Interview breifcase/portfolio

[flamingo00]

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Does one only carry a portfolio with a copy of the CAF etc to an interview or should I(a female) buy a briefcase/business handbag so as to accomodate other small things like mints etc. I am confused!

 

[John Deere Gree]

Does one only carry a portfolio with a copy of the CAF etc to an interview or should I(a female) buy a briefcase/business handbag so as to accomodate other small things like mints etc. I am confused!

There's no need to carry a copy of your application. If they want it they can print it.

Personally, I don't bring anything. No need to lug around something throughout the day.

 

[eag]

Bring what you feel. I always need to have my stuff so I carry a bag to interviews. I keep all my info for that specific program to look at on my down time. I brought extra applications just in case they need it, but I agree that they can print it out.... but you never know. I like to air on the side of caution. But it's what you feel. I know other females who bring a portfolio. I know other females who bring a regular little purse. I'm the type of person who likes to keep everything in one bag and have my hands free - I use a medium size bag that can fit folders and my personal items and I'm good to go 🙂

Good luck on your decision

 

[Law2Doc]

... I like to air on the side of caution....

Just FYI, it's "err".

 

[PeeWee137]

on a related note, would it be weird to jot down notes during the actual interview? or does everyone wait till its over?

 

[hippiedoc13]

Whatever you feel comfortable with. There is no need to bring a copy of your application or CV. They have it.

I personally carried a professional-looking handbag that was large enough to hold the folder they inevitably gave me, along with my wallet, keys, cell phone, lip gloss, gum/mints, Advil, & small hairbrush. Maybe that would be overkill to some, but having those little things with me "just in case" was key to my comfort on those long interview days.

 

[Law2Doc]

on a related note, would it be weird to jot down notes during the actual interview? or does everyone wait till its over?

Always wait until it's over. The goal of a good interview is for it to be a conversation. It cannot be if you are taking notes. Or looking at notes. That interrupts the flow. And perhaps suggests that you can't hold information in your head for extended periods of time. There is time enough to find a quiet bench and jot down your thoughts after the session.

 

[tetris]

I think it's good to take notes during the introductory talks preceding the interviews given by the PD to all the candidates. It makes it look like you're seriously considering the program.

As far as carrying a portfolio, I usually do, but without my CAF, etc. All I put there is a blank note pad for taking notes.

I don't like walking around empty-handed because I don't want to appear to be going for a stroll in the park. In other words, it looks too casual.

The problem is that many programs give the candidates a thick folder when they arrive containing all kinds of info on the program, housing, living in the city, sights to see, etc. This combined with your own portfolio becomes quite bulky and awkward to carry.

Always wait until it's over. The goal of a good interview is for it to be a conversation. It cannot be if you are taking notes. Or looking at notes. That interrupts the flow. And perhaps suggests that you can't hold information in your head for extended periods of time. There is time enough to find a quiet bench and jot down your thoughts after the session.

 

[PlayFair]

A department chair at our school suggested to us that a great place to make your notes is in the bathroom! Privacy is important I guess...

 

[Law2Doc]

A department chair at our school suggested to us that a great place to make your notes is in the bathroom! Privacy is important I guess...

Make sure you bring a felt tip though because ballpoints do a number on toilet paper.