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WHAT TO BRING TO AN INTERVIEW (AND WHAT NOT)?

It might be difficult to understand what to bring to an interview and what not, especially if you are a newcomer to the labour market. We wrote a whole FAQ about this to give you a sense of a direction in what is appropriate or needed to bring and what not.

What to bring to an interview
We will work our way through the picture below by going from left to right, and then down!

  • Dress appropriately: When you are going to your interview, make sure that it matches the position you are applying for. It does not have to be a formal blazer as described in the picture, if you are not applying for a highly formal job. However, make sure that you are wearing something nice, that does not reveal too much skin or has a number of stains on it or holes in it. If you are not sure what to wear, you can always ask a friend for advice, or send us a dm! We would be glad to think along.
  • Lightbulb: In this image, the lightbulb stands for knowledge and ideas. Make sure to have read about the company and the position you are applying to on beforehand, so you can ask questions.
  • A pen and notebook: It is totally okay to bring a pen and notebook for during the interview in case you want to take some notes about the details of the job, or maybe to ask some questions you have prepared on beforehand.
  • Documents: Bring your cv and your cover/motivation letter. In this case, when the recruiter has some questions about your CV and/or motivation letter, it will be easy for you to check the information they have a question about and answer it more easily.
  • Chewing gum/brush: You do not necessarily have to bring this, however these objects are in this image to remind you that it is extremely important that you come to your interview nicely groomed and with a fresh breath. First impressions are very important!
  • Passport/ID: You won't actually always need this, however it is convenient to have it in case you will need to identify yourself at the front desk or when you have secured a job and the company needs a copy of your ID for documentation.
  • Car keys/public transport card: You should not be late to your interview. That means, check on beforehand whether you know where your car keys are or your public transport card is. Last minute rushing to find these before you head out to an interview will probably stress you out before you even get to the interview.
  • A nice, neat bag: Make sure to pack all your stuff in a neat, representable bag. It will look messy when you are using a dirty, old backpack (fresh ones are totally okay of course!) or no bag at all.


What not to bring to an interview
We will work our way through the picture below by going from left to right, and then down!

  • Dress appropriately: Again, when you are going to your interview, make sure that it matches the position you are applying for. No greasy hoodies with the hood up, or shirts with stains or holes.
  • Products from the competitor: There have been stories of people who applied to Pepsi and brought a bottle of Coke during the interview to drink. Not the smartest move. Also, you will almost always get offered something to drink during your interview, so you do not need to take anything (saves you from any chance at spillage too!).
  • Plastig bag: Bring everything you need to take in a nice, neat looking bag, not in a plastic or duffel bag.
  • Headphones/books: When you are being seated to wait before an interview, do not engulf yourself in your own world by putting on headphones or disappearing in your book (or extensively overuse your phone). Instead, have an open attitude and be aware of your surroundings. In that way you show interest in the company and your interview.
  • Watch: Of course you can wear a watch to your interview. However, make sure you don't check it during your interview. Checking the time might show off a lack of interest/your desire for the interview to be over.
  • Hat/sunglasses: Make sure to refrain from wearing a hat or anything else that covers your face (unless of course, you are wearing an accessory for religious reasons).
  • Chewing gum: That seems contradictory right? We just told you to have fresh breath! Of course it is important to have fresh breath, however, make sure to not be chewing on any gum from the moment you step into the office where the interview takes place. Chewing gum can you make look arrogant, or show a lack of interest.
  • Phone: Do not take out your phone during the interview, and make sure it is on silent! Speaks for itself, right?
  • Family: Do not bring any members of your family or a pet. You are here for you, and taking someone along might come across as rude or weird. Of course, if you need a to bring someone to translate the conversation for you, make sure to discuss this with the recruiter you are meeting with.

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