Create your own marketing toolkit to build up your personal brand.
As cliché as it is, we cannot deny the fact that first impressions last.
Your first interview will be an opportunity for you to impress the employer. Because of this, you need to be fully prepared. Do you know what you need on interview day?
Should you take something with you besides your cover letter and resume?
Before we talk about that, let’s discuss the reasons why you would want to bring anything at all.
Why Bring Something?
It is important to look and act like a professional when you enter the interview room. Giving the impression that you’ve really thought about the meeting and that you’ve gathered your support documentation can help you stand out.
At the same time, bringing those materials with you is a great way to remind you of what to talk about during the meeting. It also helps you stay focused on what you want to share.
What Should You Bring
Consider taking these materials with you to the interview:
- Requested paperwork by the prospective employer
- Additional resume copies
- Reference list with contact information
- Portfolio of your past work or any evidence of your work capabilities
- Past performance reviews
- Recommendation letters (including your LinkedIn printouts)
Place these documents in a nice folder and insert your personal contact card into the front card slot to make everything look more professional.
When to Share Your Materials
Make sure to leave your materials for the prospective employer to review after the interview. These materials can help build your personal brand and may even increase your chances of getting hired.
If you can, introduce the items during the meeting like visual aids to help state your points organically. Tell your interviewer or interviewers what you’ve done. (Don’t just talk about who you are as an employee.)
Use these tips to help you better prepare for your next job interview.
