Using laptop during interview for notes instead of pad? (job, interest, professional)

[Teckeeee]

I sell in the high tech space..........looking to get objective feedback on perception of interviewee using laptop for notes instead of traditional pad and paper.

Why you ask, because it's more efficient IMO. Just type notes in the cloud don't have to read my scribbles and then retype.

Your thoughts appreciated.

[randomlikeme]

I'd think you were on there playing elf bowling or candy crush or whatever the kids are doing these days and not paying attention to the interview.

[beera]

I wouldn't do it. I would take the traditional pad and paper. I would think the person is not really paying attention.

[hnsq]

Originally Posted by Colorado xxxxx

I sell in the high tech space..........looking to get objective feedback on perception of interviewee using laptop for notes instead of traditional pad and paper.

Why you ask, because it's more efficient IMO. Just type notes in the cloud don't have to read my scribbles and then retype.

Your thoughts appreciated.

Absolutely not. It is seen as unprofessional. You are creating a barrier between yourself and the interviewer, and you could be doing anything you want. It is unprofessional to bring a laptop to ANY meeting where you are an attendee instead of the presenter.

Bringing a laptop to a meeting is the social equivalent as checking your email on a smartphone during a meeting.

[ragnarkar]

I wouldn't do it unless they specifically encourage you can use a laptop or tablet to take notes..

[STT Resident]

I don't think it's appropriate. When I interview someone I like to have their undivided attention and I'm turned off by someone who's sitting there with an obvious notebook and pen at the ready, let alone a laptop. As the interview comes to a close I've no problem repeating salient points which the candidate may need more details about. Seriously though, if a candidate can't retain what's been discussed or enough of it to come to some sort of an idea about what the job entails without scribbling down notes or tapping on a keyboard, I'm not going to spend a lot of time considering him or her.

[jaypee]

I wouldn't recommend it. It's an interview, not a meeting, so no need to take copious notes.

[johnp292]

Interesting question.

I'm now using my iPad for note taking with a stylus and trying to get used to it, but I doubt I'd take it on an interview, either as the interviewee or interviewer (and have not, for the latter).

It's probably something we will see more of. My first thought on reading your post is that, since I interview people for tech jobs, this seems a logical idea. However, thinking it through to a practical standpoint, if I got the impression that the typing was slowing the interview down, or that the candidate was even the slightest bit distracted by the computer, it would not be favorable. Also, if we were giving a technical interview to gauge the candidate's skills, I wouldn't allow it.

Therefor, I don't think it's a great idea. Perhaps in the future it may be more acceptable, especially if note taking on tablets becomes more widespread, as I think that's less intrusive to the process.

But that's just me.

[groar]

i can't imagine needing to take that kind of notes at an interview.

i bring a pad and a pen in case i need to jot something down that i need to follow up on, or something that i might want to remember for my follow-up note or the next interview. but we're talking about quickly writing something down maybe 3 times max over the course of the interview. not taking notes like it's a classroom or you're taking minutes. you don't need a computer to take the kind of notes that are appropriate for an interview and you do risk the interviewer thinking you're checking your e-mail or something.

[DCmum]

Who takes notes at an interview?