How to Take Interview Notes

Introduction

Interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. You're trying to make a good impression, answer questions thoughtfully, and remember important details all at the same time. It's a lot to juggle! That's where taking notes comes in.

Taking notes during an interview can help you stay focused and remember key points. It also demonstrates your engagement and interest in the role. But is it okay to take notes during an interview? And if so, how do you do it without looking distracted or unprepared?

Is it Okay to Take Notes During an Interview?

The short answer is: yes! Taking notes during an interview is generally encouraged by many employers. It shows that you're engaged in the conversation, take your work seriously, and actively listening.

There are a few caveats to keep in mind:

• Ask permission before taking notes, just to make sure the interviewer is comfortable with it
• Don't spend the whole interview scribbling away – make eye contact and engage in the conversation
• Keep your notes brief and focused on key points and action items

Should I Take Notes?

Now that we've established that it's okay to take notes during an interview, the next question is: should you?

There are a few factors to consider:

• Your memory: If you have a great memory and feel confident in your ability to remember key details without writing them down, you may not need to take notes. But if you're like most of us and could use a little help in the memory department, taking notes can be a lifesaver.
• The length and complexity of the interview: If you're going through a long or complex interview process with multiple rounds and lots of technical details, taking notes can help you keep track of everything and avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Your note-taking style: If you can take quick notes without losing focus on the conversation, taking notes during an interview may be a good for you. If you find that taking notes distracts you or makes you feel less engaged, it may be better to use an AI meeting notes app to do the work for you.

The decision to take notes during an interview is a personal one. But if you do decide to take notes, there are a few best practices to keep in mind.

Phone Interview Cheat Sheet

If you're doing a phone interview, taking notes can be especially helpful since you don't have the benefit of face-to-face communication. Here are a few tips for taking notes during a phone interview:

• Have Amie's private notes ready before the call starts
• Write down the interviewer's name and title, along with the date and time of the call
• Jot down key points and themes from the interviewer's questions and your responses
• Note any follow-up questions or action items that come up during the call
• After the call, take a few minutes to review your notes
• Fill in any gaps while the conversation is still fresh in your mind

Tips for Taking Effective Interview Notes

So, you've decided to take notes during your interview. Here are a few tips to help you do it effectively:

• Keep your notes brief and focused on key points and action items
• Use shorthand or abbreviations to keep up with the conversation
• Don't try to write down everything – focus on the most important details
• Use bullet points or a mind map to organize your thoughts
• If you're using a notebook, consider writing on one side of the page only so you can easily review your notes later
• If you're using a laptop or tablet, make sure the typing sounds aren't too loud or distracting

Remember, the goal of taking notes during an interview is to help you remember key details and stay engaged in the conversation. Don't let note-taking become a distraction or a barrier to building rapport with the interviewer.

Conclusion

Taking notes during an interview can make the difference in your job search. There are few better ways to shows you're engaged. On top, it helps you remember important details. You'll definitely stand out.

Keep your notes brief and focused, and use a note-taking style that works for you.

And if you really want to up your note-taking game, consider using an AI-powered tool like Amie. With features like automatic transcription and summary generation, Amie can help you capture key details and insights from your interviews without missing a beat.