What to bring to an interview.

Running Bing

Just a quick query. I have sent a cv to a prospective employer. Should I take some hard copies with me as well? Is it alright if I jusy bring these in an envelope or does that look a bit unprofessional? Thanks.

Ruu_Old

Always a good idea to bring a few copies just incase I have found. I just have a small folder to keep them in, an envelope is okay.

Tom Dunne

Personally, I've found bringing stuff an interview only gets in the way, especially when shaking hands at the very start. You may also be tempted to fidget, which won't look good.

copacetic

I wouldn't bring a copy, it can look like you need to check what you wrote. Might give the impression that there is dubious info in there. Bringing a small folder and leaving it in there is your best bet if you really want to have it with you. Far better to review what was in the CV you sent for this specific job beforehand.

Wishbone Ash

On the same topic, is it acceptable to bring a smart folder displaying certificates of qualifications/courses/achievements etc. My wife thinks that it is now considered outdated.

Any opinions?

copacetic

Wishbone Ash wrote:

On the same topic, is it acceptable to bring a smart folder displaying certificates of qualifications/courses/achievements etc. My wife thinks that it is now considered outdated.

Any opinions?

I wouldn't expect someone to bring in something like this, if their CV indicated specific courses etc, may check them with refs or look for copies of them before starting but would take the CV at it's word until ready to make an offer.
Wouldn't say it isn't acceptable either but wouldn't ask to see them so you would have to offer which seems a bit weird at an interview. It's assumed your CV is true, feeling the need to prove it may imply there is a question over it?

Only thing I have looked for people to bring is examples of work if their job needs a certain std. eg a gui designer might be asked to bring screenshots or a board designer might be asked to bring some sample work.

leeroybrown

I typically print out a couple of copies of the CV I applied with and put each one in an envelope in my inside jacket pocket. They stay there unless the interviewer asks if I have a copy. TBH, I don't expect to be asked for them but I've always done it. Apart from that I don't bring anything as I don't want any clutter and I should already be prepared for the interview.

I wouldn't bring any certs, courses, etc as I would expect the qualification check to be after the interview if they were interested in employing me. The obvious exception that has already been mentioned is portfolio work if it is that type of job.

I went to college with a couple of guys who did particularly impressive final year projects and brought a professionally bound copy to graduate job interviews.

r3nu4l

I always ask the candidate for a copy of a CV, even if I have one sitting in front of me.

Firstly, it's a test, it shows me how prepared the candidate is and how far they may have thought ahead.

Secondly, if the CV they give me is different to the one I have then it gives me something new to think about. It may mean that they tailor their CV to suit the job application, which is a good sign to me. It may also mean that they have updated it, keeping it fresh, also a good sign.

If they don't have a copy, it doesn't go against them but having one is a plus.

Also, I like ot see candidates with a notepad and pen, asking me questions as well and taking notes.

Borzoi

r3nu4l wrote:

Firstly, it's a test, it shows me how prepared the candidate is and how far they may have thought ahead......If they don't have a copy, it doesn't go against them but having one is a plus.

Also, I like ot see candidates with a notepad and pen, asking me questions as well and taking notes.

Agreed on all points.

The other thing is that agencies invariably butcher CVs, so having the one direct from the candidate can make a very good impresion. Though overly formated on fancy paper etc, can make a bad impression too. Graduates should always bring their final year thesis, it's the best example of work they have, and it is definietly something to talk about

Tom Dunne

Wishbone Ash wrote:

On the same topic, is it acceptable to bring a smart folder displaying certificates of qualifications/courses/achievements etc. My wife thinks that it is now considered outdated.

Any opinions?

Not in my experience.

I the last couple of interviews I went to, I was asked to bring the originals of my qualifications to the employer after the interview. The HR person would then verify they are real and would copy them.

I suppose the logic being they only want copies of qualifications from people they are interested in, rather than everyone they interview.

copacetic

r3nu4l wrote:

I always ask the candidate for a copy of a CV, even if I have one sitting in front of me.

Firstly, it's a test, it shows me how prepared the candidate is and how far they may have thought ahead.

Secondly, if the CV they give me is different to the one I have then it gives me something new to think about. It may mean that they tailor their CV to suit the job application, which is a good sign to me. It may also mean that they have updated it, keeping it fresh, also a good sign.

If they don't have a copy, it doesn't go against them but having one is a plus.

Also, I like ot see candidates with a notepad and pen, asking me questions as well and taking notes.

wouldn't you already have the tailored CV from when they applied for the job? and wouldn't it have been recently? tailoring it and 'keeping it fresh' makes no sense at all to me.

does 'even if I have a copy' imply that sometimes you wouldn't?

I guess for the OP it sounds like it is safer to have a copy with you in case you do meet an interviewer who wants it. Maybe it depends on the industry but I've never been asked and never asked anyone.

r3nu4l

daveym wrote:

wouldn't you already have the tailored CV from when they applied for the job? and wouldn't it have been recently? tailoring it and 'keeping it fresh' makes no sense at all to me.

No, sometimes I get a copy very different to the one I was sent. It gives me a chance to put the interviewee on the spot. Sometimes it's obvious that they have accidentally given me the wrong copy, an indication of lack of organisation which I explore later with other questions.

If they also indicate lack of preparedness, then the candidate may not be suitable for the job. Simple enough really!

A candidate who has updated a CV to indicate a new qualification or a recent achievement within the time from sending me their CV and receiving an interview indicates an excellent level of organisation.

Win/win either way really

daveym wrote:

does 'even if I have a copy' imply that sometimes you wouldn't?

No. I always have a copy but won't have it visible to the candidate in the first instance, therefore when I ask for a copy of the CV and he/she sees a blank desk in front of them I like to see how they react. My business involves a lot of face-to-face client meetings and an ability to think on your feet and react quickly but without panic. This is just another test to get to know the candidate.

daveym wrote:

I guess for the OP it sounds like it is safer to have a copy with you in case you do meet an interviewer who wants it. Maybe it depends on the industry but I've never been asked and never asked anyone.

All industries differ, in my industry the client expects you to be able to pull a kitchen sink out of your arse* should they need one :rolleyes: therefore I expect candidates to be aware of this and produce one from their arses* when asked


*not literally folks :rolleyes:

Wishbone Ash

leeroybrown wrote:

I wouldn't bring any certs, courses, etc as I would expect the qualification check to be after the interview if they were interested in employing me

tom dunne wrote:

I the last couple of interviews I went to, I was asked to bring the originals of my qualifications to the employer after the interview. The HR person would then verify they are real and would copy them.

Just to clarify lads re. certificates of courses/extra qualifications etc. I'll be doing an internal interview shortly for a promoted position within the same organisation. I have done a few extra courses myself that not necessary for the position but may be advantageous to me and may show initiative. Many other candidates will not have any similar additional qualifications.

My primary qualification are experience are the only necessary prerequisites for the position and I and my track record will be known to the interview panel.