INTERVIEW ESSENTIALS

1. Business Cards 

I wanted something that would help me stand out and almost all the candidates I met created unique business cards. My intention was to create something refined yet classy and spoke to my personality... I got a lot of compliments on my business card! I'm a bit of a worrywart and I thought I wouldn't have enough business cards to hand out so I ordered 150. It was excessive to say the least! I had 21 total interviews at Midyear but I probably gave out only 60-70 maximum... I still have a big stack sitting on my desk! I've seen people hand out business cards at receptions but I refrained since the people there are those who probably interviewed you and want to get to know you on a personal level. The protocol for handing out business cards varies from person to person, in my experience, this is what I did 

paperclip your business card on top of your curriculum vitae so your interviewer(s) can keep it as you hand it over at the start of your interview

Your CV is kept in the company/institution's record which brings me to my next point...

2. Curriculum Vitae 

I wish there were more blog posts out there about how many CV's to bring! I printed out 60 and it was just TOO MUCH. I think 40 copies would suffice since some Round 2 and 3 interviewers will already have your CV from your 1st Round interview. I had 21 interviews at Midyear and 60 copies was excessive.

Print SINGLE SIDED  on CV/RÉSUMÉ PAPER

Paperclip or staple? 

I cannot believe how many debates there are online! 

Do what you think looks best

3. Padfolio

You'll need something to hold all your CV's, business cards and reception invitations 😉! I had my undergraduate one that still looks spanking new but I wanted to go all out for Midyear so I bought one rocking UCSD's emblem! I also had a paper schedule with me so I could write down all my interviews - I'm more of a paper and pen kinda gal!

4. Thank You Cards

I went on a thank you card shopping spree prior to Midyear so I had A LOT to choose from however, I decided to go with the pink floral one above. I brought 100 with me and used around 50 cards (including the ones I messed up and tossed). I probably pushed the conservative boundary a bit with this thank you card but it represents me 😜. Some candidates also included their business cards but most of your interviewers will ask for it personally or simply grab the one attached to your CV. 

5. Pen(S) ± Highlighters

I blasted through 3 pens during Midyear simply by writing thank you cards and my interview schedule! I used highlighters to clearly label which interviews were my 1st, 2nd or 3rd round... Just your typical Type A who found time to highlight things in the midst of the chaos.

PERSONAL ESSENTIALS

Yes, I brought these items each day because I had my nifty tote with me!

1. Mints and Breath Strips: you're going to be in close contact with numerous people 

2. Chapstick: maybe it's just me but my lips dry up if I talk A LOT

3. SNACKS: trust me... you won't have any time to stand in the excruciating long line 

4: Water Bottle: there's water filling stations everywhere but cups are scarce

5. PHONE  = life 🙌

6. External Battery: The Aria was far and outlets are extremely scarce... be extra prepared 

7. Wallet: 💰💰💰

8. Bandages: regardless of your shoe choice, blisters WILL develop

9. Disposable Teeth Picks: I didn't eat much but in case anything gets stuck in your teeth...

10. Flats: to walk around the convention center... I wore heels 80% of the time and walked barefoot in between receptions...  don't judge  🙈 

Don't forget to accessorize!