7 Things To Leave at Home for Your Next Interview

Looking for a job can be stressful for anyone, and stress can make us forget things. It can also make us overlook some behaviors or items that can hurt us in our job search.

Most people know what to do in an interview and to bring a resume but may not have considered what not to bring to a job interview. Some items not to have with you may seem obvious, while others can be avoided by being thorough as you prepare for that big interview.

What not to bring to a job interview

Many HR professionals who interview potential employees have at least one story that ends with, "Can you believe this person did A, B, or C?" With that in mind, here's how to avoid being the subject of one of those stories.

#1 A sour attitude

You want to present the best you that you can. You probably dressed well, and you showered beforehand. Why would you go into the interview with a scowl and a chip on your shoulder?

When you sit across from a potential employee, the message you probably want to send is one indicating that you're a team player or that you work and play well with others. A job candidate with a bad attitude doesn't exactly cry out to get hired on the spot.

If your interviewer sees that your bad day has spilled over into the job interview, they'll assume you can't separate your work and personal lives or that you always have a bad attitude. In either case, the message they'll receive is that they should keep looking for the right person because it isn't you.

A good attitude can help land the job, and you might even be able to tell if you got the gig even before they tell you.

#2 Your kids

You love your kids, and unless they're holy terrors, you expect most other people will like them, too. But your potential boss doesn't need to meet them before you get the job.

Child care is a real issue for millions of working Americans, but solutions exist. You may have to work at it but figure a way not to have to bring your children.

Bringing them sends a message that says you have trouble planning— after all, you knew about this interview, but you didn't think to do anything about child care while you attended it.

You may also unintentionally tell a future employer that the company can't count on you to work every scheduled shift. Most jobs aren't conducive to kids running around the office while their parents work.

Don't send these messages. Leave the kids with a sitter, or interview while they're at school.

#3 Food items

While the company you're interviewing with might offer you a bottle of water or a small snack, that doesn't mean you should try to save them money by bringing your own food.

There are a few reasons to leave food at home:

• If you find it annoying to speak to someone on the phone who's eating, your interviewer probably feels the same way about interviewing someone shoveling down lunch.
• Like bringing your kids, this can telegraph an inability to plan.
• You probably wore your best shirt, and the last thing you need is for the marinara sauce to splash on it.

Don't chew gum, either.

#4 A phone that's not on silent

This point is another case of putting yourself in the interviewer's shoes. Having the other party's phone go off during a critical discussion is annoying and distracting.

However, your phone is also something you might overlook. You know you don't want to get a call during a job interview, but you might forget to turn off your phone. Since you can't control who might call you, leave the phone at home, in the car, or at least on silent in your pocket.

#5 Unprofessional clothing

Even if you're interviewing for a restaurant waitstaff job, you want to present your best self to the interviewer. Right or wrong, people judge each other on their appearance, including the clothes they choose to wear.

Appropriate clothing is essential. While you may love Star Wars, and your potential employer might also be a huge fan, you showing up in a wrinkled Star Wars t-shirt won't score any points with anyone.

Looking professional sometimes requires us to step away from our style, even if just for the duration of the interview. Think of one word you'd want your future boss to use in describing you, then dress in a manner that will elicit that response.

#6 Other people and pets

Any distractions are bad. You are the main event in an interview, but bringing your dog (even if it's a pet-friendly working environment) pulls focus from you. Bringing a buddy will also remove the attention from you and may make the interviewer wonder why this other random person is here.

If you can't provide pet care for an interview, how dependable can you be? Remember all that stuff about not bringing your kids to an interview? It goes for pets, too.

Also, what if your sister tags along, and they like her better? Thanksgiving will be awkward this year.

#7 Nothing

Attending a meeting empty-handed sends the message that you are ill-prepared.

Bring your resume (in a document folder, not folded up in your pocket), a pen, and a notepad. The notepad says you're ready to jot down important information, and you probably have questions for your interviewer, which you can write on that notepad so you won't forget.

Having a list of references on hand says that you have prepared, people value you as a person and employee, and you probably aren't prone to job abandonment. Why wouldn't you have that list ready for inspection?

Final thoughts

What not to bring to a job interview can be as important as what you bring and the skills you carry with you to the position. Don't send the wrong message by forgetting to take care of your responsibilities before the interview. And leave the food in the car. 🍕😋