youngqueerliving Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 Hi everyone! I'm struggling with deciding what to carry around with me during the interview day. I want to have my leather padfolio, some snacks, water, and ibuprofen. Is a regular backpack inappropriate? What about a grey canvas backpack with buckles? Curious what y'all think! Thanks so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
higaisha Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 tbh I wanna bring my good ol' TRUSTY gym backpack bc comfort >>>> my chic(ish) black leather bag which hurts my shoulder lol. I will say my backpack is brand new and pretty slick, ngl, so its cute. As for stuff, I'm probably gonna bring a granola bar, H2O, my laptop, my notebook for (uhhh) notes, copies of my CV and trusty advil (maybe antiperspirant cuz i get SWEATY under stress yo) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topsailpsych Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 I have a large purse that fits my padfolio and other things that I'll carry with me for interviews. I'll have a small emergency kit for the day in my bag with a power bar, an extra charge for my phone, tissues, deodorant, a small mending kit in case of clothing tears, and a book in case there's lots of time to sit and wait. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psychasf Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 (edited) I have a leather computer bag I invested in a few years back that perfectly fits my padfolio so I will be taking that! It’s not too big which I like, I think will look more professional Edited January 10, 2019 by psychasf Typos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honeyrue Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 I plan on bringing a large-ish black leather tote. I'll carry my padfolio with copies of my CV, pens, water, some snacks, tissues, phone charger, ibuprofen & deodorant! I think if your large tote/messenger bag/laptop bag is clean, not damaged or garrishly colored, it shouldn't be a big deal either way. I have seen people bring nice, clean muted-colored backpacks before (this is an especially understandable option for individuals who may not want to use a tote bag our purse) and no one seemed to care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1996kayden Posted January 10, 2019 Share Posted January 10, 2019 I have a black, fake leather computer bag that I put my padfolio in. Also have snacks, ibuprofen, phone charger, a million pens, and some disability-related items. I don't tend to bring a book because it can be better to mingle with other applicants/grad students when waiting and I'd be too tempted to hide in my book if I brought one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clinapp2017 Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 I don't know if this has already been said, but if you need to leave your bigger bag or suitcase or something somewhere on-site during the interview, ask the grad students or the program coordinator. People will usually let you leave large objects in their offices during the interview day if its a hassle to lug things around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clinpsyc01 Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 A few people brought backpacks when I interviewed and no one seemed to care. I brought a black leather tote because I look young and didn’t want to risk looking like a kid going to school or something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imonfire98 Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 what is a padfolio and what do you put in it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apex45 Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 I think the backpack vs. shoulder bag question doesn't really matter so long as the bag is professional. Clean, no pins/buttons/patches/keychains, and a neutral color. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
psykick Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 1 hour ago, imonfire98 said: what is a padfolio and what do you put in it? https://www.amazon.com/STYLIO-Padfolio-Resume-Portfolio-Folder/dp/B01FDZ5D94 This is the first link I found for a padfolio that showed its inside, so know that they vary in color/shape/inside arrangements. It's basically a professional-looking folder with a zipper that most often comes with a lined notepad, pockets for business cards and papers, and places for pens. I recommend taking one because it's a handy place to take notes and store the many papers you often accumulate during interviews. I also placed copies of my CV in there for reference or in case someone asked to for a copy (which did happen!), knowing that I'd print out more before the next interview. Things that stayed in there the whole cycle was a printout of quick summaries of my past research experiences in case I forgot, an abbreviated list of questions I wanted to ask, and of course pens! imonfire98 and nboehm 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philopsych Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 On 1/10/2019 at 12:02 PM, 1996kayden said: I have a black, fake leather computer bag that I put my padfolio in. Also have snacks, ibuprofen, phone charger, a million pens, and some disability-related items. I don't tend to bring a book because it can be better to mingle with other applicants/grad students when waiting and I'd be too tempted to hide in my book if I brought one. Do you have a link to the bag? Person who hates real leather here looking to be professional. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1996kayden Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 2 hours ago, philopsych said: Do you have a link to the bag? Person who hates real leather here looking to be professional. Thanks! Not sure if this is the exact one, but it's similar to this. https://www.amazon.com/Sweetbriar-Classic-Laptop-Messenger-Black/dp/B01KMWEGQE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1547354917&sr=8-3&keywords=black+fake+leather+computer+bag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
honeyrue Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 19 hours ago, imonfire98 said: what is a padfolio and what do you put in it? It's similar to a portfolio - it's a nice, thick case which typically holds a legal pad/notepad, pens, other papers. In my experience, padfolios seem to have more pockets and room to hold things (like pens, calculators, snacks...) than a portfolio. imonfire98 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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