If you are looking to blow the socks of your next interviewer, then preparation is the key to success at interview stage. When it comes to the interview day, you should of by then most likely have researched the company intensively and studied the job description thoroughly. But this isn’t the only thing you should do, as there is always a little more preparation to be done, in order to help your chances of success. You’ll need to equip yourself properly in order to be organised and appear professional. Below are just some examples of essential items you should take to your next interview.
- Have multiple copies of your CV.
Although it's easy to assume that your interviewer will be in possession of your CV by the time you reach an interview stage, but you shouldn’t just leave it up to them. Be pro-active and print multiple copies as you never know who you’ll meet and whether you’ll meet more than one person during the interview. As printers do and can break & emails can get lost, so it isn’t always safe to presume that they’d have a paper copy of your CV. This level of preparation shows them that you are a professional and that you've plan for any possible outcome.
- A smart folder or bag.
In order to look professional and stay organised, invest in a smart folder or bag of which you can store all your essential items. As turning up to an interview with all your personal belongs in a plastic bag or producing a crumpled CV from your pocket won’t portray a great impression on how you perform professionally.
- A pen & paper.
It is very likely that there will be a lot of important information such as facts and figures of which will be discussed during your interview. So it does pay for you to have a pen and paper of which will be handy for you to take notes. This will make it easier when writing a follow up emails or deciding between competing offers, so by having the finer details jotted down will be hugely beneficial.
- Prepare some questions to ask.
Most employers do expect you to have some questions prepared for their role and company. So write some down in advance and take them with you. Having them written down will not only help jog your memory, but it will also show the interviewer that you’ve done some proper preparation.
- The job description.
To ensure that you’re fully familiarised yourself with the role, make some notes on the job description & take it with you. On the day of your interview, make sure that you arrive 30 minutes’ prior so that you can have a look at the job details on last time.
- The interview details.
Too many candidates rely on their mobiles to access interview details, through email. However, mobile internet access isn’t always guaranteed, so make sure that you've save the details somewhere safe. Such as in the notes of your phone or even write them down on a piece of paper. Losing the address & the name of the interviewer will not set the interview off on a great start.
- Relevant certificates.
If the role of which you are applying for requires one or more qualifications. Make sure that you take some certificates along with you. Or at least some carbon copies if you can’t actually take the originals. Even though you may not be asked to show them, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Examples of your work.
Creative professionals such as designers and artists will have portfolios of which displays their work and achievements. Even if you're in a non-creative industry, still make sure you have client testimonials or sales figures of which you can take along with you and give some examples of the impact you’ve made in your previous roles.
Hopefully the above will help you blow the socks off your next interviewer. Just follow the step to ensure that you've done everything in your power to increase your chances of getting the job of your dreams.