Three Items to Bring to Every Interview

Preparing for your job interview is essential to influence the interviewer to hire you for the job, so don’t arrive empty-handed. When it is time for the interview, many people forget to bring everything that is needed, and a single item could make all the difference. Consider these fundamentals to make a memorable first impression on your job interview.

Carry Your Cover Letter

You should always bring a copy of your cover letter to your job interview to present to the interviewer. Remember to address your cover letter to the hiring manager you are meeting with to make a more personal connection. Avoid offering a general cover letter to all employers; develop an introductory paragraph in your cover letter that is customized for the position you are applying for. Chances are the interviewer already has a printed copy of your resume, but offering a hard copy on high-quality paper along with your cover letter exudes professionalism.

Tote Your Job Portfolio

Taking your portfolio to a job interview is an excellent idea if you want to gain a superb edge over other candidates and support your interview responses with proof. Whether you are an accomplished artist or a seasoned business professional, a job portfolio allows hiring managers to gain stronger insight into the scope of your capabilities as an employee and individual. In your portfolio, you can share your accomplishments, samples of your work, career goals, letters of recommendation and even your work performance record. Make sure that your portfolio is well- organized to make navigation easier for the interviewer.

Bring Your "A" Game

Without a doubt, you need to bring your "A" game to every job interview if you want to be seen as the finest candidate for the position. The job interview gives you a chance to sell your value as an employee in person and showcase a positive attitude at the same time. Taking the time to research the company beforehand allows you to develop unique answers to company questions that the interviewer may ask out of the blue. In addition, create a short set of questions to ask the interviewer to convey greater enthusiasm and interest. Research company performance statistics so you can offer concrete ideas on how you can improve matters within the company if you are hired for the position. By taking initiative and bringing your best ideas, the interviewer is bound to be impressed.

Job candidates who are adequately prepared for the interview are far more likely to get the job than those who are not. Make sure that your cell phone is off for the duration of the interview to avoid noisy distractions. In addition, remember to dress professionally for your job interview to complete the image of an assured, business professional.

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