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Interview Take-Along Checklist

Interview Take-Along Checklist

Christine F. Della Monaca, Monster Staff Writer

You’re interviewing for a job tomorrow, and you think you’re prepared: You’ve got your answers to a multitude of common interview questions down and have a few of your own for the interviewer. Your suit is pressed and ready. But what do you bring to the interview?

We’ve created this handy checklist, with the help of Monster Interview Expert Marky Stein, so you won’t forget a thing.

What to Put in Your Briefcase

<INPUT TYPE=CHECKBOX NAME=“resume” >Your Resume and References: But don’t just throw these crucial documents in your bag. According to Stein, linguists and psychologists have found that 93 percent of all communication is nonverbal. How you present this information says a lot about you.

To that end, Stein recommends you buy an inexpensive two-pocket folder in blue, since this color appeals to both men and women and conveys a business feel. On the left side, place your resume, and on the right, your letters of recommendation and reference list. When you get to the interview, say, “I wanted to bring an extra copy of my resume – here it is,” and open the folder, turning it around for the interviewer to read.

“This is a sign you are open and honest as well as organized,” Stein says. “The more you show you are prepared, the more you are showing respect.”

<INPUT TYPE=CHECKBOX NAME=“padandpaper” >Pad and Paper: Taking a few notes during your interview (while being careful not to stare at your notepad the whole time) is another sign of respect. “It makes them feel you are listening,” Stein explains.

<INPUT TYPE=CHECKBOX NAME=“businesscard” >Business Card: People either take in information visually, audibly or through touch. “The more you give them to touch, the more real it seems to them,” she says.

<INPUT TYPE=CHECKBOX NAME=“directions” >Directions: “These lower your anxiety,” Stein says, adding that it’s preferable to drive to your interview location in advance and park so you can see how long it all takes.

<INPUT TYPE=CHECKBOX NAME=“cellphone” >Cell Phone: You can always leave this bit of modern life in your car, but if you must take it with you, make sure it stays turned off and in your briefcase; it’s a huge sign of disrespect to be interrupted during an interview or give the appearance you’ll be interrupted. “If you’re a man, don’t even wear it on your belt,” Stein recommends. “Keep it hidden.”


The Intangibles


<INPUT TYPE=CHECKBOX NAME=“smile” >A Smile: It may sound sappy, but this nonverbal clue is an immediate rapport-builder. Interviewers are often nervous, too. “In one-sixteenth of a second, we assess whether someone will harm, help or hurt us,” Stein says. “(A smile) immediately tells someone that you’re not going to hurt them.”

<INPUT TYPE=CHECKBOX NAME=“research” >Company Research: In almost every interview, you’ll be asked what you know about the company, Stein says. To prepare for this question, she recommends Hoovers.com. You can also check out companies on Monster.

Check off what you have, or print this article to check off and review before your next interview!


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    PHI

    8 months ago

    2 comments

    Very informative

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    vijaybabu

    8 months ago

    2 comments

    good and useful tips

  • Dsc00068_max50

    Weisswolff88

    8 months ago

    2 comments

    helpful

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    gforcec

    8 months ago

    2 comments

    Thanks. The two-pocket folder is a nice recommendation.