And when you get that call, it’s essential that other than being prepared with the necessary skills for the job position, you’re also ready with all the supporting documents you might need to enjoy a successful job interview.
Remember that the interview is your actual first interaction with your prospective employer. And nowadays, when many countries have decided to loosen up the Covid-19 measures, walk-in interviews are widespread once again.
Imagine yourself walking into the interview room, sitting across from the hiring manager, only to hear them say, “Excuse me, I don’t have a copy of your resume and educational certificates. Do you perhaps have an extra copy with you?” Then, you empty your bag in a panic, only to realize that you didn’t bring any extra copies with you.
Believe us; you’d be surprised how often candidates walk into an interview only to find out that the hiring manager doesn’t have a copy of their documents. For that reason, being prepared with supporting documents can undoubtedly increase your chances of having a successful job interview. Continue reading to learn what key documents you should always have during job interviews, plus some other essential things to remember.
A Copy Of Your CV And Resume
The most important documents you should take with you for your interview are your CV and resume. Actually, they are two separate documents required for each job application, so make sure to create a copy of each and take them with you for all your walk-in interviews. Carrying a copy of your CV and resume can also allow you to correct that blunder of attaching the wrong document earlier by email.
Your Most Important Educational Certificates
Your most important educational certificates are the second most crucial thing you should always carry in your bag during interviews. Most often, hiring managers don’t ask for academic certificates during an interview because they usually don’t have the time to check your educational details. Nevertheless, you can never predict an interviewer.
Moreover, if you’re applying from another country or got your university diploma overseas, make sure to use a professional, accredited, certified translation service to translate your documents into English for you so that the hiring manager will have a clear picture of your educational background.
Photo by Brett Andrei Martin from Unsplash
Copies Of Your Reference List
References from previous supervisors and managers are a great testimony of your abilities, so bringing a copy of this list might be incredibly beneficial for you during your interview. You can also include co-workers you directly worked with within your reference list. Or, if you’re a fresh graduate, you can include mentors and professors that you worked closely with during your studies.
References are usually people who can attest to your work experience, professional skills, and previous professional achievements. You can also consider any volunteering activities that you’ve taken part in, as community leaders who can speak for your work ethic can be a good option as well.
Pre-Written Questions For Your Hiring Manager
When putting copies of your CV, resume, references, or educational certificates into your interview folder, make sure to also include a sheet of paper with at least three to four pre-written questions to ask your interviewer. Pre-written questions can come in handy whenever your mind goes blank or you freeze up when asked if you have any questions for them.
In addition, having pre-written questions for your interviewers could make a good impression of you, as someone interested in the company in the same manner that the company is interested in them.
Your ID And Driver’s License
Also, always bring your I.D. and driver’s license to the job interview, even if you’re not driving yourself to the venue. Depending on where the interview takes place, the building may have a strict policy that demands that anyone who enters it show photo proof before they’re allowed in.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared with the proper supporting documentation for your job interview can help you have ease of mind and focus on what’s most important—showing your potential employers why they should hire you in the first place.
Photo by Sebastian Herrmann from Unsplash
