You’ve sent out dozens of resumes. You’ve been through several pre-interview screenings over the phone. Now you’ve finally received a request for an in-person interview and your anxiety is through the roof. Will they like you? Will you get the job? Is it a good job? Should you wait for a better job? When all these questions are swirling through your mind, it’s easy to lose focus and head out unprepared. Instead, take a deep breath and spend some time gathering these essentials to bring with you.
1. Bring a fabulous outfit – By bring, we mean wear of course! Dressing well shows you respect the time of the interviewer, the potential position, and yourself.
2. Bring directions – Even if you’re gifted with an infallible sense of direction, take the time to map out a route to the interview location. Make sure to know where you can park, or what stop you need to take on public transportation, and how far you need to walk from there.
3. Bring identification – In case you need to fill out any paperwork, make sure to have a form of identification with you.
4. Bring a notebook and pen – If you need to write down notes about the next steps, you don’t want to have to ask your interviewer for a pen and paper.
5. Bring your notes – It’s not uncommon to be nervous before an interview, so write down important details you may otherwise forget such as the interviewer’s name and title. You should also bring questions to ask about the position and the company during the interview.
6. Bring copies of your resume – Bring at least two. It can be helpful to have one to refer to yourself and another to give to the interviewer if he or she does not have the one you originally submitted.
7. Bring work samples – If you’re applying for a position in a creative field, such as graphic design, you may want to show the interviewer your portfolio if time allows. If you’d rather not haul around hard copies of your work, consider a digital portfolio stored on your iPad or laptop.
8. Bring your references –It’s common practice to include the names, relationships, and contact information of three people who can provide a reference regarding your professional skills and three who can provide a reference to your personal integrity.
9. Bring a winning attitude – Job interviewing and job searching are long, tiring processes, but no one wants to hire a team member who is negative, or low energy – especially in hospitality. You don’t have to be overly happy or fake, but just be pleasant and open.