brifcase, bag, nothing?

[Megalofyia]

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What are the general feelings on bringing a backpack to an interview? I don't really have the money at the moment to invest in any other sort of bag but there are some things I'd like to bring with me to the interview, ie shoes for tours.

Do you think it really matters or makes a difference?

 

[personal jesus]

What might we need to put into a briefcase/backpack...? Anyone had an interview and received mountains of paper?

 

[tBw]

they often give you various pamphlets and a couple of sheets of paper about the sequence of your day (where to be when) maps etc. It's good to have something to hold it all in, as well as pen and paper (which I rarely used except to take students email addresses, financial aid specifics). I just took a small portfolio. They are about $10 from places like staples and easily organise all your materials and look professional.

 

[efex101]

IMHO you need to look professional a backpack does not. I have seen all kinds of crazy stuff at interviews! from people with a suit coat that totally did not match the pants 😱 to ladies with a quilted bag bigger than a duffle bag, to people with not suits with a knit type skirt from Target? I really do not get it, just dress and look and act professional kind of dressing up for the job you would like not the job that you have right now??? anyways, just do not carry anything it's not like you have to have a briefcase...

 

[Kownell]

I was thinking about bringing one of those planners (large size) with my school insignia. It should be able to carry all the paper info they hand to us.

 

[Amy B]

Just returned from and interview. One guy had a backpack, one girl had a huge leather type bag with handles and all of us had a portfoilo notebook to jot down things. It gives you something to hold during an interview when you cant figure out what to do with your hands.

 

[Outer Space]

Originally posted by efex101
IMHO you need to look professional a backpack does not. I have seen all kinds of crazy stuff at interviews! from people with a suit coat that totally did not match the pants 😱 to ladies with a quilted bag bigger than a duffle bag, to people with not suits with a knit type skirt from Target? I really do not get it, just dress and look and act professional kind of dressing up for the job you would like not the job that you have right now??? anyways, just do not carry anything it's not like you have to have a briefcase...

one guy at my interview came with his wife. he was dressed professionally, while she was very casual - skirt/t-shirt type of deal with sandals. it was truly weird seeing her on a tour in our group who were all dark suits. kind of awkward- so don't bring your wives!!

 

[efex101]

No kidding some people are really really really clueless.....

 

[link26]

was everyone wearing all black suits and white shirts?

I don't think your outfit will make or break an acceptance. Either you suck, or you don't. A backpack will not cost you points.

Hell, they know you're just interviewing for a spot as a *student*. You're not trying for the CEO spot at some big corp.

 

[spumoni620]

You can bring whatever you want in terms of backpack/briefcase etc. I had to bring a mini-roll-on to one of my interviews b/c I was leaving straight for the airport afterwards. If it's a school backpack or very large bag, I'd recommend leaving it to the side of the room in the main gathering area (most schools will have a staff of people that are happy to keep an eye on it for you). carrying it around during the whole day will only tire you out. i always brought larger bags w/water, books, etc. (usually b/c i've been traveling by plane for the most part)...but walking around on tours etc. i only carried a small purse.

i don't think it's worth stressing about too much. it seems really unlikely that your chances at a school would get shot because you were carrying the wrong type of bag. now, of course (as i've learned recently) if you're carrying a hunter green portfolio, that's a whole story 😀

 

[AverageMan]

I think a brieffcase works well. I use it to carry a copy of my researach articles, projects, and anything the school has sent my regarding the interview. Every school I've been at has given me a thick folder of stuff so the briefcase was good for carrying that around. Also, some interviewers have even complimented me on having a briefcase for my papers as it was very professional. Of course, this was only one interviewer at one of the 5 places I've been at so far, but every small but helps espically if it's a matter of personally impressing the interviewer.

 

[jlee9531]

i always wondered about this question too...

i was thinking about taking my messenger bag and take along a folder or something like that...