What should I bring to an interview? Must-haves for a successful meeting

If you’ve got an interview coming up, you know it’s important to prepare ahead of time. But besides preparing answers to common interview questions, you might be wondering, “What should I bring to an interview?” There are a few important things you should bring with you to be prepared for anything that might come your way. 

If you’re not sure what to put on your pre-interview checklist, never fear. We’ll cover everything you need to bring to an interview (and a few things you don’t) so that you can feel prepared and in control.

What should I bring to an in-person interview?

Since going into an interview cold and winging it really isn’t the best idea, it can help to put together a checklist of things you’ll want to have with you. Some of these are tangible, like documents, and some are things you’ll want to have in your head. 

By thinking ahead and anticipating possible scenarios you might encounter, you can make sure to arrive at an in-person interview with everything you need to impress a prospective employer—and boost your confidence.

1. Copies of your resume

Sure, the hiring manager probably already has a copy of your resume (after all, that’s how they knew to contact you for an interview), but people get busy and they might forget to bring it to your interview. 

It’s smart to bring at least five extra hard copies with you in case this happens, or someone else joins your interview, such as a department manager or HR rep. Having copies of your resume readily available can show an interviewer your professionalism and organizational skills.

2. List of references

A hiring manager may wrap up your interview by asking for your references. Prepare a list of references before the interview and bring it with you. Use the same formatting as your resume to keep your application materials consistent. Aim to have at least three professional references who can vouch for your skills and abilities.

3. Work samples or portfolio

If you’re interviewing for a creative position, such as a graphic designer or architect, an interviewer will probably want to see additional samples of your work. Bring some work samples or your portfolio to the interview so that you can discuss your experience in detail.

Choose samples that best reflect your skills and expertise, and be ready to describe their results or impact. For example, if you’re a social media manager, you might show an interviewer an online campaign that generated new revenue for your last company.

4. Water bottle

Dry mouth is a common symptom of nervousness, making a water bottle a must-have item for many interviewees. While some employers may offer you water or another beverage at the start of an interview, you might want to bring your own just in case. Make sure it’s easy to open, and doesn’t have any unprofessional logos on it.

If your mouth starts to go dry, sip water between answering questions or while listening to the interviewer speak, but try not to chug. You can also take a sip of water when you need a brief pause before answering a question, giving you a moment to collect your thoughts.

5. Notepad and pen

You never know when the interviewer might say something that you want to remember, such as information about the role or company. Have a notepad and pen available so that you can jot down any important details you glean from the interview. 

You can also bring prepared notes with specific talking points that you’ll want to reference as you discuss your skills and experience. If you have one, a leather (or faux leather) bound folder with a place for your notepad and pen looks great, but a simple legal pad works as well.

That said, remember that not everything needs to be jotted down. Make sure that you’re not constantly writing throughout the interview. The hiring manager doesn’t want to interview the top of your head. Remain engaged in the conversation so that the interviewer knows they have your full attention.

6. “Just in case” items

It’s better to have these items and not need them, than need them and not have them. The “just in case” items you should bring to an interview will depend on your personality and the style of interview you’re doing. 

If you’re a Type A person who plans for every situation, you may choose to bring a wide range of items to calm your nerves. Then, if the interviewer suddenly needs a cough drop, you’ll score bonus points by having them on hand!

Some common contingency items you may want to have for an interview include:

• Breath mints, floss, or mouthwash

• Cough drops

• Deodorant

• Phone charger

• Aspirin or ibuprofen

• Stain remover pen or wipes

• Lint brush

• Concealer

• Chapstick

• Eye drops

• Tissues

• Hand sanitizer

• Hair tie

7. Briefcase or bag

Have a briefcase or professional-looking bag that can hold a folder or portfolio with your resume copies, references, and work samples, as well as your contingency items. 

Clean out the bag before your interview so that you’re not digging around to find a pen or other small item. Avoid large tote bags, duffel bags, or that beat-up backpack you hauled around Coachella. Keep it just big enough to hold what you need for the interview.

8. Questions to ask the interviewer

At some point, the hiring manager will probably ask if you have any questions for them about the role or company. As part of your interview prep, bringing a list of thoughtful questions can show an interviewer your interest and enthusiasm. 

Plus, it gives you a much-needed opportunity to learn more about the place where you might be working (and a good excuse to use your notepad and pen). Make sure that you’re asking unique questions that haven’t yet been covered in the interview.

If you’re stuck, here are examples of good questions to ask in an interview:

• What do you expect the new employee to accomplish in their first 30, 60, and 90 days?

• How will you measure success in this role?

• What are the opportunities for professional development?

• How well does this team collaborate to achieve shared goals?

• What are the company’s goals for the next five years?

9. Interview details

Imagine rushing to an interview and realizing that you’ve forgotten the company address or the name of the person you’ll be meeting. Talk about starting off on the wrong foot! Make sure that you have all of the interview details you’ll need by writing them down or creating a note in your phone for easy reference.

These logistical interview details may include:

• The address of the company or the interview location

• The name of the building and directions

• Information about where to park

• The name, job title, and phone number of your interviewer(s)

It may go without saying, but leave yourself enough time to account for potential delays like traffic, late public transit, or other inconveniences.

10. Photo ID

While you’ll probably already have it on you, some companies do require visitors to show photo identification when entering the building, so make sure to have it handy. 

Most employers will let you know if you’ll need this when scheduling your interview. But if you’re unsure, you can always check with the interviewer beforehand.

11. STAR answers

You’ll want to come prepared with four to six ​​concise answers to potential behavioral questions that you may be asked during your meeting. For a well-constructed and relevant response, use the STAR method and tie your response to the position you’re interviewing for. 

If you need a refresher, STAR stands for:

• Situation: Concisely describe a situation you faced at your previous job.

• Task: What were your responsibilities in this situation? What did you need to accomplish?

• Action: What steps did you take to meet your goal?

• Result: What was the outcome of your efforts?

The STAR approach gives insight into how candidates would react to situations they might encounter in the new role, based on their previous experiences. It also allows the candidate to provide more context and details around their soft skills, such as communication, time management, and leadership.

12. A change of clothing

Accidents can happen. Maybe you spill coffee on yourself as you’re driving to the interview, or get splashed by a puddle in the parking lot. 

Keep an extra clean shirt, blouse, or tie in your car (or bag) in case of spills, sweat, or other mishaps, so that you don’t have to walk into your interview looking like you were just mauled by finger-painting toddlers.

13. Your laptop or tablet

If you will be giving a presentation to the interviewer, or have been asked to show your online portfolio, be sure to bring a fully-charged laptop or tablet with you, as well as a backup charger in case your battery runs out. 

While they’ll probably have equipment there, you might end up fumbling with the unfamiliar equipment in the heat of the moment, or it might not work properly. Don’t take that risk—when asking yourself, “What should I bring with me to an interview?,” a laptop could be high on that list.

14. A silent phone

Of course, you’ll want to bring your phone with you, but here’s the caveat: make sure that it’s a silent phone. Turn off any alarms or alerts before you walk into the building. Or, better yet, put it on full silent mode (not just vibration). 

You may be pretty sure that no one will call you during your interview, but don’t risk it. Random “dings” or “pings” from your various mobile apps can be disruptive and distracting, and you don’t want to make things more awkward by having to fumble around in your bag to silence a ringing phone.

15. An elevator pitch

A common interview question to be asked is, “So tell me about yourself.” You can probably assume that the interviewer is not interested in your rare stamp collection, or how you feel about the latest season of the hottest new TV show. 

Instead, you should prepare and bring to the interview your best professional elevator pitch, which is a brief overview of your skills, experience, and unique value that you’d bring to the position, should they hire you.

16. A planner

Bring a day planner or calendar with you, either a physical one or an app on your phone that you’ll remember to use. 

You might be asked about your availability for another interview (or even an employment start date), and a planner will make it easy to tell them when you can come in without having to call back later to reschedule (which can make you look disorganized).

17. A positive attitude

It might sound a little cheesy, but it’s important to arrive at an interview with a positive attitude. Be courteous and polite to everyone you encounter, including security guards, receptionists, and other employees. People talk, and you want to leave a good impression with everyone you meet from all areas of the company.

During the interview, stay engaged and focused on the conversation. Even if you’re not 100 percent sure about the job, be enthusiastic in your responses and questions; don’t burn any professional bridges! People may not remember what you say, but they won’t forget how you made them feel.

What shouldn’t I bring to an interview?

Just as important as knowing what you should bring to an interview is knowing what you should leave at home. Avoid bringing the following to an interview:

• Food or drinks. A bottle of water is okay, but leave the coffee and snacks at home.

• Gum or candy. No one needs to hear you unwrap a Jolly Rancher or blow a bubble when you’re talking about your skills and experience.

• Your pet. However, service animals are allowed under the ADA.

• Weapons of any kind. Enough said.

• Your children or other family members. Of course, childcare can fall through at the last minute. If that happens, reschedule your interview. Your interviewer is human too, and chances are they will understand. And no, your mom can’t come either.

• Heavy perfume. Some people are more sensitive to strong odors or fragrances. Apply using a light hand, or avoid it altogether.

• Irrelevant documents. Travel light; you don’t want to be digging through a cluttered briefcase or bag for the documents you do need.

• Headphones. You want to be present and engaged with your interviewer, so leave these at home.

FAQs

Here are answers to other frequently asked questions regarding “What should I bring to an interview?”:

Can I take notes on a phone or laptop during an interview?

You can in a pinch, but you’re better off with the old-fashioned pen-and-paper method for taking notes during an interview. It’s less obtrusive than using a phone, laptop, or other mobile device, and you’re not as likely to get distracted by texts or emails.

The exception is if an employer has requested that you bring a laptop or tablet for another reason, such as to give a presentation. In that case, you might be able to take notes with it too.  Use your best judgment to determine whether you can use a device without appearing distracted or uninterested in the conversation.

Is it appropriate to bring food to an interview?

This is really a matter of timing. Make sure to eat a nutritious, well-balanced meal before your interview so that you’re not hungry during the meeting. You can also eat a quick snack right before your interview to satisfy any hunger cravings you may have. But have it before your meeting, not during.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. Some interviewers may offer you a beverage or snack, especially if the meeting goes long. In this case, it is appropriate to accept their offer if you’re absolutely famished. Similarly, if you have a lunch interview, you can eat during that as well.

What happens if I forget to silence my phone and it rings?

If your phone goes off during your interview, don’t ignore it and make it more awkward. Quickly apologize, grab your phone, and immediately silence it. Don’t take the time to answer it or respond to a text. It’s rude and disrespectful of your interviewer’s time.

Need more help preparing for an interview? Check out career.io’s Interview Prep simulation tool for intuitive feedback and personalized insights to ace your next interview!

Key takeaways

1. If you’re wondering “What should I bring to an interview?,” prepare a checklist of items that you’ll need to have with you to feel calm and confident.

2. Some essential items to bring with you to the interview include the logistical interview details, a notepad and pen, a photo ID, a planner, and a positive attitude.

3. Some items you should not bring to an interview include your phone (unless it’s on silent mode), snacks, pets, and heavy perfume.

4. Make sure that you have copies of your resume and other important documents, like your professional references, certifications, and work samples.