Use a Notebook
In the category “Why you Have to Question”, I suggested ordering questions by writing them on index cards. That’s a useful practice as you determine which questions to ask and in which order to ask them. But after you have established the questions and their order, transfer the list to a handsome leather-bound notebook. Whipping out a set of index cards sends the wrong message. Plus there’s always the risk of the index cards slipping out of your hand and flying all over the place.
“Remember, first impressions are critical,” says CareerSite.com’s Grabczynski. “If you’re going to take notes, don’t use a pencil or loose scraps of paper or the back of your parking ticket. Use a fine pen and a clean, professional notebook, preferably bound in leather.” The pen you select makes a statement about you. Make sure it reflects the professional you. A fountain pen is good if you know how you use it. A little silver one might be fine, but not gold. And for pity’s sake, make sure it works. Nothing will defeat your purpose more than you fumbling with a pen that runs out of ink. Asking the job interviewer for a pen is something you definitely want to avoid. And as long as we’re on writing utensils, now’s not the time to pull a chewed pencil out from behind your ear. If you’re applying to be an art director, you can maybe get away with using a colored marker, but otherwise the interviewer will wonder if you can be trusted with sharp objects.