Top 3 Items to Bring to Your Interview  

Don’t arrive to an interview empty-handed! Being well prepared demonstrates to your potential employer that you’re able to handle any task thrown at you.

1) References

LinkedIn provides users the ability to collect references through the web. This eliminates the hassle of long, drawn out emails to potential co-workers or managers at previous workplaces. The best advice in receiving a quality reference is to write a detailed excerpt for the person of interest on their own LinkedIn page. There is even a tool which allows users to ask connections for a reference already formatted for easy sending. The goal is to acquire at least one written reference per job. If you already have more than one from each place, you’re in excellent shape!  After these pieces are collected, bring a printed copy with you to hand to the interviewer.

2) Portfolio

This is your time to shine. There are a few methods of displaying your work in this tech savvy age: direct the interviewees to a website where your portfolio is presented in high definition, or print the screen shots of the work in glossy format for a physical copy you can directly hand to them. Free websites are available online and you can create and customize one to showcase your talent, such as Wix.com or Prezi. Each of these platforms can be designed with as much creativity as you wish to institute.

3) Extra Items

One item that many tend to leave at home is proof of education credentials. Yes, the interviewer can plainly see on your resume that you graduated Magna Cum Laude from the best university in the world. However, some establishments want to see your transcripts or a copy of your degree. Keep in mind that ordering transcripts from a college can result in a few weeks delivery time, so plan ahead.

Another component to consider is bringing a briefcase with notes on  answers to the challenging interview questions, as well as a list of possible questions to ask the interviewer. Not only will this help you if you get stuck on a question, but by asking the interviewer questions about the company and the position, you are demonstrating interest and preparation.

When the big day arrives, remember to dress for success, pack your briefcase with the key items mentioned above and own the interview with the knowledge you've acquired! Good luck! To see recent job posting in Columbus, Ohio and New York, New York, check out our page.