Candidate Packing List

Packing for a placement exchange may seem intimidating, however, the resources below will help you pack like a seasoned professional.

Personal Items:

• Interview Clothes
• Casual Clothes
• Extra nylons/socks
• First-Aid Items (aspirin, antacid, Band-Aids, sewing kit, nail polish)
• Static Guard
• Mints
• Dryer Sheets
• Water Bottle
• Small Snacks (that can be eaten on the go)
• Dewrinkling Spray
• Deodorant
• Kleenex
• Nail Clipper/Nail File
• Coat, Scarf, Mittens
• Comfortable Shoes (Keeping in mind Wisconsin weather for late February/early March)
• Muted Perfume/Cologne
• Lint remover
• Umbrella

Interview Apparel:

You will need interview attire for each day that you are interviewing, and business casual clothes for your other engagements (such as school socials/information session, the big social on Saturday night, traveling to/from the airport if you’re flying, candidate briefing on Thursday night). It is recommended you have extra socks/pantyhose with you. You will want to have shoes that match each outfit. If you need to pack lightly, consider attire that will allow you to use the same pair of shoes each day, wrinkle-resistant clothing, or being able to simplify from interview to dress/business casual by removing a suit jacket etc.

Bold colors are acceptable in moderate amounts. Consider incorporating color or pattern into at least one component of your attire. A bold color works well for a shirt or blouse with more muted accessories or you may consider a neutral color shirt with bold or patterned accessories.

Make sure that your clothing is prepped for an interview. Try on your interview clothes prior to a placement exchange. Walk around in your outfits, practice sitting and speaking, and make sure you are comfortable in all situations. If you don’t feel confident in an outfit or feel a part of your outfit may be distracting, do not bring it with you. If it is new, be sure to remove “x” on the back of suits and skirts and use a seam ripper to open suit pockets etc.

Other Interview Accessories:

A watch is recommended. Many people now use their phones to keep track of time, which is reasonable as long as you continue to look professional and engaged.

Personal Items (for hotel or for on-site lodging):

Bring your toiletries, including your toothbrush and toothpaste! Don’t forget to bring your cell phone charger and any other chargers you might need. If you use an alarm clock instead of a cell phone, be sure to bring that.  If you are staying on-site, please know that the rooms and community bathrooms are much like your typical residence hall space, so bring your favorite towel/and robe, shower shoes etc. to make your stay comfortable.

It is typically cold and snowy in Wisconsin in February. Be sure to bring a warm coat, a hat, mittens, and a scarf. If you have interviews in both the AWCC and GCC, there is a shuttle available to take, but if you are going to walk it is recommended you wear shoes that have enough comfort and stability so you can safely make the journey. We do have coat racks located in both AWCC and GCC so you will have a place to keep your winter items so you do not have to carry these from interview to interview.

Administrative Items:

• Small stapler and staples (no paper clips)
• Highlighter/marker
• Post-it notes
• Nice pen(s)
• Resumes with references
• Thank you cards (if handwriting; not necessary)
• Envelopes
• Mints or gum
• Calendar or copy of interview schedule
• Briefcase/workbag/portfolio