Best Employment Resources

This is still somewhat of a controversy. From what I have read and experienced is that most interviewers give an approving nod.

Here are the con’s

1. An interview is still considered by some to be a conversation, and thus taking notes is rude.
2. It may make the interviewer defensive,thinking about possible lawsuits. The last thing you want to do is to make the interviewer nervous.
3. It may indicate you have a problem with short-term memory or aren’t quick enough to think on their feet.

Here are the pro’s

1. The interviewers are taking notes, just don’t delay the process.
2. An interview is a business meeting and thus taking notes is not only appropriate, but professional and not showing signs of a scattered or disorganized mind. Certain business cultures provide all employees with notebooks and expect them to use them to stay accountable to goals and objectives.
3. It encourages listen and not talking, some coaches suggest the 80-20 rule, 80% listening and 20% talking.
4. The most important thing is to ask permission. Insurance plans and benefits can be complicated and I think it is best to have accurate information. I also think it demonstrates a level of seriousness and interest towards the position.
5. You have all the information you need to write a very effective thank you letter.
6. You may think of a question to ask or a topic you want to expand upon while the interviewer is talking and you don’t want to interrupt them, you can write it down to talk about latter.

It is very important to ask permission because it eliminates any surprises and draws attention to that behavior. You can also inject a sales pitch into the question.

Suggestion:

Do you mind if I take notes? I want to keep the details of this discussion very clear in my mind because the more I learn about the opportunity, the more confident I am that I can make an important contribution.

Suggestion for consulting your notes:

While we were talking, I jotted down a few points I wanted to ask you about. May I have a minute to consult my notes?

Thanks for the detailed description of the opportunity and the company. I know you answered most of my questions in the course of our conversation. Before  I came here, I jotted down a few questions I didn’t want to forget. May I consult my notes?

Pay attention to all the fine details in an interview including your pen and a notebook. I suggest getting a nice pen and a leather bound notebook. Taking notes with a pen that doesn’t work or a ratty looking, cheap notebook won’t impress anyone.

I got this information from a book called 201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, by John Kador.