There are few interview queries that tip the scales between “tough to answer” and “impossible to answer.” There are some queries that are so tough, that as soon as you are asked the question, you know you do not have the job. There are some queries that merely hearing the sentence can cause you to hyperventilate. There are some queries that are so unthinkably unanswerable, you might as well walk out of the room without so much as a goodbye.

This is not one of them.

The reason we’re bringing up this query is because of some common hiring manager advice on what you should do with your resume when you bring it to the interviewer. Instead to hand it out right away, you should wait until prompted. They might already have a copy of your resume on hand, and you don’t need to force extra paperwork in their face that they do not need. So if you are inquired if you brought your resume, do not hand it out. Inquire them if they need a copy, and if they would like any extra copies for other staff.

Bad Answer

“No”

Good Answer

“Yes, I brought 3 extra copies. Would you like one for yourself or any other staff members?”

Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. Who cares. But there you go. Do not shove it in their face. Inquire them if they’d like it. Several times they ask because they need you to look at it as they go over each point. Possibilities are they have a copy themselves and you bringing extra copies was unnecessary.

Interview Tips

• Bring additional copies of your resume.
• Do not shove it at them. See if they even need it.