Interview: bring pen & folder?

[nychila]

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Do most interviewees or does any applicant bring a pen and a folder with note papers inside? As a guy, I usually like to carry as little things with me as possible, so a pen is okay, but I've heard others recommend bringing paper to write notes during presentations, which I'm assuming would necessitate a folder. And would it be weird/unprofessional to carry around a water bottle...?

 

[Black Mamba24]

I've seen some people bring a pen and a notepad to take notes. Most schools give you a pen and materials that you can write on if need be, but most times I didn't feel the need to write anything. It was more important for me to listen to the speaker(s) and get a feel for the school rather than focusing on writing things down. However, there was a time or two where I wrote down a few things that weren't in the interview day packet (using a pen & paper that they gave us).

In my opinion it would look a little awkward if someone carried around their personal water bottle. But carrying bottled water doesn't seem bad considering most schools give you bottled water during lunch.

 

[Nymphicus]

I brought a little portfolio thing. Wasn't really necessary.

You will most likely get a folder packet at your interview anyway.

Water bottle might be a little strange. You might be able to leave it with your bag and just have it with you for the tour though.

 

[Sophocles]

I wouldn't say it's necessary, but all the interviews I have been on, about half of the interviewees had a black leather binder with their schools logo on it.

 

[Barcu]

I would bring a pen and something to write on. A couple of my interviews didn't provide pens (though many do). You may not need it, but it looks like you came prepared.

I don't see anything wrong with carrying around a water bottle. Maybe a smaller one (like a plastic water bottle) would be better than some large nalgene but I don't think it matters that much.

 

[NickNaylor]

You will get everything you need (usually including a pen) at the interview day. I bought a little folio because I don't like having my hands empty, but I don't think I ever actually used it.

Definitely don't bring a water bottle. Most schools have will drinks (even if it's just coffee) available for you to get.

 

[Bangersandmash]

Strangely enough, the school I interviewed at gave me a pen and a folder of information, but no blank paper to write on. I brought a portfolio anyway because my mock interviewer told me it's good to bring a leatherbound notepad thing. You don't need to have it personalized though.

As for water, you'll get some when you're there and I carried mine around from the morning through lunch. Some other interviewers did too, but holding that and my portfolio was a minor burden. I would have rather just left the water bottle.

 

[Fivo]

I like having my hands free in order to maximize my swag. I got that Harvey Specter walk down to a T

 

[eefen]

I brought a leatherbound portfolio and pen with me to all of my interviews, and I would say the majority of applicants had something similar. That said, I only wrote stuff down on two occasions, and only because I could. It was really more useful to hold all of the paper paraphernalia I would bring with me, like directions to the school, public transit info, a copy of the emailed interview invite, a copy of my application to review before the interview, etc. Mostly, it was just nice to have something to hold.

 

[speakwhales]

If you don't like to drink bottled water (like me), I normally brin my water bottle and it has worked out fine.