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Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 3:55 am
by Anonymous User
hi,

I was wondering, is it weird to do this:
walk into the interviewing room, shake the interviewer's hand, sit down and pull out a paper folder (containing your resume, writing sample, cover letter and transcript) and say, "would you like a copy of my resume" when it is obvious that he has your stuff right in front of him?

Is it generally better to not give them anything unless they ask for it?

Thanks!

Re: Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 4:50 am
by Rock-N-Roll
Anonymous User wrote:hi,

I was wondering, is it weird to do this:
walk into the interviewing room, shake the interviewer's hand, sit down and pull out a paper folder (containing your resume, writing sample, cover letter and transcript) and say, "would you like a copy of my resume" when it is obvious that he has your stuff right in front of him?

Is it generally better to not give them anything unless they ask for it?

Thanks!
As long it all seems natural, it's okay. Don't stress the little stuff so much.

Re: Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:20 am
by LurkerNoMore
Yes, it is weird. On a bunch of levels. Where are you pulling this paper folder out of? Why would you offer something they clearly have sitting in front of them? Why would you want to start a conversation with this question? Now of you were told to bring XYZ to the interview, then offering up the materials at the beginning makes sense. But you shouldn't be carrying a paper folder into the interview. Get a professional looking portfolio. Or if you are carrying a briefcase, leave the folder in it and just pull out the documents you need.

But the weirdest thing is the question. No, you shouldn't do this but chill out. Even if you did it's not a big deal. It sounds like you are coming up with a script for yourself. Don't. Interviews are conversations. Be prepared but don't try to force things to fit your script.

(offering up additional materials can be a good way to close an interview though.)

Re: Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:22 am
by lawgod
Additional material is always good. Firms are looking for you to show initiative, like by bringing a copy of your middle school transcript with honors in PE.

Re: Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 9:51 am
by onthemoney
lawgod wrote:Additional material is always good. Firms are looking for you to show initiative, like by bringing a copy of your middle school transcript with honors in PE.
Firms also look for people that know the rules of grammar.

Re: Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 3:43 pm
by lawgod
onthemoney wrote:
lawgod wrote:Additional material is always good. Firms are looking for you to show initiative, like by bringing a copy of your middle school transcript with honors in PE.
Firms also look for people that know the rules of grammar.
I dont want to work for those firms. Unless they pay a lot of money. Like 160k would be fine.

Re: Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 3:44 pm
by onthemoney
lawgod wrote:
onthemoney wrote:
lawgod wrote:Additional material is always good. Firms are looking for you to show initiative, like by bringing a copy of your middle school transcript with honors in PE.
Firms also look for people that know the rules of grammar.
I dont want to work for those firms. Unless they pay a lot of money. Like 160k would be fine.
Blah blah. Seminary is a scam.

Re: Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 4:00 pm
by schooner
Anonymous User wrote:hi,

I was wondering, is it weird to do this:
walk into the interviewing room, shake the interviewer's hand, sit down and pull out a paper folder (containing your resume, writing sample, cover letter and transcript) and say, "would you like a copy of my resume" when it is obvious that he has your stuff right in front of him?

Is it generally better to not give them anything unless they ask for it?

Thanks!
Bring a nice looking portfolio w/ copies of your resume just in case, but don't pull it out and offer it if the interviewer already has it in front of him. Just sit down and start by thanking him for his time. And relax.

Re: Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 8:06 pm
by Anonymous User
alright.. thanks for the advice guys

Re: Interview etiquette. Is this weird?

Posted: Sun Aug 14, 2011 8:20 pm
by Anonymous User
I usually do something like "I have a few extra copies of my resume, so I would be happy to...oh I see you have a copy there. Wonderful". Shows I'm prepared to provide any necessary materials, but doesn't make me sound oblivious to the fact that he has one right in front of him