Free Career and Job Search Advice

cv

How would it be looked upon if I took notes with me to the interview ?

I tend to have a short memory especially about all the projects I did in my last jobs ...

sunny · Posted: Fri Jun 03, 2005 3:32 pm Post subject:

Hi there,

This is a little tricky, some interviewers don't mind, some hate it and others welcome it. If you take a discreet, small notebook with you to an interview, usually it is in order to make a note of what the interviewer has said, rather than to jog your own memory. However it can cover the two needs.

For memory joggers only use one or two words to remind you of what you want to say and if you make a note of what the interviewer says to you then say 'That's interesting' or something similar and make your note, but keep it brief.

Some interviewers feel like you are taking down their every word and it makes them uncomfortable (think police officer or reporter here).

I have known people who have written a discreet word or two on their left hand, only to come unstuck when they realise the have to shake hands with a left handed interviewer!

It may help you feel more confident if you try to improve your memory skills with a few exercises. Remember the old childhood game of a tray of items uncovered for a short period, say 15 seconds before being recovered and you had to write down as many items as you could remember? Or someone would (unseen) take an item away from the original number and you had to remember which item was missing. Try a few other memory games, like making up funny pictures in your head or rhymes.

I am sure you will soon feel more confident, most people get nervous before an interview - including the interviewer. Good luck,

~ sunny

cameronpowell · Guest

I can't think of a situation where taking notes would not be acceptable -- even impressive. It shows a seriousness and maturity. And I do not think taking notes would offend or bother the interviewer -- has anyone ever objected to having their every word followed closely? On the contrary, interviewers will be flattered.

Go for it.

ResumeCoachDeb · Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 2:12 pm Post subject: Taking Notes at an Interview

I agree with Cameron. Absolutely take notes ... and refer them when you write your thank you note, which should be written immediately after the interview !!

Some of your notes can be developed prior to the interview. Resesearch the company and know where they are going and who their competitors are, etc.

Resume Coach Deb

Carole · Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 3:21 pm Post subject:

I can't see any reason why one wouldn't take notes, either. I'm sure the interviewer will be making his own notes so why not the interviewee?

As "Deb" wrote, make some notes before you go to the interview, too. It can be difficult to remember the questions you wanted to ask when you're actually in the interview situation so having notes to refer to help jog your memory as well as showing potential employers that you've done your homework, so to speak, and are therefore serious about the position.

The "memory games" idea is good but I honestly can't see why it would be needed in this situation.

Carole

Guest · Posted: Mon Mar 27, 2006 6:52 am Post subject:

kewl topic guys Smile

jeter4982 · Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 9:56 pm Post subject:

Ya, I think a limited amount of notes is alright, but as the others have said try not to overdue it. You don't want the employer to think you are just reading a prewritten response, but at the same time you don't want to forget a key point. Use it as a reference, but make sure you also keep things like eye contact, and feel like you are having a conversation with the person, not the piece of paper you are reading from. Good luck!

Tom

lilo · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:08 pm Post subject:

Personaly I see this thing as unprofessional. My opinion is that if you want to get a job, you better be prepared for the interview and I don't think it's so hard to learn a sheet of paper (most of the times it's even less) and speak freely about your previous projects and your expectations.
It's not like you're in school and you have to cheat to get an exam, but still, it's unprofessional. You can take notes DURING the interview if you want and if the situation requires, even if I doubt that...but to go there and recite your resume like a poem doesn't seem right.
I can see a lot of people disagree with me....I'm still waiting for an opinion similar to mine.

PS: I teach communication in college and I saw not one student having notes at the admission interview. I appreciated that very much

Join our Newsletter
CopyRight © 1999-2008 cvtips.com This material cannot be published under any form or condition.