What bag to bring to an Interview

Interviews are tough. You are meeting new people, trying to impress them so they see that you are smart and talented. Trying to downplay that you are super nervous and might lose your lunch before you can prove yourself. The last thing you want to do is worry about what bag to bring to an interview. And even worse you don’t want a bag that distracts from you making a great impression.

The right bag to bring to an interview is two things; both professional and an extension of your natural style.

All of the bags that I have chosen have one thing in common; structure. I don’t know what it is but a great structured bag screams professional to me. But you can play with texture, colour and proportions to match your own personal style.

Shop The Satchel: Interview Bag #1

2. ‘Medium Banner’ Leather Tote

3. ‘Large Selma’ Zip-Top Satchel

4. Parker Satchel Black Pebble Grain

5. ‘Small Maidstone’ Leather Satchel

6. ‘Hamilton’ Saffiano Leather Satchel

7. ‘Sydney’ Satchel

8. ‘Amorous’ Satchel

9. ‘Too Hot To Handle’ Pebbled Leather Satchel

10. ‘cedar street – hayden’

I like how most of these satchel’s have a lot of structure but at the same time the shape is ladylike and classic. If you can find a vintage 1940’s satchel in good condition it would totally give the same vibe. Watch for proportions. Mini satchels might come off as a bit juvenile or trendy.

Shop The Tote: Interview Bag #2

1. Teddie Tote Stone Embossed Python

2. ‘Bowery’ Tote

3. ‘New Q – Fran’ Shopper

4. ‘Jet Set – Large’ Saffiano Leather Tote

5. ‘Medium MAB’ Tote

6. ‘The Transport’ Leather Tote

7. Mini Taylor Harbor Blue Embossed Python

The tote is my do it all bag. Or should I say carry it all bag. If you are heading somewhere after your interview you can easily carry along a change of shoes or a change of outfit. Pack along snacks for after the interview if you were too nervous to eat before, or even a lunch to scarf down between interviews.

Shop The Laptop Bag: Interview Bag #3

1. Dasein Classic Two Tone Emblem Leather Shouder Bag

2. Dasein Gold Tone Frame Croco Leather Textured Laptop Bag

3. HEYS HiLite Laptop Case 16 Inch

4. Michael Kors Jet Set Saffiano Leather Travel Macbook Tote Pearl Grey

5. YUMC Satchel 13 Inch Fashion Carrying Case Laptop Tablet Ranipak Bag

The laptop bag is the modern day equivalent of the briefcase. The only issue with them is that so many laptop bags are ugly or designed for men in mind and not for women. Don’t carry a basic Dell laptop bag unless you are looking to be in IT.  Whether you wear this bag cross body to get to the interview or not please do not carry it like this while you are walking into the interview.

Personally I would stay away from carrying a backpack as this is synonymous with school not a profession.

What I have chosen above will work for any type of traditional office job. If you are going into a more creative field  or into a profession that is known for being more laid back you can get away with wilder prints and less structured styles.

For example when I interviewed for jobs in finance I would never have carried a leopard clutch but someone interviewing in the design or fashion field might want to show more flare as this would be part of their job. Understand what is appropriate for the profession you are entering into and you will have a better idea of what is the perfect bag for your next interview.