The Student Room Group

do we shake hands at interview? and for cv

its for a sales job (im a uni student), when i first walk in should i put my hand forward?
and for my folder (the one which has cv in it), i first say, "may i please put my CV on the table?" and proceed if they agree right?
it may sound silly but i could use some help here, thank you!
I wouldn't ask to put your CV on the table. Just do it if you want, or just leave it in the folder until/unless they ask for it and then you can give it to them, although presumably they will already have it so I wouldn't offer it unnecessarily.

I would accept an offered handshake but I don't think it's necessary to offer one yourself and depending on their cultural background they may not wish to do so.

Reply 2

Original post
by artful_lounger
I wouldn't ask to put your CV on the table. Just do it if you want, or just leave it in the folder until/unless they ask for it and then you can give it to them, although presumably they will already have it so I wouldn't offer it unnecessarily.
I would accept an offered handshake but I don't think it's necessary to offer one yourself and depending on their cultural background they may not wish to do so.

Thank you so much !!
and is it appropriate if i bring a backpack to the interview? the interview is in a mall and a bit far and i dont have like a laptop bag! ☹️
even if i do bring one where would i keep it?
Original post
by astr0star123
Thank you so much !!
and is it appropriate if i bring a backpack to the interview? the interview is in a mall and a bit far and i dont have like a laptop bag! ☹️
even if i do bring one where would i keep it?

Might depend what the job is. If it's a corporate job it might be a bit weird. If it's some kind of customer service type thing probably less of a factor? Maybe get a messenger/satchel bag type thing for the purpose as it might look a little less casual...? Usually if I have a bag I just place it on the ground next to my chair when I sit down for it.

Reply 4

Original post
by artful_lounger
Might depend what the job is. If it's a corporate job it might be a bit weird. If it's some kind of customer service type thing probably less of a factor? Maybe get a messenger/satchel bag type thing for the purpose as it might look a little less casual...? Usually if I have a bag I just place it on the ground next to my chair when I sit down for it.

its for a sales associate position for a shoe store, and the interview is in the mall as well. its tomorrow so i cant get a bag soon too :unsure:

Reply 5

I would 100% shake their hand, I feel like it's the same as dressing formal for an interview, you won't get marked down for it but you might be if you don't.

I personally wouldn't bring my CV into the interview if you've already sent it. If you haven't, maybe just keep it on you in case you're asked.

Backpack is an iffy one, I've always left my bags at the hotel i was staying at or at the reception of the place you're interviewing if that would work?

Reply 6

Original post
by quietmodule41
I would 100% shake their hand, I feel like it's the same as dressing formal for an interview, you won't get marked down for it but you might be if you don't.
I personally wouldn't bring my CV into the interview if you've already sent it. If you haven't, maybe just keep it on you in case you're asked.
Backpack is an iffy one, I've always left my bags at the hotel i was staying at or at the reception of the place you're interviewing if that would work?

thanks ! i will be travelling from my flat to the mall which isnt close and since the interview is at the store too im a bit unsure. but if im not carrying my CV i guess i could take a small shoulder bag?

Reply 7

since its my first ever interview too i maybe a overthinking all this, thank you both somuchh🙂

Reply 8

Original post
by astr0star123
since its my first ever interview too i maybe a overthinking all this, thank you both somuchh🙂

Honestly you probably are but I bet you'll smash it. Shoulder bag would be okay I reckon, people need to carry stuff at the end of the day!

Reply 9

Original post
by quietmodule41
Honestly you probably are but I bet you'll smash it. Shoulder bag would be okay I reckon, people need to carry stuff at the end of the day!

thank you so much!! fingers crossed for tmrww:woo:
Original post
by astr0star123
its for a sales associate position for a shoe store, and the interview is in the mall as well. its tomorrow so i cant get a bag soon too :unsure:

Honestly for that kind of role I don't think it's a big deal if you bring a bag or not. You could honestly probably just go without a bag or CV in hand even :smile:

Reply 11

Original post
by artful_lounger
Honestly for that kind of role I don't think it's a big deal if you bring a bag or not. You could honestly probably just go without a bag or CV in hand even :smile:

awesome thanks !

Reply 12

Omg I went half an hour early and they sent me back saying it’s too early 😭😩😩

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