NO ICED LATTES, PLEASE: WHAT NOT TO BRING TO YOUR GRADUATE INTERVIEW
You've got the interview. You've picked the outfit. You've read the job description twice. Then you walk in holding a large iced latte, and the first thing the interviewer sees is a cup sweating on their table.
It's a small thing, but small things add up in a first impression. We speak to graduates about their interviews every week, and the same avoidable mistakes come up again and again. Here's what to leave at the door, and what to bring instead.
1. The iced latte (and any other drink)
Let's start with the obvious one. A coffee, an iced latte or a protein shake can look casual, distracting and a little too relaxed. It also gives you something to fidget with, spill or slurp at exactly the wrong moment.
Bring instead: a bottle of water. Nobody minds that, and you'll be glad of it if your mouth goes dry mid-answer.
2. A phone that isn't on silent
Nothing derails an interview like a notification. Switch your phone to silent (not just vibrate) before you walk in, and keep it in your bag rather than on the table. Checking it, even "just to see the time", tells the interviewer where your attention is.
Bring instead: a watch, or simply arrive with enough time in hand that you don't need to check.
3. Lateness (or arriving far too early)
Being late is an obvious problem. But turning up 40 minutes early can be awkward too, because the person greeting you may not be ready for you.
Bring instead: a plan. Check your route in advance, aim to arrive in the area early, and walk in around 10 minutes before the start time.
4. Zero research on the company
"So, what do you know about us?" is one of the most common interview questions, and "not much" is one of the most common answers. It's also one of the easiest to fix.
Look at the company's website, recent news, and what they specialise in. For a recruitment interview, understand which sectors the business recruits for, and think about why that appeals to you.
Bring instead: two or three specific things you've learned, and a reason each one made you interested.
5. A generic answer to "Why recruitment?"
If you're interviewing for a graduate recruitment role, expect this question, and expect the interviewer to have heard "I like people" a lot. That's not wrong, but it isn't enough.
Think about what genuinely draws you to the role: the target-driven environment, the earning potential, the pace, the chance to build relationships or the speed of progression. Then back it up with an example from university, a part-time job, sport or society life that shows it.
Bring instead: a specific, honest answer with evidence behind it.
6. Negativity about previous jobs, managers or teammates
Complaining about a difficult manager, an unfair grade or a group project where "nobody pulled their weight" can make you look hard to work with, even if you were right.
Bring instead: a positive spin. If you're asked about a challenge, describe what you learned and how you handled it.
7. The wrong outfit
Dress codes have relaxed in a lot of workplaces, but "smart casual" doesn't mean "casual". If you're unsure, ask the recruiter or the person who arranged the interview what's expected. It's better to be slightly overdressed than to look as though you didn't think about it.
Bring instead: clean, comfortable, well-fitting clothes you feel confident in.
8. No questions at the end
"Do you have any questions for us?" isn't a formality. Saying "no, I think you covered everything" can make you seem uninterested.
Bring instead: three prepared questions. For example:
- What does a successful first six months look like?
- What training and support will I get?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
Try to avoid making your first question about pay or holiday. Those are fair topics, but they can wait until later in the process.
9. Over-rehearsed answers
Preparation is essential, but reciting a script can make you sound robotic. Know your key points, and let the conversation flow naturally.
Bring instead: three or four strong examples you can adapt to different questions.
10. Nerves you're pretending not to have
Being nervous is normal, and interviewers know it. You don't have to hide it. Take a breath, slow down and it's fine to say "let me think about that for a moment."
What you should bring
- A printed copy of your CV (even if they've already seen it)
- A notebook and pen
- Your prepared questions
- The interviewer's name and the interview address or link
- Something to say about why this role and this company
Interviewing for your first recruitment role?
We've been helping graduates start their careers in recruitment since 2003. We'll prepare you for the interview, tell you what to expect from each business, and give honest feedback along the way.
Browse our graduate and entry-level roles or drop us your CV and one of our consultants will be in touch.
FAQs
Is it okay to bring a drink to an interview?
Water is fine. Coffee or iced drinks are best avoided, as they can be distracting and easy to spill.
How early should I arrive for an interview?
Aim to be in the area at least 20 to 30 minutes early, and walk into reception about 10 minutes before your start time.
What questions should I ask at the end of an interview?
Ask about training, the first six months, and what success looks like in the role. Avoid opening with pay or holiday.
