In The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, readers are advised that the only thing you really need when traveling the universe is a towel. While this may be invaluable advice for intergalactic travel, towel s are of limited value in job interviews. What you really need instead is a leather portfolio with a pad of paper and a pen.
As with many props, the effectiveness depends largely on what you do with the portfolio. Leaving it sitting on the table will result in few bonus points; in fact, it may work against you, for reasons that will become clear.
There are five purposes for the portfolio:
1. A nice portfolio, like a clean suit and a firm handshake, reflects both style and quality.
2. Using the pad for taking notes sends a clear message that you are taki ng the dialog seriously.
3. Your notes may come in useful later. In subsequent interviews, for example, or when writing follow-up cards.
4. Your pad can be an effective tool for "buying time" when needed. Taking several moments to jot things down and collect your thoughts looks better than staring blankly at an interviewer, waiting for inspiration.
5. Although you may have emailed your resume in advance, bring several fresh copies on nice paper. Keeping them in your portfolio is the perfect way to make sure they stay crisp and clean.
These points deserve additional elaboration. First, don't underestimate the value of appearances in an interview. All other things being equal, the candidate who makes the more professional impression has a real advantage. When two candidates are dressed similarly, a nice portfolio may be the deciding factor.
As far as using the portfolio, and taking notes, anytime the interviewer says something important, write it down. (Perhaps more importantly, anytime the interviewer says something he or she clearly thinks is important, write it down.) This where your pad can backfire. Having one and not opening it (or not taking notes) sends the unfortunate message "I'm fully prepared to take notes, but this conversation doesn't warrant the effort."
Using your notes in follow up interviews or communications (such as thank you notes) can send a powerful message. First, it shows that you took relevant notes. Second, you referred back to them. And third, you are using them in a constructive manner. Since these are all skills associated with many jobs, demonstrating them in the interview process can be very effective.
Regarding "buying time," many career professionals support the idea that deliberate, well thought out responses are better than snappy an swers. But a long pause can be awkward. Take the edge off by composing your thoughts on paper. If you think it will take more than several moments, excuse yourself by saying "I just need to capture this thought - give me just a moment, please."
Finally, why bring extra copies of your resume? There are two benefits here. One, you may interview with people who don't have resume, at least not readily at hand. Providing one solves that problem. Second, every resume they receive electronically has been printed out on the same boring white photocopy paper.
Having yours on nice paper - I recommend a linen stationary with a very subtle grey or ivory tint - is just one more to make your resume stand out.
Clearly, your portfolio is like a magician's hat: it doesn't really matter what it is, but what you do with it. You have to work this prop. Fortunately, it's not difficult!