Silly question about interview day...

[ajh88]

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So, my first interview is rapidly approaching at my 1st choice school and I'm getting a little obsessive about things. This might seem silly, but in general, what items are the ladies toting to interviews? I can't see any way around not bringing my purse, but should I go with a more professional bag (I have a laptop/briefcase type thing I could use, but its a bit cumbersome)? I would like to have a pad and paper to take notes if necessary, but I could fit a small notepad in my purse. On the other hand, if there are hand-outs on the day, I don't want to wad them up in my purse.

I just don't want to be carrying around loads of stuff if I don't need to, but I also want to be prepared...

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[OasisDwlr]

I usually bring a black atache case to my interviews. It's basically a slim leather portfolio without a handle (so it's not as casual as a purse), but it's not as large/cumbersome as a briefcase. I think I got mine for like $20 at Kinkos. I'm able to fit car keys, cell phone, resumes, and any handouts they pass out. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Rxgrrl]

Your questions are NOT silly at all--in fact, these are all questions I've been asking myself--because I have an interview this Thursday!!

I'm going to just bring a small, black purse--I hope that will be okay..and I plan on putting a small notepad and pen in my purse--to take notes with..if needed.

I'm going to probably fold any handouts I get and try to fit them "neatly" into my purse.

Good luck on your interview!

 

[PharmBug]

Every interview I have been to gave me a school notebook folder with handouts inside and a school pen. I did bring a notepad but I ended up with too many things in my hands. Each school may be different though, so I would bring something just in case.

Good Luck!

 

[pharm415]

agree with OasisDwlr

 

[Me+PharmD]

After visiting Mercer for a recent interview I honestly would suggest taking nothing to the interview. Mercer provided us with a a folder containing all of the information that we needed to know in addition to a pen for the writing assignment. You don't want to tote a lot of needless things because you're going to be shaking hands with a lot of people and gesturing. I saw some of th girls bring their leather bounded professional portfolios, but I did not see them open up their portfolio once or carry it around during the tour. I also remember certain girls bringing obnoxiously large purses while on the school tour and I thought the purses looked juvenile, tacky, and unprofessional.

 

[CarrollR]

I'm only bringing a leather bound portfolio...i'm not bringing a purse, or my phone, or anything. I'm bringing along resumes, though, just for the heck of it, so I actually have a use for it. That, and it has a pad of paper and a pen in it, too..which I might use for notetaking in a Q&A session.

I just don't want to be carrying around anything I don't need.

I'm a little worried about the coat thing, though..it's going to be 45 degrees tomorrow, and I'm wearing a skirt suit...it won't be warm enough alone, so I'm going to have to wear a coat over it. I have a nice enough coat, I just don't want to have to carry it around with me...do you think they might offer a place to hang them/keep them during the interview?

 

[sooz1002]

I'm only bringing a leather bound portfolio...i'm not bringing a purse, or my phone, or anything. I'm bringing along resumes, though, just for the heck of it, so I actually have a use for it. That, and it has a pad of paper and a pen in it, too..which I might use for notetaking in a Q&A session.

I just don't want to be carrying around anything I don't need.

I'm a little worried about the coat thing, though..it's going to be 45 degrees tomorrow, and I'm wearing a skirt suit...it won't be warm enough alone, so I'm going to have to wear a coat over it. I have a nice enough coat, I just don't want to have to carry it around with me...do you think they might offer a place to hang them/keep them during the interview?

Yes, they will probably provide a place to hang your coat up. But wear a coat even if they don't, because it's cold out there!

 

[Rxgrrl]

I have to take my cell phone--So I can call a cab to come and pick me up and take me back to my hotel--that is my reason for taking a small purse--a SMALL purse I think is fine--just don't take some massively large purse--but I certainly think most everyone understands the need for a woman to have a purse (I would put my cell phone in my back pocket--but my pants don't have back pockets..plus that would be uncomfortable in my opinion)...🙂

 

[imperial frog]

Your questions are NOT silly at all--in fact, these are all questions I've been asking myself--because I have an interview this Thursday!!

I'm going to just bring a small, black purse--I hope that will be okay..and I plan on putting a small notepad and pen in my purse--to take notes with..if needed.

I'm going to probably fold any handouts I get and try to fit them "neatly" into my purse.

Good luck on your interview!

Actually they are kind of silly. An interviewer doesn't care if you carry a purse or a briefcase into the room as long as you have some modicum of sense about what you are doing with any sheets of paper either you you have or they might give you and whether your purse or coat is appropriate for a business setting. Carry them out with you...fine. Crumple them up and shove them in your purse...well...quite frankly...you have some personal management issues you might need to work on. Small black purse...fine. Pink Hello Kitty purse (although quite adorable)...buy a copy of "Dress for Success."

As someone who interviewed people in the past for various positions, I can tell you I had no concern in the world if a female came in with a purse or not. I also had no concern if they came in with a briefcase or a portfolio. If they couldn't figure out what to do with paperwork, whether it was slipping it easily in a folder or simply holding it in their hands...that was the concern.

 

[Rxgrrl]

So--do you recommend the folding and placing the handouts neatly in my purse--or does it look "better" to keep them in your hand the entire time!? 😕

My interview is at NOVA btw--so any advice--(soon if possible) would be greatly appreciated! 🙂

 

[sdn1977]

OK - I don't live in a super cold place, but my daughter interviewed 2 years ago for med school in super cold places & at super cold times.

Yes...they will give you places to leave your coat (& non-dress shoes which you might need to wear in the slush!). Secretaries are very, very nice about this!!! In fact, in one place - she left without her coat & she had to call them to send it to her since two weeks later (Dec she was interviewing in Michigan, which required a coat). Oh - yeah...that place that mailed it to her - she ultimately was accepted & decided to go there - so no worries! You can also leave your shoes (bring a nice small bag) so you don't ruin your dress shoes.

I also interview folks - males & females & like Imperial, I don't care what you bring...but I don't think I'd say it as harshly as he did - but the content is the same. Do NOT bring a backpack or a huge purse. Neither one goes with business attire!

For the ladies, a small purse or portfolio is appropriate with what you are wearing. Most places will, indeed, give you a folder since they plan to give you lots of info. Make notes on that. DO bring a pen (or two)!!! You don't want to have to ask for one. However, be sure to bring a small notepad of your own questions - you'll forget them in all the flurry of the interview & your own nervousness. You can refer to them when you go to check your hair, freshen your lipstick, etc...Turn your cell phone OFF! Be sure to leave your iPod headphones in your luggage - it looks tacky hanging out of your pocket.

As for coats - don't buy a new one. A dress coat is a better choice if you have one, but if you don't...don't go buy one. If they give you a tour....you probably won't be given the opportunity to get your coat or change back in - at least my daughter didn't & she interviewed in some d*@n cold places with tours....but there was snow on the ground, so they didn't go far!

Good luck to everyone! Don't obsess over the little stuff - where to put your notes, etc....be normal & natural. Its normal to be nervous...just don't be obsessive!

 

[Rxgrrl]

Thank you so much for your advice! 😀

 

[imperial frog]

So--do you recommend the folding and placing the handouts neatly in my purse--or does it look "better" to keep them in your hand the entire time!? 😕

My interview is at NOVA btw--so any advice--(soon if possible) would be greatly appreciated! 🙂

You're placing entirely too much worry into what looks better. I'm not saying that folding and slipping material into a purse or holding onto them is better one way or the other. Either one can be acceptable. Crumpling it up and shoving it into your pocket...not so much good. Simply use your head and don't treat anything like it's a radioactive piece of horse manure that you can't wait to get rid of (unless Florida State University opens up a pharmschool that is.)

Simply put, the interviewers aren't going to follow you around to see what you do with anything they give you so why obsess over it? Likewise, there is absolutely nothing wrong with walking out of the interview with any materials that they give you in your hand...or in your purse. Or you could just end all of your worry and take a simple portfolio that you can slip the sheets into and carry that in your hand instead. This is my personal preference simply because it gives me something to write on and keeps everything nice and organized (because I like it, not because I think an interviewer thinks squat about it.)

 

[BanBidil]

Your questions are NOT silly at all--in fact, these are all questions I've been asking myself--because I have an interview this Thursday!!

I'm going to just bring a small, black purse--I hope that will be okay..and I plan on putting a small notepad and pen in my purse--to take notes with..if needed.

I'm going to probably fold any handouts I get and try to fit them "neatly" into my purse.

Good luck on your interview!

....It feels good to be a guy.....like in stadiums or crowded places where the restrooms are packed 🙂

But to answer your question:
What I noticed was that all females were also dressed very professionally either conservative business skirts or pants and they did have a small purse.

I just took one of those leather folders with the notepad (some of them come w/ a planner).... hope it helps 😎

 

[ajh88]

Thanks for all of the responses.

I just wanted to respond back to ImperialFrog though - I wasn't asking because I thought the interviewers would care - I know that I wouldn't if I were on that side of the table. I was more concerned about having to lug something around through a tour or trying to find a place to keep a portfolio or attache case if we were moving around a lot through the day. I would prefer to be as unencumbered as possible, but if many people found brining briefcase-type things was helpful, I might re-consider.

Thanks again to all...