If you turn up to an interview without anything else, there is no reason why you won’t give a great interview and get the job. However, there are some things you can do which will make a difference and boost your chances of success.
Here are the 4 things you must bring to a job interview if you want to make a great first impression.
Notepad and pen
You should always bring some paper and a pen with you to a job interview, as you never know when you might need to make a note of something important. Not only that, it will also make a great impression as it shows you’re serious about the role.
Copies of your CV
Print off three copies of your CV to take to the interview. If you are catching the bus or train to the interview, you can swot up on your CV beforehand. You are obviously going to be asked questions about your skills and experience, so you need to make sure you remember what’s on there.
Finally, if the interviewer has forgotten to bring a copy of your CV to the interview, you can hand them one. Again, this will look professional and show how prepared you are.
A list of answers
Although you won’t know which questions you’re going to be asked, you can however still prepare a few mock answers. But rather than create a huge long list of scripted answers and attempt to read them during the interview, you should instead jot down a few topics that are likely to be discussed, and consider how you might approach an answer.
A few bullet points on your notepad can be studied whilst travelling to the interview, or glanced at during the interview to help you construct an answer. It isn’t considered cheating to have a few things written down on a piece of paper in front of you. It will show how prepared and committed you are to giving a great interview.
How to Answer the 31 Most Common Interview Questions
A list of questions
You may have a few questions of your own you’d like to ask when the opportunity arises. So rather than forget them when the nerves kick in, you can instead write them down and take them into the interview.
Avoid questions about salary unless the employer brings that up themselves. Focus your questions on the role and the company. Questions about tasks and responsibilities, the hours and even the company’s goals are all great subjects to discuss.
To give you a much better idea of what questions to specifically ask in a job interview, please read this article – Top 12 Best Questions to Ask at the End of the Job Interview.