Preparing for a job interview involves more than just rehearsing answers; the small details of your appearance contribute significantly to the first impression. Accessories, including the bag or purse you carry, project an image of professionalism and organization before you even speak. Understanding how to select and manage these items is part of presenting a polished professional image.
The Fundamental Rule of Interview Accessories
Bringing a bag to an interview is generally accepted, provided the accessory serves a functional purpose and maintains a professional appearance. The choice of carrying receptacle should demonstrate preparedness, signaling that you are organized and ready for the discussion. A well-chosen bag acts as a subtle extension of your professional attire, complementing your look rather than distracting from it. Its primary role is to hold and organize the necessary documents and personal effects needed for the meeting.
Choosing the Right Bag for Professional Settings
The bag selected for an interview should possess a highly structured silhouette, presenting clean lines and professional formality. Slouchy hobos or large, unstructured totes should be avoided, as they convey a casual or disorganized presentation. Selecting a medium-sized satchel, tote, or portfolio is appropriate. Ensure the dimensions are proportionate to your frame and do not appear bulky.
Material quality is paramount; the bag should be constructed from fine leather or a high-quality, unblemished vegan alternative. The color palette should remain restrained, favoring deep neutrals such as black, navy blue, deep gray, or taupe, which reinforce a serious and focused demeanor. Any hardware, such as buckles or zippers, should be subtle and in good repair, minimizing distraction.
Essential Items to Carry in Your Interview Bag
Documents and Organization
The interview bag functions primarily as a mobile office, requiring careful curation of its contents. Carrying at least five extra copies of your resume on high-quality paper ensures preparedness for multiple interviewers or unexpected panel settings. These documents should be placed neatly within a professional padfolio or a dedicated internal sleeve to prevent crumpling.
A high-quality, professional notepad and a reliable pen are necessary for taking notes on the interviewer’s comments or company details. This demonstrates engagement and attention to detail. You should also include a pre-written list of thoughtful questions for the interviewer. Having these organizational tools ready allows you to access them smoothly without fumbling or creating delays.
Personal Comfort and Quick Fixes
Beyond professional materials, a few minimal personal items contribute to comfort and confidence. A small packet of breath mints or a single piece of gum, to be discreetly discarded before entering the building, can address quick pre-interview needs. The bag is the appropriate place for your cell phone, which must be set to silent or completely powered off before arrival.
Car keys and a wallet should be placed in an easily accessible pocket to avoid rummaging, which can appear flustered. Avoid placing bulky personal items like large makeup bags, water bottles, or excessive snack containers inside the bag, as they can cause the structure to bulge and look unprofessional.
Proper Etiquette for Handling Your Bag During the Interview
The physical management of your bag begins the moment you enter the building, starting with the waiting area. While seated, keep the bag close to you on the floor beside your chair. If the waiting area has a small, separate table near the wall, you may place it there. Avoid placing the bag on any armchair or sofa next to you, as this takes up space and can appear presumptuous or territorial.
When the interviewer arrives, stand up smoothly and leave the bag securely on the floor or chair where you were sitting to allow both hands to be free for the handshake. A clean, firm handshake should never be obstructed by struggling with a shoulder strap or clutching the bag. This initial interaction requires your full, undivided attention, and the bag should not be a factor.
Upon entering the interview room, the bag should be placed on the floor immediately beside your chair, typically on the side least likely to interfere with your movement. The bag must remain upright and not slump or spill its contents, reinforcing the need for a structured design. Under no circumstances should the bag be placed on the desk, the interviewer’s table, or your lap, as this creates a physical barrier and suggests a lack of regard for the professional space.
After the initial placement, avoid touching the bag for the duration of the conversation, as fiddling with straps or zippers can signal nervousness or a desire to leave. If you need to retrieve your notepad or pen, do so quickly and smoothly at the appropriate time, such as when asked to take notes or transitioning to the question-and-answer portion. When the interview concludes, retrieve the bag gracefully as you stand to shake hands, maintaining composure and focus on the final exchange.
Alternatives to a Traditional Purse
Individuals who prefer an alternative to a traditional handbag have several equally professional options that convey seriousness and intent. The classic leather briefcase remains a respected choice, particularly in fields requiring the transport of larger documents or a laptop. A briefcase ensures a structured presentation and clearly communicates a focus on business.
For a more minimalist approach, a structured portfolio or a high-end zippered padfolio serves as a clean, efficient container for all necessary documents. These items are designed to hold paper, pens, and perhaps a small tablet, eliminating the need for a separate bag entirely. This alternative signals that the applicant is focused solely on the materials relevant to the meeting. It should be made of the same high-quality materials as a structured bag, prioritizing a slim profile that can be easily carried in one hand.
Adjusting Your Choice for Different Industries
While the core rules of structure and quality remain consistent, the industry context offers some flexibility in accessory choice. Conservative sectors, such as law, finance, or government, require the most traditional approach, favoring a structured black or dark navy leather bag with minimal ornamentation. Deviations from this standard can be perceived as a lack of seriousness.
Creative fields, including marketing, design, or certain tech roles, allow for a slightly more contemporary or expressive choice, such as a bag in a deep jewel tone or a unique, yet structured, shape. Regardless of the industry, the bag must look intentional, well-maintained, and perfectly organized, ensuring it enhances the professional image rather than detracting from it.