Remember my first big interview? I showed up with just my phone and wallet. The hiring manager asked for my references list and I completely blanked. Had to scribble numbers on a napkin like some amateur. Never again. Let's make sure that doesn't happen to you.
Knowing exactly what to bring to an interview separates the prepared candidates from the scrambling ones. After helping hundreds of job seekers and conducting dozens of interviews myself, I've nailed down exactly what matters. Forget those generic lists - we're diving into real-world scenarios where having the right item saved the day.
The Non-Negotiable Essentials
These aren't just "nice-to-haves" - they're career lifesavers. Miss one and you're starting with a handicap.
| Item | Quantity | Why You Need It | Real-Life Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resume Copies | 5+ | Panel interviews happen unexpectedly | My client Mark had 3 extra interviewers join last minute |
| Reference Sheet | 2 copies | Prevents memory blanks under pressure | Saved me when my mind went blank during a finance interview |
| Portfolio/Work Samples | Physical + digital | Shows evidence of claims | Helped Sarah land her design job when tech failed |
| Pen + Notepad | 2 pens + small notebook | Taking notes shows engagement | My notes helped me recall key points for thank you email |
Print resumes on quality paper (24lb weight). Feels substantial when handed across the table. I learned this after my flimsy resume practically floated to the floor during an important handoff.
The Reference Sheet Breakdown
Don't just list names - include full context:
- Full name and professional title
- Current company and phone number
- Relationship context ("Managed me 2019-2021 at XYZ Corp")
- One achievement you accomplished together
I once forgot to update a reference's phone number. They called the old number during the interview. Awkward silence followed by frantic phone tree navigation. Not ideal.
Industry-Specific Gear
What to take to an interview varies wildly by field. Generic advice fails here.
Creative Roles (Design, Writing, Marketing)
| Item | Purpose | Pro Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Tablet/Portfolio | Show dynamic work samples | Load files OFFLINE - Wi-Fi fails |
| Process Documentation | Show how you think | Sketchbooks > polished decks for authenticity |
Tech Roles (Developers, Engineers)
| Item | Purpose | Pro Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop + Charger | Coding tests/demos | Pre-install all required environments |
| Whiteboard Markers | Technical diagrams | Bring multiple colors - companies often provide dried-out markers |
Hospitality/Retail
Many overlook these:
- Food handlers card (laminated copy)
- Shift availability calendar
- Small stain remover pen (for uniform mishaps)
My friend Jamie brought her food handlers card to a cafe interview. The competitor didn't. Guess who started training next day?
The Emergency Kit Most Forget
This separate pouch lives in my interview bag permanently:
Physical Items:
Breath mints (NOT gum), lint roller, stain stick, oil-blotting sheets, phone power bank, tweezers (for rogue threads), travel toothbrush, $20 cash
Digital Backups:
USB drive with work samples, cloud links printed on card, offline copies of key documents
Two weeks ago, I spilled coffee on my shirt walking into a downtown high-rise. The stain stick saved what could've been a disastrous start. Worth its weight in gold.
What NOT to Bring to an Interview
Seen too many candidates sabotage themselves:
| Item | Why It Hurts You | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Full coffee cup | Spills and shaking hands | Drink before entering |
| Multiple phones | Looks suspicious/unprofessional | Single silenced device |
| Strong perfume/cologne | Triggers allergies/distractions | Subtle or none at all |
| Parents/friends | Appears immature | Solo arrival always |
True story: Candidate brought his emotional support dog without asking. The hiring manager had severe allergies. Meeting lasted 90 seconds. Don't be that person.
Behavioral Interview Prep Tools
If you're wondering what to bring to an interview beyond physical items - mental prep matters more.
- PAR Method Cheatsheet: Problem-Action-Result stories
- Company Research Notes: Recent news/products with your ideas
- Questions List: Minimum 5 substantive questions
I create a "battle plan" document with:
| Section | Content | My Example |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | 3 with measurable proof | "Increased engagement 37% via..." |
| Weaknesses | 1 genuine + improvement plan | "Previously struggled with..." |
| Salary Range | Researched market rates | Glassdoor/industry reports |
Handling Special Interview Formats
Virtual Interviews
What to bring to a video interview differs:
- External webcam (laptop cameras suck)
- Portable ring light
- Hard-wired Ethernet connection
- Physical notes just off-camera
Lunch/Dinner Interviews
The hidden test:
- Breath mints (placed order? excuse yourself)
- Small notebook that fits on lap
- Credit card (always offer to pay your share)
Pro tip: Order easy-to-eat foods. Spaghetti bolognese during a discussion about quarterly projections? Bad call. Saw it happen.
Post-Interview Must-Dos
Your job isn't done when you leave:
| Item | Timing | Execution Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Thank You Email | Within 24 hours | Reference specific conversation points |
| Follow-up Samples | If promised | Add value beyond original ask |
| LinkedIn Connection | After 3 days | Personalize invite with interview reference |
I send thank-you emails same day while details are fresh. Once referenced a joke about office dogs - became talking point for weeks.
Real Candidate Horror Stories
Learn from others' mistakes:
The Forgotten Charger: "My laptop died mid-presentation. Had to finish sketching ideas on napkins. Didn't get the job."
The Coffee Catastrophe: "Spilled latte all over my suit minutes before interview. No backup shirt. Spent 45 minutes in stained clothes."
The Name Blunder: "Called manager 'Susan' entire interview. Her name was Sarah. Found out from receptionist walking out."
Your Interview Bag Checklist
Print this and physically check items:
- ☐ 5+ Resume copies (quality paper)
- ☐ Reference list with context
- ☐ Portfolio/work samples
- ☐ Company research notes
- ☐ Questions list (min. 5)
- ☐ Pen + professional notebook
- ☐ Charged phone + power bank
- ☐ Emergency kit (mints/stain remover)
- ☐ Directions/contact person info
Common Questions About What to Bring to an Interview
Should I bring my own water bottle?
Yes but keep it simple. No giant colorful tumblers. Clear or professional-looking bottle. Avoid constant sipping - it becomes distracting.
How many copies of my resume should I bring?
Minimum three even for one interviewer. Often they'll pass to others or keep one for notes. I bring five after being caught short.
Is it unprofessional to bring a backpack?
Not if organized and professional-looking. Messenger bags work too. Just avoid overstuffed tourist packs or loud designs.
Should I bring printed references or just a list?
Full letters seem desperate. Clean one-page reference list with contact info is perfect. Save letters for when requested.
What about bringing gifts?
Hard no. Feels like bribery. Save gifts for after you're hired and know team preferences.
Final Reality Check
Over-preparation beats under any day. Last month I lugged my heavy portfolio across town in 90° heat. Sweaty? Yes. But when their AV system crashed, my physical samples saved the presentation. Got the offer next morning.
What you decide to take to an interview signals how seriously you take this opportunity. Forget something essential? They'll assume you'll forget important work details too. Every item in your bag should answer one question: "Does this help prove I'm the solution to their problems?"
The confident candidate isn't the one with perfect answers - it's the one who knows exactly where their reference list is when asked. That calm assurance? That's what bags full of intentional preparation buy you. Now go pack yours.
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