Not bringing a hard copy of your resume to interview (job hunting, unemployed)
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I was reading over the interviews section on glassdoor and came across several comments that really surprised me. They were regarding hard copies of resumes.
Each of these comments were angry and called the interviewers "unprofessional" for asking for a hard copy of a resume from the interviewees. Really? THEY are unprofessional?
Before I or my husband leave for an interview, we print out 3 fresh copies of our resume and have a special portfolio to carry it in, along with a legal pad and pen.
What do you think? Who's responsibility is it to have a copy of the interviewee's resume with them? Should the interviewee bring hard copies, or just expect interviewers to have a copy (digital or hard) already?
Usually the interviewer has my resume printed out and in front of them. I don't mind bringing copies, especially if there will be other people there, but I almost never have to give them a copy since they already have it.
My biggest gripe is that most interviewers haven't even read your resume. I expect them to at least glance it over for 5 or 10 seconds before I get in there with them, to at least have a general idea of who I am/what I did.
When I send in my resume, I just kind of expect the interviewer to already have a copy of it on hand. I feel like it might be redundant to print it again. Of course, I'm still searching for a full-time job and have only been able to find part-time work with a master's degree, so maybe I don't have the best approach?
I've heard that it's very important to have a hard copy of a resume available when attending career fairs and when presenting yourself to potential bosses that you haven't sent one to. I would imagine that older bosses see bringing a printed resume as a sign of preparation and conscientiousness, but perhaps younger people, bosses included, see it as unnecessary redundancy.
When I send in my resume, I just kind of expect the interviewer to already have a copy of it on hand. I feel like it might be redundant to print it again. Of course, I'm still searching for a full-time job and have only been able to find part-time work with a master's degree, so maybe I don't have the best approach?
I've heard that it's very important to have a hard copy of a resume available when attending career fairs and when presenting yourself to potential bosses that you haven't sent one to. I would imagine that older bosses see bringing a printed resume as a sign of preparation and conscientiousness, but perhaps younger people, bosses included, see it as unnecessary redundancy.
Great answer!
When my husband balks at my job hunting advice, or the advice of others, this is something I remind him of... you are unemployed. Chances are, your methods are not working and you should try someone else's way for awhile.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, originally from SF Bay Area
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When in doubt, bring copies, it's not like the ink and paper will keep you from eating, especially if you end up just bringing them back home. As a hiring manager,I always review them online, but have copies of the resume and cover letter provided by HR at the time of the interview, to refer to during the interview. I am often impressed by those applicants that ask if we need a copy, and also by those that bring notes to help them remember their good questions to ask us at the end. It means they took the time and effort to be well prepared, an indication that they are serious about wanting to work here.
When in doubt, bring copies, it's not like the ink and paper will keep you from eating, especially if you end up just bringing them back home. As a hiring manager,I always review them online, but have copies of the resume and cover letter provided by HR at the time of the interview, to refer to during the interview. I am often impressed by those applicants that ask if we need a copy, and also by those that bring notes to help them remember their good questions to ask us at the end.It means they took the time and effort to be well prepared, an indication that they are serious about wanting to work here.
See? How on Earth was any of that supposed to be "common sense?" I'll have to remember that next time I go to a job interview. I was thinking that preparing questions ahead of time might be unnecessary (and maybe make me look desperate because I over prepared for the job?) Again, though, extemporaneous interviewing does not work well for me. I often stutter my way through it. I'm a little worried about making it look or feel like a speech, though, but maybe some prior preparation would actually help me? I wish I knew exactly how to prepare for a teaching interview.
When in doubt, bring copies, it's not like the ink and paper will keep you from eating, especially if you end up just bringing them back home. As a hiring manager,I always review them online, but have copies of the resume and cover letter provided by HR at the time of the interview, to refer to during the interview. I am often impressed by those applicants that ask if we need a copy, and also by those that bring notes to help them remember their good questions to ask us at the end. It means they took the time and effort to be well prepared, an indication that they are serious about wanting to work here.
Exactly. Further, if you applied online, the company's software may have turned your beautifully-formatted resume into a garbled mess, leaving the interviewers wondering if you know basic MS Word skills. Peak at what they are referring to when they interview you and offer a pretty, clean copy.
That being said, I have only ONCE been asked for a printed copy (which I dutifully produced). The guy admitted he hadn't even looked at my resume before the interview, let alone even bother to bring a copy to read in front of me. I got the offer, which I decided to decline because of that and other horribly rude behavior from that interviewer.
IMO, it's like sending thank you notes. It might not land you the job, but it sure as heck doesn't hurt. And for that one interviewer who needs/expects you to have a resume printed, it just makes you look better.
I find the pre-written questions to be a bit stiff and scripted, but I understand some people get nervous and my field tends to attract introverts. After all, if you're supposed to write down questions when you meet with your doctor, why NOT for an interview? The best interviews are natural conversations, but sometimes you need a little help. I'd never disqualify someone for bringing prepared questions. I have, however, disqualified people for asking NO questions.
I'm also impressed with note-takers: the ones who actually care about the questions so much that they write down the answers. That's golden. I understand you get lots of info in an interview. Who could expect you to remember it all, especially when you're already probably nervous?
I was reading over the interviews section on glassdoor and came across several comments that really surprised me. They were regarding hard copies of resumes.
Each of these comments were angry and called the interviewers "unprofessional" for asking for a hard copy of a resume from the interviewees. Really? THEY are unprofessional?
Before I or my husband leave for an interview, we print out 3 fresh copies of our resume and have a special portfolio to carry it in, along with a legal pad and pen.
What do you think? Who's responsibility is it to have a copy of the interviewee's resume with them? Should the interviewee bring hard copies, or just expect interviewers to have a copy (digital or hard) already?
Chuckled at that comment. But seriously - does it matter who was unprofessional? At the end of the day. If you don't have what they want, you're going to be passed over.
I hate to use the word entitled. But that's what comes to mind. People think they have a right to the job. And the HR/Hiring managers are just people in their way. In reality, you are selling your skills to a potential customer. Having extra copies of your resume seems to be a pretty low hanging fruit in your effort to close the deal.
Sure, perhaps it makes sense that they should have a copy. But you bringing a copy just in case isn't to appease them. It's to make sure you cover all of your bases so that you get that offer.
Just as giving a two week notice isn't really to help the employer. It's to maintain your professional reputation.
If you bring a copy and aren't asked for it do you take it home or make sure someone gets it?
Generally, you offer it to the interviewer as you sit down. If they defer or refuse it, then you put it away and keep it.
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