Bringing concise, well-prepared notes to a job interview is generally a sign of professionalism and preparation, but it's not suitable for every interview format. The key is to use brief bullet points as a discreet guide, not a script, to enhance your confidence and answers without hindering authentic engagement. Based on our assessment experience, this approach is highly effective in behavioural and video interviews, yet inadvisable for on-the-job or group assessments.
What Types of Interviews Are Notes Most Helpful For?
Your notes can be a significant asset in specific scenarios. They demonstrate thorough preparation and help you structure complex answers.
- Behavioural Interviews: These interviews focus on past experiences. The interviewer uses questions based on the premise that past behaviour predicts future performance. Having a few bullet points reminding you of key situations, analyzed using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), ensures you provide comprehensive and relevant examples.
- Video Interviews: The remote nature of video calls allows for a discreet glance at your notes. Having prepared questions and key points next to your screen prevents you from looking down or away for extended periods, maintaining better eye contact with the camera.
- For Your Questions: Bringing a list of thoughtful questions for the interviewer is always recommended. It signals genuine interest and helps you gather crucial information to evaluate the role.
How Should You Prepare Effective Interview Notes?
Effective notes are a tool for recall, not a word-for-word script. The preparation process itself is valuable for organizing your thoughts.
- Company Research: Summarize key points about the company's recent projects, mission, and culture. This allows you to tailor your answers and show you've done your homework.
- STAR Method Breakdown: For potential behavioural questions, jot down brief notes for 3-5 key accomplishments using the STAR framework. This structures your stories without memorization.
- Job Description Alignment: Create a simple table to match your skills directly to the role's requirements. This visual aid can be a quick reference for highlighting your suitability.
| Job Requirement | My Skill/Experience |
|---|
| Project Management | Led a 6-month campaign that delivered results 15% under budget. |
| Client Communication | Regularly managed a portfolio of 20+ key accounts. |
- Keep it Concise: Use bullet points and keywords. If your notes are too detailed, you risk sounding rehearsed and may struggle to maintain a natural conversation flow.
When Should You Avoid Bringing Notes to an Interview?
In some interview settings, notes can be detrimental, as the primary goal is to assess your ability to think spontaneously and interact naturally.
- On-the-Job Interviews/Practical Assessments: If you are expected to perform a task or solve a problem in real-time, notes are impractical and may suggest you cannot perform without aids.
- Group Interviews: These sessions evaluate teamwork, communication, and spontaneity. Referring to notes can isolate you from the group dynamic and appear unprepared for collaborative problem-solving.
- Notes on a Mobile Device: Never use a phone for notes during an interview. It appears unprofessional and distracting. Always use a professional-looking notepad or portfolio if you choose to bring notes.
What Other Essential Items Should You Bring?
Whether you bring notes or not, several other items are crucial for a successful interview.
- Multiple CV Copies: Bring several clean copies for everyone on the interview panel.
- A Notepad and Pen: Essential for jotting down questions or key points during the conversation, showing you are engaged.
- A Copy of the Job Description: Allows you to reference specific requirements when answering questions.
- A Portfolio of Work: Critical for creative roles, providing tangible evidence of your skills.
- A Bottle of Water: Helps with nerves and keeps you hydrated.
In summary, bringing notes is a strategic decision. Use brief, bullet-pointed notes to boost confidence in behavioural or video interviews, but rely on your preparation and interpersonal skills in dynamic, practical, or group settings. The most important items to bring are always extra copies of your CV, a notepad, and a clear understanding of the job role.
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