TheJobBored.com

Yes.

The end.

Sometimes my job search tips seem obvious. Sometimes the tips are so simple, you would think everyone would say, well, duh.

But this tip comes from an encounter with a client I had this morning which drove home yet again the idea that no tip is too simple. There’s always someone out there who could use the suggestion, no matter how obvious it might seem.

So here’s my simple advice: don’t forget to take a paper copy of your resume along with you to every interview. In fact, take more than one copy.

Why do you need to take your resume to an interview in this day and age of online resumes and application submissions?

Well, first off, it’s a courtesy. It shows that you’ve prepared and have a certain degree of professionalism. It’s sort of the same thing as wearing a decent outfit to the interview.

It’s also a ritual thing. Handing your resume across the desk is just part of the whole interview ritual. Sometimes the resume is just a prop to get the discussion going. If they don’t need to look at it, the worst they can do is decline your offer. No problem, you slide your copy back into your folder or portfolio.

But here’s where it’s just common sense: any HR rep will tell you that their job can very often be chaotic. Sure, you’re on their schedule, and maybe you’re already an assigned file in their database.

But that doesn’t mean they’ll have all their paperwork together when you sit down for the interview. Being able to hand them what they need can get the ball rolling.

And, leaving behind a tangible piece of evidence is one more bit of insurance that you won’t be forgotten or lost in the shuffle.

So, even in this electronic age, you should absolutely bring along a physical copy of your resume to every interview.

(Oh… and why do I recommend bringing more than one copy? Well, answer me this: how sure are you that you are going to be interviewed only once? Or only by one person at a time? Better bring enough resumes along so that everyone can have one of their own.)

And, of course, you’ll be better off if you bring along a resume written by a professional resume writing service.

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3. Train Yourself To Ace The Interview By Going On Trial Run Interviews
4. Resume Tip- 4 Quick Ways To Make Your Resume Stand Out
5. Ask Brian- How To Schedule An Interview When You Already Have A Job
6. Old School Resume Hack- Snail Mail