Step 7 of Interview Preparation: Print Hard-Copies

It is best to arrive at an interview ready for anything and that means having hard-copies of your resume and references at hand. While your interviewer may already have a copy of your resume printed, as Alie Hallbock recons in her article on interview preparation, “having a copy readily available shows that you are organized and prepared.” Having a few copies if even better just in case you face a panel and wish to have your own copy to follow.

 

It is also good to have a copy of your references printed to give to your interviewer or to simply have as reference while filling out any paperwork. It’s not uncommon for companies to ask for the contact details of your recent employers as well. Having these contact details for references and recent employers printed out will allow you to complete the forms more quickly and avoid frantically searching for a phone number.

 

If there are any gaps in your resume or issues you think the interviewer could raise, prepare your answers ahead of time and try not to get defensive. It is quite common for people to have gaps in their employment history due to illness, childbirth or a host of other legitimate reasons. Even if you had spent a great deal of time unemployed and looking for work, be prepared to mention any volunteer work or other activities you may have done at the same time. Hallbock advises to “be honest, but diplomatic” to such questions. If you feel that something about your resume is difficult to explain, practice your answers with a friend or family member.

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