For in-person interviews, the modern checklist:

  • 3 printed copies of your resume (1 for you, 1 for each interviewer; print extras if it's a panel)
  • Notebook and pen (taking notes signals attention)
  • List of questions to ask (a few written questions saves you when the moment comes)
  • Portfolio or work samples if applicable (designers, writers, software engineers with code samples)
  • Address and arrival info (phone navigation can fail; printed backup is fine)
  • A water bottle (long interviews dry you out)

That's it. Below is what's no longer needed.

What's no longer expected

  • Padfolio / leather binder unless it's a formal industry (law, finance, government).
  • Laptop unless you'll demo something.
  • References list — wait until asked.
  • Stack of recommendation letters.
  • Marketing-pitch presentations unless explicitly requested.

What to wear

Match the company's vibe. What to wear to a job interview.

For virtual interviews

  • Quiet space, good light. Position the lamp in front of you, not behind.
  • Working camera and microphone. Test before the call.
  • Charged laptop + charger plugged in.
  • Water bottle.
  • Notes pulled up off-camera (your prepared questions, key facts about the company).
  • Resume open in a tab for quick reference.
  • Phone on do-not-disturb but accessible (in case the call drops).

What to do with the resumes you bring

  • Hand a copy to each interviewer at the start ("Want a copy?").
  • Reference your own copy when discussing specific bullets.
  • Take notes on the back if helpful.

Last-minute prep

  • Re-read the job description in the parking lot or before logging in.
  • Re-read the LinkedIn pages of your interviewers.
  • Have one or two prepared "tell me about yourself" answers in mind.
  • Have at least three questions ready to ask.

The bigger pattern

Interview prep is real work. So is getting the interview in the first place — that's the bigger bottleneck for most candidates.

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For more: what to wear to a job interview, what questions to ask in an interview, how to prepare for a job interview.