Notes in an Interview?

KiKi

I would always take notes in. Not to refer to a previous job, but if I need to prompt for examples I would. I think it's very professional to come prepared. Not reading from them, but flicking through if you need to.

If you mean taking notes as in writing things down - no!

KiKi

AP007

You may say can I refer to my CV and see what they say but never ask to write notes.

You should be able to take in the info that they are telling you in the interview. You should know about the company before you go there and the job itself so only things like 'what accounts system do use' or 'when you are month ends' etc are examples of thngs I'd ask. You need not remember them when you walk out.

November5th

I have a top ten list of questions to ask that I refer to - it is too unbearable after an intense interview to go blank at the end - at the very least it is just so rude to appear so uninterested so as not to ask good questions.

I always have a folder which I will take out with my CV, their job description, and my notes - almost never have to refer to these - but on rare occasions I have referred to the job description about a specific point/technology. Then their are the times when my interviewer has forgotten their paper work

cockaleekee

November5th wrote: »

I have a top ten list of questions to ask that I refer to - it is too unbearable after an intense interview to go blank at the end - at the very least it is just so rude to appear so uninterested so as not to ask good questions.

I always have a folder which I will take out with my CV, their job description, and my notes - almost never have to refer to these - but on rare occasions I have referred to the job description about a specific point/technology. Then their are the times when my interviewer has forgotten their paper work

It is equally rude to ask a question from a "top ten list". Your questions should be tailored to the particular employer, not generic.

KiKi

cockaleekee wrote: »

It is equally rude to ask a question from a "top ten list". Your questions should be tailored to the particular employer, not generic.

I'm sure the poster doesn't show them a top ten list and tell them he's going to select one.

I think it's fair enough to have a list of five top questions to ask that specific company (or even five suitable generic ones) so that you're asking a sensible question at the end and showing interest.

AP007

cockaleekee wrote: »

It is equally rude to ask a question from a "top ten list". Your questions should be tailored to the particular employer, not generic.

I never ask questions at the end of the interview as that does look like you have a list and not listened in the interview so I slip my questions into the conversation as we are talking. They are never the same ones either.

stix62

AP007 wrote: »

I never ask questions at the end of the interview as that does look like you have a list and not listened in the interview so I slip my questions into the conversation as we are talking. They are never the same ones either.

More often than not I'll answer with something along the lines that they've already answered any questions I may have had. Sometimes though if you've researched a company, you may have questions which don't get answered during the interview and so there can't be any harm in pulling out a quick reminder.(If you can't remember them at that moment obviously)

I agree, it does show interest, and if you apologise for pulling out a note but explain you didn't want to forget to ask, it also shows a bit of organisation - i.m.o

globalds

I read the question wrong .
I thought you meant taking notes during the interview ..not taking stuff in to help you detail things.
I see no problem taking in anything that helps ..take a photo of you feeding elephants if it helps you get the position.

You are going in to get the position and don't have much to lose..either :

You get the job ..the interview worked
You don't get it ..It matters not what crazy stuff you did ..you won't see them again.
This may change if it is an in house position ..hardly want to arrive in a clown suit to be remembered ..when everyone you work with will see you

pawsies

With my latest job the interviewer was a bit eccentric and as it was at a garden centre I showed him pictures of my allotment

Stood me out though.

When I asked him 'so what's the job like?' he went into a great deal of detail about HIS job. I was slightly confused lol.

honeypooh1980

I've done plenty of interviews and had no problem with people who bring in notes.

Some people have had a list of questions they want to ask about the job and organisation which they put together when doing research prior to the interview. I was more than happy with these as it proves they have taken time to look into us.

I always take a copy of my covering letter, CV and the job spec which i have in front of me as a reminder especially if they ask for specific dates. Plus it helps if the interviewer forgets paperwork (which is so unprofessional IMHO).