Guest Author - Kristen Welcome

When competition is tough, some applicants will do anything they can think of to stand out from the crowd. Some methods that applicants come up with have great benefit. Other ideas can be detrimental to an applicant’s chances of landing the job. Taking notes while you’re being interviewed is a technique that can be used with both pros and cons.

Of course, interviews aren’t all about answering questions. They also afford you the opportunity to ask important questions about the job for which you are being considered. If you attend several interviews for different potential employers, it can be useful to take a few notes, either during the interview or immediately afterwards, while the information is still fresh in your mind. This way, if you receive more than one job offer, you can refer to your notes in deciding which position to accept. Additionally, you can write down the name of the interviewer, which will assist you in sending a thank you letter to the correct person.

Of course, even if you have an excellent memory, there are other benefits to taking a few notes during an interview. It can express to the interviewer that you are deeply interested in the position. It also sends a message that you are detail-oriented and well organized. By simply taking a few notes at appropriate times during an interview, you can impress an interviewer and stand out from other applicants. If you elect to use this technique, however, it must be done carefully. If your attention is on your notes rather than on the interviewer, you may give the impression that you are antisocial, easily intimidated, or disrespectful of the interviewer.

First, make certain that you do not take copious notes throughout the interview and spend the entire time looking down at your notes. Instead, wait until the interviewer invites you to ask questions about the employer, and then take a few notes on the answers you are given. Be certain to maintain eye contact with the interviewer even while you take down information.

It’s also important to know your own limitations before you decide whether or not to take notes during an interview. If you think that note-taking may interfere with your ability to focus on the interviewer, or if you are afraid that you may use note-taking as a crutch to avoid eye contact with the interviewer, it may be better to err on the side of caution and wait until after the interview is over and you have left the building to take down a few notes on the interview.

Taking notes during an interview can let the interviewer know of your interest in the position and separate you from you competition. However, it can easily become a distraction if not done carefully. By taking only a few notes at appropriate times, however, you can send a message that you are an outstanding applicant who will take the job seriously, and perform it well.



If you found this article helpful, why not sign up for the free Job Search Newsletter to receive updates when new articles are added? The box is to the right!