What to Bring with You to an Interview

Thorough preparation for your interview is a must-follow tip to land up in your dream job. Given the competition prevailing in every field, you can't afford to be casual in your attitude while going for interviews.

Returning empty handed, without the offer letter, just because of some trivial mistake which could have been avoided with little preparation from your side can be frustrating. So it is best to know what to carry with you to an interview so that you can avoid any guilt of failure later.

If you have been brilliant in the written exams or tests conducted before the interview but you're taking the interview lousily, it can lead to rejection. Many candidates, even those with great potential are often rejected in the interview just because they miss on some crucial pointers during the interview phase.

Some basic things that must be carried to a job interview are:

• Your Resume: It is the simplest and most crucial document you're expected to carry to an interview. You miss this (which generally people never do) and you bury your chances of selection. 

Your employer informs you way before the scheduled job interview as to what you need to bring in the interview. If you're asked to bring five copies of your resume, ensure that you bring five of them, not a single less.

• Copy of References: What you speak matters in the interview, but referrals about your past work, in the form of properly written and signed letters also count a lot. Don't forget to attach relevant references in your resume. 

Employers generally gauge your past performance and they will even ask questions regarding your past work. If you have references with respect to your credentials, it is an added advantage.

• Duly Filled Job Application Form: Employers send an application form along with the interview call letter. You're expected to fill the application form honestly & take it along with other documents on the day of your interview. Don't forget to bring the duly filled application form as an unfilled 1 casts a bad impression on your prospective employer.

• A Pen: Though it looks silly to include a pen in this list, it is very much in the list of essentials you should have when you're going for an interview. You may be required to complete certain forms, or sign certain documents at the interview. You might be required to use a pen during your interview. 

Asking the interviewer for a pen can leave a bad impression about you, on him. So make sure you carry a pen or two with you.

Apart from the above mentioned documents, there are some other important documents that one must carry to an interview. Here are some of these important documents candidates often forget.

Work Experience Letter: You have worked in a company before and it is a major selection criterion for your current job interview, don't forget to take a work experience letter. Forgetting the call letter will again leave a poor impression on the employer.

Your work experience letter will represent to the employer that you have great confidence in presenting your abilities to them.

Crucial Certifications: If you have some impressive certifications, diplomas or degrees, it is a great way to stand out. Do carry your achievement certificates, be it any field. Ensure that those achievements are at a level where you had to face stiff competition in winning the laurels.

Identity Proofs: In some, on-the-spot job offers, you may be recruited directly. If you are asked to complete other formalities of joining the office, carrying a social security card can help you.

Similarly, keeping driver's licenses, few photographs of yourself will help in casting a good impression on the employer. It will show your willingness to join work early and start working.

Besides these things that are a must to bring to your interview, you should not forget to be equipped with all the tips and come prepared on other fronts as well. That includes coming in the right attire, preparing for the different interview questions that may be asked and 'wearing' the right attitude.

With the right mind set, good body language and positive attitude, you will be able to perform brilliantly in the interview. Just remember to do a check of 'what to bring with you to a job interview', a day or two before your D-day. This will help you get that job!