Taking notes into an interview

[Pombearsandnaiceham]

AIBU to ask if it's okay to take notes into an interview (when you've been asked to prepare in advance for a case study scenario at interview)?

Thanks :)

Definitely yes! I always take notes, a copy of my application, a pen and paper...

I have done it before and the interviewer was impressed by my preparation.

Definitely!! Shows you're organised and prepared.

It depends. I would not assume it is ok to take notes in for a task driven element of an interview unless you have been advised this is the case and would check in advance with the panel. It would probably be fine, but you don't want to be flustered should they not be happy with them on the day.

Absolutely.
They will see you've done your homework.
Take notes, questions, research, everything.
Good luck - fingers crossed for you.

Yes agree. I've often prepared a hand out for the interview panel where appropriate. Something to remember me by!

Thanks everyone :)

Do you think I should phone them up to ask if it's alright to bring notes in?

I wouldn't normally bring notes into an interview. It's just that I've been asked to prepare a case study in advance for this particular interview, which I've never had to do before.

I'm in two minds really: I think that it would put me at ease just to have notes there, but I also understand that it might not be allowed (although I haven't been told either way whether it is allowed).

I wouldn't phone them. I'd just do it. AT interview when they ask about the case study just calmly get your notes out and use them, remembering to make lots of eye contact and don't just read them.

I have been interviewed and interviewed other people for LOTS of jobs, and in no scenario has it ever been inappropriate.

Good luck.

Don't phone in advance- it looks flappy and unconfident.
Make your notes as legible and simple as possible. Clutching reams of paper and faffing about with them- not ok.
Holding a notebook and pen with everything you need to hand looks competent.

I think as you've been asked to prepare a case study then taking notes would show preparedness. I'd go for it if I were you - main thing though as I'm sure you know is not to keep your head down referring to the notes constantly. Over dependance on notes can show lack of spontinatiety and ability to think on your feet.

I interview quite a lot and would say this is fine - in fact it usually makes people look prepared and organised. Like others have said, just make sure that you are familiar with the notes and can talk around them whilst making eye contact, rather than just reading them verbatim without lifting your eyes.

Unless there is an exam style test, always take notes.

I have never been to an interview without them. I have done panel interviews, role play interviews, case study, presentation interviews etc. Pretty much any interview type.

I also conduct interviews and generally the ones that are best are the ones with notes. Not always, but generally.

Oh yes make sure you dont spend the whole time looking at the notes. Thats a great point.

Lots of eye contact and use the notes for reference.

Yes, it's not a memory test.
I have gone it, a f have interviewed people doing it. I got the job; so did they.

Gorgosparta On another note that sort of makes me despair. I've had all sorts of interviews for jobs which required one to have a single functioning brain cell but lo and behold I still had to jump through the hoops. Why is it so fucking difficult to just get in? I know I'm capable, my CV says that I'm capable so why the song and dance!? Gahh! It's just so anxiety inducing for some.

I think it's fine if it's a case study and necessary for a presentation.. But not fine for just a general interview. But maybe it's the norm these days.

vlad not sure i follow?

They were all for different jobs and you should get some sort of warning what is going to be involved.

I have worked my way high up in my company. So have come across all types of interview.

CVs dont get across if someone is suitable for a role alot of time. It can often be down to wether you, personally, are the right fit. And CVs arent always accurate.

But not sure i have interpreted your post correctly.

Absolutely. I have been interviewing for an early career role at work over the last few weeks; the ones that came in with notes inevitably gave a better performance (no doubt due to being prepared!). I view it as a positive.

Notes are fine but you must ensure you don't read word for word as it comes across as dull and robotic. The trick is using the notes but still look a bit spontaneous. Good luck

Gorgosparta I was just referring to the nature of interviews being very tedious and almost ceremonial. The process is tiresome and can be very anxiety inducing. At one interview I had, my nerves ate me up so much so when the interviewer became like Paxman and this was for a fast food chain in the mid noughties.

I get what you mean. But as of yet no one has come up with a great way to avoid interviews but make sure the person is a competent as their CV and is a good fit.

I also think interviewers can do alot from the start to make people relax.

Don't phone them up.

Just turn up with notes. Shows you have a clue. And don't forget a pen! I doubt they would insist you put them away.

Honestly, I have done a lot of interviews (from an interviewer perspective) in the last 12 months. The number of people who turn up, for interviews with no notes, not even a pen and have not even bothered to look the company up on our website to find out a bit about us is shocking and does not go down well, especially when in the instructions prior to interview, they are told that the process includes a scenario, where they will have to listen to a customer and take notes!!!!

Although do check the back of your notes...I realised on the way in to an interview that DD had drawn a stick person on the back of one of the pages in big green highlighter, when she'd gone in the study looking for paper

I would always recommend taking notes in with you. I always make a list of my questions and will always smile and check it - it looks professional and organised. I've always found people who are prepared with notes perform better when I've interviewed them.

Yep fine. Make sure they're nice and neat though, taking a load of scrappy bits of paper doesn't look great.