Taking notes into an interview

AlphaMale 3OO

I have an interview coming up with a company who are trying to target their product towards new markets and I have a number of what I think to be good ideas in this regard. I've typed them all out and was going to learn them off for the interview but its time consuming and making me feel like I'm doing exams all over again! I hate that! Would it be acceptable for me to bring my observations into the interview and refer to them if asked such a question?

damnyanks

Well it really depends on what level of detail your notes are. If they are just run of the mill ideas with no research then it probably wont benefit you.

On the other hand if its a marketing / sales strategy or insight into what the market is worth and how it can be targetted etc. etc. (i.e real research) then bring it in. Would show you are serious about it.

AlphaMale 3OO

The market is worth something because they are assembling a team to target it. I have a few suggestions as to how this could be done.

leeroybrown

This is definitely one of those 'it depends' questions. Personally, I'd avoid bringing in the notes if possible because there's probably a reasonable chance that someone there will think that it's a sign of under-preparedness if you need notes (even if the opposite is true). I'd far prefer to be able to talk about it without notes.

nesf

leeroybrown wrote:

This is definitely one of those 'it depends' questions. Personally, I'd avoid bringing in the notes if possible because there's probably a reasonable chance that someone there will think that it's a sign of under-preparedness if you need notes (even if the opposite is true). I'd far prefer to be able to talk about it without notes.

On the flip side if what you've done is thorough enough or detailed enough to require notes then it is definitely a chance to show that you really want this position.

It's a matter of personal judgement really but if you're bringing them in then they need to have something "special" on them rather than just something that one would expect from someone in the business, if you know what I mean.

AlphaMale 3OO

Yeah I completely know what you mean. Some good replies there thanks. I still have the weekend to decide anyway!

amen

what is to stop them taking your ideas at interview and using the ideas themselves and not give you the job?

AlphaMale 3OO

amen wrote:

what is to stop them taking your ideas at interview and using the ideas themselves and not give you the job?

Thats what I'm scared of and for that reason I'm wondering how to approach this interview. Do I give them great ideas in an effort to get the job or do I hold back a little. They are a major International brand so I wouldn't put it past them.

Rhonda9000

How obvious are these ideas to somebody in the industry already?

Are they general methodologies you think would be ideal to apply to the business or groundbreaking new ideas of your own? If the former they would be glad to hear your opinion I'm sure (and its just a logical idea already out there noone can really steal). If they are groundbreaking better to keep to yourself- of course unless there is no other way of making money from same. Also don't you think that if you are obviously the one churning out the ideas in front of them, they will want you to join the team and continue providing innovative solutions?

AlphaMale 3OO

Ok great advice from everyone, I just learned off the ideas didnt bring the notes in. I've been given a second interview which is good news but they say it'll be a more detailed interview this time round. I feel I've played most of my cards in accentuating my strengths/weaknesses, anyone suggest how I can hammer the point home second time round in a different way? I know this is kind of a general question.