as it can reduce your success chances.

Asides, don't drag past jobs or employers into an interview that has nothing to do with them.

If you do, your interviewer(s) might interpret it as you being unable to work efficiently with others.

Lie or Exaggerate

As a fresh graduate, interviewer(s) would completely understand why you have no work experience yet.

In fact, some organizations may be willing to hire you as you are and offer the necessary training so you don't need to lie about your work experience or exaggerate your experience with a temporary job. Giving false information questions your character and integrity.

Check Your Phone

In an age where many of us can't get through a minute or two without glancing through our phones, it's absolutely necessary to include this.

Despite living in the same global space as you are, your interviewer(s) may not forgive you for this act so it's preferable to keep your phone in your briefcase or leave it in the car. You need to show interviewer(s) they're your number one priority at the moment so they can take you seriously as well.

Be too casual

It's great to show you're a friendly and bubbly person but don't overdo it because you’ll also be assessed as a professional.

Your employers need to know if you can operate in a formal environment. Another way to avoid being casual with an interview is to prepare ahead.

Even if you’ve been to hundreds of interviews in the past, treat every interview differently.

Ask About Salary

Except your interviewer(s) raises the question during your interview, refrain from asking questions about salary.

The main purpose of an interview is to know whether you're the best fit for a whole so focus on that. Once you've proven your worth beyond reasonable doubts and gotten hired, you can then open the subject.

Asking about salary during a job interview may cross you off the waiting list.