So I’m exploring other possibilities within my industry and was fortunate to get asked for an interview related to a marketing/branding position.
I’ve done the prep and homework and feel ready for the interview and had a question about bringing what I would construe would be a gift to the interviewees.
On the phone portion we discussed a coffee brand that I sourced and marketed and I still have some single bags that were used when I first released the brand. I feel it sends my point home about my abilities and would be a nice takeaway for the interviewer.
Ethically/Professionally/HR wise would you say this is a good move or do you think the 4 people I would be meeting with would all just take it as me trying to give them a $5 bribe? Everyone I’m meeting with is in the Marketing and PR department.
So you are interviewing them (as you are calling them interviewees)?
While I understand the question I was always taught and am still under the impression that the only thing to give to the interviewers is a thank you card for their time. I may be wrong though.
I was interviewing applications for a tech support position a few months back and one applicant tried to leave something with me. I didn’t want it and it was awkward and weird.
My take: there’s a chance it could send home the point about your abilities, but I think there’s a bigger chance that it will come across negatively. I wouldn’t risk it.
The company I work for has rules regarding the acceptance of gifts and business courtesies (I assume many others have them as well). Even though your gifts are of nominal value, even just the offer in the context of a job interview could be too easily construed as creating the appearance of impropriety and your gifts would be politely declined. Your interview might stand out in the memories of the interviewers but it might not be in a good way.
Cute Matt, thanks for that. You could have least just said HTFU!
I’m glad I put it out there though. I was 50/50 on the prospect and won’t even consider it because of the ethical/emotional ideas that it could be taken in context as.
The downside isn’t as good as the potential upside.
Thank you notes are a must and I’ve always done that as a good constructive follow up.
It would be perfectly acceptable to bring it as a sample of your work, just don’t give it to the person. I always have samples of my work product at an interview.
I was on an interview team searching for a Director of Sales in the hospitality industry. One candidate brought in a towel-covered gift basket of coffee shop-sized cookies. We hired her.
If I were you, I’d bring them along, perhaps in a gift basket, and just set it on the table when you sit down. If people are interested, and it becomes a topic of conversation, great. Leave the basket there at the end of your interview. If not and it seems weird, pick up the basket at the end of the interview and leave it with the receptionist. Everyone knows that your interactions with the receptionist will make or break you anyway.
