Is it ok to bring a small bag to an interview or are you supposed to just bring the resume Binder. I ask this because I have a work-related meeting right after the interview and need to bring materials with me.
Also, is it ok to use a resume Binder you had from college, so it says the college name on it, but its a nice one.
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No one cares about your damn bag. Bring what you need to, even if it is a jansport.
Interview Bag or Pad? (Originally Posted: 12/27/2007)
Hello guys,
In preparation for junior recruiting, I'm deciding on whether to invest in a very nice leather bag or padfolio. I tend to carry around some folders, including copies of my resume and transcript to interviews. This has worked well for me in the past, but has always required me to carry a bag.
For the future, here are the 2 options I am deciding on and their pros and cons.
Leather bag (messenger style?) Pros: Can bring lots of things (resume, transcript, recommendation letter, perhaps course material?, etc) As a sophomore, I brought course material to show interviewers I had the knowledge to perform the job. Not sure if this will be necessary during junior interviews
Padfolio Pros: Much sleeker image - look more organized No bag to ruin drape of suit Cons: Cannot bring much material / may look sloppy if given lots of material during interview and you walk out with a bunch of stuff in your arms
.
What has worked well for you guys in the past?
P.S. My previous boss has written me a very generous recommendation letter and has offered to write on my behalf for my junior recruiting interviews. Would it be nice to include this in a folder along with my resume and transcript to the interviewers?
Much thanks and happy holidays all!
When I was interviewing, I bought the leather portfolio at the campus store with the school's logo on it. Lots of others did the same.
Get the leather portfolio. You look much better walking in to meet your interviewer(s) with it then with a bag in tow
Messenger bag is more for when you actually are working.
I would agree with the others who recommended the leather portfolio. I would not take a bag or padfolio to the interview as you won't really need to have more than your resume.
You can bring along your recommendation letter but I would not offer it unless asked. Reality is banks just care about your resume, we barely even look at cover letters.
Thanks for all the great comments guys.
I would probably bring a leather bag. Not a nylon one.
Messenger bag VS leather writing pad for interviews? (Originally Posted: 11/20/2011)
Hello,
Sorry for creating a similar thread :). I was wondering which one is more appropriate for interviews. I'm always forced to throw away any extra stuff I have with me (i.e. sweets, water) right before I approach the interview locations. I'm feeling that a messenger bag would solve these problems. But, people tell me that a messenger bag is a little too casual or it's not a good idea for interviews.
What do you think?
Thanks.
how about a briefcase?
I think it doesn't matter. I've walked into interviews with a vanilla folder before with a single copy of my resume inside. As long as you don't walk in with some ratty smelling bag that OWS left in Zuccotti.
manila folder or a folder made out of vanilla?
I think a briefcase is way too professional.
more opinions?
Too professional?
????????
Depends on where you interview and for what. Every firm has their own distinct culture. If you are still in school, go with the pad. I would agree the messenger is too casual.
tradingevents.blogspot.com/p/uniform.html
I would probably bring a leather bag. Not a nylon one.
What to bring to interviews: Leather portfolio with school logo? (Originally Posted: 12/01/2014)
Is it customary to bring a leather portfolio with school logo to consulting interviews in business school? It seems like 2nd years who are interviewing for full time positions are always carrying these around. I've seen some dudes carry these to coffee chats etc. Should I buy one?
No one cares.
Seriously. Not being flip. I've got 3 years at MBB, I'm on the interview cadre at my firm, I've given maybe a hundred case interviews. Absolutely no one gives a shit.
Who cares? As soon as you sit down for the interview/coffee chat, your'e gonna open it up anyway. No one is going to be looking at the front of your portfolio, and if they do, they really won't care what's on the front.
Just bring a portfolio, it's a good way to keep your resume, pens, scratch paper, notes, business cards, etc. during interviews.
Like the others said no one cares what kind of portfolio it is, color, material, trim, logo (unless another company), etc. I feel like most people bring their school one cuz it's the only one they have. That's why I bring my school one.
Not one damn is given bro. Just bring something muted and efficient to keep your stuff organized. If it has a logo, great. If not, great.
I guess I'm more judgmental than most, but I hate it when candidates have obnoxious school logos on their portfolios. If it's muted, fine, otherwise just get a plain one from a store.
no one gives a damn hell whats on your god damn fuckin portfolio
As long as you're not taking notes on cafeteria napkins, you're good. I use a school-logo pad because it was a gift.
No you'll never get hired if you do, dont do it
Not a single dime of fuck given..
only if you have the frat jacket to match.
You are thinking way too much about this. A nice, conservative bag is perfectly fine. I have a non-leather Tumi, and a leather Coach bag. Either one would be fine; you don't need to go out and get a leather bag, but if you have one already, great. Much more important than the bag is the interview itself. Rock the interview and they won't care whether you have an expensive briefcase, a nice, simple bag, or just a document binder. Show up clean cut, dressed well, with a simple bag (yes, I would not wear a big rainbow colored bag with feathers, as an exaggeration, but essentially, just use common sense and you'll be fine). Don't overthink this - focus on nailing the dialogue part of the interview and you'll be fine.
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Don't just buy a new bag if some tool here tells you to. That is the last thing they care about.
i once rocked a jansport for one of my bb on-campus interviews (it was between classes). i got the offer.
as long as you're not going to be self-conscious about your bag/binder/whatever during the interview, you will be fine. if you think not having a nice new bag will make you self-conscious in some way, then get it. the bag doesn't matter (within reason of course) - your self-confidence and body language do.
they should usually have a place for you to put your bag before the interview anyway. the only one who will ever see it is hr, and they dont matter.
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