Taking notes into an interview

[Staplebug]

Hi all,

I have an interview tomorrow for an internal project manager role.
A friend\colleague has given me a list of 20+ competency questions that are likely to be asked.
The questions are along the lines of:

- Give me an example of when you came up with a fresh approach or creative solution that resulted in a positive impact?

- Outline an example of when you had to influence others in a difficult, politically charged situation?

- Describe a time in your current role where you were highly assertive and where the outcome was favorable?

Do you think it would have a negative impact on me if I took a few notes in with me of the recent projects I have been working on so that I can give more detailed answers to their questions?

Thanks in advanced

[Hackney]

No, but it would depend on your notes.

I'd take a decent folder with a pad open and several notes on there, such as:
Company name, name of the person you're seeing
Address

A couple of bullets about the company
Ditto about the job

Then keywords that prompt you in general for the interview - for example achievements
And then the prompts for the specific competency questions.

Leave space to make further notes in the interview and don't be afraid of doing that.

Above all though. Practice, practice, practice. Then the notes are a safety blanket not a necessity.

Good luck.

[warp9]

If you've got useful information on the projects you've been working on to help illustrate your suitability for the role you're interviewing for, then I'd say yes, looks good, go for it.

If you've got a pre prepared crib sheet on specific interview questions that looks like a mate in another department has 'acquired' for you, then I'd say no. Still prepare for it and write down the answers if it helps you, but keep the sheet in your back pocket.

[Sir Bagalot]

Hackney said:

No, but it would depend on your notes.

I'd take a decent folder with a pad open and several notes on there, such as:
Company name, name of the person you're seeing
Address

A couple of bullets about the company
Ditto about the job

Then keywords that prompt you in general for the interview - for example achievements
And then the prompts for the specific competency questions.

Leave space to make further notes in the interview and don't be afraid of doing that.

Above all though. Practice, practice, practice. Then the notes are a safety blanket not a necessity.

Good luck.

^^This

I always aim to arrive at an interview 45 mins early and grab a coffee locally, using this time to read my notes again.

Good luck