Modern hiring managers generally view the use of prepared notes not as a sign of weakness or poor memory, but rather as a positive indication of thorough preparation. When executed with tact and discretion, referencing a few prepared points can significantly enhance the quality and focus of the conversation. This practice demonstrates a commitment to the opportunity and respect for the interviewer’s time, separating a polished candidate from an unprepared one.
The Professional Consensus on Interview Notes
The professional consensus views prepared notes as a tool for organization and an asset. Interviewers recognize that a candidate who brings a neatly organized padfolio has dedicated time to structuring their thoughts before the meeting. This intentionality suggests the applicant is serious about the role and wants to ensure a productive dialogue.
A brief glance at bullet points to guide the conversation is widely accepted and encouraged. Reading extensively from long, pre-written paragraphs, however, undermines the spontaneity and authenticity of the discussion. Notes should function as an anchor for recall, not as a complete script, which signals a lack of confidence in one’s own material.
Strategic Advantages of Using Interview Notes
One significant benefit of using notes is the psychological advantage it provides in managing the inherent stress of the interview setting. Simply knowing a safety net is available can significantly reduce performance anxiety, allowing the candidate to speak with greater clarity and composure. This reduced cognitive load frees up mental energy to focus on active listening and thoughtful responses.
Prepared notes ensure the candidate addresses all the specific questions they developed for the interviewer, guaranteeing all topics are covered. Furthermore, notes serve as an immediate memory aid for recalling complex, data-driven specifics, such as quarterly sales metrics or the exact percentage of budget savings achieved on a past project. This ability to cite precise figures instantly lends credibility and depth to an applicant’s accomplishments.
Essential Content for Your Notes
The composition of interview notes should prioritize brevity and immediate utility, strictly utilizing concise bullet points rather than long sentences. Notes should function as concentrated talking points, not a collection of details that require extensive reading time.
The essential content for your notes includes:
- Three to five well-researched questions prepared specifically for the interviewer. These inquiries demonstrate intellectual curiosity and understanding of the role’s challenges.
- Three to five core achievements, focusing on quantifiable metrics (e.g., percentage increase in efficiency or exact number of users onboarded).
- A brief outline of key talking points for the “Tell me about yourself” prompt, covering career trajectory, current role, and future aspirations.
- A few highly specific research facts about the company or the role, such as a recent product launch or a specific challenge mentioned in the annual report.
Mastering the Technique: How to Use Notes Effectively
The physical presentation of the notes is as important as their content. Notes should be presented within a professional, neat padfolio or on high-quality paper, whether neatly handwritten or cleanly typed. This organizational effort signals respect for the formality of the setting. For in-person interviews, place the padfolio quietly on the table before the conversation begins, making the notes visible but not distracting.
Candidates should aim to look at their notes only during natural pauses in the conversation, typically when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” This is the optimal time to consult the prepared list of inquiries, smoothly transitioning from listening to leading the conversation. If a quick reference is needed during a behavioral question, the candidate should first state their intention, perhaps by saying, “That reminds me of a specific metric I want to make sure I share,” before briefly glancing down.
For virtual interviews, the execution requires strategies to maintain eye contact. Placing a small, neat sticky note with bulleted points directly next to the webcam is an effective technique. This allows the candidate to scan the points while still appearing to look toward the interviewer, minimizing the visible distraction of looking away from the screen. The goal is always to use the notes sparingly, maintaining strong eye contact for the majority of the interaction to foster a genuine connection.
Common Mistakes When Consulting Notes
The most detrimental error when using notes is relying on them as a script and reading answers verbatim to the interviewer. This behavior immediately breaks eye contact and creates a stilted, inauthentic delivery. When an applicant is clearly reciting pre-written material, it suggests they lack the ability to articulate their own experience spontaneously and undermines the personal connection being built.
Consulting the notes too frequently can convey a perception of insufficient preparation or poor recall. Notes should function as a safety net for specific, high-value information, not as a constant reference guide. The handling of the notes must be discreet; audibly shuffling papers, tapping a pen on the padfolio, or constantly adjusting the material can be highly distracting. Any behavior that pulls focus away from the dialogue should be avoided entirely.