Bringing a bag to an interview

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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33 Comments
 

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.

 

how about a briefcase?

Man cannot remake himself without suffering, for he is both the marble and the sculptor. -Dr. Alexis Carrel
 
rothymanI 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?

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

only if you have the frat jacket to match.

"... then, lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in My sight, shall snuff it."
 

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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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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