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9 Things To Bring To An Interview With Recruiters

What is one thing a candidate should bring with them for an interview with recruiters?

To help candidates prepare for an interview with recruiters, we asked business leaders and recruiting professionals this question for their best advice. From resume copies to a pen and notepad, there are several things to bring to an interview that will help you be prepared and professional in front of recruiters.

Here are nine things to bring to an interview with recruiters:

 

  • Additional Copies of Your Resume
  • Questions for Recruiters
  • Examples of Your Best Work
  • References
  • Goals and Preferences
  • Your Phone
  • Water and More Water
  • A Well Crafted 90 Second Introduction
  • Pen and Notepad

 

Additional Copies of Your Resume

It’s always good to be and look prepared. This is why you need to bring hard copies of your resume with you for any interview. Even if you know you sent a copy to the recruiter, they may not have it right in front of them when they meet you. Give one copy of your resume to the recruiter at the start of the interview, and have another one you can look at to answer any questions they might have.

Jon Schneider, Recruiterie

 

Questions for Recruiters 

In addition to copies of your resume, bring along notecards with questions you want to ask recruiters. Asking informed, relevant questions can show you’ve done your homework and that you’re serious about getting a position with a particular company. Yes, be prepared to answer many questions, but recruiters expect a bit of give and take. Be prepared to ask many questions, too.

Ryan Nouis, TruPath

 

Examples of Your Best Work

When an applicant is interviewing with recruiters, it’s important to showcase your best work. If you’re in a creative niche, bring your portfolio, or provide a link to a digital portfolio. If you work in marketing or sales, bring data that illustrates how your strategies affected a company’s ROI. Be prepared, and ready to prove why you are the best candidate for them to work with.

Lauren Kleinman, The Quality Edit

 

References

Candidates should have reference letters with them when meeting recruiters and heading to job fairs. The references do not have to be long or overdone, just a quick synopsis of what you were able to achieve and what past employers said of your work. It is great to hand over to interviewers for them to review right on the spot.

Michael Jankie, Natural Patch

 

Your Goals and Preferences

While it’s important to present yourself professionally when meeting with a recruiter, you should bring your true self in terms of your career goals. If you want to be fulfilled in your professional life, you have to be able to let the recruiter know what you like and do not like in a work environment, as well as what skillsets you are primarily interested in using. Come to the interview prepared with this information so that you can help the recruiter help you.

Joaquín Roca, Minerva

 

Keep Your Phone at the Ready

Bring your phone. More specifically, bring your phone ready with links to all of the documents you submit in a job application – resume, cover letter, portfolio, etc. Physical copies are helpful too, but that’s standard procedure to bring. You want to stand out. Being able to shoot them a quick text or email with those attached at the start of the interview, so they can pull it up on their phone or laptop if they hadn’t yet, makes you stand out as understanding, tech-savvy, and prepared. Recruiters are crazy busy, and assisting them in mundane tasks so they can focus on what’s important – getting to know you and matching you with the right role – is always noticed and much appreciated. It also strategically allows you to stay in touch afterwards, being at the top of their inbox and mind.

Josh Zywein, Paradox

 

Water and More Water

A bottle of water comes in handy at a job interview. One of the worst things is if you start choking during the interview as a result of a dry throat, and you don’t have anything readily available to drink. Stashing a bottle of water in your purse or briefcase can help save you from such an embarrassing moment. Try to remember to drink it right before the actual interview starts as well to make sure your voice is as lubricated as possible. It may also help reduce your nerves.

Sarah Pirrie, Healist Naturals

 

A Well Crafted 90 Second Introduction

Almost every interview starts with some version of, “Tell me about yourself.” Every candidate should be prepared with an impactful 90-second elevator pitch. The best introductions are clear, practiced, and don’t include any rambling. This is the perfect time to make a great first impression and you can end with why you are relevant for the specific role. It sets a great tone for the rest of the interview!

Logan Mallory, Motivosity

 

Bring a Pen and Notepad With You

A pen and notepad are necessities when meeting with recruiters. It’s important to take notes of the important points that are discussed. You’ll also want to have a pen to fill out any paperwork that may be given to you. Having these items creates the impression that you are organized and well prepared for the interview

Chris Thompson, Backdoor Survival