bags during interviews

[dr2be111]

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alright,

so i know guys are supposed to wear dark, conservative suits for interviews. but my question is: do guys usually carry shoulder/laptop-type bags with them?

i know it would look really weird to walk around with a backpack. but i think it would also be weird to just show up with nothing, in case you want to take notes on something.

i'm thinking of bringing a leather-bound resume holder thingy that has a legal pad in it where i can write stuff down, etc.

thoughts?

 

[alwaysaangel]

alright,

so i know guys are supposed to wear dark, conservative suits for interviews. but my question is: do guys usually carry shoulder/laptop-type bags with them?

i know it would look really weird to walk around with a backpack. but i think it would also be weird to just show up with nothing, in case you want to take notes on something.

i'm thinking of bringing a leather-bound resume holder thingy that has a legal pad in it where i can write stuff down, etc.

thoughts?

Most people I saw on interviews carried nothing. Well guys at least - most girls carried small purses.

Sometimes people have luggage and they usually store that in the admissions office - but for the most part I never saw anyone carry around much more than that.

EVERY school pretty much gives you a school folder with a bunch of info in it. Just have a pen with you and you can take notes on the papers they give you. I don't think the resume/pad holder is necessary.

 

[armybound]

Most people I saw on interviews carried nothing. Well guys at least - most girls carried small purses.

Sometimes people have luggage and they usually store that in the admissions office - but for the most part I never saw anyone carry around much more than that.

EVERY school pretty much gives you a school folder with a bunch of info in it. Just have a pen with you and you can take notes on the papers they give you. I don't think the resume/pad holder is necessary.

I agree. I think I brought a resume/pad holder with me but ended up using the folder that the school supplied.

 

[Oceaner]

bring two three garbage/body bags just in case = 👍

 

[littlealex]

Yeah, tell the interviewer you would prefer a very strong support from him, then show the body bags to help motivate him.

 

[Law2Doc]

alright,

so i know guys are supposed to wear dark, conservative suits for interviews. but my question is: do guys usually carry shoulder/laptop-type bags with them?

i know it would look really weird to walk around with a backpack. but i think it would also be weird to just show up with nothing, in case you want to take notes on something.

i'm thinking of bringing a leather-bound resume holder thingy that has a legal pad in it where i can write stuff down, etc.

thoughts?

Most people bring those cheap leather bound folios/folders with the pad of paper and pen, that you can pick up in any stationary store. Few to none of the guys carry bags (except if they have luggage they need to stow in the admissions office). As long as whatever you have looks professional I doubt anyone would care. But I personally wouldn't go with a backpack, nor is a briefcase a good idea.

 

[crunchymilk]

I wear a pinstripe suit, bright red shirt and a white tie to my interviewers.

I've had 2 interviewers and one dean complement me on my outfit. I don't agree with the whole "conservative" suit thing really.

 

[alwaysaangel]

I wear a pinstripe suit, bright red shirt and a white tie to my interviewers.

I've had 2 interviewers and one dean complement me on my outfit. I don't agree with the whole "conservative" suit thing really.

Yeah neither do most people who are grown and know what professional attire is. Its really not appropriate to wear dark suits to interviews in the day - light/grey suits are appropriate. But it was mentioned once on here by a nontrad and people basically spontaneously combusted. So now they let them dress however they want.

 

[misterex]

why is a briefcase not a good idea?

 

[littlealex]

I wear a pinstripe suit, bright red shirt and a white tie to my interviewers.

I've had 2 interviewers and one dean complement me on my outfit. I don't agree with the whole "conservative" suit thing really.

Aren't you applying this cycle? You interviewed at places already?

As for suit color, I agree that dark suits are overly formal for interviews. A dark gray suit is fine though.

I don't think I have the courage to wear a bright red shirt/white tie combo.

 

[ADeadLois]

why is a briefcase not a good idea?

What would you need a briefcase for? You'll be moving around a lot during the day. It's in your best interest not to bring too much stuff with you, just for your own sake.

 

[cruz21]

What would you need a briefcase for? You'll be moving around a lot during the day. It's in your best interest not to bring too much stuff with you, just for your own sake.

what about a medium sized tote bag (over the shoulder)? i was planning on using one to put the portfolio thingie (reading this thread i see that i don't *need* it, but i would feel better with it), an extra pair of pantyhose, flats to go home in (after removing the heals after the interview), some small toiletries, etc.

it's a professional looking tote bag and cute at the same time. i didn't think it would be a big deal, but after reading these posts i am left unsure

 

[alwaysaangel]

what about a medium sized tote bag (over the shoulder)? i was planning on using one to put the portfolio thingie (reading this thread i see that i don't *need* it, but i would feel better with it), an extra pair of pantyhose, flats to go home in (after removing the heals after the interview), some small toiletries, etc.

it's a professional looking tote bag and cute at the same time. i didn't think it would be a big deal, but after reading these posts i am left unsure

If it makes you feel better then go for it - but you may be the only person with one - so take into account whether that will make you uncomfortable or not.

I didn't see many people with anything more than a purse at interviews. I had a medium sized purse that matched my suit and I was able to fit extra panty hose, basic toiletries, wallet, keys, etc.

Its completely your choice - I don't think it makes you anymore or less professional. Its just not common.

 

[ssquared]

go for the man purse, a la Joey from friends!

 

[Non-TradTulsa]

OMG, does this bring back memories. Like, "do adcoms prefer peppermint or spearmint mouthwash on interview day?" But, I remember obssessing over every detail, so I am sympathetic albeit amused.

I think carrying something does look professional. Briefcases (and shoulder bags) are for taking work home, which would look a little silly on interview day. A leather-bound legal pad holder looks nice and is appropriate to the situation, and that's what I carried (along with the small mountain of paperwork in paper folders from the school - as posted, you always get those).

Leave the toiletries and extra shoes in the car. If your bag spilled, you'd just die of embarrassment, wouldn't you?

 

[Tenk]

I figured you meant bags under your eyes which is a hell of a lot more important than carrying bags/briefcases. Most schools give you a folder and business cards; use theirs.

Oh, and try to get rid of bags under your eyes. Gotta look pumped. 👍

 

[crunchymilk]

Aren't you applying this cycle? You interviewed at places already?

As for suit color, I agree that dark suits are overly formal for interviews. A dark gray suit is fine though.

I don't think I have the courage to wear a bright red shirt/white tie combo.

I'm in Texas, I guess we interview early. I've already interviewed twice and have 2 more by the first week in september

 

[cruz21]

Leave the toiletries and extra shoes in the car. If your bag spilled, you'd just die of embarrassment, wouldn't you?

i don't own a car and i am taking public transportation to my interviews...

 

[littlealex]

I'm in Texas, I guess we interview early. I've already interviewed twice and have 2 more by the first week in september

=OOOO

I feel so behind...

 

[Jolie South]

OMG, does this bring back memories. Like, "do adcoms prefer peppermint or spearmint mouthwash on interview day?" But, I remember obssessing over every detail, so I am sympathetic albeit amused.

I think carrying something does look professional. Briefcases (and shoulder bags) are for taking work home, which would look a little silly on interview day. A leather-bound legal pad holder looks nice and is appropriate to the situation, and that's what I carried (along with the small mountain of paperwork in paper folders from the school - as posted, you always get those).

Leave the toiletries and extra shoes in the car. If your bag spilled, you'd just die of embarrassment, wouldn't you?

If a woman carries that, where is she going to put her keys, wallet, lipgloss, pantyhose, etc.? We don't have pockets and carrying a folder and a purse is asking for trouble in my case. Too much stuff to juggle. I'm going to carry a Nine West purse large enough to fit a school folder. I hope I won't stick out too badly.

 

[medguy83]

I think most people carry a folder of some sorts. Something to hold your amcas and secondary for review, and to carry the inevitable handouts they give you concerning their program. I can't exactly vouch for women as far as large bags or anything, but I would imagine a small purse would be perfectly acceptable. If you show up with a duffel bag I think a few eyebrows might raise.

 

[Jolie South]

I think most people carry a folder of some sorts. Something to hold your amcas and secondary for review, and to carry the inevitable handouts they give you concerning their program. I can't exactly vouch for women as far as large bags or anything, but I would imagine a small purse would be perfectly acceptable. If you show up with a duffel bag I think a few eyebrows might raise.

i'm not talking about a duffel bag, just an over the shoulder bag that can fit a folder.

 

[ladyluck3]

i'm not talking about a duffel bag, just an over the shoulder bag that can fit a folder.

i was planning on doing the same thing! we'll stick out together 😀

 

[doinmybest5840]

What does everyone think about a black totebag that says "Metropolitan Museum of Art New York" in white on it? It's the only tote-type bag I have that isn't COMPLETELY inappropriate, and it's the perfect size to hold a folder and any other papers they give out at interviews, along with the other little things I'll probably end up taking with me (breath mints, lip gloss, small hair brush, etc.). I just don't want to look really unprofessional. Thanks.

 

[alwaysaangel]

What does everyone think about a black totebag that says "Metropolitan Museum of Art New York" in white on it? It's the only tote-type bag I have that isn't COMPLETELY inappropriate, and it's the perfect size to hold a folder and any other papers they give out at interviews, along with the other little things I'll probably end up taking with me (breath mints, lip gloss, small hair brush, etc.). I just don't want to look really unprofessional. Thanks.

I think thats gonna look tacky.

Seriously - just bring a small purse for the latter items and carry your folder. EVERYONE I saw at interviews were just carrying their folders. The tote bag will be awkward and I think that one in particular will look a little unprofessional.

 

[ladyluck3]

http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod170021

this is my bag, only in brown. i like it. it is professional enough for me and is perfectly sized. most of all, though, i got it on sale!😛

 

[doinmybest5840]

I think thats gonna look tacky.

Seriously - just bring a small purse for the latter items and carry your folder. EVERYONE I saw at interviews were just carrying their folders. The tote bag will be awkward and I think that one in particular will look a little unprofessional.

That's what I was worried about. Boo. Thanks, though.

 

[Jolie South]

http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/browse/product_detail_with_picker.jsp?productId=prod170021

this is my bag, only in brown. i like it. it is professional enough for me and is perfectly sized. most of all, though, i got it on sale!😛

whoa, that's cute. mine's the same style sorta.