Can I Wear My Nose Ring to the Interview?: A Crash Course in Finding, Landing, and Keeping Your First Real Job (38 page)

The names and positions of those who will be interviewing you.

A pen and small notebook. For the pros and cons of taking notes during the interview, see page 137. Whether or not you decide you want to take notes, you’ll need to be prepared: The interviewer might assign you some homework or mention another job lead for you. After the interview, once you’re somewhere private, you’ll want to jot down your impressions and any information you want to follow up on. If you feel you didn’t answer a question completely, for instance, you may want to revisit the topic in your thank-you note.

A cell phone and the interviewer’s contact information. If anything causes you to run late, you want to be able to call. (You should have factored in plenty of time for traffic jams and transportation breakdowns, but you never know.)

Your ID. You may need it for building security or HR.

Your list of references. You may be asked for them on the spot; ideally, though, you’ll be able to provide your references after the interview, which will give you time to tailor them in light of what you’ve just learned.

Your portfolio, if applicable. Depending on the industry, you may be required to present a selection of relevant professional materials you’ve created in the past: writing samples, press releases, or design samples.

An umbrella, depending on the weather.

Personal grooming items: breath mints, hairbrush, deodorant, safety pins, makeup, extra pair of nylons.

A snack/protein bar. If you are prone to low blood sugar, be prepared.

A small bottle of water. Nervousness can make you dry-mouthed, and you don’t want your tongue sticking to the roof of your mouth during the interview.

Carry everything in a professional-looking briefcase or handbag, not a shopping bag, backpack, or fanny pack. Have papers in easy-access manila folders that you’re willing to leave behind (no only-copies of anything), neatly labeled with your name and contact info. Make sure everything is well-organized. You don’t want to be fumbling through your bag looking for things during the interview, or you’ll create the impression that you don’t have your act together.

A buddy. It should go without saying, but … go it alone! I’ve heard of people bringing along their best friends or family members, whether for moral support or because they’re planning to have lunch with them afterward. Huge no-no—it’s unprofessional and Mickey Mouse, and believe me, receptionists will talk.

Non-interview-related stuff. Do not show up with things you need before or after the interview: shopping bags (“but the office is next to the mall!”), sports equipment (yes, it’s good to exercise before an interview so you feel less tense, but not
right
before), your groceries. While you might think you’re being efficient, you’re simply being unprofessional. Schedule the interview so that you can appear unencumbered.