What to Take With You to a Graduate Job Interview
Have you got a graduate job interview coming up? First impressions happen very quickly during the interview process hence, why the most important step to securing a job is interview preparation, this will make you feel more confident during the interview. We understand that graduate interviews can be daunting, the list of things below will help you know what to take with you to your graduate interview:
1. Job description
You would have received the graduate job specification before the interview, make sure you take a copy of the job description with you as if need be you can glance over it for reference.
2. CV
Most companies expect you to take a copy of your CV to the interview, in some cases, you may have more than one person interviewing you so it is wise to take more than one copy, therefore, you would need to be prepared and print off enough, so they have one each. It is acceptable to have a copy of your CV in front of you also just for reference as you discuss your skills and experience.
3. References, Qualifications, and UCAS points
Most people write on their CV “references available on request” – which is okay, however, it’s worth bringing your references and their details with you to your interview. This will save time for the interviewer later on and will also show off how keen you are to progress with the process of interviewing with the company. Make sure that the references are not related to you and are reliable for providing details of your skills and competencies. You will need to print off the references with their name and contact details on – this is usually a phone number and an email address. Along with references, you will also need to take qualifications and UCAS points that you have achieved as the employer will ask to see these.
4. Pen and notepad
It may seem unusual, however, having a pen and paper to hand shows the prospective employers you are organised and prepared. Whilst discussing with the interviewer you may think of a question that you would like to ask, therefore, you can write the question down to ask at the end of the interview. Taking a pen and notepad means you can also make notes about what the interviewer tells you, this will help you come across like a person who is going to take the position seriously. Depending on the role of the job some may require you to answer difficult questions that would require in you to take notes in order to answer effectively.
5. Questions
It can be tricky to think of questions, so, being prepared will save you the awkwardness of going blank when the potential employer asks “is there anything you would like to ask us?” asking the prospective employer a few questions will show that you have thought about the position and considered your career with the company. You should never ask questions based around pay or staff benefits. The company will understand everyone wants to earn a good salary however at this stage of the process you need to focus on the role and company rather than “what’s in it for you!”
6. Portfolio and Previous Work
Depending on what the role is that you have applied for, you may need to take a portfolio with samples of your previous work or examples of a relevant project you have worked on. You will have to be prepared to discuss your work, especially if the role is in the creative industry. Taking portfolio cases to a job interview will only solidify why you are a perfect fit for the role.
7. Folder/briefcase
As you will be taking papers with you, in order to keep the papers altogether and neatly organised you will need a folder, briefcase or bag. This will also show the employer that you are prepared on the day when you are getting work out to show them. Putting all the documents together in one folder will also mean that you won’t leave anything behind that you were planning on taking with you.
Conclusion
In most cases, the organisation will have enough information to make their decision. In some situations, you may be invited back to the organisation for a second interview, prepare for this interview just the same as the first interview just because you have been invited back doesn’t mean you can be more casual. The only difference may be that the company have tasked you with a job to complete and present at the interview.
Don’t worry if you don’t get the job, ask the recruiter for feedback, therefore, you will know what areas to improve on for future interviews. We wish you all the best with your interview process.
