Bringing/making notes during an interview

bodmil

Has anyone got any advice one way or the other about whether it's ok to bring notes into an interview? And also to take notes? Just prompts of thinks that I need to remember to mention or significant things about the role that they bring up.

saintjammyswine

It is advisable to always take notes with you as a prompt but to also take notes (can be polite to ask if the interviewer minds). It shows that not only are you organised but have thought about it in advance. From a personal note, it helps to prompt questions or fact based answers. Also, it tends to be a blur and hard to recall exact info after the interview so a few short notes on what was said are very useful afterwards.

MissSarah1972

No, I would never do and never expect to see someone do it at all.

bodmil

Oh dear... best of three?

-sparky-

bodmil wrote: »

Has anyone got any advice one way or the other about whether it's ok to bring notes into an interview? And also to take notes? Just prompts of thinks that I need to remember to mention or significant things about the role that they bring up.

It's a good idea to take notes. Shows that you are organised and engaged during the interview.

Can also help a lot if you are invited to a second interview. Make sure you note things like names of people, departments, key customers.

If you are shown some presentations or exercises you can ask for printed copies or an email attachment. Most of the time they'll be happy to give them to you.

Also a neat little trick to use: if you get asked a difficult question, jot down some notes while you are thinking of a good answer. The interviewer won't think anything of it and it is way better than the two of you awkwardly looking at each other while you're saying "Uhhh.." and "Ahhh...".

thegirlintheattic

I'd say no. It will not help you present as a confident and in control person. You shouldn't need any notes, you should know your past and your skills.

To me it screams of someone who is either not confident, or who has not done their homework.

denla

Long as you don't have horrible hand writing.

MissSarah1972

thegirlintheattic wrote: »

I'd say no. It will not help you present as a confident and in control person. You shouldn't need any notes, you should know your past and your skills.

To me it screams of someone who is either not confident, or who has not done their homework.

I have not seen interviewers take any notes when I have been interviewed - only one line saying I was available immediately. I think if you have to take notes you are not listening. Always at the end of the interview a good interviewer will say something like 'if you have forgotten anything or think or something else to ask me feel free to drop me an email'

denla

Best to discreetly record the conversation.

madvixen

We take it as a positive when an interviewee makes/brings notes to an interview. It shows that they are prepared and keen to secure the job. Just don't refer to them constantly.
Good luck with the interview

MissSarah1972

madvixen wrote: »

We take it as a positive when an interviewee makes/brings notes to an interview. It shows that they are prepared and keen to secure the job. Just don't refer to them constantly.
Good luck with the interview

Even if the first question is 'what do you know about our company'? It's ok to go 'hang on a minute I will get my notes'