The interview is perhaps the most nerve-wracking element in the entire recruitment process. The day of the interview requires a lot of preparation, both tactical and mental but the candidate is better-served if he or she prepares well in advance.
This preparation also includes things to be carried by a candidate when leaving for the interview. In this article, Team YLCC brings you much-needed insights on this. Read on!
- HARDCOPIES OF THE RESUME
This is mandatory! People often ask what to bring to a job interview, and one of the most important items to bring is printed copies of your résumé. Your interviewer will almost certainly have your resume, but there is still a possibility that they would not be possessing it at the time. As a result, having extra copies will only help you gain more points.
- ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
Irrespective of whether this is your first job interview, companies may end up asking for your official academic transcripts, certificates and supporting documents (e.g. awards, co-curricular certificates). This is to ensure that you are adequately qualified for the job you are applying to. Documents you should bring along include:
- Official board results and transcript
- Official pre-university transcript and certificate
- Official university transcript
- Official degree certification
Additionally, your co-curricular certificates and awards e.g. those of moot court competitions, mock trials, etc. may also hold you in good stead and help you to secure the job — it bears testimony to some of the skills you have reiterated to your interviewer, such as leadership and being a team-player.
It is also important to carry multiple copies of all the documents in case the recruiters decide to keep one.
- GOVERNMENT IDENTIFICATION
Needless to say, if you are walking into an interview, you should have the means to prove you are who you say you are. You may carry at least one identification card with you, such as the Aadhaar Card or the PAN card.
- PASSPORT-SIZED PHOTOS
There are some instances where the company is already keen on hiring you, and the interview process is a mere formality. In such cases, you are required to carry several copies of your passport-sized photos in case you are offered the job on the spot and require it for HR purposes. If this happens, the company will know accordingly- either way, it does not hurt to have your photos handy.
- THE APPROPRIATE BAG
It looks very unprofessional and odd to carry pages or a folder in your hand alone. If you are a woman, carry a tote or a formal handbag, and if a man, use a briefcase to store everything you are carrying in a neat and organised manner.
- BREATH MINTS OR GUM
Apart from the way you look and conduct yourself, what else is important in a job interview?
You have guessed it right- good hygiene!
Because the interview session will require you to speak, it is of paramount importance to make sure you have fresh breath. One way to make sure could be to pop a breath mint some time before the interview commences. If you were chewing gum, get rid of it before you walk into the interview to avoid disaster (chewing gum during an interview is terrible attitude!).
- A COMB
If you are travelling to the interview by public transport, chances are that your hair will get messed up. Once you reach the place of interview, you can take a quick minute in the washroom and make it right so you appear well-groomed and not messy once the interview starts.
- NOTEBOOK AND PENS
This is the bare minimum stationery a candidate should carry to the interview. You never know when you might have to note something down under instructions from the recruiter. Also to be on the safe side, you should carry at least two pens and make sure both are in working condition when you are leaving.
- YOUR LAPTOP
You never know when you need to access the internet. For example you might be required to access the softcopy of any of the documents you are carrying at the interview.
Keep in mind, however, that some industries have restrictions. In some high-security situations the company may not allow you to bring certain kinds of electronics into the building – typically the restriction is on smartphones, laptops, and occasionally USBs. They want to avoid you taking pictures or transferring data with the company systems. Most companies with these concerns have a pre-made email they send to every visitor and you can check your vistor invitation paperwork to check the restrictions. You may also choose to confirm this with your point of contact in the organisation a few days before the interview.
- WATER BOTTLE
All that nervousness from having to sit for an interview is bound to have you parched for water in no time. It is therefore good to carry your own water bottle at the interview so that you don’t have to borrow from anyone else. It shows that you have come well-prepared, and the smallest things matter too.
YLCC would like to thank Sachet Labroo for his valuable insights in this article.
