Before a formal interview, you have to go through many rounds including resume screening, phone screening, aptitude tests, and technical assessments, depending on the position and company culture. Once you successfully pass the above mentioned rounds, you will get an interview call from the company. But this stage comes with a question "What to Bring to an Interview?"

Though, "What to Bring to an Interview?" should not be your prime focus, your prime focus should be on prime should be to get interview tips, prepare interview questions, and practice as much as it is possible to clear your interview. Once you are done with your mock interview preparation and gathering the required skills for an interview (be it a technical interview or a phone interview), you can start compiling a list of items that are a must for the big day.

Not sure, what to bring to an interview? Don't worry, Interview Sidekick in this guide will help you compile an ultimate checklist of must have items to carry in an interview.

List of Essential Items to Carry in an Interview

• Multiple copies of your resume

• Letter of reference

• Letter of recommendations

• List of professional references

• Portfolio/work samples

• Pen and notepad

• Water bottle

• Folder

• Briefcase or bag

• List of questions to ask an interviewer

• Identity Proof (Driver's License or any other Government ID)

• Interviewer Details

• Confidence

• Charisma and a good body language

List of Optional Items to Bring to an Interview

• Laptop or any other digital device

• Paper copies of your digital portfolio

• Snacks

• Backup clothes/emergency items

Ok, let's dive deep into the items that you should carry in an interview and understand the why. Every job seeker does company research, practice for common interview questions, and study the interview details but as a step ahead bringing the necessary items to an interview can help you impress the employer.

11 Items to Bring to an Interview

1. Multiple Copies of Your Resume

   You should always carry some extra copies of your resume if in any case, the interviewer forgets to bring it and asks you to provide a copy for the same. Bring 3-5 copies of your resume, other people like HR can also join the interview.

   
   

2. Letter of Recommendation

   Your employer may not ask for a letter of recommendation but in case the job role is in the field of academia, research labs, or senior executive positions, letters often act as a bonus. It is better to carry one or two letters.

   
   

3. Letter of reference

   Again, the interviewer may not ask you to show the references but you should always carry them in a job interview as they reflect your professional abilities, skills, achievements, and your volunteer activities. A reference should be a person who is an established professional, it should be formal, and try not to include your family members or friends as a reference.

   
   

4. Portfolio/Work Samples

   A position like graphic designer, architect, etc involves creativity and critical thinking and thus an interviewer is interested to know your previous work and experience in detail. You should always choose the best out of your work samples. For example, if you are an SEO Manager you will show a project where with SEO you doubled the revenue.

   
   

5. Pen and Notepad

   Being engaged in a conversation is important during an interview but you should always carry a pen and notepad to note down certain specific information about the company and the interviewer and it will help you analyze your interview. You can also use your pen and notepad to write a thank you letter after the interview.

   
   

6. Water Bottle

   Though water is present there in the interview, it is always better to carry your own water bottle to a job interview so that you can be hydrated throughout your interview.

   
   

7. Folder

   It looks not only professional to carry your items in a folder but also makes it easy for you to manage several documents.

   
   

8. Briefcase or Bag

   Carrying all these items will require you to have a briefcase or a bag to keep your items organized at one place.

   
   

9. List of Questions to ask an Employer

   At the end of your interview, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions for him about the company or the job role. It is always a plus point to have a great list of unique questions to ask employers beforehand.

   
   

10. Identity Proof

    It depends on the company, some companies require photo identification for unique visitors so based on your company research whether an identity proof is required or not and if it's not clear then it is always better to carry government authorized identity proof with you.

    
    

11. Confidence

    A positive attitude can change the result of your interview. It is not possible to know the answer of every question but saying sorry confidently can bring a good impression to the employer and it will show your acceptance of not giving wrong information and willingness to learn more. The interviewer will remember the positive attitude that you have.

You can also carry some optional items to an interview like a laptop or any other digital device, paper copies of your digital portfolio, snacks, backup clothes/emergency items, etc.

Frequently Asked Question

1. What should I bring for an interview?

   Multiple copies of your resume, Letter of reference, Letters of recommendation, List of professional references, Portfolio/work samples, Pen and notepad, Water bottle, Folder, Briefcase or bag, List of questions to ask the interviewer, Identity proof (driver’s license or another government ID), Interviewer details (name, company, role), Confidence.

   
   

2. Should I take my CV to an interview?

   Although the interviewer may bring your CV with them, it is always better to have a copy with you as well so that you can provide it if they forget to bring it.

   
   

3. How to know "What to bring in an Interview?"?

   You can ask your recruiter via email, and it makes 100% sense to ask about what to bring in the interview.

   
   

4. What are some items to avoid bringing to a job interview?

   Gum, heavy perfume, a suitcase, a duffel bag, or other luggage.