To take notes into a job interview?

[Isittho]

I've got a job interview next week and my friend suggested I bring notes with keys words on for prompts.

I thought it was a good idea at the time but now it's getting closer, I'm starting to reconsider.

Is it weird or inappropriate?

I just can't see myself doing it but I'm concerned that am I missing a trick? Is everyone doing this?

Jobs for a government type department, with an interview panel.

I’m shit at interviews on the applicant side though so take no notice 😂. They can often be more art than a science and even with set criteria and scoring systems some things go by the wayside. Public sector not so much but there is always ‘essential’ and merely ‘desired’ requirements with the last part being flexible

I think it would be really off putting and make you look flustered, unless the post specifies that you should do prep before. By all means look at them beforehand, but not in the actual interview. You'll look as though you have poor memory and not initiative.

People love spontaneity in interviews. They don't like exam style answers. You should remember technicalities and bring your personality across.

Depends - I have a job where we have to think very quickly on the spot in high pressured environment.
If people brought notes in would show they couldn't do the job tbh.
Incredibly different for other jobs

Congrats on the job!

I interviewed after 9 years as a sahm (and 11 years since my last interview) and i took in notes & referred to them when i asked some questions & was offered the job 2 hours later.

I've had a few interviews recently. I interview well and generally get offered the job.
I take the job description, my cv and a little black leather notebook to take any notes. It works well. Do it!

Depends on the culture of the company I suppose. I wouldn't take notes with me personally as I would be too busy looking for what to fit where and lose the spontaneity and presence needed in the moment.

I do take notes/bullet points on what interviewers are saying so that I can create questions around those later and clarify anything that doesnt fit my understanding. I believe it shows that candidate is attentive for their inputs and you come away knowing more about them.

Good luck for the interview!

I have done why not, an interview works two ways.

I don’t go to any meeting without my prep notes. YANBU.

I don’t think it would be weird or inappropriate. However I would think if I’d prepared well I wouldn’t need the notes. Body language and facial expressions are really important in showing your confidence and making a connection with the panel. Hard to do if you’re rummaging around in your notes.

Oops just saw your update. Congratulations OP.

I do make extensive notes when preparing for an interview but never take them into the interview with me. Instead, I spend time at home prepping (such as you do before a presentation) as it takes a lot of prep to sound spontaneous.

My roles are technical and involve interaction with senior management who are often demanding and only respect people who know their onions. Therefore, the role needs to inspire confidence and blag convincingly, if necessary. The technical stuff, if I am tested on it, needs to roll off my tongue.

I would agree with the posters who say notes are not appropriate for senior level posts. They are looking for a personality and fit, not just someone who has the technical skills through organisation and preparation.

As for competencies, you just have to have 2, maximum 3, examples of each sort up your sleeve and adapt as necessary. It is not that difficult as the answers have to be concise and to the point anyway.

Just saw your update. Congrats!

I did it in my last job interview - for a similar job. I wasn't sure about whether notes were ok or not, but they really helped my confidence. I didn't check them much but I did use them. Worked a treat, got the job, very happy in the role. Good luck

Just saw your update Well done!

I would accept small prompt cards for a presentation, but they would be penalised if they relied too heavily on them.

If anyone needed notes in an interview we would not employ them.

Well done OP

OP WHOOP! 👍
🖐️💐

Absolutely do this. Prep the most likely questions. Good luck

Oops sorry just saw update. Congrats! X