take-notes-job-interview

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As a talented candidate, you know what it takes to land a great interview opportunity. But how can you maximize your opportunity to impress a potential employer? It’s vital to make a terrific first impression and to absorb as much information as possible. If you’ve got multiple interviews with different organizations or follow-up meetings for the same position, you want to stay focused. You’ll want to avoid any confusion by keeping things in order. Thus, an important question: should you take notes during your interview?

The Pros

The first benefit of taking notes during an interview is looking attentive. You have the chance of impressing an employer with your diligence. Additionally, taking notes will help you retain information and reflect on questions. A job interview is often a barrage of information, questions, and scenarios. Taking notes can mitigate some of the stress that comes with the interview process. You’ll be able to refer back to certain points that the hiring manager makes in real time, and review them after the interview concludes.

The Cons

Note-taking during a job interview can be a distraction. It’s possible that your notes will interfere with the process. Some interviewers will want your undivided attention and may prefer you not take notes. As a professional, you always want to engage in active listening when it counts. If you’re not a proficient multi-tasker, interview notes may not be your best choice. Know your strengths, especially in a high-stakes scenario like a professional interview.

The Verdict

Overall, you should feel confident taking notes in an interview. This is almost always an acceptable practice, as long as you don’t let it interfere with the interview experience. Writing your thoughts and questions is a good way to keep yourself organized and on track. Also, this practice can be particularly helpful as you write your thank you interview note – you can mention specific points that came up during the meeting.

Following Up

Always remember that the follow-up can be just as important as the interview. Use your notes to craft the perfect thank you message no more than two days after your interview. Here are some of our quick tips:

  • These days, a thoughtful email is more customary than a handwritten note
  • Keep things professional, even for more informal positions
  • Use your notes to tie in specific details from your interview: personalized responses garner more attention
  • Be concise – they know who you are, so no need for a full recap

Work with a Top Staffing Agency in Chicago

To learn more about how to nail your next interview, work with a top staffing agency in Chicago. The professionals at Davis Staffing know what it takes to get hired, and we can help you find the perfect fit. If you’re ready to speed up your job hunt, contact us today!

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