Never Go Empty-Handed into an Interview

Even if you look professional and polished and are well-prepared for answering the tough questions, walking into a job interview empty-handed leads the hiring manager to believe that you are unprepared and leaves him with a less-than-stellar first impression of you. Knowing what to bring to a job interview makes all the difference. To make a great impression, collect these nine items before you head out the door.

1. Interviewer's Contact Information

Be sure to write down the hiring manager's phone number and the address of the interview site before leaving home. This ensures that you can call the hiring manager if an emergency occurs and lets you double-check that you are at the correct address.

2. Required Paperwork

If the potential employer has asked you to provide certain documents or fill out specific forms, be sure to bring them along to the job interview. Make sure all forms are legible and filled out completely.

3. Resume Copies

Although you have already sent your resume to the potential employer, bring several copies along to the job interview. There may be more than one person on the interview panel, so it is a nice gesture to supply one to each interviewer. It is also a good practice to keep your own resume copy in front of you for reference as you go through the interview.

4. Reference List

While your references should never be listed on your resume, the hiring manager may ask you to provide a list of references after the job interview. Having a preprinted list of personal and professional references lets you supply them immediately and impress the interview panel with your preparedness.

5. Performance Reviews

If you have employee performance reviews from a current or former employer, supply copies of these during your job interview. Be sure to include any performance reviews that display an exceptional evaluation or certificates of achievement that you have earned. Try to include letters of recommendation from a previous supervisor or, if you are just starting out in the workforce, a respected college professor.

6. Portfolio

Depending on the job for which you are applying, include examples of your work. Writers can supply writing samples, while marketing managers may provide advertising campaigns on which they worked.

7. Business Card

If you have a current business card, provide it to the hiring manager. If you don't have a business card, create a personal contact card that includes your name, address, phone number and email address so that the hiring manager can easily contact you after the job interview.

8. Notebook

Before the interview, write down a few relevant and thoughtful questions that you want to ask. A notebook also provides a place for you to take notes, write down the names of those on the interview panel and jot down follow-up items that you need to complete.

9. Pen

Never go to a job interview without a pen. The hiring manager may ask you to fill out additional paperwork while you are there, and asking for a pen makes you look unprepared.

When you know what to bring to a job interview, you arrive prepared and ready to present yourself well. Carry these essential items in a nice folder or professional briefcase to enhance the presentation and show off your attention to detail.

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