Getting a call back from a potential employer is the first step to getting your dream job, so, congratulations for reaching this point!

However, we are still far from reaching the goal – to ace the interview and land our dream job!
Imagine a scenario where you go to an interview for your dream job, excited and certain that you’ll ace the interview and get the job, you sit down with the hiring manager and they ask you for copies of your resume, only for you to realize that you don’t have them. Worse still, you don’t have a pen or notepad to jot down any of the important information the hiring manager is talking about. Unfortunately, this lack of preparation may send things spiraling downwards, causing you to lose the chance of landing your dream job.

To prevent such scenarios, start preparing early and in advance, preferably, immediately after the company contacts you and requests an interview. Preparation and planning are, therefore, key to ensuring you create a good first impression on potential employers. Hence, it’s important to attend an interview with everything you may need.

So, what should you bring to the interview? It’s very important to go to an interview fully prepared, physically, mentally, or even emotionally. Read on to find out what to bring to an interview and avoid making a bad first impression on the hiring manager.

What to bring to a job interview?

The list below provides a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for an interview.

1. Duplicates of your resume

Carry several samples of your resume and distribute them to the hiring team upon request. Additionally, because your resume contains all the relevant dates and details concerning your previous employment or education, it may come in handy if you have to fill out a job application form.

Make sure that your resume is specific to the job you’re applying, or make some tweaks here and there to capture something presented in the job description.

2. Pen and notebook/notepad

There is nothing that can make you look as unprepared and disorganized as not having writing materials during an interview. Always make sure that you carry your own, ready to jot down important information such as names, requirements, list of duties, or even questions that pop-up during the interview. Having your own writing materials indicates that you are prepared and therefore, makes you stand out.

3. Reference list

It is always advisable to bring a list of at least three professional references and their relevant contact information to give to the hiring team. Be careful to select references that can authenticate your ability to perform on the job.

4. List of questions to ask the interviewers

Come prepared with a list of questions to ask at the end of the interview. Normally, you as the interviewee will be given an opportunity to ask questions and have your concerns addressed. Preparing a list beforehand allows you to avert awkwardness, challenges, and stress from trying to come up with coherent questions, off the top of your head.

5. Directions, contact information, and identification

If you are going to a new place and aren’t sure about the directions, bring with you any instructions or directional materials that are available. Also, if you have any contact information, such as an email confirmation for the appointment, you should bring it with you. In some cases, it may be important to know the name and contact information of the person who invited you for the interview, so that once you arrive you can ask for them.

Alternatively, you can opt to print out the directions to the location of the interview, in case something happens to your phone on your way to the interview. For security purposes, some buildings may require to check your identification credentials, therefore, it is important to come prepared with your driver’s license or any other type of identification.

6. A folder

A folder provides a place to keep all the things that you will need for the interview, and also minimizes the chances of accidentally leaving behind something important. As a bonus, a folder makes you look really organized.

7. Breath mints or gum

Always carry a breath mint or gum with you but be sure to throw it (or swallow it) before your interview starts.

8. Work samples

Although not a requisite for most jobs, bringing some of your previous work samples, depending on the job you’re interviewing for, is an added advantage in case the interviewer requests them.

9. A portfolio

Ideally, a work portfolio should demonstrate the work that you’ve done and prove the significant, positive milestones that you’ve achieved. A portfolio can be composed of anything, from graphs showing the ascent of revenues in your previous position to written or other visual pieces.

You’re probably tired of hearing this, but practice makes perfect. Prepare for your interview in advance and double check to make sure that you’ve carried everything you’ll need for your interview.