interview packing checklist

[bidster]

I tried doing a search for packing checklists to see if there was anything I could forget to pack for an interview....but amazingly, there wasn't one. So I thought it would be cool to start a list of potentially useful items for interview trips... (hopefully no one will think they MUST pack allll the things that get posted...some of these are just suggestions!) I started with some basic items, but feel free to add on; I know I forgot stuff but don't have time to re-think it all... 🙂

Females
-suit jacket/skirt/pants
-shell
-hose
-interview shoes
-cosmetics
-any necessary hair tools/products/clips/bands
-toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
-pre and post-interview clothes
-nail clippers (sounds weird, but I ALWAYS get a chip or break when I don't have clippers around!)
-clear polish (stops runs in pantyhose if you can't change)
-interview bag/briefcase
-cell phone and maybe charger (if you're gone long enough)


Males
err...I'll let the guys take care of this one 😛

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[SFAJess]

-suit jacket/skirt/pants
-shell
-hose
-interview shoes
-cosmetics
-any necessary hair tools/products/clips/bands
-toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
-pre and post-interview clothes
-nail clippers (sounds weird, but I ALWAYS get a chip or break when I don't have clippers around!)
-clear polish (stops runs in pantyhose if you can't change)
-interview bag/briefcase
-cell phone and maybe charger (if you're gone long enough)
-copy of personal statement
-don't leave your directions...i did this weekend 🙁

 

[mdsh00]

Lets see. I'm going on my first one tomorrow...here's what I'm taking:

Suit
Tie
Dress Shirt
Dress Shoes
Dress Socks
Watch
Umbrella (depends on where you're going)

Toilet Bag:
-Cologne
-Shaving materials
-stuff for contacts (if you wear them)
-Visine
-Deodrant (AXE 👍 )
-Hair Gel
-Comb or Hairbrush

Portfolio to take on the tour/interview

most important for both genders: CASH!!

 

[lorelei]

-suit jacket/skirt/pants
-shell
-hose
-interview shoes
-cosmetics
-any necessary hair tools/products/clips/bands
-toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
-pre and post-interview clothes and shoes
-nail clippers (sounds weird, but I ALWAYS get a chip or break when I don't have clippers around!)
-clear polish (stops runs in pantyhose if you can't change)
-interview bag/briefcase
-cell phone and maybe charger (if you're gone long enough)
-copy of personal statement
-don't leave your directions...i did this weekend 🙁
-deodorant
-any medication you take regularly (like birth control - bad time to get pregnant!) or are likely to need (prone to stress headaches? bring ibuprofen)
-extra contacts or glasses if applicable, also contact solution
-feminine products
-pajamas

Funny, those five are the things I always forget. Those, and a toothbrush.

 

[DoctorMalki]

great thread !! Maybe a note pad and pens ?

 

[calstudent]

Suit
Tie
Dress Shirt
Dress Shoes
Dress Socks
Watch
Umbrella (depends on where you're going)
Casual clothes (for the trip back home)

Toilet Bag:
-Cologne
-Shaving materials
-stuff for contacts (if you wear them)
-Visine
-Deodrant (AXE 👍 )
-Hair Gel
-Comb or Hairbrush
-Toothbrush
-Toothpaste
-Shampoo and Soap (unless you are in a hotel)

Portfolio to take on the tour/interview

most important for both genders: CASH!!

 

[EllieElle]

-suit jacket/skirt/pants
-shell
-hose
-interview shoes
-cosmetics
-any necessary hair tools/products/clips/bands
-toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
-pre and post-interview clothes and shoes
-nail clippers (sounds weird, but I ALWAYS get a chip or break when I don't have clippers around!)
-clear polish (stops runs in pantyhose if you can't change)
-interview bag/briefcase
-cell phone and maybe charger (if you're gone long enough)
-copy of personal statement
-don't leave your directions...i did this weekend 🙁
-deodorant
-any medication you take regularly (like birth control - bad time to get pregnant!) or are likely to need (prone to stress headaches? bring ibuprofen)
-extra contacts or glasses if applicable, also contact solution
-feminine products
-pajamas
- bottle of water and a little snack (to carry on interview or on the plane/car/train)

Not that you couldn't buy food and water wherever you are, but I like knowing I have something available at all times!

 

[Iwy Em Hotep]

Great suggestions. I would add the following:

- maps of the surrounding area, in case you need it
- phone numbers of contacts where you'll be going
- an alarm clock (or use your cell phone)
- sandals or slip-on shoes for the airport (security)
- maybe a gift for your host (if you have one)
- some quarters (I managed to have a dead cell phone and needed to call my host when I arrived in Chicago)

 

[DieselPetrolGrl]

-suit jacket/skirt/pants
-shell
-hose
-interview shoes
-cosmetics
-any necessary hair tools/products/clips/bands
-toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
-pre and post-interview clothes and shoes
-nail clippers (sounds weird, but I ALWAYS get a chip or break when I don't have clippers around!)
-clear polish (stops runs in pantyhose if you can't change)
-interview bag/briefcase
-cell phone and maybe charger (if you're gone long enough)
-copy of personal statement
-don't leave your directions...i did this weekend 🙁
-deodorant
-any medication you take regularly (like birth control - bad time to get pregnant!) or are likely to need (prone to stress headaches? bring ibuprofen)
-extra contacts or glasses if applicable, also contact solution
-feminine products
-pajamas
- bottle of water and a little snack (to carry on interview or on the plane/car/train)

Not that you couldn't buy food and water wherever you are, but I like knowing I have something available at all times!

Snack...hello???!!!!!!!!!!
CHOCOLATE / my fav energy food
and pack confidence and charm in double sealed ziploc (least they leak out and get used up! BAH!)

 

[Iwy Em Hotep]

I would like to add that although it is important to make sure you have all your stuff, it's best if you can fit it all in a carry-on. Checking in baggage is time-consuming and potentially extremely stressful if it should get lost.

At the least, bring your suit and stuff on board. You can buy the rest of it if you really have to.

 

[mdsh00]

Great suggestions. I would add the following:

- maps of the surrounding area, in case you need it
- phone numbers of contacts where you'll be going
- an alarm clock (or use your cell phone)
- sandals or slip-on shoes for the airport (security)
- maybe a gift for your host (if you have one)
- some quarters (I managed to have a dead cell phone and needed to call my host when I arrived in Chicago)

Oh crap! I never thought about a gift for my host!! I was thinking about sending him a thank you card afterwards. Do you think that would be enough?

 

[sockandmittens]

If your purse can fit it- and I bought one that can-
a second pair of shoes that you can be happy walking in for a multi-hour tour or in the snow

 

[SFAJess]

Umbrella!

 

[Iwy Em Hotep]

Oh crap! I never thought about a gift for my host!! I was thinking about sending him a thank you card afterwards. Do you think that would be enough?

A card would be fine! You could also buy lunch/dinner too.

 

[evines]

Ladies: What is a shell?

 

[SFAJess]

Ladies: What is a shell?

A sleeveless shirt to wear under your suit.

 

[MadameLULU]

Ladies: What is a shell?

It's the garment that is worn under the suit jacket. Some people prefer a sleveless "shell" or others prefer a blouse with buttons.

Ladies, which do you think looks more professional shell or button-up blouse?

 

[evines]

It's the garment that is worn under the suit jacket. Some people prefer a sleveless "shell" or others prefer a blouse with buttons.

Ladies, which do you think looks more professional shell or button-up blouse?

Why ain't it just called a shirt?

I swear . . . the ways of women confound the hell out of me.

 

[aparecida]

Why ain't it just called a shirt?

A shell is a type of shirt, just like a blazer is a type of jacket and a parka is a type of coat and wingtips are a type of shoe.

I'm going for a button-up blouse with long sleeves because it's ideal for a quarter inch or so of sleeve to show under your suit.

 

[bidster]

It's the garment that is worn under the suit jacket. Some people prefer a sleveless "shell" or others prefer a blouse with buttons.

Ladies, which do you think looks more professional shell or button-up blouse?

I think either could work with most suits. I was planning on wearing a shell in warmer states, and doing a button-up in colder climates 🙂

On that note, for any of you Midwestern/Michigan people, could I get away with wearing a skirt in Michigan in December if the grand majority of my life has been in Georgia (where a "blizzard" is 3.5 inches of snow), or should I seek out a pantsuit??? It might sound like a dumb question, but I've never been to Michigan and I will do anything to avoid any more unecessary interview-shopping-based frustration! 😱

 

[stinkycheese]

I wouldn't wear a skirt in Michigan past October unless I was wearing some flannel stockings, but that's just me.

 

[chickenpotpie]

ethernet cable

 

[lorelei]

I'd wear a skirt in the winter, if that was what I had. They probably aren't going to make you stand outside for a long time; you'll be walking between buildings. (One hopes.) I'm from Cleveland, though, so bear that in mind.

 

[bewitched1081]

for warm weather people going to the midwest or east for interviews in the winter: good shoes, warm coat, umbrella, and possibly gloves.

 

[the other Dr.]

for warm weather people going to the midwest or east for interviews in the winter: good shoes, warm coat, umbrella, and possibly gloves.

DEFINITELY gloves, and a hat and scarf for the Midwest and East coast. Those January winds are brutal.

Take the umbrella to the Northwest, because it will be raining from October to March.

 

[Psycho Doctor]

Great suggestions. I would add the following:

- maps of the surrounding area, in case you need it
- phone numbers of contacts where you'll be going
- an alarm clock (or use your cell phone)
- sandals or slip-on shoes for the airport (security)
- maybe a gift for your host (if you have one)
- some quarters (I managed to have a dead cell phone and needed to call my host when I arrived in Chicago)

these seem good; the others were obvious

 

[Psycho Doctor]

Oh crap! I never thought about a gift for my host!! I was thinking about sending him a thank you card afterwards. Do you think that would be enough?

personally i think sending it afterwards is better; it's more personal...actually thanking him for what he did for you and if you send a gift perhaps pick up something that is of specific interest to him....it shows more thought

 

[Psycho Doctor]

I wouldn't wear a skirt in Michigan past October unless I was wearing some flannel stockings, but that's just me.

not even a long skirt?

 

[dnelsen]

-shell
-hose

When I first read these, I was like WTF kind of interview are you going to?
(I'm a guy by the way)

I was picturing a sea shell and a black rubber hose 😀

 

[Psycho Doctor]

When I first read these, I was like WTF kind of interview are you going to?
(I'm a guy by the way)

I was picturing a sea shell and a black rubber hose 😀

 

[stinkycheese]

I'd wear a skirt in the winter, if that was what I had. They probably aren't going to make you stand outside for a long time; you'll be walking between buildings. (One hopes.) I'm from Cleveland, though, so bear that in mind.

Totally true. I'm actually just not much of a skirt person to begin with, so I wouldn't be inclined to wear one unless absolutely necessary. I'm busting it out for my interview in the South, so that I don't offend any old men with my radical pantsuit 🙂 but other than that, it's pants all the way for me.

 

[wends]

BUMP!

im packing right now and this thread really helps!

 

[uclabruin2003]

-suit jacket/skirt/pants
-shell
-hose
-interview shoes
-cosmetics
-any necessary hair tools/products/clips/bands
-toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
-pre and post-interview clothes and shoes
-nail clippers (sounds weird, but I ALWAYS get a chip or break when I don't have clippers around!)
-clear polish (stops runs in pantyhose if you can't change)
-interview bag/briefcase
-cell phone and maybe charger (if you're gone long enough)
-copy of personal statement
-don't leave your directions...i did this weekend 🙁
-deodorant
-any medication you take regularly (like birth control - bad time to get pregnant!) or are likely to need (prone to stress headaches? bring ibuprofen)
-extra contacts or glasses if applicable, also contact solution
-feminine products
-pajamas

Funny, those five are the things I always forget. Those, and a toothbrush.

-printed out notes on school...other stuff like that...
-hw from school or hw from work
- book to read on plane
- contact info of all transportation/lodging/flights/etc

 

[pushkin]

If you wear a skirt in the winter just be sure to wear nylons. They are really insulating. I live in Minnesota and we wear skirts year round. When it's so cold out that you'd be freezing no matter what you wore, no one's going to make you stand outside anyway.

 

[tinkerbelle]

BUMP!

im packing right now and this thread really helps!

oh crap. i forgot i still need to pack.

to all the peeps who contributed to this thread, you're awesome 😍 it's so helpful.

 

[principessa]

adding -

lint roller, especially if you or your host have a cat
reading matter - keep it PG, though - if your interviewer notices it, you would like the resulting discussion to be interesting, not embarrassing.

 

[nimer1456]

When I first read these, I was like WTF kind of interview are you going to?
(I'm a guy by the way)

I was picturing a sea shell and a black rubber hose 😀

That is So funny... you men amuse me greatly 😀


As for the girls wanting wear a skirt to the Midwest/East states... I wear skirts when it is snowing outside... but I have grown up in Illinois. I would suggest pants I you haven?t experienced much cold weather... be sure to wear stockings if you decide on a skirt. And wear shoes that you can walk in well.... heels are a bitch on ice and snow (especially the thin ones)

 

[pratik7]

Female
cosmetics
clear polish
feminine products
shell

Male
suit/belt/tie/shirt/socks

Both
lint roller
pajamas
interview shoes
toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
hair tools/products/clips/bands
nail clippers
pre and post-interview clothes and shoes
deodorant
interview bag/briefcase
cell phone and maybe charger
copy of personal statement, primary, and secondary
directions to the school
any medication you take regularly
extra contacts or glasses and contact solution
printed out notes on school...other stuff like that...
hw from school or hw from work
book to read on plane
contact info of all transportation/lodging/flights/etc
ethernet cable
Umbrella
Watch
shaving materials

 

[tinkerbelle]

If you're bringing a discman to listen to on the long trip, don't forget to bring extra batteries.

 

[musiclink213]

i would also add, if you have a long plane or car or train ride, take a pair of slipper socks. i did this when i had an 8 hour flight to paris, and it was so nice to be able to take my shoes off, but my feet stay warm and i can walk around without needing to put any shoes on. the lady next to me got jealous and said why she didn't think of taking them.

also, a lot of flights these days don't serve meals, so take a sandwich or hard boiled eggs or potatos or something, so when everyone else is eating peanuts, you're eating real food.

to the girls, if you're interviewing in the cold states during the winter months and want to wear a skirt, you may want ot find yourself some nice thin wool tights. i used to wear them as a kid, and i sometimes still do when i would go to the synagogue, it keeps your legs warmer than regular tights.

and don't forget some gum or breath mints, especially if you'll be interviewing after lunch and you have onions or garlic or something for lunch.

 

[CoverMe]

A quick question about carry-on luggage (this is assuming I get any interviews... ) Someone mentioned taking your suit with you carry-on, and i had already thought of that one... especially if you have connecting flights.

My question is, are you able (allowed) to take a garment bag, and your briefcase? (2 separate bags) Is the size of the garment bag larger than the "allowable" carry-on size, or are you packing your clothing in a small suitcase and planning on ironing like crazy??

I'm still having issues with the concept of the briefcase or folio to take to the interview... my only briefcase is a bullhide case (soft sided, satchel type) which is an AWESOME case, but definitely not very "girly" and while leather matches everything, my shoes will be black,not brown.... I like the idea of taking the satchel/briefcase, because i can put a pair of flats in with it, or gloves or whatever the hell might be necessary to go dogsledding around campuses with snow (i'm in las vegas). Thanks for input!

 

[aparecida]

*bump* I, too, would like to know how most people are packing their suits -- I have no idea whether to buy a garment bag and have that be a separate item, or try to neatly pack my suit into my normal carry-on suitcase.

 

[Ypo.]

*bump* I, too, would like to know how most people are packing their suits -- I have no idea whether to buy a garment bag and have that be a separate item, or try to neatly pack my suit into my normal carry-on suitcase.

I poked a hole in a 50 gallon black garbage bag, stuck the hanger thru, and tied the bottom. I don't give a $hit what anyone thinks. 😛

 

[Dave IPFW]

Smile. Heh.

People these days... they always seem to be missing the quintessential thing.

 

[CoverMe]

Smile. Heh.

People these days... they always seem to be missing the quintessential thing.

True... such as answering the question. I don't know that I would want to be packing a garbage bag around with me to interviews... my luggage isn't all that great, but it works okay.

As far as carry-on luggage, I looked up my own answer and post it here for others' information...

From Northwest Airlines... http://www.nwa.com/travel/tips/baggage.html
Carry-On Luggage
When luggage is carried on-board the aircraft, it must be of a size and shape to allow for storage in aircraft overhead compartments, or underneath the seat in front of the passenger. Each person is allowed to carry on-board the aircraft one piece of luggage. This piece of luggage must not exceed 45 linear inches (9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches) and also must not exceed 40 pounds. In addition to this one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry on-board a purse or briefcase or laptop computer. In addition, each passenger may carry a coat, umbrella, or other "special" items.

I believe I will attempt to do the garment bag (although the size might be a little large, it can fold) and my briefcase as carry-on... just to avoid dealing with tracking my luggage at the luggage carousel and (even worse) having it get lost and sent to the wrong place.

 

[aparecida]

I poked a hole in a 50 gallon black garbage bag, stuck the hanger thru, and tied the bottom. I don't give a $hit what anyone thinks. 😛

Yeah, but then did you put that into your suitcase or did you carry it separately? I'm baffled. Can you walk onto a plane holding a big ol' suit in a plastic cover? That seems weird to me, but maybe people do it all the time? I don't fly very often.

 

[Gerg]

as for pre/post interview clothes, I'd just take one change of clothes, that should lighten your load some. I wouldn't bring homework from regular classes, unless you HAD to.

I'd also add:

camera (take pictures of potential new digs)
a computer (if you're taking an ethernet cable)
cash, at least 100 bucks worth (don't leave home w/o it)
Benedryl (If you have problems falling asleep)

for guys:
baby powder (especially if going somewhere hot and humid, it's for 'the boys')
masculine products (women have their feminine you can pack your... uhm SI Swimsuit Edition)

That's all I can think of right now. Best of luck to all of you interviewees.

Here's a tidbit of thought.

"There's two types of people when it comes to getting into medical school: those that get interviews, and those that don't." - Dan Holbrook

 

[Ypo.]

Yeah, but then did you put that into your suitcase or did you carry it separately? I'm baffled. Can you walk onto a plane holding a big ol' suit in a plastic cover? That seems weird to me, but maybe people do it all the time? I don't fly very often.

Hell, yeah, you can do it. If you can fit beneath the seat, you can bring it. You'll have to lay it flat on top of other peoples luggage in the carry on storage above to avoid getting wrinkles. As far as putting it in your suitcase or not, that depends if you have the ability to re-iron, or re-dry clean to get the wrinkles out.

Coverme-Who in their right mind would go to the medical school with a suit in a garbage bag? What, do you change into your suit when you get to the school? If you are really that worried about using a garbage bag, use a plastic bag from a dry-cleaning service.

People, I have been known to use garbage bags for raincoats, too. I just don't care. I didn't wear a suit to my last interview, anyways-and I didn't wear conservative blue or black-I wore a long, flowing cream colored flowery skirt with matching top-I was the only one there not wearing a suit-and you know what? All four of my interviewers commented on how nice I looked, and how sick they were of seeing black and blue-plus I'm sure it made me stick out in their minds.

And don't even get me started on what I can do with duct tape 😛

 

[Ypo.]

True... such as answering the question. I don't know that I would want to be packing a garbage bag around with me to interviews... my luggage isn't all that great, but it works okay.

As far as carry-on luggage, I looked up my own answer and post it here for others' information...

From Northwest Airlines... http://www.nwa.com/travel/tips/baggage.html
Carry-On Luggage
When luggage is carried on-board the aircraft, it must be of a size and shape to allow for storage in aircraft overhead compartments, or underneath the seat in front of the passenger. Each person is allowed to carry on-board the aircraft one piece of luggage. This piece of luggage must not exceed 45 linear inches (9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches) and also must not exceed 40 pounds. In addition to this one piece of carry-on luggage, customers may also carry on-board a purse or briefcase or laptop computer. In addition, each passenger may carry a coat, umbrella, or other "special" items.

I believe I will attempt to do the garment bag (although the size might be a little large, it can fold) and my briefcase as carry-on... just to avoid dealing with tracking my luggage at the luggage carousel and (even worse) having it get lost and sent to the wrong place.

Congratulations-now learn to quit bitching about people not answering your questions-what do we look like, flight attendants?

BTW-I was answering Aparacida's Q, not yours, I didn't even bother reading yours 😀

 

[abraxas20]

When I first read these, I was like WTF kind of interview are you going to?
(I'm a guy by the way)

I was picturing a sea shell and a black rubber hose 😀

I love it!! I also hate the word shell. My mother keeps telling me I need to own one and I laugh at her. Doesn't blouse get across the same thing....anyway