Taking notes during an interview?

[LonghorninSA]

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I've seen other threads on this, but not in this forum. Just wondering what you think about it. I have a nice leather portfolio that has a notepad and places to keep letters, resume, etc... I think it might also come in handy during tours and presentations.
Did any of you do this or plan on doing it? What do they think about asking questions from a notepad?

 

[TheBee]

I brought my leather portfolio to all 4 of my interviews last year. I took notes on it during the interview day, and had one or two key questions in it that I wanted to ask at each interview. It definitely looks good to have questions for the people who are interviewing you, they pretty much expect it. It's also not rude for you to take brief notes during the interview day if there's things you want to remember, statistics & such.

Make sure you get any questions that are specific to the school answered while you're there, but it also helps to have a general question that you ask at all your interviews so you can make comparisons. For example, you might ask the faculty member who is interviewing you, "I know that there 9 other podiatry schools in the country, what attracts you to this one in particular?" Or you could ask the students, "How would you describe the relationships between students & faculty at this school?". Or whatever is important to you...

 

[Feli]

It's a nice touch, and it might hint that you're organized. At a minimum, bring a pen on the inside pocket of your suit jacket so you are prepared. Chances are that you will be give plenty of paperwork and written info from the pod school, so you can always just take notes on that.

As for the notebook idea, I'd only open and use it if you have genuine questions that you haven't been able to answer by the conclusion of the interview or if you gain new info that you want to jot down and remember. If you try to just bring it along to use it as a prop in attempt to impress the interviewers, they will probably see right through that... GL

 

[Paulywog]

My opinion...pointless! I never saw a student bring a portfolio to any of my interviews. Why would you need to refer to a notebook to ask questions? If they were real questions, you should KNOW the questions you really wanted to ask. The portfolio is just another item you have to carry around the school all day. It won't improve your chances of getting in and it won't hurt your chances if you don't bring one. This is just my opinion. The pen idea was good. I would just bring your favorite pen and get plenty of sleep so the "real" you comes out on interview day.

 

[NyMets85]

What a stupid thread.

The interviews are a joke. Dont bring a notepad, don't fret. It is easy. If you can't spend 15 minutes shooting the $hit with other physicians, you aren't cut out for being a doctor.