8 Things Not to Bring to a Job Interview
17 March 2015
Read by 3445 persons
You're going for a job interview – you bring a magazine to read on the subway, a snack, a large double-double coffee… and your mom, of course. You couldn't be better prepared!
Actually, you're completely wrong.
Here's what you really need: a paper copy of your resume, your portfolio if applicable, and any other required documents. That's it! Okay, maybe an umbrella if the weather is uncooperative.
Otherwise, you should avoid bringing certain things that could harm your chances of landing the job. Here are some examples based on real-life experiences:
Your parents: Leave mom and dad at home. I'm talking to you, millennials. It's great that you and your mom are close, but when it comes time to meet a recruiter, you can manage on your own. You're not a child anymore!
Your dog/cat/hamster: A former American Eagle hiring manager told the story on CNBC of a woman who brought her cat to the interview. She placed the animal in a cage on the desk, then couldn't stop playing with it during the interview. The recruiter still can't believe it.
Your phone: You can obviously have your phone with you, but please turn it off and keep it in your pocket. If you can't go an hour without glancing at your phone, you probably don't deserve to get this job. In fact, chances are you won't get it.
Coffee: The recruiter may offer you some, but don't bring your own. You could spill it, and there may not be a trash can or recycling bin when you want to get rid of it. A water bottle is okay, but it's best not to bring your own drink.
A competitor's product: This article in the Wall Street Journal tells the story of a candidate who showed up at Pepsi with a Dasani water bottle (a Coke product). He didn't get the job. This kind of mistake shows the employer that you haven't done your homework on their company. Similarly, don't bring your Starbucks coffee to your interview at Tim Hortons (unless you want to discuss the competition.)
Fifty Shades of Grey: Don't bring reading material that might make you look unprofessional or immature. Leave the gossip magazines and erotic novels at home!
Your shopping: Your shampoo was on sale at the pharmacy and you couldn't resist buying 3 bottles before going to your interview. The problem is that you're sending the recruiter the message that you don't care that much about the interview. You want to give the impression that you really want the job; the bargains can wait.
Food: A recruiter shared this anecdote about a candidate who ate her lunch during a video interview. She wasn't hired. Whether it's an in-person meeting or a video conference, act the same way. Be prepared and professional. Eat before going to the interview.
In the end, you want to present a clear and simple image of yourself, uncluttered and without grocery bags, coffee, cats or parents. Bring only the essentials and give your full attention to the recruiter and the interview.
Elizabeth Bromstein.
Workopolis.com
Posted March 17, 2015.
Actually, you're completely wrong.
Here's what you really need: a paper copy of your resume, your portfolio if applicable, and any other required documents. That's it! Okay, maybe an umbrella if the weather is uncooperative.
Otherwise, you should avoid bringing certain things that could harm your chances of landing the job. Here are some examples based on real-life experiences:
Your parents: Leave mom and dad at home. I'm talking to you, millennials. It's great that you and your mom are close, but when it comes time to meet a recruiter, you can manage on your own. You're not a child anymore!
Your dog/cat/hamster: A former American Eagle hiring manager told the story on CNBC of a woman who brought her cat to the interview. She placed the animal in a cage on the desk, then couldn't stop playing with it during the interview. The recruiter still can't believe it.
Your phone: You can obviously have your phone with you, but please turn it off and keep it in your pocket. If you can't go an hour without glancing at your phone, you probably don't deserve to get this job. In fact, chances are you won't get it.
Coffee: The recruiter may offer you some, but don't bring your own. You could spill it, and there may not be a trash can or recycling bin when you want to get rid of it. A water bottle is okay, but it's best not to bring your own drink.
A competitor's product: This article in the Wall Street Journal tells the story of a candidate who showed up at Pepsi with a Dasani water bottle (a Coke product). He didn't get the job. This kind of mistake shows the employer that you haven't done your homework on their company. Similarly, don't bring your Starbucks coffee to your interview at Tim Hortons (unless you want to discuss the competition.)
Fifty Shades of Grey: Don't bring reading material that might make you look unprofessional or immature. Leave the gossip magazines and erotic novels at home!
Your shopping: Your shampoo was on sale at the pharmacy and you couldn't resist buying 3 bottles before going to your interview. The problem is that you're sending the recruiter the message that you don't care that much about the interview. You want to give the impression that you really want the job; the bargains can wait.
Food: A recruiter shared this anecdote about a candidate who ate her lunch during a video interview. She wasn't hired. Whether it's an in-person meeting or a video conference, act the same way. Be prepared and professional. Eat before going to the interview.
In the end, you want to present a clear and simple image of yourself, uncluttered and without grocery bags, coffee, cats or parents. Bring only the essentials and give your full attention to the recruiter and the interview.
Elizabeth Bromstein.
Workopolis.com
Posted March 17, 2015.
