During an interview, you want to put your best foot forward and appear cool, calm and collected. Graceful, poised, able to take on every question they ask you.
Doing so with a handbag bulging with items and having to rummage around for an extra pen can hurt that “grace under pressure” image. After going on numerous interviews throughout the years, I successfully downsized my handbag when I set out to meet with a prospective employer. Remember, you’re interviewing for a position other than Mary Poppins.
I cannot repeat this enough: Downsize is crucial.
Handbag: If you are interviewing for a finance job or at a very conservative organization, you may consider purchasing a briefcase. However, in my experience, a {Longchamp is a perfectly professional handbag} for an interview. It is simple yet classic and looks professional. Bonus: It will look just as good at a happy hour with friends toasting your new job! Generally, I avoid handbags without all the buckles and gadgets because they just look so busy.
Heels: {My favorite pumps are from Jessica Simpson}. Yes, you read that correctly. These heels are beyond comfortable and are classic. However, I have yet to master standing on a bus in a pair of heels so I toss them into my bag and wear ballet flats for the commute.
Lipstick & Mascara: I apply my makeup before I leave my apartment but I keep my makeup handy, especially lipstick and mascara for those last minute touch ups. Seriously, I sneeze almost every time after I apply mascara. The horror!
Makeup Bag: Keep your makeup in a {makeup bag}. There is really nothing worse than smears of eyeliner and mascara coating the inside of your lovely handbag.
Padfolio: {I always carry a padfolio} with me to interviews. Before an interview, I always do my homework on the company and the people I will be meeting. I jot down notes on the padfolio’s legal pad and carry it with me for quick reference throughout the interview. The padfolio looks professional and adult. Plus, it has a sleeve to carry extra copies of your resume and business cards!
Pens: Keep your {pens} ready at all times. While I am waiting in the reception area, I take my padfolio and pens out of my bag so they are ready to rock n’ roll. Also, you never know if your interview forgot her/his pen at their desk!
Business Cards: I use {Vistaprint} for my business cards but I have also heard great things about {Moo.com}
Resumes: Don’t take for granted your interviewer will print off a copy of your resume. If you know you will be interviewing with one person, make 3 copies of your resume to slip into your padfolio. One for you, one for the interviewer and another “just in case” copy. You don’t want to be caught unprepared!
Portfolio: In the PR world, writing is king. You want to show the company you are a great writer who can also yield measurable results. Here is where the portfolio come into play. {In a mini folder}, I place a copy of my resume, references and 5 writing pieces to refer to during the interview.
Thank You Notes: I cannot stress this enough: {Always send a handwritten thank you note}. Remember the notes you took throughout the interview on your legal pad? Reference a talking point you and the interviewer discussed, it shows you actively engaged in the interview and are very interested. The handwritten aspect will place you ahead of your peers who just sent an impersonal email.
What do you pack in your handbag for an interview?
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love this post! I’m trying to find a comfy pair of nude heels and I was debating getting the JS ones!