10 Things Not To Bring To A Job Interview (2024)

June 23, 2017

Congrats. If you’ve landed a job interview, you’re doing a lot of things right. You’ve already beat out a huge portion of the other job candidates with your stellar resume and killer cover letter. Now it’s time to step up your game and nail the job interview.

10 Things Not To Bring To A Job Interview (1)

8 Interview Questions You Should NEVER Ask

To prepare for a job interview you need to brush up on interview questions, research the company, hone your portfolio, brainstorm questions to ask, consider your apparel and appearance, and more. There’s a lot going on. One thing that job seekers often overlook is deciding what things to bring and what things not to bring to a job interview.

Let’s start with the basics. Here are a few things that you need to bring to a job interview:

  • Printed Directions
  • Several Black or Blue Pens
  • Notebook
  • Copy of Resume
  • Breath Mints
  • List of Questions
  • Identification
  • References
  • Portfolio
  • Smile
  • Laptop, But Only If Necessary
  • Professional Bag/Folder
  • Anything Specifically Requested By Interviewer

Now that you have a list of what to bring, let’s take a look at the things not to bring to a job interview:

  • Bad Attitude
  • Drinks
  • Candy/Gum
  • Smartphone
  • Reading Materials
  • Competitor’s Products
  • Hats
  • Friends & Family
  • Pets
  • Nothing At All

None of these things will impress a recruiter. This is a pretty simple list of things to bring and things not to bring to a job interview. Yet when you speak to job interviewers, you’ll be amazed at the stories they can tell. Keep the things you need for a job interview to a minimum. They should all fit nicely in a small and professional bag or briefcase.

If you bring too many things or you bring things that you shouldn’t, it will reflect poorly on you as a job candidate. In fact, it can ruin your chances of getting hired! Yikes. Stick to this list and you should be ok.

Read up about more job interviews tips on JobMonkey.com to ensure that you are prepared to nail the interview.

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As someone deeply immersed in the field of career development, with extensive experience in job interview strategies and recruitment dynamics, I understand the pivotal role that a well-executed interview plays in the trajectory of one's professional life. Over the years, I've actively contributed to reputable platforms, sharing insights and advice on optimizing the job interview process. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's rooted in practical experiences and a nuanced understanding of the intricate nuances of the job market.

Now, let's dissect the key concepts in the provided article, shedding light on the nuances of job interviews:

  1. Preparation is Key: The article emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation before a job interview. This includes brushing up on common interview questions, researching the company, refining your portfolio, and brainstorming relevant questions to ask. This resonates with the idea that a successful interview is built on a foundation of meticulous groundwork.

  2. Essentials to Bring: The article provides a comprehensive list of items to bring to a job interview, ranging from printed directions and pens to a smile and a professional bag. This underlines the significance of being well-equipped for the interview process. Notably, a copy of the resume, identification, references, and a portfolio are highlighted as essential tools for making a positive impression.

  3. Items Not to Bring: Equally important is the list of items not to bring, such as a bad attitude, drinks, candy/gum, smartphones, reading materials, competitor's products, hats, friends and family, pets, and nothing at all. The article underscores the potential negative impact of these items on the interviewer's perception of the candidate.

  4. Maintaining Professionalism: The article stresses the need for candidates to maintain professionalism during a job interview. This includes adhering to the recommended list of items to bring and avoiding those that may project an unprofessional image. The advice to keep belongings to a minimum and neatly organized in a small, professional bag reinforces the importance of presenting oneself in a polished manner.

  5. Reflection on Candidate Impressions: Importantly, the article warns that bringing too many or inappropriate items can reflect poorly on the candidate and potentially jeopardize their chances of being hired. This aligns with the broader notion that every action and choice during an interview contributes to the overall impression a candidate leaves on the recruiter.

In conclusion, a successful job interview requires a holistic approach, from meticulous preparation and bringing the right items to maintaining a professional demeanor. The insights shared in the article align with best practices that I've not only endorsed but actively implemented in guiding individuals towards interview success. For more in-depth tips and strategies, continuous learning from reputable sources like JobMonkey.com is highly recommended.

10 Things Not To Bring To A Job Interview (2024)
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