We’ve all been there. Just when we absolutely must be at our best, something unexpected happens and we end up forgetting something we needed to bring along, being delayed, discovering a stain in the wrong place, or start sweating uncomfortably in close quarters. Stress makes it even more likely that these incidents will occur, and few things are more stressful than an interview.

Here are some suggestions for preparing a variety of interview emergency kits which may help reduce stress and avoid any potential interview disasters.  Some will be practical for local interviews, some for interviews that may take place over several hours with a variety of people in an organization, and others more applicable to  interviews which take place in another city, perhaps if you’ve flown to a location for that big final interview.  Each can be adapted to suit your own needs and help you prepare.

Kit #1: Information Preparedness

1. Drive to the facility the day before the interview to make sure you know where the location is and what time to allot for driving. Make sure you know if there are toll roads on the way so that you don’t get caught without the means to cover the toll.

2. Also check on the parking facilities. You don’t want to waste time on the day of the interview trying to find a parking space when you should be in the office or inadvertently parking in a reserved spot. If it’s a ramp, find out what the rates are for day parking and where in the ramp the public spaces are.

3. To be safe, check traffic reports before you leave. Delays due to congestion occur and roads can sometimes be closed due to accidents or construction.

4. If you cannot drive there prior to the day, get a map from the Internet and/or call the company for verbal directions. Most receptionists are happy to give you the best directions to the facility as well as parking instructions.

5. Bring your cell phone along with the name and number for the interviewer in the event you run into a snag en route. If you are interviewing through a recruiter, call that person first if you get delayed for any reason or run into problems to let them intercede on your behalf so you can concentrate on resolving whatever issue you’ve encountered.

6. Bring extra copies of your resume in the event you need to meet with additional people

7. Bring your business cards if you have them to give to the interviewer or interviewers

8. Bring a list of names and phone numbers for your references to fill out on applications.

Kit #2: Weather Advisories

I’ve heard many a weather-related story when it comes to interview issues. A lot of them have to do with cold conditions since I live in a cold climate, but there are many things that can happen to impede your successful journey to the interview location regardless of where you live.

1. Check the weather forecast the night before. If you live in a northern climate and it’s winter, there is always the possibility that road conditions may create the necessity to leave earlier than anticipated or even preclude you from getting to the interview or that the office itself might be closed. Call in plenty of time to ascertain the situation and reschedule if necessary.

2. Bring an umbrella in the event of rain. Choose the small, collapsible variety that will fit into your briefcase. Black is best.

3. Check the night before to make sure your coat is clean and that you know where your gloves, hat, or rain apparel might be. Have them ready to grab as you leave.

4. If there’s a high likelihood that your shoes will get wet or dirty due to conditions and you don’t want to go the overshoes route, wear a different pair for transit and carry your interview shoes in a shoe bag that can be easily folded and stored away. Change your shoes when you get there, either in your car if it’s dry passage into the office or in a restroom in the building if possible.  Having lived in Minneapolis for years, I can attest to the convenience of wearing shoes for the outdoor areas or sky-ways and changing into more appropriate shoes upon arrival at work. 

5. Cold weather? Go start your car well before you have to leave. A dead battery is the last thing you need right now. Check the gas gauge while you’re at it.

6. In hot weather especially, make sure you don’t wear your suit coat on the way. Lay it across your seat or hang it up in the car. This is actually a good idea no matter what, but hot conditions in particular can make short work of that freshly pressed coat or jacket.

Kit # 3: Clothing Calamities

General preparation: Check all your clothes the night before the interview for stains and wrinkles and take care of any issues. Put the entire outfit you’ve chosen on to make sure everything is in order. Test clasps, buttons, and zippers. Also check your shoes for any scuffs and do a quick shine.

Your attire is in order. Now it’s time to assemble a kit to prepare for clothing mishaps. These things can be put in a travel bag and kept in your car.

1. Stains always seem to happen at the wrong time. Wearing dark colors helps, but what about that white shirt? The simple solution is to have a backup. For men, bring an extra tie and shirt in your car. For women, bring an extra blouse and pantyhose or stockings. Change at a restroom on the way before you get there or in the office building restroom if that’s suitably comfortable.

2. As an alternative, bring a stain pen or stain wipes. They make quick work of small spills.

3. Women should bring clear nail polish to stop the run that might happen in addition to the spare pantyhose or stockings. You really should bring both, though, because nail polish won’t help with a rip in the hose. And yes, you should wear hose to an interview, even if it is acceptable to go to work with bare legs these days.

4. A sewing kit would be a good idea for that button that might pop off, or simply bring a couple of already threaded needles in the thread colors of your apparel in a small bag that you’ve labeled.

5. Men might bring a small shoeshine kit and extra laces for shoes as a precaution.

6. Also consider bringing along a small lint roller for last minute touch-ups.

7. As long as you’re putting a few small things in a bag for clothing emergencies already, add some safety pins and double stick tape as a quick fix for rips.

8. One of the most helpful things you can bring along is a wrinkle-release product, especially if you have to travel any distance to the interview. Just spray lightly before you walk in.

9. A static cling spray, particularly in the colder months.

Kit #4: Grooming Gaffes

Good grooming is essential for an interview. Another small bag can be assembled with a variety of things that will help you out with last minute calamities. This can be kept in your briefcase in a small bag or added to the travel bag in your car. Consider including:

1. Breath mints.

2. A small mirror. Always check your appearance immediately before going in to the interview.

3. A small brush or comb.

4. Lip gloss for women for a touch up.

5. Travel sized baby powder. It’s amazingly good for reducing perspiration. Rub some on your hands if they’re clammy from nerves. Use unscented or a scent that is neutral if possible.  As a note, to reduce any potential perspiration, avoid caffeine before the interview.

6. Eye drops to reduce any redness.

7. A disposable toothbrush.

8. Dental floss, especially if you are having a lunch interview.

9. A small deodorizing body spray that is in a clean scent. Choose this instead of perfume or cologne. Many people are allergic or sensitive to scents.

10. A small nail file.

11. Liquid band aids in case of a scrape.

12. A bottle of water to stay refreshed, alert, and hydrated, especially on a hot day. Leave it in the car or hidden in your bag, of course.  Under no circumstances should you haul it out during the interview or while waiting in a reception area.

13. Some aspirin or other pain reliever. Don’t let a headache from the stress overtake you.

These are but a few solutions to obstacles that could trip you up in an interview. Choose your kit or kits, assemble them, store them in your car or briefcase, and you’ll go into each interview being able to focus on the most important thing without distraction and worry: the job at hand.

Lynn Ste. Marie