There are some essential things you will want to take along with you when you go for a job interview. For example, it's just common sense to take a pen and paper with you in case you have to write something down.

But you don't want to take too much along either. The interviewer won't be impressed if you have to rummage through a backpack full of junk for 10 minutes to find that pen and paper. The fewer things you have to set down or move around, the better.

The best advice is to carry with you a small folder that contains:

Copies of your resumé, to give to the interviewer at the start of the interview and for your own reference during the interview;

Copies of letters of recommendation, and a typed reference sheet to be given to the interviewer;

Other material relevant to the interview;

Pen and paper, so that you can note the name of the interviewer, times for future interviews and other pertinent information.