Can you take notes into an interview?

Under pressure, your mind can go blank. Before you walked in the door of the interview room, your brain was full of all your prep the night before. You were buzzing, ready for a showdown, armed with your best answers to any questions that might be thrown at you.

Is it okay to refer to notes during an interview?

You see the interviewers lined up behind the oak table. Your mouth dries up and your brain turns to mush. It’s so unfair. It could be interview nerves. It could be adrenaline coursing through your veins. 

Whatever has made you clam up, you now need a crutch, something to cling on to that will help.

This is when you might ask, “Can you take notes into an interview?”

When it’s OK to take notes into an interview

Do interviewers allow notes? There are a few scenarios that answer the question, “Can you take notes into an interview?” with a resounding “yes.” Let’s take a look at them below:

1. If you have pre-prepared answers to complex questions

We can all prepare for those common job interview questions, but what about the more complex ones? This is especially true for some of the technically skilled positions. In this scenario, try to use your notes as little as possible – use them just as back-up prompts really, while directly answering the interviewer to show your confidence.

2. If there are lots of statistics or research to impart

To show how much you’ve researched the company prior to the interview, it’s okay to refer to your notes when they are key stats or relate to a relevant news article you’ve come across. Again, use your notes as a prompt, not as a script from which to read.

Top tip: Write down keywords rather than entire sentences so you won’t need to take so many pages or flashcards in with you.

3. If you have particular questions at the end

At the conclusion of the interview, most interviewers will enquire if you have any questions to ask. So you must be prepared with some. These can be written down so you can take these notes into an interview.

Top tip: Thoroughly research what questions you’re going to ask beforehand, and choose ones where the answers can’t easily be found on the company’s website; otherwise you’ll be found out for not carrying out in-depth research.

4. If you have your CV with related notes

Chances are, you will have submitted your CV when you applied. Even if you’re pretty sure the interviewer will have your CV to hand, it’s worth taking a copy along to the interview, especially if you want to refer to it for figures and data that you might forget in the heat of the moment. You can add bullet points of key accomplishments as well, keeping all the vital information in one place.

Referring to your notes during an interview: dos and don’ts

While you can take notes into an interview, consider how you’ll look when referring to them, and take these points on board:

• Do show authenticity by using your notes as little as possible when answering any question

• Don’t make it sound like a carefully rehearsed answer by reading from the notes word for word so all that the interviewers see is the top of your head

• Do keep relevant and stay on topic

• Don’t keep your eyes down all the time

• Do maintain the proper amount of eye contact, so you’re still giving a good first impression and aren’t forgetting about thepower of body language

• Don’t fidget with the pieces of paper you have brought in with you as this will make you look nervous and lacking in confidence

• Do glance at your notes before, then give your answer directed at the interviewer. This means when you talk, you’re highlighting your communication skills by speaking directly to the person in front of you

Practical tips before taking notes into an interview

It’s always advisable to think practically about how things will look when you introduce yourself at the start, and also during the interview, so consider the following advice.

Ask if the interviewer allows notes

It’s preferable to ask beforehand, “Can I bring notes to the job interview?” The likelihood is that they will be fine with it. They want you to do well. However, if they say no, stay confident and on track, revisiting your notes before the interview so you won’t have to depend on them.

Jot down keywords on small-sized cards

If you are given permission to take your notes, you certainly don’t want to saunter into the interview room with reams and reams of paper flowing behind you. Remember, these notes are more like prompts than an essay. 

Think back to when you revised for exams at school. Did you use flashcards, the ones with the pastel colours and the lines? These are normally small, hand-sized cards, perfect for jotting down the best keywords that will jog your memory, firing up your brain for the answer. They should also fit easily into your pocket once you’re done with them.

Key takeaways on taking notes into an interview

• Write down keywords that will spark an answer

• Use your notes as prompts, rather than reading them verbatim

• If possible, confirm with the recruiter or hiring manager whether you can bring your notes into the interview

• Use eye contact with the interviewers

• Be as confident as possible with your answers

Ready to take on an interview? Or does your CV need a bit of a spruce up? Start with our free CV review. It’s quick and completely free – so why not give it a go?

Recommended reading:

• Best tips for networking effectively & successfully

• The 5 questions you should never ask at the end of an interview

• What are nonverbal communication skills? Definition and examples