A debate on Mumsnet has asked whether it is acceptable to bring notes into an in-person job interview, with recruiters and HR experts saying it is fine as long as they are used as prompts rather than scripts.
An anonymous woman posted on the parenting forum asking for opinions on bringing cue cards to a second-stage interview, saying she had prepared thoroughly and wanted to keep brief prompts handy for key examples, achievements and points. She clarified she would not read out scripted answers.
More than 80 people commented on the post, with most feeling strongly that it would be a bad idea. One response read: 'If you can't remember then you don't deserve the job.' Another said: 'Don't do it. You should be well prepared in your head for whatever you want to put across; the ability to think on your feet is important, especially if, as you say, it's a relatively senior role. I'd see it as you not being very comfortable or confident that you can do the job.'
Mixed opinions from forum users
Others claimed bringing notes would be a 'real mistake' and 'would look odd', while one person said it would only be acceptable by phone with notes on a second screen, but even then it is better not to look at them.
However, not everyone agreed. One user shared: 'I have done this [and] wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I think it shows you're prepared.' Another added: 'I take notes into interviews and have secured new roles and promotions by doing this. It shows you're taking things seriously and have properly prepared. In my experience, I don't even need them once they're on the table, but it's reassuring to just have them there.'
What recruiters and HR experts say
Simon Burch, director of Penguin PR, a Derby-based public relations firm, said he is 'very happy' for people to bring notes. 'It shows that they are engaged with the interview process and our company and that they have done some research beforehand,' he told Metro. He added that if candidates have written down questions and refer to their notes when asking them, that is fine too.
Burch said it is easy to tell whether someone has prepared, and he would rather a nervous candidate check notes than have someone guessing who has not prepared at all. He welcomes handwritten notes, noting that Penguin PR still uses pen and paper in all interviews to show engagement.
Jessica Brewer, founder of Emiz HR & Coaching, thinks taking notes is 'absolutely acceptable', as it indicates someone wants to get the most out of the interview. She advises focusing notes on key information and questions, especially key numbers and dates, but warns against using them as a script or writing pre-prepared answers. 'It could ruin the flow of the interview and could feel to the interviewer like someone was cheating,' she cautioned.
Business psychologist Dannielle Haig agrees that 'glancing at notes' is fine, but reading word for word is not. 'I'm not really meeting you, then, I'm meeting your notes,' she told Metro. She notes that for those who struggle with anxiety or are neurodivergent, having a few bullet points can help, as nerves can shrink working memory under pressure.
