Best Bags to Bring to an Interview
Ever since you got the phone call from the hiring manager, you’ve been preparing for your upcoming job interview. Your resume has passed the initial scrutiny and stood out from the rest, and you now have a great chance to show your potential employer why you’re a good fit. So you’re covered when the big day arrives, go down your list of interview must-haves. Professional clothing? Check. List of potential questions about the company and the opportunity? Check. There’s also another item that is important but often falls off the radar because of the nervous excitement surrounding the job interview: a custom suitcase or bag.
If you don’t have your materials in one place, you can be left scrambling for documents. Carrying a folder alone is risky because you can lose items easily. However, if you keep all your pens, identification, portfolio, and other documents in a sleek, professional bag, you won’t just elevate your appearance, but you will be even more mentally and physically prepared for your interview. Here are the best bags to bring with you on the big day.
Look Official with a Laptop Messenger bag
When you want to arrive at your interview prepared, you may need to bring your laptop. Depending on the nature of your interview, you may enhance your candidacy by showing your potential employer something you created on your laptop. This is especially valuable for individuals entering a tech job. A laptop messenger bag is a simple, lightweight bag that has a large main compartment for your computer and a few interior pockets to store other vital materials like promotional pens, notepads, and accessories. To make it more personal, screen-print your name or monogram on the bag. Keep a water bottle in one of the side pockets to keep your throat from feeling dry during your presentation.
Be Prepared with a Business Briefcase
So you prepared your business uniform, but do you have a proper place to store your laptop, tablet, and other interview essentials? A business briefcase has a bit more room, padding, and storage potential than a laptop messenger bag. Choose a briefcase that can hold and protect all your belongings, especially if your interview and presentation are going to be an all-day affair. A sturdy briefcase is a go-to bag for conferences, working lunches, and pitch meetings. Store your files safely in compartments that are sized specifically for folders, pens, and documents so that they do not bend in transit.
Carry Everything Easily in a Computer Backpack
If your potential place of employment encourages more of a business-casual feel, then you can feel comfortable bringing an embroidered backpack to the interview. This bag can fit comfortably on your back and carry all your interview essentials discreetly and conveniently. If you plan on taking mass transportation and have a long walk to the office, this bag is also ideal for your commute.
A computer backpack is also perfect as a work bag long after you land your dream job and you need to tote your tablet, laptop, and notes to meetings. Get one with enough space to fit everything for your workday plus anything you need for your personal activities after you clock out, such as gym clothes, a change of shoes, and extra toiletries. No matter what adventures the day holds, a computer backpack can ensure that you’ll be prepared for all of them.
Keep it Simple with a Zip Tote
While the typical tote bag can look too casual for a job interview, a solid color zip tote made of 100% cotton canvas will look formal enough to blend with business casual attire. Look for a zip tote that is sturdy and simple in design so that it can be worn with a variety of business casual outfits. A canvas tote with a durable bottom and straps will be strong enough to carry heavy loads and keep your personal items protected.
While these totes are a bit too fancy to take along on a standard grocery trip, they are sure to be a winner for a job interview where you won’t require access to a lot of technological items. Make sure your bag has enough pockets to hold your logo pens, notepads, and personal identification documents that you might need to aid the interview process.
The best business bag for you depends on where you are interviewing and what you might need to have with you during the meeting. Check out these excellent options to find out which one is the right option for you.