Things to Bring Into Interview?

[gilbertjgreen]

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Just wondering if anyone who has experienced an interview has brought any materials into it- like legal pad for notes, transcript, resume, etc? Would doing so make any difference?

 

[TexasTriathlete]

I have never heard of anyone who has been asked for a resume or a transcript. They have everything about you in their file already. Between AACOMAS and the secondary, it is pretty comprehensive. If you want to take notes, bring something to take notes on. But you probably won't need that either, because they will typically give you a packet of info.

 

[BCLumas]

I agree with Texas. Instead of something physical, I would bring a good memory of what you wrote on your AACOMAS, your secondaries, and your personal statement. I had a couple of questions regarding those, and it always helped to be able to reference my PS to explain it. As for pens, paper, and such, if you really think you'll be taking notes, I would bring a pen. TUCOM-NV and LECOM-B gave us a bunch of handouts that you could take notes on, and NSU-COM gave us a nice notepad with blank paper inside. Most of the note taking, however, will be done when they are discussing something on one of their sheets.

^.^ Good luck on your interviews!

 

[CDO2012]

When I went to all of my interviews other people brought paper. I didn't and was fine. They give you everything you need and they already have all your info. All my interviews went just fine w/o my carrying anything around.

 

[bigLing2012]

The first interview I went to I brought in a copy of my resume (4 to be exact) along with a notepad and pen in a nice portfolio. Really just got to be a nuisance throughout the day. I didn't write anything down during the interview because I was more worried about answering the questions and giving a good interview than anything. As TT said they give you papers with everything you need on it. All business cards went into the pocket immediately. Second interview I went on I brought myself and a pen. Much easier.

 

[gilbertjgreen]

yeah, they do have your file- so i guess it makes sense enough not to bring those things i mentioned. ha-ha. i was reading on the "interviews" page of this website some interesting posts about interviewee's experience with questions like, "what was your favorite class and why?" which is what got me on this whole train of thought thinking about interview aides, since, honestly, i can't recall all of the classes i took off the top of my head. guess i'll have to do my homework!

 

[bigLing2012]

I spent a little time the morning of my interview and went over my entire application file. Everything from who I was to what I wrote in my secondaries. Helps to refresh your mind and if your not sure about something you can look it up before going in. Also helps to calm those nerves a little bit.

 

[gasapple]

Err on the side of caution and come prepared. I think the portfolio with resume/CV and a pad of paper with pre-formulated questions is a good thing. I just sit down for the interview as though it's corporate America and open the folder on the table - maybe it's just a ritual to me but it feels like any other business meeting, which is nice.

 

[ppatel1185]

I sometimes like to bring my brain with me...but it is totally optional

 

[Jpc984]

bring dental floss!

 

[DadAndPreDOinMO]

Err on the side of caution and come prepared. I think the portfolio with resume/CV and a pad of paper with pre-formulated questions is a good thing. I just sit down for the interview as though it's corporate America and open the folder on the table - maybe it's just a ritual to me but it feels like any other business meeting, which is nice.

I agree. I brought a padfolio, my CV, resumes, a copy of my transcript, personal statement and secondary questions. Most importantly I had some questions written down ahead of time to ask the interviewer. One question that I got was about a poor grade I received in gen chem. I think that my interviewer was impressed when I pulled out a copy of my transcript with poor grades highlighted and REASONS, NOT EXCUSES for why they were poor. He asked to see it, read over it and said; well that covers all of the questions that I had for you. I also included a list of things that I wanted to be sure that the interviewer knew before I left, and the next thing the interviewer said was; is there anything else that you want me to know about you. I am sometimes a bit anxious and my brain goes blank in interview situations, so having the list to refer to was great. It didn't seem to distract the interviewer that I looked at my notes before answering that question, and in fact I think that he seemed impressed that I was prepared. It is a matter of personal preference. If you never forget things in interviews then don't worry about it, but if you get nervous give yourself the option to look in your portfolio.
It's up to you.

 

[gilbertjgreen]

I agree. I brought a padfolio, my CV, resumes, a copy of my transcript, personal statement and secondary questions. Most importantly I had some questions written down ahead of time to ask the interviewer. One question that I got was about a poor grade I received in gen chem. I think that my interviewer was impressed when I pulled out a copy of my transcript with poor grades highlighted and REASONS, NOT EXCUSES for why they were poor. He asked to see it, read over it and said; well that covers all of the questions that I had for you. I also included a list of things that I wanted to be sure that the interviewer knew before I left, and the next thing the interviewer said was; is there anything else that you want me to know about you. I am sometimes a bit anxious and my brain goes blank in interview situations, so having the list to refer to was great. It didn't seem to distract the interviewer that I looked at my notes before answering that question, and in fact I think that he seemed impressed that I was prepared. It is a matter of personal preference. If you never forget things in interviews then don't worry about it, but if you get nervous give yourself the option to look in your portfolio.
It's up to you.

Great response, thanks for your well-considered recommendation. This is the kind of reasoning I had in mind for being so prepared. Like others, I have some experience in corporate America, so the idea of a professional-level interview doesn't intimidate me TOO much. That said, I think I am intimidated by the potential for a "stumper" that leaves me grasping and less than graceful in my response. It's reassuring to hear that your notes were not viewed as tedious, and rather respected for what they reflected: your desire for a clear and concise response to any questions they might have (and foresight to the types of questions they might pose).

 

[Beau Geste]

If you are published, bring a copy of your work. I've been asked about my publications on an interview (CCOM), and fortunately I was able to provide my article and talk about it.

Bring a book/magazine to read for downtime.

Bring a snack - powerbar or sthg.

 

[theserbatron]

Err on the side of caution and come prepared. I think the portfolio with resume/CV and a pad of paper with pre-formulated questions is a good thing.

Yup... I always bring a copy of my publications, my resume/CV, and a pen in my portfolio to jot anything down, or provide copies of anything if necessary. you never know what you might need... all these things are only a few pieces of paper, it doesn't take up much space. better safe than sorry.