Note taking during interviews?

[Pandaeac]

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What are people's opinions on whether or not we should take notes during the interview? I've heard mixed opinions on this.

 

[jeghaber]

What are people's opinions on whether or not we should take notes during the interview? I've heard mixed opinions on this.

I've only been to one interview so far, so I'm sure there are more well-informed/experienced people who can address this, but I only "took notes" when asking for my interviewers' contact information. The other time I can see note-taking being useful or relevant is if they're answering one of your questions and mention a very specific person or program that you might want to look into later. Given such situation I'd probably ask "Would you mind if I just wrote down the name of ____?" and then quickly jot down just the name. Personally, I think extensive note-taking can disrupt the flow of the conversation. I did, however, write down a few more notes after my interview, just as a reminder of what we discussed.

 

[Ismet]

😕 what could you possibly have to take notes on except for getting the contact info of your interviewer or writing down a suggestion the interviewer gives you? i've had interviewers recommend books and TED talks and other things, and i wrote down the name of whatever they said. but for the most part, there's no reason for you to be taking notes during an interview.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I worked very closely with the career services department at my undergrad along with a number of recruiters that frequented the office. It is generally looked down upon to take notes during an interview. If you need the interviewers contact information, ask for their card. Otherwise, keep it in your memory and write it down AFTER the interview.