The present piece draws on that fifteen-year-old memory to provide a methodical checklist of the items every candidate should bring to an interview, regardless of the position or level of responsibility. Though the specifics may vary slightly from field to field or firm to firm, the overarching principle remains the same: proactive preparation and proper organization enhance the impression you convey from the moment you walk through the door.
The following items should occupy a dedicated folder, portfolio, or handbag that is large enough to hold documents flat but portable enough to carry comfortably. Begin with at least three freshly printed versions of your résumé: one for the interviewer, another for any additional panel members, and a third for yourself to consult during the discussion. Include a tailored cover letter, if requested in the job description, and any other documentation—such as transcripts, portfolios, or certifications—that the employer expressly mentioned. Keeping these items in a protective sleeve keeps them presentable and prevents a red-faced scramble for a spare résumé if the interviewer asks for one shortly after you enter the room.
Throughout my professional journey, which has included countless interviews both as applicant and as evaluator, I have continually refined a systematic approach to pre-interview preparation. The strategy I now offer is the product of direct experience combined with cumulative insights from peers and mentees who, like myself, have both felt the anxiety of facing an interview board and later been the board. The checklist that follows is the distillation of that experience and is intended to assist any candidate in delivering the strongest possible performance in the interview spotlight.
Table of Contents
- The Weight of Preparation: More Than Mere Details
- Indispensable Documents for Every Interview
- Tangible Items: What to Carry, What to Leave
- Digital Equivalents and Contingency Supports
- Role-Specific Additions: When the Field Requires More
- Exclusions: Things Unwise to Introduce
- The Packing List to Review the Night Before
- Contingency Gear: Unlikely But Essential
- Virtual Interviews: Adjacent Technologies and Protocols
- The Day-Before and Day-Of Final Checks
- Responses to Common Clarifications
The Weight of Preparation: More Than Mere Details
When I survey interview candidates and inquire about what to bring, the uniform reply is typically a printed copy of the curriculum vitae. While the CV occupies an important place, my tenure as an interviewer has taught me that thorough preparation communicates much more than the contents of that single document. A carefully selected portfolio of supports signals, in the quiet language of professionalism, that a candidate respects both the process and the evaluators. Employers, my research shows, consistently prize the blend of reliability, organizational skill, and nuanced attention to context that thorough packing, sequencing, and behavioral rehearsal convey, often above the specific content of the qualifications being discussed.
The Psychology of Preparation
Employers quickly recognize when applicants arrive well-prepared—and the impression lasts beyond the meeting. Preparation communicates several dimensions of character:
- You value the opportunity and the company.
- You demonstrate strong organizational and analytical skills.
- You show respect for the interviewer’s limited time.
- You reveal authentic enthusiasm for the position.
In one semester I interviewed for a marketing role two candidates of equal academic standing. The first brought multiple copies of a meticulously organized portfolio, crafted, and printed statistical reports, and a prepared list of insightful, context-driven questions. The second arrived empty-handed, apologized repeatedly, and struggled to reference his achievements. The decision was instantaneous.
The Cost of Being Unprepared
Arriving empty-handed incurs costs that ripple beyond the hour of discussion:
- Diminished credibility when, despite a promise, you cannot produce requested materials.
- Forgone chances to illustrate your achievements and how they map onto the company’s needs.
- Amplified anxiety, which resonates throughout your speech and body language.
- Difficult-to-repair first impressions that linger in a hiring committee meeting.
Essential Documents Every Candidate Needs
To mitigate these risks, candidates must include a core set of documents in the interview portfolio, irrespective of industry or seniority.
Essential Preparation Materials
1. Curriculum Vitae – Multiple Copies (6 to 8 Minimum)
The CV remains the single most vital document to carry to any interview. Even when the institution has already received your version, supplemental copies are still required. This precaution accounts for the unanticipated arrival of additional panel members. I recommend a minimum of six identical copies. While redundancy may seem unnecessary, lacking a single document during a decisive moment is a greater risk.
2. Personalized Cover Letter
Accompany your CV with multiple instances of the revised cover letter. Certain interviewers may choose to reference the letter during discussion, and presenting a copy at that moment reinforces the impression that considerable care has been given to the entire application.
3. Professional References List
Prepare a separate document that includes three to four professional contacts. The entry for each reference should contain:
- Full name and current job title
- Organization name
- Contact phone number and email address
- Nature of acquaintance and duration
- Concise description of your collaborative work
4. Portfolio or Work Samples
The requirement for work samples varies by discipline; select and present your strongest pieces:
- Creative fields: Curated design artifacts, published writing, advertising campaign overviews
- Technical fields: Snippets of code, complete project documentation, architectural diagrams
- Sales capacities: Summary of sales achievements, highlights of key campaigns, endorsements from satisfied clients
- Leadership functions: Records of team milestones, documented procedural reforms, measurable performance indicators
Legal and Administrative Documentation
5. Identification Documents
- State-issued photograph identification (driver’s license or passport)
- Documentation confirming authorization to work, if required
- Copies of relevant professional licenses or certifications
6. Academic Credentials
- Copies of university diplomas or certificates
- Documents for professional credentials
- Completion certificates for specialized training
- Unofficial transcripts, if you graduated within the past twelve months
Physical Items and Materials to Bring
In addition to paper documentation, consider storage and presentation tools that leave a favorable impression:
Professional Organization
7. High-Quality Folder or Portfolio Case
Select a durable leather or well-constructed fabric portfolio that possesses the following characteristics:
- Accommodates all printed materials without creasing or bending
- Projects a refined and professional aesthetic
8. Writing Instruments and Notepad
Carry the following items at all times:
Minimum of two pens—preferably black or blue ink and of a consistent brand to ensure even ink flow. Quality Notepad or Notebook—preferably bound and professional in appearance. Avoid using pens that have been chewed or ink cartridges that appear depleted. Ruled or dot-grid pages are recommended to facilitate legible note-taking.
9. Business Cards (If Available)
If you have business cards in professional design, include a small stack—no more than five. They are not strictly required, but their presence conveys attention to detail and provides a convenient method for interviewers to reference your contact information after the meeting. Ensure that cards are free of bends or smudges.
10. Watch
Select a classic, professional watch or mark your phone for easy access. Being able to discreetly check the time, without unlatching a bag, conveys the management of your schedule, an important consideration in interview etiquette. The addition of a watch enhances the overall formal appearance of the outfit.
11. Breath Mints or Gum
Stow a small, discreet container of mints or a single stick of gum in your pocket. Use these before entering the interview space and discard the gum immediately. Chewing gum while speaking is deemed unprofessional, while mints, when used appropriately, can ensure freshness without disrupting flow.
12. Tissues
Carry a compact, resealable packet of tissues. Employment interviews coincide with public environments and the flu season, making a discreet reply to a cough or sneeze courteous to both the interviewer and yourself. Ensure the tissues are soft to avoid leaving residue on either face or hand.
Digital Preparation and Backup Plans
In the contemporary job market, thorough candidate readiness now extends into the digital realm.
Digital Backups
13. Mobile Device with Digital Copies
Compile a comprehensive digital folder on your phone containing:
- Scanned PDF versions of your CV and cover letter
- Clear photographs of degrees, licenses, and other credentials
- Digital clips of your portfolio, if typified by images or design files
- Complete contact information for each of your references
14. Cloud-Storage Accessibility
Verify access to essential files via:
- Leading cloud platforms, such as Google Drive or Dropbox
- Your professional email account
- An up-to-date LinkedIn profile that reflects your current skills and accomplishments
15. Device Power and Functionality
- Charge your phone to completion for the day
- Include a lightweight portable charger, especially if the interview format is lengthy
- Prior to the meeting, test any devices or software you plan to demonstrate to confirm functionality
Industry-Specific Items to Consider
Interview essentials diverge sharply across fields. Based on personal experience, consider the following:
Creative Industries
- Graphic Design: A high-quality print portfolio, a laptop equipped with current design software, and a USB flash drive containing a brief selection of your best projects
- Photography: A professionally produced print portfolio, a tablet with high-resolution digital shots, and a box of business cards
- Writing: Copies of published work, a digital or printed writing portfolio, and a notebook dedicated to in-progress ideas and outlines
Technical Roles
- Software Development: Your personal laptop, a folder of code samples, and a one-page printout summarizing your GitHub contributions and repositories
- Engineering: A scientific calculator, neatly organized project documentation, and print copies of any relevant technical certifications
IT Documentation
- Certificate compilations, visualized network architectures, annotated troubleshooting case studies.
Sales and Business Development Artifacts
- Compiled sales performance data, graphically illustrated achievements.
- Curated and anonymized client endorsements.
- Summarized competitive landscape research conducted.
- Inventory of sales enablement platforms and CRMs proficiently utilized.
Healthcare Documentation
- Verified professional licenses and specialist certifications.
- Certificates evidencing ongoing professional development.
- Comprehensive logs of clinical rotations and internships.
- Articulated patient-centered care philosophy.
Finance and Accounting Credentials
- Certified Public Accountant documentation or equivalent qualifications.
- Redacted case studies of financial analyses performed.
- Narrative of incremental process enhancements.
- Summary of regulatory frameworks mastered and compliance audits completed.
Interview Essentials: What to Leave Behind
Knowing what to exclude from an interview is as vital as curating the right documentation:
Prohibited Items
❌ Personal Artifacts
- Family portraits that lack professional relevance.
- Unsealed envelopes or personal correspondence.
- Light literature or magazines better suited to leisure.
- Unpackaged consumables, except in lengthy multi-round settings.
❌ Sensitive Content
- Campaign insignia or politicized literature.
- Religious tokens except for chaplaincy or relevant care roles.
- Anything that risks estranging interview panel.
❌ Disruptive Technology
- Auditory smart accessories persisting in notification.
- Multiple devices vibrating in concert.
- Unconcealed earbuds or headsets.
- Recreational consoles or handhelds.
❌ Casual Presentation
- Unfolded, stained, or creased documentation.
- Inexpensive, malfunctioning writing instruments.
- Informal stationery devoid of letterhead or identity.
- Chewing gum wrappers or trash
Pre-Interview Packing Checklist
My strategy for assembling a successful interview kit is systematic and exhaustive.
The Night Before
- Collect every relevant document and lay them together.
- Print fresh copies; even paper seems to acquire wrinkles in sleep.
- Arrange the portfolio so materials follow a logical thread.
- Connect every battery-powered device and charge to full capacity.
- Select the interviewing outfit and check all pockets for residue.
- Arrange all items across a single surface for morning retrieval.
Morning Of
- Cross-check the gathered materials one last time.
- Test the interview pen; a quiet click at the ready is the goal.
- Consult external conditions and adjust any plans, if required.
- Depart earlier than you estimate, allowing padding for contingencies.
- Silence all notifications or, better, deactivate sound altogether.
30 Minutes Before
- Arrive at the general location early, but remain at a discreet distance.
- Turn pages one last time for comfort and clarity.
- Use the lavatory to conduct a final and unhurried appearance check.
- Place a breath mint discreetly, and endorse its residue-free permission.
- Confirm the phone is in silent mode.
- Cross the main entrance 10 to 15 minutes ahead of your scheduled time.
Emergency Items You Might Need
Prepared candidates include a module of contingencies to marshal when the unexpected appears:
Emergency Kit
- Stain-removal pen, compact; cultivates deterrence of coffee incidents.
- Mini sewing kit (for loose buttons)
- Back-up stockings (for women)
- Extra tie (for men)
- Pain reliever (for sudden headaches)
- Compact comb or small brush
- Travel-sized deodorant
Weather Considerations
- Compact umbrella
- Light jacket (if weather may shift)
- Alternate pair of shoes (if weather may worsen)
Preparing for a Virtual Interview
As remote interviews gain traction, preparation now includes a virtual dimension:
Technical Setup
- Stable internet connection validated before starting
- Functional camera and microphone verified
- Lighting positioned so your face is clearly visible
- Neutral background or prepared virtual backdrop
- Spare device in case the primary fails
Physical Setup
- All essential documents positioned for quick access
- Water glass placed close at hand
- Notepad and pen for follow-up questions or notes
- Phone silenced and positioned out of sight
- “Do Not Disturb” sign placed where family members can see
Last-Minute Preparation Pointers
Drawing on extensive experience on the interview panel and as a candidate, these condensed recommendations focus on packing for the interview:
Show Organized Systems
Arrange your materials so the reviewer sees clear structure:
- Primary documents placed in the outermost pocket
- Backups folded in the back pocket
- Samples in a rigid, easy-access pocket
- Personal items isolated in a narrow side pouch
Quality Over Quantity
Avoid the temptation to carry a full dossier. Instead:
- Tailor materials to the specific position
- Select a few exemplary items
- Include duplicates in case of multiple interviewers, but limit the spread
- Prioritize items that speak directly to the role
Rehearse the Delivery
Practice the sequence until it is instinctive:
- Withdraw sheets in the same order, under the same light
- Summarize each document in a sentence
- Underline high points without reading blocks of text
- Return items to the folder in the same methodical way
Frequently Asked Questions
What core documents belong in every interview folder?
Always include several copies of the CV (6–8 typically), a bespoke cover letter, a pod of professional referees, the relevant portfolio, and a government-issued ID. These show you are organized and serious.
How many copies of my CV should I bring to an interview?
Plan to bring at least six to eight copies of your CV to every interview. The interview panel may consist of multiple evaluators, and having additional copies demonstrates thorough preparation. It is preferable to supply a few extra rather than confront a shortage when a document is needed. The surplus may also be distributed to future interviewers or for reference during follow-up discussions.
Should I bring my phone to a job interview?
You should carry your phone to serve as a backup for digital documents and an emergency communication tool, but it must be set to silent for the duration of the interview. Store digital versions of your CV, samples of your portfolio, and a list of references on your phone, yet do not depend on it as your primary resource. Immediately upon arrival, switch to hard copies for discussion and documentation.
What kind of folder or portfolio should I use?
Select a refined leather or durable fabric portfolio that preserves your documents in pristine condition and permits easy removal. The folder should project professionalism, possess distinct compartments for orderly arrangement, and contain an embedded notepad. Refrain from using plastic binders, simple report covers, or any item that exhibits wear, as such choices undermine the impression of meticulousness.
Must I present work samples at every interview?
The necessity of work samples is contingent upon the specific discipline and position. Creative occupations such as graphic design, writing, and marketing typically require a curated portfolio, while technical disciplines may prioritize code repositories or comprehensive project documentation. Thoroughly review the position’s published specifications and, where appropriate, select samples that clearly illustrate your competencies and pertinent accomplishments.
What should I do if I inadvertently omit critical documents?
Should you discover the inadvertent omission of essential documents, maintain composure and communicate the lapse forthrightly. Propose to send digital versions at once or to forward hard copies immediately following the interview. Most interviewers value candor and the capacity to resolve minor setbacks more than justifications or outward distress.
Is it advisable to carry a laptop or tablet to the interview?
Convey electronic devices only if they are expressly pertinent to the task at hand or if a formal request for a presentation has been issued. In the majority of situations, physically printed materials are preferable and mitigate the risk of technical complications. If devices are taken, confirm that they are fully charged and operating correctly prior to arrival.
What items should I definitely avoid bringing?
Exercise restraint with personal items. Steer clear of any family photos, controversial texts, casual novels, redundant devices that buzz, and clothing that is visibly wrinkled or damaged. Strong perfumes, ostentatious jewellery, and any other distractions that may detract from your professional image should also be left behind.
For additional career guidance and interview preparation, visit our extensive library at Workio.co.uk. Consult our sections on interview techniques and professional development to enrich your career trajectory.
The UK government’s Interview guidance offers further details on equitable interview protocols and your entitlements throughout the selection process.
