Pongo Resume

In a perfect world, you could act like Goldilocks in your job interviews, trying different options until everything was just right. If your chair was too hard, or your interviewer was a twit, you could switch to a better one. Unfortunately, that's a fairy tale. You're pretty much stuck with the chair or the interviewers you're given. You can't control everything, but you can control how prepared you are and what you take with you. 

Here are 10 must-have and 7 nice-to-have items that the well-prepared job seeker should carry to the interview:

10 MUST-HAVE ITEMS

1. Map and directions
2. Bus/train/cab fare or a full tank of gas
3. Name, title, and phone number of the person to ask for upon arrival
4. Pen and paper
5. Clean copies of your resume and cover letter (enough for yourself plus each interviewer) 
6. Five or more questions to ask your interviewers  
7. Samples or portfolio of related work you’ve done in the past (if applicable or requested)
8. Copy of the job description
9. Medication (if needed in the case of an extended interview)
10. Anything else the employer has specifically asked you to bring!

7 NICE-TO-HAVE ITEMS

1. Cell phone, in case of a life-or-death emergency, which is the only acceptable reason for showing up late (Note: Turn it OFF before you go into the interview)
2. An extra resume or list of past employment dates, supervisors, and education in case they ask you to fill out a job application (Note: Leave the salary fields blank)
3. Notes about people you've spoken to while scheduling the interview or during a phone screen
4. List of three pre-screened references (though not usually needed in a first interview)
5. Food (something small but filling, like a protein bar, in case of an extended interview)
6. Grooming tools (e.g., comb, breath mints, lipstick, tissues, cough drops, lint roller, stain lifter, etc.)
7. Proof of your employment status and/or identity (usually not needed until later in the hiring process)

Getting caught without some crucial item can throw off your confidence and make interviewers question your planning and preparedness. So do your homework, formulate good questions and good answers, and carry all the right stuff. (For more advice on what to do before, during, and after the interview, read this article in our Learning Center.) The better prepared you are, the better you can relax and present yourself as the best solution to the employer's problem.

Have you ever forgotten to take something important to a job interview? Ever been saved from an interview crisis because you had a crucial item when you needed it? Please share your stories!

Also, one thing I ALWAYS do is I drive to where the interview is a few days before the actual interview. That way I know exactly where I'm going on interview day and I have better knowledge of how long it takes to get there. That way, I'm never late. I like to get there 15 minutes early just in case they have paperwork they'd like me to fill out. If not, then I just look like I'm very punctual.

@Y.A. Tittle Excellent points! :) I'm a practitioner of the pre-interview "dry run" as well. Again, anything that reduces your stress levels is a good thing!

-- Julie

Thanks for the help, Meryl

That's a great suggestion -- the "Street" view can give you an idea of what the building looks like, where you can park, and what landmarks are nearby. Not every map offers Street view, but the ones that do are very helpful.

Satellite view is also an option. Not as good as Street view, but better than nothing.

Thanks for the comment! Julie

I am a person with strong interpersonal skills and have the ability to get along well with people. I enjoy challenges and looking for creative solutions to problems. OR Besides the details given in my resume, I believe in character values, vision and action. I am quick in learning from mistakes. I am confident that the various tests that you have conducted will corroborate my competencies aptitude and right attitude for the job.

2) What do you seek from a job?

I would like a job which gives me a chance to apply all that I have learned in college as well as one which enables me to grow as a professional. I would like a role which enables me to make a difference. OR Great learning opportunities, challenging roles, rational career progression, good job satisfaction and opportunities to use my strength organization that gives me the opportunity to serve the organization and the society.

3) How would you present your strengths ?

Always remember "DO NOT SIMPLY STATE YOUR STRENGTHS. YOU DO HAVE SOME STRENGTHS AND TRY TO CONVERT YOUR STRENGTHS INTO BENEFITS. IN SHORT TRY TO ADVERTIZE YOURSELF BY CONVERTING YOUR FEATURES INTO STRENGTHS."

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