Can you bring notes to an interview?

• To write down specific details about a company or your potential role

• To jot down any quick reference points made by your interviewer that you want to revisit later

• The interviewer is going over a procedure or process that you want to remember

Though taking notes in an interview is usually acceptable, you should not take notes on your smartphone. This can confuse your interviewer, who may think you are distracted rather than legitimately taking notes.

If you are going to take notes during an interview, do it the old-fashioned way, with a pen and notepad. You should also check with your interviewer to make sure they don't mind you taking notes. In most cases, an interviewer or recruiter will be fine with this.

Here are times when you should not use notes in an interview:

• Using notes to answer specific interview questions

• If it is a behavioral interview

• If it is a situational interview

• Do not use notes or write notes on your smartphone