What do you bring to interviews?

[busyizzy]

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Besides like, what the requirement is, like picture ID and letter/interview confirmation or whatnot. I'm torn between wearing a small purse to carry like my wallet and essentials or if I should carry my backpack in with random papers and such. I'd be more comfortable with the backpack, but I don't think a suit+backpack makes for a very matching image. Briefcase? Did you go emptyhanded? I can't decide!

 

[apteryx]

I bring my gameface.

I was thinking about this, I'll probably bring my satchel backpack thing (read: MANPURSE) with pen/pencil and a notebook or legal pad.

 

[lola87]

Besides like, what the requirement is, like picture ID and letter/interview confirmation or whatnot. I'm torn between wearing a small purse to carry like my wallet and essentials or if I should carry my backpack in with random papers and such. I'd be more comfortable with the backpack, but I don't think a suit+backpack makes for a very matching image. Briefcase? Did you go emptyhanded? I can't decide!

I carried a black professional looking purse, that was big enough to hold a folder which had my resume just in case and a notebook. I wouldn't carry a backpack.

 

[weetzie00]

Definitely no backpack. In my interviews, I didn't need anything that needed a big bag. I brought a purse with a pen, pencil, and wallet.

 

[coral407]

all I needed was something to write with, directions and an id. I brought my resume as well just in case but I didn't need it. Although one girl I interviewed with had a black leather briefcase and I thought that looked very professional.

 

[holymolys]

i bring a small plastic folder thing, resume, transcript, and email copies just in case, never really had to open it tho lol

 

[desmoulins45179]

I brought a small purse with my wallet and a pen/pencil.

For one interview, I was flying there and back in one day and did not have a hotel. I brought my backpack (it was actually a laptop bag) to the interview with me. Some other guy brought a bag (I think it was a medium sized duffel bag) because he was flying too.
The school was very nice and let us keep our bags in one of their offices. It may not look that great but if you have to bring it I don't think it's that big of a deal. I'm sure you wouldn't be the first nor the last to bring a backpack to the interview.

 

[jmcfa002]

I bring my gameface.

I was thinking about this, I'll probably bring my satchel backpack thing (read: MANPURSE) with pen/pencil and a notebook or legal pad.

manpurse, rofl

I just bring a pen, phone on silent, and wallet with ID. I don't want things to distract me

 

[fisicool]

.

 

[adpi87]

do yall think it's ok to wear pants/blouse/jacket to an interview, or is a suit a must?

 

[Tinkerbell22]

do yall think it's ok to wear pants/blouse/jacket to an interview, or is a suit a must?

I'd try to find a suit if at all possible. I'm sure they won't kick you out if you dress professionally without a suit, but I wouldn't want to do anything to make myself feel uncomfortable when everyone else is probably wearing a suit (I'd say about 99%). I'm assuming you're a girl and I know how hard it is to find one, but I'd suggest searching around as much as possible until you find one that is decent and having it altered. That's what I had to do for it to fit me. I found one at The Limited where they have petite sizes, and "short", "regular", and "long" pants. It was kind of expensive which I know kind of hurts right now when we're all paying for applications and travel expenses, but I think it would be worth it to feel comfortable at the interview. You can also try Ann Taylor Loft if there is one near you, but I had trouble with their sizing. They have really nice suit pants, skirt suits, and jackets.

 

[kmoogs]

I am on the fence about whether I'm bringing a bag or not. Definately a suit, folder, pen and ID.

 

[kmoogs]

found this on SDN in the pre-med forum

A few ideas -

Carry a professional bag (guys too) a computer carry case might work.
In the bag, carry:

Kleenex,
A portofolio with CV, paper, pens
a shoe shine cloth for last minute scuff removal
breath mints
enough cash in small denominations for snack/drink and transportation
small bottle of water
small paperback book to read
cell phone TURNED TO SILENT
lotion if your hands get dry or gross (gotta shake hands and not be creepy)

In your suitcase remember to have all the normal stuff plus:

Undershirt (not a tank top, nervous sweat stains are ugly)
shoe polish
travel iron (if not staying in hotel with one)
small gift for host (if staying with med. student)
thank you cards (write these on your way home before you forget)
stamps
cold weather wear if travelling somewhere colder than you are used to

To reiterate what a previous poster said - do NOT check your suit and shoes!! The airlines will usually hang these things in the captain's closet if you ask the flight attendant nicely.


anything else?

 

[Moni526]

do yall think it's ok to wear pants/blouse/jacket to an interview, or is a suit a must?

NO. Wear a suit. And wear something other than black; everyone wears black and you will stand out if you're wearing something else. =) (I wear a brown suit)

 

[Moni526]

Although I posted on the poll with this answer, I usually bring a little purse and then my padfolio. I write questions in there that I would like to ask and some specific to the program for which I am interviewing.

 

[UES Girl]

To your UC interview, bring food - a couple granola bars for sure. They won't really feed you besides some fruit and you may get hungry since you are going to be there past noon.

Don't bring a backpack, bring a small purse and a folder. That's all you need.

 

[hckyplyr]

found this on SDN in the pre-med forum

Good god can you say overboard? I didn't even pack that much for my plane trips and I checked my suit each time. I ONLY brought my cellphone in one pocket,wallet in the other,and 1 single pen in my coat...I'm not in to bringing all these extraneous bags,pens,folders,transcripts,etc....by the way I was 3/3on interview/acceptances.....Just adding my two cents

 

[crazybob]

I think I took some gum to mine last year.

 

[JVket04]

I bring my gameface.

I was thinking about this, I'll probably bring my satchel backpack thing (read: MANPURSE) with pen/pencil and a notebook or legal pad.

Good Looks - a recent study says that pharm applicants that interview with a satchel are 18X more likely to get into pharm school than those that don't. Game face def brings that up to 50X more likely.

 

[Namishin]

fA few ideas -

Carry a professional bag (guys too) a computer carry case might work.
In the bag, carry:

Kleenex,
A portofolio with CV, paper, pens
a shoe shine cloth for last minute scuff removal
breath mints
enough cash in small denominations for snack/drink and transportation
small bottle of water
small paperback book to read
cell phone TURNED TO SILENT
lotion if your hands get dry or gross (gotta shake hands and not be creepy)

In your suitcase remember to have all the normal stuff plus:

Undershirt (not a tank top, nervous sweat stains are ugly)
shoe polish
travel iron (if not staying in hotel with one)
small gift for host (if staying with med. student)
thank you cards (write these on your way home before you forget)
stamps
cold weather wear if travelling somewhere colder than you are used to

To reiterate what a previous poster said - do NOT check your suit and shoes!! The airlines will usually hang these things in the captain's closet if you ask the flight attendant nicely.


anything else?

Don't forget a parachute in case your plane goes down on your flight to the school.

 

[crazybob]

Don't forget a parachute in case your plane goes down on your flight to the school.

Oh, and I guess you would need some goggles in case bugs get in your eyes

And maybe an oxygen mask if you can't breathe in the air

Just kidding of course.

I would recommend traveling light to your interview unless you just absolutely have to take notes or write something in your interview.

 

[pharm B]

I think carrying a folder with whatever paperwork you need and a pen and wallet in your pockets would be enough. If you want to be classy, bring the vending machine money, too. If you don't spend it, you can always palm it to your interviewer with a wink. It'll help your chances.

Big time.

 

[RhinoRX]

After seeing last year how insanely nervous some people got before and during the interview, there should be one more thing on that list...

A change of underwear or Huggies for some 👍

 

[kjf05c]

NO. Wear a suit. And wear something other than black; everyone wears black and you will stand out if you're wearing something else. =) (I wear a brown suit)

Where did you find a brown suit at, all I could find that I liked was black or grey... I wish I could find a nice blue one.

 

[kmoogs]

Where did you find a brown suit at, all I could find that I liked was black or grey... I wish I could find a nice blue one.

Brooks brothers. They got some nice tan and navy ones.

 

[kjf05c]

Brooks brothers. They got some nice tan and navy ones.

I'm looking at their website right now... I don't see any navy

 

[kmoogs]

I'm looking at their website right now... I don't see any navy

Men's or Women's? And what is your budget range?

 

[kjf05c]

Men's or Women's? And what is your budget range?

Womens, and if I could get both pants and a skirt that would be nice... I'm alright though I have a black one already but it would be nice

 

[kmoogs]

Oh I see. Have you tried random department stores like Nordstroms or Macy's? Nordstroms has a nice selection at some places... I guess it depends on your location.

 

[rxlea]

You can find nice, affordable women's designer suits at a consignment store. I bought three suits all designer suits for about 150 bucks (about what it would cost you for one that isn't even a top designer). They usually have designer shoes and purses, too. I always go there for my clothes because they are really picky about what they accept for consignment. If you already have nice stuff you want to get rid of, you can take them to those stores and get some credits. It is awesome! My suit is a dana buchman suit and my shirt is ann taylor. They even have some awesome cheap versace if you can find it! And besides, they will have tons of styles and sizes since lots of different people put their clothes into consignment.

 

[Moni526]

Where did you find a brown suit at, all I could find that I liked was black or grey... I wish I could find a nice blue one.

Ross! $18.99 brown pin stripe pant suit!!