Way OT...Appropriate to bring notepad to job interview?

[amandaraye]

Ok so I got a call from our local hospital asking me in for a job interview tomorrow. I've been applying for ages to get in there and unless you have "connections" it's darned near impossible. So I'm thrilled to be going and I do have a new "connection" there so this might just be the one....

Anyway, I'm curious whether it would be appropriate to bring a small notepad to my interview? The woman who called me told me this is just as much a chance for me to interview the hospital as it is for her to interview me. She encouraged me to come with questions. 1) I'm afraid I'll forget my questions due to nerves or 2) I'll forget the answers .

What do you think? Also, do you think it's out of line for me to ask her what her time frame would be to get someone in that position and when I could expect to attend orientation, training and start the position if I'm the one chosen for the position? Or is this too presumptuous to talk as if I should start planning?

 

[Minnie M6]

I think bringing a notebook and questions is absolutely appropriate, and shows that you are seriously interested in the job.
I also think that asking questions about time frames for hiring decisions and orientation/ training show that you are interested and confident- that's a good thing!

Good luck!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I used to work in HR and interviewed lots of people. It's totally appropriate to bring a notepad and have your questions written down in advance. You can also jot down a few points during the interview. Just be careful not to spend to much time writing in lieu of making eye contact with the interviewer.

Regarding your other question, it's OK to ask about the timeframe in a very general way. You can say, "Do you have an approximate start date in mind for this position? Will there be any training involved prior to the start date?" I would be careful to refer to it as "the position" and keep references to yourself out of the discussion. That might come across as being too presumptious. Good luck!

 

[cerberus]

I agree with the pp, I work in a hospital and have done interviews and it is completely appropriate.

 

[puffkin]

I always take a padfolio into interviews. I usually jot down a few questions in there and I do take a few notes. I also keep extra copies of my resume and references in there as well as the written job posting for the position I am interviewing for to refer back to if necessary.

 

[jeepgirl30]

I always take a leather padfolio with me to interviews with pre written questions. I also have extra copies of my resume and a references sheet.

Make sure your notepad is professional looking, no tattered pad or fraying papers. Have your resumes (yes, multiple copies) clean and not folded. Have a nice pen as well if you can. It all adds to your professional image.

Just like you would not wear jeans, don't have a bic pen you grabbed from a hotel room!

Good luck!

 

[MinnieNurse]

I am a nurse and worked many years in nursing management. I was the Director of Labor & Delivery and Mother/Baby Units. I feel it is very appropriate to bring a notebook with questions and a place to write information down. Not only do I feel it is appropriate I am impressed when nurses come prepared for an interview and know what questions they want answered.