Bringing/making notes during an interview

Jinx

Having been on both sides of the table I take questions for the end of the interview and ask if they havent been covered during the interview.

Would def not refer to notes/CV etc to answer a question asked of me though.

Kynthia

I've been on both sides and I've never heard of an interviewee bringing in notes. I know someone asked to bring notes into an interview where I work and they were refused.

heretolearn_2

I think it's ok to bring in a list of questions you want to ask. But not to have notes for answers to the interviewers questions.

I also think it's ok to take notes of what you are told re hours etc.

I wouldn't be impressed if someone had to bring in notes for their own answers. Bring in a copy of your CV, by all means, and use that if need be for small details, but generally I want to hear your fresh answers to the questions we ask on the day.

Had one man turn up, having been advised there would be a maths test, with loads of print outs of maths tests with answers he'd printed off the internet. He tried to take them into the room with him to use during the test, cheeky get.

*Beki*

Would you take notes in to an interview if you had to give a presentation? Or do you think it's best to practise it thoroughly beforehand, and if you forget something not to worry about it...

saintjammyswine

Having been on both sides in various different jobs, public & private sectorm often one of the first questions is what do you know of the company/organisation. I wouldn't dream of having a load of prompting notes but have often printed out articles/stats etc and offered to show but usually, having read the information I know it of my head. I would always have some questions written down not only to prompt but also to make notes from what the interviewer has said against the relevant ones making sure I know they have been answered. Would always prefer to make notes and have something before I go in than to be underprepared.

heretolearn_2

I might take in brief 'prompt card' style notes to go with presentation, but not full on ones.

Also if you are taking presentation in on your own laptop etc and will be able to stand by the laptop, there is a 'notes' section that will display on your one, but not up on the screen for them to see. Very handy:D

sennypijama

No.

An interview is a conversation, not a lecture.

makeyourdaddyproud

As with madvixen, it is professional to bring notes to an interview so long as they are not the focus of your cue. It does indeed look professional if the questions relate to the employer's business and not about pure skills.

But yes, if the notes are simply to prompt you about your CV, you will not be perceived as a confident worker.

Try to look for 'smart' questioning, i.e. ones that will make an employer think about the answer, and please, please avoid textbook questioning.

sho_me_da_money

This move is the ace of spades depending on how you execute it.

I wouldn't bring a notepad, rather, I would bring a smart professional folder/binder, in which you have a copy of your CV, any documentation that you may feel is relevant and a small notepad.

When the interview ends, you will be asked if you have any questions and it is at this point you say "I do have a few questions that I made note of leading up the interview and when researching the company. Do you mind if I refer to my notes and take note of your answers?"

That my friend is the ACE OF SPADES. Never fails and I've worked that magic 3 times.

Its all about the execution. And with it you demonstrate your keenness, organisational skills and professionalism.

There are other moves but I will let you find them through some Googling. Think outside the box and stand out amongst the bunch.

marmitedog

This thread is weird. How many times do you go into any business meeting without taking notes, pen, laptop etc...
Taking notes is good practice on both sides of the table.

I think we've found one of the reasons why some posters are seemingly unemployable.....