is it unprofessional to take notes during an interview?

[Spunky]

i have a big interview tommorow. I want to take a pad and pen to write down any thing i may need to remember. is that unprofessional or a good idea? I've never done it before...

 

[NoDaddyNo]

I've never been in an interview where it would be a negative point to take notes. Hell, most of the ones I've been in and given, it would likely make a good impression that you care and are dilligent.

 

[Spunky]

not really sure if i should or not. see the reason i might need to take notes is because the job is in an area that i am not familiar with that much and it requires some travel. i figure i might need to write down notes for directions, etc..

 

[flex123]

While on an interview both parties are interviewing each other really. They are seeing if they want to hire you and you are seeing if you would work for them.

But taking notes I would not do. I don't think there will be anything of importance that you might forget.

 

[flex123]

I would ask them if they mind if you take notes. If they say no problem then do it. If they say there is no need for it then don't

Simple as that basically.

 

[out_at_sea]

I usually bring my secretary to take notes..

 

[manny78]

It's something normal and its even common for the employer to let a note pad in front of the candidate. Most interviews I went did this.

 

[hoosier]

I interview alot of people,and it stands out when they DON'T take notes, however like Flex has stated it is proper to ask if they mind first. It shows attention to detail, however for me, i tend to take notice to which parts of the conversation they take notes on. That is key as well

 

[[email protected]]

Smuggle a tape recorder in too in case they say something in violation of labor law. It's NOT illegal to tape a conversation (face to face) without consent.

 

[Island Son]

DON'T use a tape recorder, stick with the notepad, and ask first.

 

[XBiker]

Forget notes, work on getting the gig first.

 

[FitFossil]

I interview alot of people,and it stands out when they DON'T take notes, however like Flex has stated it is proper to ask if they mind first. It shows attention to detail, however for me, i tend to take notice to which parts of the conversation they take notes on. That is key as well

I agree with Hoosier. Personally I wouldn't trust anyone who didn't at least bring something to take notes with, be it a pencil and paper or handheld like a Palm. It tells the interviewer you're interested and you're prepared.

 

[WODIN]

Take a tape recorder that freaks people the fuck out!

As your setting it up just say Mind? no? okay then......

 

[flexed1]

when I interview something we never lose eye contact as I watch eevrything htey say and do. my eyes never leave there eyes. i never look at there resume as if we are meeting i have already studied it. if someone is taking notes while i am speaking this would send me a warning signal as eye contact is very very important and I would not know what they where really writing and would hold it against the, i am prepeared for the interview with them I expect the same.

 

[lucidblue]

I always take a portfolio (not an art portfolio) to interviews. I usually have extra copies of my resume, just in case the interviewer(s) need more copies. I always have questions to ask during the interview written down on the notepad in the portfolio. You should have some specific questions about the company and the job ready to ask (remember you're interviewing them too). I usually take some notes during the interview. I don't sit and write the whole time, but I always jot down key things about the company and the job. There is nothing wrong with doing this.

 

[[email protected]]

Take a tape recorder that freaks people the fuck out!

They should NEVER know you have it.

I had one interview where the guy said that he did care if I had a "releif from disabilities" he would not hire anyone with any type of record.

That is against NYS labor law. I explained this to him and he said it was my word agaist his. Then I removed the recorder from my jacket pocket.

THe point was that I didn't have the job no matter what once that was said but it was fun looking at the guys face. He got up and walked out without saying a word. I just left. I would have sued but I landed a job about 3 days later.