Bringing/making notes during an interview

madvixen

MissSarah1972 wrote: »

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'

I don't believe that anyone would ever do that and I certainly have never had it happen when I have been interviewing. Usually we find that people come with notes regarding answers to possible questions as well as questions that they want to ask us.

MissSarah1972

madvixen wrote: »

I don't believe that anyone would ever do that and I certainly have never had it happen when I have been interviewing. Usually we find that people come with notes regarding answers to possible questions as well as questions that they want to ask us.

I really do think you should know the answers to all questions put to you and every variation and have enough things to ask in your head. You should be able to talk confidently about anything on your CV without refering to notes - that's just my opinion though.

Takeaway_Addict

denla wrote: »

Best to discreetly record the conversation.

Why?

I wouldn't take notes in myself. You should be prepared enough to be capable in an interview situation. If you do require help then maybe but you'd need a good reason for me.

hcb42

I would never refer to notes in an interview situation.

If I were the interviewer, and the individual had noted down some intelligent questions in advance, and indeed ran through these, having paid attention to what had been covered during the interview, then i wouldnt have a problem with that.

What is a problem is if the questions are too basic, and yet the interviewee is referring to notes.

melymay

OP I don't think there is any issue with making or referring to notes at interview. I have been on both sides of the fence and would rather have a hesitent but prepared individual than someone who assumed they knew all the answers.

@Misssarah . . interviews without the interviewer taking notes leaves you open to all sorts of comeback regarding equality, discrimation and bias.

MissSarah1972

melymay wrote: »

.

@Misssarah . . interviews without the interviewer taking notes leaves you open to all sorts of comeback regarding equality, discrimation and bias.

Like what? They will just say you aren't working and thats why you haven't got the job and no law covers that so it don't matter.

melymay

I suppose it depends of your expections of an employer and the outcome of interviews. I have always asked for feedback and most reputable companies would provide this. Competency based interviews ask very similar questions and would struggle to provide evidence of non-bias if there were no written documents. I have had a colleague face investigation because of 'supposed' discrimination at interview, the notes proved otherwise.

MissSarah1972

melymay wrote: »

I suppose it depends of your expections of an employer and the outcome of interviews. I have always asked for feedback and most reputable companies would provide this. Competency based interviews ask very similar questions and would struggle to provide evidence of non-bias if there were no written documents. I have had a colleague face investigation because of 'supposed' discrimination at interview, the notes proved otherwise.

Yes feedback can say anything and what makes anyone think even if notes were made and someone requested to see them you would really see what they wrote?

I ask for feedback and they can say anything they like as long as its NOT covered by law under descrinination.

FATBALLZ

I've been on the interviewing side before, and if a candidate brought notes in I interpret it as that they either haven't prepared properly, or don't have the knowledge required for the job or they would be able to interview without notes.

The only notes that might be acceptable would be to do with questions YOU ask to the interviewer. Reading off bits of paper before you answer questions yourself though - instant fail.

keyser666

I too have been on both sides and would say no not at all. As a prospective employee as already mentioned, you should know of your background and dates and when and where and what you done and what stood out.

You should be able to answer questions thrown at you like "what was a situtaion you could have handled differently", "tell mea weakness of yours" etc etc.

As a interviewer a bit like above, I would see it as more unprepared than prepared. I would also see it as a lack of confidence in your own ability and also a lack of trusting your own judgement and thinking on your feet. I think your CV would demonstrate by your skillset, achievements and projects etc that you are organised etc.