What to Bring to an Interview: Essential Items for Making a Great Impression

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. Being well-prepared not only boosts your confidence but also demonstrates your professionalism to potential employers. A striking 70% of hiring managers cite unpreparedness as a top interview mistake made by candidates. (Source: Apollo Technical)

As someone who has been on both sides of the interview table in the tech and game development industries, I’ve seen how proper preparation can set candidates apart. Knowing exactly what to bring to an interview can make the difference between appearing scattered and showcasing yourself as an organized professional ready to contribute from day one.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the essential items to bring to your interview, how to organize them effectively, and special considerations for different interview formats. These practical tips will help you make a stellar first impression and focus on what truly matters – demonstrating why you’re the perfect fit for the role.

Let’s start with understanding why preparation matters so much.

Why Being Prepared for Your Interview Matters

Preparation signals seriousness. When you show up with all the necessary materials organized and ready, you demonstrate respect for the interviewer’s time and genuine interest in the position.

Consider this reality: only 20% of applicants reach the interview stage in a typical hiring process. (Source: Simplilearn) If you’ve made it this far, you’ve already overcome significant odds. Now is not the time to falter due to poor preparation.

Being prepared also helps manage interview anxiety. When you have everything you need at your fingertips, you can focus on the conversation rather than worrying about forgotten materials or scrambling to find information.

Let’s examine what specific items you should bring to make the best possible impression.

Essential Documents to Bring to Your Interview

Documentation forms the foundation of your interview toolkit. Always have these essentials ready and organized in a professional manner.

Document	Quantity to Bring	Purpose
Printed Resumes	5-10 copies	For multiple interviewers or unexpected participants
Reference List	3-5 copies	Contact information for professional references
Work Samples/Portfolio	2-3 copies or digital version	Demonstration of skills and previous work
List of Questions	1 copy (for yourself)	Shows engagement and research about the role

The documents you bring reflect your professionalism and attention to detail. Let’s look at each essential document more closely.

Extra Copies of Your Resume

Always bring more resumes than you expect to need. While the hiring manager likely has your resume, additional interviewers might join unexpectedly or need a fresh copy.

Print your resumes on quality paper. Use clean, conservative designs that match your other professional documents. This creates a cohesive personal brand across all your materials.

If you’ve tailored your resume to address employment gaps or career transitions, be prepared to discuss these adaptations confidently. Rather than seeing gaps as weaknesses, frame them as opportunities for growth and development.

Portfolio of Your Work (If Applicable)

For creative, technical, or project-based roles, a portfolio demonstrates your capabilities better than words alone can. Include your best work, arranged to tell a cohesive story about your skills and growth.

Keep your portfolio concise and relevant. Focus on projects that showcase skills pertinent to the position you’re interviewing for. Each piece should highlight specific competencies the employer seeks.

Consider both physical and digital portfolio options. A tablet can be an excellent way to show digital work while maintaining the personal touch of an in-person presentation.

List of Professional References

Prepare a separate document with 3-5 professional references. Include their names, current positions, companies, relationship to you, and contact information.

Always contact references beforehand to confirm they’re willing to speak on your behalf. Brief them about the position you’re applying for so they can highlight relevant aspects of your work together.

Format this document professionally with the same header style as your resume for brand consistency. This attention to detail doesn’t go unnoticed by detail-oriented hiring managers.

Prepared Questions for the Interviewer

Having thoughtful questions shows you’ve researched the company and position. It also helps determine if the role truly fits your career goals and working style.

Prepare 5-7 questions, knowing some might be answered during the interview. Write them in a professional notebook you’ll bring to the interview rather than on loose paper or your phone.

Include questions about the team structure, company culture, performance expectations, and growth opportunities. Avoid focusing exclusively on salary, benefits, or time off in your initial questions.

Personal Items That Enhance Your Interview Experience

Beyond essential documents, certain personal items can improve your comfort and performance during an interview. These small details can make a significant difference in how you present yourself.

Here’s what to include in your interview toolkit:

• Professional notepad and pen – For taking notes during the interview and referencing your prepared questions
• Portfolio or padfolio – Keeps all your documents organized and protected while looking professional
• Water bottle – Stays hydrated, especially during longer interviews with multiple people
• Breath mints – Use before entering the building for fresh breath (not gum, which is unprofessional during conversation)

Each of these items serves both a practical purpose and demonstrates your professionalism. Let’s explore these items in more detail.

Professional Notepad and Pen

Taking notes during an interview serves multiple purposes. It helps you remember important details, demonstrates your engagement with the conversation, and provides material for your follow-up communications.

Choose a professional, bound notebook rather than loose paper. Black or blue ink in a quality pen presents better than bargain office supplies. These small details contribute to your overall professional image.

Balance note-taking with eye contact and engagement. Jot down key points rather than attempting to transcribe the entire conversation. The notes should support your memory without distracting from the human connection.

Portfolio or Padfolio

A portfolio or padfolio keeps your documents organized, unwrinkled, and easily accessible. It also provides a writing surface for taking notes during the interview.

Choose a sleek, professional design in a conservative color. Leather or high-quality synthetic materials project professionalism. Avoid flashy designs or bright colors that might distract from your qualifications.

Organize documents within your portfolio in the order you expect to reference them. This preparation prevents fumbling through papers during critical moments of the interview.

Water Bottle

Interviews can be lengthy, and speaking extensively can lead to dry mouth. A small water bottle helps you stay comfortable and articulate.

Choose a professional, reusable bottle that won’t spill or sweat onto documents. Take small sips when needed rather than drinking throughout the conversation.

If the interviewer offers water, you can accept it even if you’ve brought your own. This shows flexibility and appreciation for their hospitality.

Breath Mints or Breath Strips

First impressions involve all senses, including smell. Fresh breath is an often overlooked but important aspect of professional presentation.

Use a mint before entering the building, not during the interview. Gum is too casual for an interview setting and can be distracting during conversation.

Choose mints with subtle packaging that won’t make noise if you need one just before meeting the interviewer. This small detail shows consideration for the professional environment.

Technology Essentials for Modern Interviews

Today’s interviews often integrate technology, even for in-person meetings. Being prepared with these tech essentials ensures you can handle any digital aspects of the interview process.

Technology Item	Purpose	Best Practice
Smartphone (fully charged)	Navigation, last-minute communications	Keep on silent mode during interview
Digital portfolio/documents	Backup of printed materials	Store in easily accessible cloud service
Portable charger	Emergency power for devices	Check functionality before interview day
Tablet (if applicable)	Portfolio display, note-taking	Ensure appropriate professional case

Managing your technology appropriately demonstrates digital literacy and professional awareness. Let’s examine how to handle these tech essentials.

Charged Mobile Phone (on Silent)

Your phone serves as a navigation tool, emergency contact method, and potential reference for digital documents. However, it should never become a distraction during the interview.

Fully charge your phone before the interview and bring a charging cable as backup. As soon as you arrive at the interview location, switch your phone to silent mode – not just vibrate, which can still be audible.

Keep your phone stored away during the interview unless specifically asked to reference something on it. Checking your phone during an interview sends a signal that you’re not fully engaged in the conversation.

Digital Copies of Your Documents

Technology fails, printers jam, and documents get lost. Having digital backups of all your materials provides insurance against these common problems.

Store PDF versions of your resume, portfolio, reference list, and other documents in an easily accessible cloud service. Ensure you can access these files without requiring complex passwords you might forget under pressure.

Email important documents to yourself as additional backup. This provides another retrieval method if your primary access doesn’t work.

Portable Charger

For interviews that run long or if you’re conducting a day of back-to-back meetings, a portable charger ensures your devices remain operational.

Choose a compact charger that fits easily in your portfolio or bag. Verify it’s fully charged and functioning properly the night before your interview.

Consider this an emergency backup rather than a primary power source. All devices should begin the day fully charged.

Pre-Interview Checklist: Items to Prepare the Night Before

Preparing your interview materials the night before reduces morning stress and decreases the chances of forgetting something important. Use this checklist to ensure you’ve covered all the essentials.

The night-before preparation process sets you up for interview success. Review this comprehensive checklist to ensure you’ve covered all bases:

Category	Items to Prepare	Verification Steps
Documents	Resumes, references, portfolio, questions list	Count copies, check for errors, organize in portfolio
Navigation	Directions, parking information, building access details	Save offline maps, estimate travel time with traffic
Personal Items	Professional outfit, grooming supplies, water, mints	Iron clothes, shine shoes, pack personal comfort items
Technology	Phone, charger, tablet if needed	Charge all devices, download necessary apps
Research	Company facts, interviewer names/roles, recent news	Review notes, prepare talking points about company

Taking time to prepare thoroughly the evening before creates peace of mind and allows you to focus on presenting your best self during the interview.

What Not to Bring to an Interview

Just as important as knowing what to bring is understanding what to leave behind. Certain items can create negative impressions or distractions during your interview.

Review this table of items to avoid bringing to your interview:

Item to Avoid	Why It’s Problematic	Professional Alternative
Coffee or food	Creates potential for spills, odors, distractions	Water in a professional bottle
Excessive fragrance	Can trigger allergies or sensitivities	Light, neutral personal hygiene products
Multiple/large bags	Appears disorganized, creates storage issues	One professional portfolio or slim briefcase
Friends or family members	Suggests lack of independence	Arrive alone, meet supporters elsewhere after
Visible competitor materials	Shows divided loyalties or poor judgment	Transfer needed items to neutral containers

Remember that minimalism often works in your favor during interviews. Bring only what serves a specific purpose and enhances your professional presentation.

Post-Interview Follow-Up Materials

Your interview preparation should include materials for effective follow-up. This often-overlooked step can significantly impact hiring decisions.

An impressive 80% of hiring managers say thank-you notes influence their decisions, with 22% considering it a “significant” factor in their hiring process. Yet, 57% of job seekers fail to send thank-you notes post-interview. (Source: Apollo Technical)

This data reveals a clear opportunity to stand out from other candidates through thoughtful follow-up. Let’s explore the essential follow-up materials to prepare.

Thank-You Note Template

Prepare a basic thank-you note template that you can customize quickly after the interview. This ensures you won’t struggle with wording when you need to send it promptly.

Include placeholders for interviewer names, specific discussion points, and company details. Having this framework ready allows you to personalize it efficiently while the interview is still fresh in your mind.

Plan to send your thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. This timing demonstrates promptness without appearing overeager.

Follow-Up Email Draft

Beyond the immediate thank-you note, prepare a draft for a potential follow-up email if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe.

Research shows that 62% of job applicants prefer automated updates over prolonged email exchanges during the hiring process. (Source: Novoresume) However, a single, well-timed follow-up demonstrates interest without becoming burdensome.

Your follow-up draft should be brief, courteous, and specific about your continued interest in the position. Include a reference to your interview date and the role title for context.

If you promised additional information during the interview, your follow-up email provides the perfect opportunity to deliver it, demonstrating reliability and follow-through.

How to Organize Your Interview Materials

Organization is key to accessing your materials smoothly during an interview. Nothing undermines your claim of being “detail-oriented” faster than frantically searching through disorganized papers.

Consider this organizational system for your interview materials:

Section	Contents	Organization Method
Front Pocket	Resume copies, business cards	Arranged for easy access when first seated
Left Interior	Notepad, pen, question list	Positioned for quick reference during conversation
Right Interior	Portfolio samples, references, work examples	Organized in likely order of use during interview
Back Pocket	Company research, job description notes	Available but not prominently displayed

This organization ensures you can smoothly transition between materials without awkward pauses or shuffling papers. Practice accessing different documents before your interview to build muscle memory.

Using a system like this helps you project confidence and competence throughout the interview process. It’s a subtle but effective way to reinforce your organizational skills.

Virtual Interview Preparation: A Different Approach

Virtual interviews require a modified preparation strategy. While you won’t physically hand documents to interviewers, preparation remains equally important.

The job search landscape has evolved significantly, with virtual interviews becoming a standard part of the hiring process. Adapting to this format requires specific preparation.

Technology Setup

Your virtual interview technology setup is equivalent to your professional appearance in an in-person meeting. Test everything in advance.

Check your camera angle, lighting, and background for a professional appearance. Position your camera at eye level and ensure your face is well-lit without harsh shadows or backlighting.

Test your microphone, speakers, and internet connection well before the interview. Have a backup plan (phone number, alternate device) ready in case of technical difficulties.

Digital Documents Ready to Share

Prepare all documents in easily shareable formats. Save files with professional, descriptive filenames (e.g., “JohnSmith_Resume_ProductManager.pdf” rather than “Resume_Final_v3.pdf”).

Have documents open in background tabs or in an easily accessible folder on your desktop. This allows you to share your screen smoothly if asked to discuss specific materials.

Consider preparing a single PDF that combines relevant materials in case you need to email documents during the interview. This creates a more cohesive presentation than multiple attachments.

Physical Materials for Reference

Even in a virtual setting, having physical reference materials can be valuable. Print key documents for your own reference during the conversation.

Position your notes and documents strategically around your computer so you can reference them without looking away from the camera for extended periods.

Use post-it notes on your monitor for critical reminders or key talking points. Place them close to your camera so you maintain apparent eye contact while glancing at them.

Your Interview Success Kit: Final Checklist

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure you have everything needed for interview success. Review it before leaving for your interview as a final verification.

Category	Essential Items	Optional but Helpful
Documents	Resume copies (5-10)Reference list (3-5) Prepared questions	Work samplesPortfolio Industry certifications
Personal Items	Professional portfolio/padfolioQuality pen Notepad Water bottle Breath mints	Business cardsTissues Hand sanitizer Comb/compact
Technology	Fully charged phone (on silent)Digital document backups	Portable chargerTablet for portfolio display Extra charging cable
Follow-Up Materials	Interviewer contact informationThank-you note template	Company-specific notesFollow-up questions

When all these elements come together, you create a powerful impression of professionalism and preparation. This attention to detail distinguishes you from other candidates who may have similar qualifications but lack your level of preparation.

Putting It All Together: The Prepared Candidate Advantage

Being thoroughly prepared with the right interview materials gives you a significant competitive advantage. When you have everything you need at your fingertips, you can focus on connecting with interviewers and showcasing your qualifications.

Remember that preparation goes beyond materials. Using proactive outreach strategies to secure interviews demonstrates initiative that employers value. This approach helps you bypass the traditional application process where your materials might get lost in the shuffle.

Your preparation demonstrates critical professional qualities: attention to detail, organizational skills, foresight, and respect for the process. These are traits employers seek across virtually all industries and roles.

By implementing the recommendations in this guide, you position yourself as a candidate who not only talks about excellence but demonstrates it through actions. This practical preparation creates a foundation for interview success that mere qualifications alone cannot provide.

Approach your next interview with confidence, knowing you have everything needed to make a stellar impression from the moment you walk through the door.