It's Okay to Take Notes Mid-Interview

Finding a job is a challenging process for even the most qualified candidates. Getting through the interview process is especially tricky if you are not sure about the rules of interview etiquette. Some people advise against taking notes during an interview, but this is actually an acceptable practice. Taking notes during an interview will help you stay organized and remember important information about each company. These notes will also come in handy if you want to compare two great opportunities before deciding which one to accept.

Although it is acceptable to take notes during a job interview, you should ask the interviewer for permission before you do so. If you decide to take notes, you should also maintain as much eye contact as possible. If you spend the entire interview staring at your notepad, the interviewer might wonder if you are really interested in the job opening. As the job interview progresses, record the names of key executives and competitors so that you can use the information to prepare for the next step of the interview process.

Nancy Newell, a human resources consultant, cautions against taking too many notes during an interview. She says you do not want to act like a reporter who is taking notes for a story. Instead, capture nuggets of information that will help you remember what you discussed during the interview. If you are invited for a second interview, you will be able to use these notes to prepare for your meeting. Your notes can help you avoid embarrassing faux pas, such as referring to an executive by the wrong name. You should avoid using your notes as a cheat sheet, however. Do not look to your notes for answers to the interviewer's questions or you run the risk of bringing your ethics into question.

There are not as many rules for taking notes during an interview if you are being interviewed via telephone. You won't have to worry about maintaining eye contact or asking the recruiter for permission to take notes. If you decide to take notes during an interview taking place in your home office, make sure you use a pen and paper instead of a computer or tablet. Typing and clicking your computer mouse will create background noise that could distract the recruiter and create doubts about your professionalism.

Many people avoid taking notes during an interview because they think it is against the rules of interview etiquette. Fortunately, taking notes during an interview is acceptable as long as you ask for permission and avoid taking too many notes. If you have a telephone interview, avoid using your laptop or tablet to take notes. Following these tips for taking notes during an interview will help you avoid professional gaffes and improve your chances of making it to the next step of the interview process.

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)