It’s one thing to spend hours, weeks, even months applying for jobs in manufacturing, but then when the call comes for an interview it gets nerve-wracking in short order. Take heart that many job seekers get a temporary case of the “jitters” when it comes to interviewing. Despite being qualified and ready for the job, getting too nervous can cause you to forget all about being confident and instead make you forget everything you ever learned about job interviewing. You don’t want this to happen while you are in front of a hiring manager.

So, in case you are facing a big interview right now, here is a “job interview survival pack” that can help you prepare and rock your next interview.

What’s in the job interview survival pack?

1. Personal contact cards/business cards – When you are looking for a job and have an interview, this is the perfect time to bring along your professionalism by giving everyone you meet a business or personal contact card. Get some free ones printed out and clip them to your resume as well. This will help you to stand out and it’s a nice way to break the ice.
2. Fresh copies of your resume – Recruiters and hiring managers are busy people. Save them the trouble of looking for a copy of your resume from amid the stacks they have on their desk. Bring a few freshly printed out copies with you.
3. Copy of the job advertisement or description – Walk into the interview prepared with a copy of the job advertisement or the full description. This will help you have talking points as you meet with the recruiter.
4. Personal data sheet with previous employment – Expect that you may have to fill out additional career information when you go to the interview. This happens often with recruitment firms and corporate interviews. Bring a detailed information sheet about your past employment, including the addresses and phone numbers of previous employers, supervisor names, and dates of employment.
5. Letters of recommendation – As a smart job seeker you are going to get a few reference letters from former employers and clients (if you have any). Bring copies of these with you (on company letterhead) and attach them to your resume. Encourage the person interviewing you to read them.
6. List of questions for interviewer – A recruiter will want to see that you’ve done your homework concerning the job and the company. Bring a list of at least 5 questions to ask about the job, the duties, the corporate culture, and the company objectives.
7. Thank you card with stamped envelope – Immediately following the interview, stop to jot down a thank you note to the person who interviewed you and drop this in the nearest post office or mailbox on your way out the door. This way you will not forget this crucial step.
8. An extra pen and note pad – You will want to have an extra pen with you because it never fails that your pen will dry out in the middle of the application form. Bring along a note pad to jot down important points and the name of the person you meet with.
9. Map to the interview location – Don’t make the mistake of being late for your interview because you got lost. Prevent this by either using a printed map from an Internet map or a GPS unit to help you find the way efficiently.
10. Emergency cash – If you have an interview during the week, you may have to skip a lunch break to meet with a recruiter (if you are currently working) so you may need to stop at a drive through for a quick snack. Or you may need to make a call from a payphone if you have car trouble. Bring along a few dollars just in case.
11. Hairbrush and hand wipes – You want to look your very best, so bring these items along to tidy up before you walk into a job interview. Looking good can help boost your self-confidence.

Remember, a job interview is your chance to shine. Take a deep breath and know that you have your interview survival kit to support your career objective. If you are in the Chicago Southland and Northwest Indiana areas looking for a great new career, consider how Davis Staffing can support your career dreams. Be sure to follow us on Facebook too!