What to Bring to a Job Interview 2025: The 37 Essential Items (+ Pro Checklist)

What to Bring to a Job Interview

Landing a job interview is just half the battle—what you bring can make or break your chances. Knowing what to bring to a job interview separates the prepared candidates from the amateurs. Studies from the Society for Human Resource Management show that 70% of hiring managers notice candidates who are well prepared. A polished resume, thoughtful questions, and even a bottle of water signal professionalism and confidence.

Forget last-minute scrambles. This guide reveals the 10 must-have items for any interview, plus expert-backed mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re giving interview first time or expert, the right preparation makes you different from others. Let’s get you ready to impress.

Essential Documents to Showcase Professionalism

The documents you bring to an interview demonstrate your attention to detail and readiness for the role. Here’s what you need—and how to make them stand out:

Resumes: Always Bring Extra Copies

• Why? Even if submitted digitally, interviewers may not have printouts, or multiple people might join unexpectedly.

• Pro Tip: Bring 3-5 copies on high-quality paper. Use a simple, modern template (avoid flashy designs unless in a creative field).

• Expert Insight: “A candidate who hands me a crisp resume instantly feels more prepared.” — Krystal Yates, HR Consultant.

Reference List: Be Ready to Share

• Who to Include: List 3 professional references (managers, professors, or clients)—never friends or family.

• Format: Include names, titles, companies, phone numbers, and emails. Match the font/style to your resume.

• When to Offer: Wait until asked, but keep it in a folder to show foresight.

Portfolio: Prove Your Skills

• For Creatives: include your best 3 samples, formatted like Behance portfolio examples. Use a tablet or sleek binder.

• For Other Fields: Include certifications, awards, or project summaries. Example: A marketer could add campaign ROI metrics.

• Bonus: Leave behind a memorable piece (e.g., a mini case study) with your contact info.

Tools to Stay Organized and Engaged

A successful interview isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about demonstrating focus, curiosity, and preparation. These tools will help you actively participate in the conversation while making a polished impression.

Notepad & Pen: Your Secret Weapon

• Why Bring Them? 67% of hiring managers say candidates who take notes appear more engaged (LinkedIn Talent Solutions).

• How to Use Them:

  • Jot down key details about the role/company to reference later.

  • Write pre-prepared questions to ask (shows initiative).

  • Avoid transcribing everything—use shorthand to stay present.

• Pro Pick: A slim leather notebook and professional pen (skip the chewed-up ballpoint).

Pre-Written Questions: Stand Out from Other Candidates

• Must-Ask Examples:

  • “What does success look like in this role after 6 months?”

  • “How does the team collaborate on projects?”

• Avoid: Salary/benefits questions (save for post-offer).

• Expert Tip: “Candidates who ask about company challenges show strategic thinking.” — Fletcher Wimbush, CEO of The Hire Talent.

Digital Alternatives: When Tech Works (and When It Doesn’t)

• Tablets/E-Readers: Acceptable in tech/creative fields to showcase work—but ask permission first.

• Laptops: Usually a no (distracting to set up). Exception: Remote interviews where you’re screen-sharing.

• Rule of Thumb: When in doubt, paper feels more respectful.

Personal Care Items for Confidence

First impressions extend beyond your resume—they include your appearance, composure, and ability to handle unexpected situations. These small but critical items ensure you stay polished under pressure.

The Hygiene Essentials

• Breath Mints (Not Gum):

  • Pop one before entering the building—never during the interview.

  • Avoid gum (unprofessional) or strong mints that may distract.

• Tissues & Hand Sanitizer:

  • Discreetly manage allergies, sweat, or handshakes.

  • Choose unscented sanitizer to avoid overwhelming fragrances.

Emergency Kit: Prepare for the Unexpected

Pack a small, opaque pouch with:

• Stain Remover Pen: For last-minute spills on your outfit.

• Mini Deodorant: Especially for nervous sweats or long commutes.

• Hair Spray/Bobby Pins: Quick fixes for unruly hair.

• Band-Aids: Break in new shoes without blisters.

The Water Bottle Strategy

• Why Bring It? Prevents dry mouth from nerves and buys thinking time.

• Pro Tips:

  • Choose a quiet, leak-proof bottle (no crinkly plastic).

  • Take small sips during natural pauses—don’t interrupt the flow.

Tech Etiquette: What to Bring (and Silence)

In today’s digital age, how you handle technology during an interview speaks volumes about your professionalism. Follow these guidelines to avoid common tech pitfalls while leveraging tools effectively.

Smartphone Rules: The Silent Treatment

• Power Down Completely: 92% of recruiters say phone interruptions hurt candidates’ chances (Glassdoor)

• Alternative Approach:

  • Set to airplane mode + disable vibrations

  • Store in your bag – not your pocket

• Exception: If using phone to display portfolio, enable “Do Not Disturb” and close all other apps

Smartwatches & Wearables

• Best Practice:

  • Disable notifications or switch to analog mode

  • Avoid checking it mid-conversation

• Industry Exceptions: Tech roles may appreciate wearable tech knowledge

Laptops & Tablets: Proceed With Caution

• When to Bring:

  • Only if specifically requested

  • Tablets are ideal for digital nomads interviewing for remote jobs abroad while traveling.

• Setup Protocol:

  • Arrive 15 minutes early to configure

  • Have offline backups (USB drive/printed samples)

The Hidden Tech Advantage

• Secret Tool:

  • Voice recorder (with explicit permission)

  • Helps with post-interview follow-ups

• Must Ask: “Would you mind if I recorded this for my notes?”

 Appearance: Dress Code and Grooming Essentials

Your appearance creates a first impression before you speak a single word. Follow these guidelines to ensure your look aligns with employer expectations while maintaining authenticity.

Industry-Specific Dress Codes

• Corporate Roles (Finance, Law):

  • Men: Dark suit, conservative tie, leather shoes

  • Women: Tailored pantsuit or knee-length dress with blazer

  • Pro Tip: “When in doubt, mirror the company’s executive team” — Sarah Gregory, Fortune 500 HR Director

• Creative Fields (Design, Tech Startups):

  • Smart casual allowed (blazer with dark jeans, stylish dress)

  • Show personality through accessories (statement watch, artistic scarf)

• Trade/Manual Labor Roles:

  • Clean work boots + pressed work pants

  • Bring safety gear if touring facilities

Grooming Details That Matter

• Hair:

  • Neatly styled (avoid distracting colors unless in creative field)

  • Bring a compact brush for last-minute touch-ups

• Nails:

  • Clean, trimmed, no chipped polish

  • Avoid loud colors (neutral tones project professionalism)

• Fragrance:

  • Skip heavy colognes/perfumes (40% of hiring managers find them distracting)

  • Opt for unscented deodorant instead

The Hidden Psychology of Interview Attire

• Color Choices:

  • Blue = Trustworthy

  • Gray = Logical

  • Black = Authoritative (use sparingly)

• Texture Tips:

  • Wrinkle-resistant fabrics project preparedness

  • Stiff collars convey formality

Navigational Prep for a Smooth Arrival

Punctuality is non-negotiable – 89% of hiring managers say arriving late is the #1 interview killer (CareerBuilder survey). These strategies ensure you arrive composed and ready to impress.

Pre-Interview Reconnaissance

• Virtual Scouting:

  • Use Google Street View to identify building landmarks

  • Check company social media for lobby photos

  • Note parking/security procedures (especially in urban areas)

• The Dry Run:

  • Make a test trip at the same time/day as your interview

  • Time door-to-door travel with 30% buffer

  • Identify backup routes and transit alternatives

Arrival Toolkit Essentials

Pack these in your car/bag:

• Printed directions (phone-free backup)

• Interviewer’s direct contact number (not just HR general line)

• $20 cash for unexpected parking/transport

• Portable phone charger

The 15-Minute Rule

• Arrive in the neighborhood 45 minutes early

• Enter the building 15 minutes before your slot

• Wait nearby (coffee shops work great) to avoid awkward early arrival

Pro Tip: “Candidates who mention noticing our office art or architecture during small talk demonstrate next-level preparation.” – Michael Tran, Talent Acquisition Lead

What NOT to Bring: Common Interview Dealbreakers

While knowing what to bring is crucial, avoiding these forbidden items could save your candidacy. 73% of recruiters have disqualified candidates for bringing inappropriate items (Robert Half survey).

The Absolute No-List

1. Friends or Family Members

• Even waiting in the lobby creates a bad impression

• Exception: Disability support workers (arrange in advance)

2. Visible Smartphones/Wearables

• 61% of hiring managers notice Apple Watch checks

• Store everything in a briefcase – not pockets

3. Food or Beverages

• Coffee cups create spills and distractions

• Gum chewing reduces speech clarity by 40% (Speech Lab study)

4. Oversized Accessories

• Jangling jewelry or loud watches

• Multiple bags that make you look disorganized

5. Controversial Conversation Starters

• Political/religious memorabilia

• Vacation photos on your tablet background

The Hidden Psychological Impact

Interviewers unconsciously judge:

• Smokers: 54% of executives view vape pens negatively

• Over-perfumed candidates: Triggers allergy concerns

• Cash rustling: Sounds like you’re in a hurry to leave

Pro Tip: “When we see candidates with nothing but a slim portfolio, we immediately assume they’re seasoned professionals.” – Lisa Chen, Google Hiring Committee

Pro Tips from Hiring Managers

You’ve packed the right items—now learn the unwritten rules straight from HR professionals who’ve seen it all. These insider strategies will make you unforgettable (in a good way).

The Little Things That Get You Noticed

1. The Portfolio Power Move

• “Leave behind a single remarkable work sample with your contact info—it’s the only thing we’ll remember in a stack of 50 candidates.”
  — Mark Sullivan, Creative Director at Ogilvy

2. The Strategic Water Bottle

• Bring two waters:

  • One for you

  • One unopened (offer if interviewer seems thirsty)

• Why it works: Builds subconscious rapport

3. The Follow-Up Kit

• Pre-address a thank-you note envelope

• Include a stamped return card for feedback (works for 28% of candidates)

Body Language Hacks

• Notepad Placement:

  • Hold at 45-degree angle so interviewers can peek at your notes (signals transparency)

• Pen Choice:

  • Use a premium pen—87% of execs notice quality writing instruments

The One Item Nobody Brings (But Should)
A mini USB drive containing:

• Resume

• Work samples

• 30-second video intro

• “This got a candidate hired over 5 equally qualified people last week.”
  — Tech recruiter at Amazon (anonymous)

Industry-Specific Secrets

• Finance: Bring a printed Bloomberg terminal screenshot of the company’s stock

• Healthcare: Stethoscope around neck (even for admin roles) projects credibility

• Education: Lesson plan samples with handwritten margin notes

Final Checklist and Next Steps

You’re now armed with everything you need to walk into your interview looking—and feeling—like the most prepared candidate in the room. Let’s consolidate all these pro tips into an actionable plan.

Ultimate Interview Packing Checklist

(✓ = Essential | ★ = Next-Level Pro Move)

Documents
✓ 3-5 resume copies on quality paper
✓ Reference list (3 professional contacts)
★ Portfolio with leave-behind sample

Tools
✓ Professional notepad + premium pen
✓ Pre-written questions (5-7)
★ Mini USB drive with digital assets

Personal Care
✓ Breath mints (no gum)
✓ Travel-sized deodorant
★ Unopened water bottle to share

Emergency Kit
✓ Stain remover pen
✓ Band-aids + bobby pins
★ $20 emergency cash

Tech
✓ Phone on silent + stored away
✓ Smartwatch notifications off
★ Pre-charged tablet for portfolios

24-Hour Pre-Interview Timeline

Night Before:

• Lay out complete outfit (check for wrinkles)

• Pack bag using this checklist

• Do a test run to interview location

Morning Of:

• Review company research notes

• Practice power poses for confidence

• Arrive in neighborhood 45 minutes early

Post-Interview:

• Send thank-you email within 2 hours

• Note key discussion points for follow-ups

• Reward yourself regardless of outcome

Bonus: Interview Day Emergency Protocols

Even with perfect preparation, surprises happen. Here’s how top candidates handle last-minute crises while maintaining professionalism:

Crisis Response Guide

1. Running Late?

• Before 15 minutes: Call + email interviewer with ETA

• Script: “I want to respect your time—would you prefer to reschedule or proceed slightly later?”

• Pro Tip: Uber receipts prove transit issues weren’t your fault

2. Wardrobe Malfunction

• Stain Solution: Use Tide Pen → blame “morning coffee spill” if noticed

• Broken Heel? Remove both shoes → “I prefer grounded conversations anyway” (disarms tension)

3. Tech Failures

• Dead Device? Offer to email materials immediately after

• Print Emergency: Use nearby FedEx (save locations to phone)

4. Memory Lapses

• Blank on Questions? Say: “I prepared some thoughts, but I’d love to hear what you think is most important to cover first”

The Interview Survival Wallet

Keep these in a slim cardholder:

• $50 emergency cash

• List of nearby print shops/coffee shops

• Backup USB drive (in case bag gets lost)

• Pre-paid Lyft gift card

Psychological Recovery Tactics

• If Flustered: Pause → sip water → “Let me gather my thoughts to give you the best answer”

• For Major Mistakes: Address directly → “I’d like to revisit that point—here’s what I meant to convey…”

Real-World Example
A candidate’s portfolio got soaked in rain. She:

1. Dried pages with bathroom hand dryer

2. Joked: “Now you’ll really remember my water-resistant presentation!”

3. Got hired at BuzzFeed for her crisis composure

Conclusion: Master Your Interview With Unbeatable Preparation

*”Mastering what to bring to a job interview transforms anxiety into confidence. With this 37-item checklist, you’re now equipped to:*

1. Impress hiring managers through meticulous preparation

2. Handle emergencies with pro-level solutions

3. Stand out from candidates who overlook critical details

Remember: The difference between ‘good’ and ‘hired’ often comes down to what you bring to a job interview. Download your free checklist below and walk in ready to win.

Final Thought
“There are two types of candidates: those who prepare, and those who wish they had.” — Your Future Self