Using Notes during interviews?

[sa012]

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Can students use notes (with maybe bullet points) of important points they might want to talk about during the interview? Just wondering....thanks 🙂

 

[scsc7211]

I wouldn't do that.

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[Djdents]

maybe for questions that you might have for the interviewer but i definitely wouldn't risk it, it seems as though you're unprepared

 

[zackc19]

Yes, you definitely should do this, but only for schools at which I am also applying; any another school it would just be ridiculous.

 

[diasIItema]

maybe for questions that you might have for the interviewer but i definitely wouldn't risk it, it seems as though you're unprepared

BS. It seems that you ARE prepared. You have your interview and then at some point they'll ask you if you have questions. That's when you whip out your handy dandy portfolio and say, "Actually, I did have a few." And if they didn't address all of them already, you can now carry on the conversation further.

 

[znny19]

BS. It seems that you ARE prepared. You have your interview and then at some point they'll ask you if you have questions. That's when you whip out your handy dandy portfolio and say, "Actually, I did have a few." And if they didn't address all of them already, you can now carry on the conversation further.

Is it really that hard to remember a few questions?

 

[NDPitch]

I don't see an issue bringing a professional looking portfolio with questions in it that you wanted to ask them.

Also, what are the thoughts on having a portfolio/notebook open during the entire interview. The school will be taking notes on you the whole time. How will it look if you also jot down notes during the interview with tidbits of information that you want to remember?

 

[shootingstar7]

I have also been considering this. I think it might to be difficult to remember what you liked about each school if you don't take notes.

Another idea I had..anyone agree?: Someone who DOES take notes might be perceived as confident, expecting to receive more than one offer of an admission, and wanting to make the best choice for themselves etc.

 

[zackc19]

My previous answer was only in regards to using notes for answering questions. I will definitely have a notepad of some sort for TAKING notes and possibly a few questions jotted down. But certainly NOT for answering questions.

 

[voager]

A BIG NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! even if you are allowed....just go prepared.

 

[wo5678]

I would totally reject the person that did that. It looked like you paid someone to write good answers for you. Why do you need notes to answer questions about yourself?

 

[Dainotda]

Shouldn't have notes during an interview

 

[mbuchan7]

It seems like if you are trying to structure your interview like that then it would be hard to have a conversational tone. It might make other questions awkward if you are trying to fit in all your bullet points to the question they ask. I'm probably not the best interviewee but I have heard that it is better to not sound rehearsed.

 

[finchy86]

I would never take notes to a job interview. It is unprofessional. Be professional at the interview.

Taking notes during a presentation is fine. Or just wait until the interview is over and write down the things you'd like to remember.

 

[cwoodds]

I would never take notes to a job interview. It is unprofessional. Be professional at the interview.

Taking notes during a presentation is fine. Or just wait until the interview is over and write down the things you'd like to remember.

I have been interviewing and conducting interviews in a professional setting for over 15 years. Taking notes and having a list of questions is not unprofessional, it shows you are prepared. Take a professional looking portfolio folder with a pen, a copy of your application (just like you would take a copy of your resume to a job interview), and a list of questions. Obviously you don't want to be taking notes during the entire interview, but there's nothing wrong with quickly jotting down important notes and being prepared to write down contact information, etc.

Certainly, you do not want to use notes to answer their questions, and you don't want your list of questions to guide the discussion. But having a list of questions/concerns that you would like addressed shows preparation, ensures that you won't forget to ask something important, and makes clear that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Despite the competitive nature of the application cycle, most qualified applicants will have a choice to make in the end.