1 year ago
November 1, 2022

12 Things to Bring and 5 Things Not to Bring to a Sales Interview

Are you getting ready for a sales job interview? Part of preparing for a sales job interview is getting together the things you plan to physically bring with you on…

Claire McConnachie Recruiter
Claire McConnachie

Are you getting ready for a sales job interview? Part of preparing for a sales job interview is getting together the things you plan to physically bring with you on the day of the interview.  As a sales recruitment agency, we know there are definitely some things you should have with you and things that you should NOT bring with you to any job interview. Our sales recruiters list them below:

Things you should bring with you to a sales job interview

Our sales recruiters recommend that you bring the following with you to your interview:

  1. Multiple copies of your resume and cover letter: This is a staple to bring with you to your interview. Make sure you bring the most up-to-date version. 
  2. A list of references: Another staple. Bring a list of relevant references for the type of sales job you are applying for. 
  3. A portfolio of work samples: It’s always good to bring work samples. For sales professionals, this could be copies of your sales for the previous quarter or year. 
  4. A notebook and pen: This will allow you to write notes and ideas as you go through the interview. There may also be important information you want to jot down. 
  5. Questions for your interviewer: It’s important to have a few questions prepared for your interviewer. Write them down just in case you go blank or forget them at the moment. 
  6. Identification: You’ll often need to show your ID to security to get into the building. 
  7. Business cards: You never know who you’ll meet and want to connect with. Business cards are still an effective way to exchange information. 
  8. Directions: Tech issues happen. Write down the address of the interview location just in case you have problems with your phone or cannot connect to your email. 
  9. Contact information of the interviewer: While being late is a huge no-no, have the contact information of your interviewer handy just in case you get stuck in traffic or there are travel delays.
  10. A bottle of water: Staying hydrated is important, especially if you get nervous and get a dry mouth during the interview. 
  11. Breath mints: Having fresh breath is important when having face-to-face conversations with people you want to impress. 
  12. A bag or briefcase: To keep all the above items in. 

Now that you know what to bring with you, next we’ll talk about the things you can leave at home. 

sales candidate getting ready for interview

Things NOT to bring with you to a sales job interview

Here are some things you can leave at home when getting ready for your next job interview:

  1. Overconfidence: It’s important to be confident but be careful you don’t cross the line into arrogance or coming off as having an attitude. 
  2. Your phone: Make sure to shut off your phone BEFORE you go into the interview room. Don’t allow it to be a distraction. 
  3. An excuse: For being late, ill-prepared, or not having all things requested by the interviewer.
  4. Coffee: Avoid bringing coffee, other drinks, or food in with you to the interview. Bottled water is the exception. 
  5. Another person: Don’t bring someone with you to the interview. If someone is driving you, have them drop you off and wait outside. 

Get More Sales Job Interview Advice From Our Sales Recruiters

What to Wear and What NOT to Wear to a Sales Job Interview

3 Things You Should & Shouldn’t Ask a Sales Headhunter in an Interview

When Is the Ideal Time to Negotiate Salary During a Sales Job Interview?

6 Things to Do When a Sales Headhunter Calls That Can Help You Secure a Job Interview

SalesForce Search is a sales recruitment agency that specializes in hiring sales rockstars. Hiring top salespeople is tough. Only 55% meet their quota. Our proactive approach recruits talented salespeople before they hit the market. As North America’s leading sales headhunter we recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. To find your next sales rockstar, start your search here.

Claire McConnachie Recruiter

Claire McConnachie

Claire has 4+ years of experience in sales and recruitment. As a Director of Client Services, her main objective is to connect great people to great companies by building strong relationships with both top clients and candidates in the sales industry. She specializes in sales roles of all seniority levels for both enterprise and start-up clients North American wide. When Claire isn't networking with top talent, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling and spending time with friends & family.

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