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Dear Cindy – Taking Notes At An Interview

By Cynthia M. Piccolo (Career Questions)
dearCPTakeNotesAtInterview image

Dear Cindy: 

Can I (or should I) take notes at an interview?

Sincerely,

Don't Want to Miss a Thing

Dear DWMT: 

There are two camps: "Heavens, no!" and "By all means, yes!" So, as you've now guessed, there are numerous pros and cons associated with taking notes.

Some problems with note-taking:

  • it can disrupt the natural flow of conversation;
  • it can slow down the interview process;
  • it can prevent you from making appropriate eye contact;
  • you may be so busy taking notes that you miss something;
  • you may be so busy taking notes that you are perceived to be not paying attention (sort of like Harry in Professor Snape's class in the first Harry Potter story);
  • you may be perceived as being someone who has trouble remembering details.

    • Some benefits of note-taking:

  • some (not all) employers consider it a sign of professionalism and detail-orientation;
  • it is an easy reference for remembering points of interest to you (e.g., shifts, pay, etc.) especially if you are interviewing for several different jobs/employers.

    • If you would like to take notes, always ask first. If the interviewer says fine, don't get carried away and fall into one of the above traps. This isn't high school – you won't be tested on the material. And make sure you're using professional materials, such as a PDA, or proper note pad and good pen, and are not making notes on the back of your grocery receipt using your child's fluorescent lime green scented marker.

    For general interviewing tips, see .
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