Should I bring my laptop to an interview?

In most cases, you don’t need to bring your own laptop to an interview, unless the employer specifically asks you to do so. Here’s when it might be appropriate and when it’s unnecessary:

1. When to Bring Your Laptop

• If the Employer Requests It: Some companies may ask you to bring your laptop if they want you to work in a familiar environment or run specific software that you already have installed. Always follow the instructions provided in the interview invitation.
• For a Portfolio Review: If you're in a field like design, development, or data science and you want to present a digital portfolio or past projects, having your laptop can be useful to show live demos or navigate through your work easily.
• Technical Presentations or Coding Challenges: If you’ve been asked to present something technical or complete a coding challenge, and it makes more sense to use your own setup, bringing your laptop may be necessary.

2. When You Don’t Need to Bring Your Laptop

• Most Interviews (Technical or Behavioral): Typically, companies provide the tools you need for coding challenges, presentations, or whiteboard exercises during on-site interviews. If they haven't explicitly asked you to bring your laptop, you likely won’t need it.
• Virtual Interviews: If it’s a virtual interview, you will already be using your computer, so there’s no need to bring anything extra.

3. What to Bring Instead

Here’s what you should bring to the interview, instead of your laptop, unless explicitly asked:

• Printed Copies of Your Resume: Having a few copies of your resume on hand can be useful, especially for in-person interviews.
• Notepad and Pen: To take notes or write down any information that comes up during the interview.
• Portfolio (if applicable): For creative roles, bringing a physical portfolio or work samples might be useful.

4. Confirm with the Interviewer

If you're unsure whether to bring your laptop, it's a good idea to confirm with the recruiter or interviewer. Simply ask whether it will be required for the interview or if the company will provide the necessary equipment for any technical tasks.

Example:

I wanted to confirm whether I should bring my laptop for the interview, or if the tools required for any technical assessments will be provided.

Conclusion

Generally, you won’t need to bring your laptop to an interview unless specifically requested or if you need it to showcase a digital portfolio. It's always best to confirm with the interviewer if you're unsure. Bring essentials like your resume, a notepad, and a pen to ensure you're prepared for any situation.