The following is opinion. Try it if you wish. I have--and I think it works dynamite well--but I also think that this is because the use of this tool requires a process of research and organization. That being said...here goes:

If you go to pretty much any office supply store, you will be able to find a fairly thin, leatherette (plastic) covered three ring binder with (imitation) gold or silver reinforced corners. Get one.

You will also find clear plastic sleeves that fit the three rings (they usually come a few to a package) and that are used to hold a number of sheets of standard 8 1/2" by 11" paper. You'll need a few. You will also find a similar item that holds business cards. Get a couple.

The price for all the above is usually (at least where I live) about $7-$10 total. I think it's a great investment.

With the above items, you can build a kit that you can take with you to interviews. As I discuss the construction, I'll explain how and why it works. Now...here's what you do:

Take the first two of the plastic sleeves and put them in the binder. If your resume is either one or two pages long, place the resume so you can open up between the two sleeves and read both pages as if you had a book open. Place copies of your resume behind the appropriate sheet(s). Now, you have a copy of your resume that you can read and refer to easily during the interview. For now, leave the opening side of the first sleeve blank. If you look at this kit like a book, page 1 is blank (for now), page 2 (or 2 and 3) have your resume. By doing this you accomplish a couple of things.

Firstly, you have a copy of your resume that you can leave open during the interview--and, especially, that you can refer to if you see that the interviewer (or interview_ers_) has/have any places highlighted on the resume of yours that they may have in front of them. You won't be able to read their copy upside down and so far away, but you will be able to tell by the position of the highlighting what it is they are either interested in or concerned about. Either way, you get to either amplify the point or deal with it depending on how you think they see what is highlighted, and you may very likely be able to bring up the highlighted sections (without direct reference to their highlighting, of course) before--or without--their bringing the points up.

Further, having an open copy of your resume will remind you about things that you want to bring up but might forget.

Secondly, you have readily available copies of your resume that you can give to any other interviewers present. This shows planning, organization and consideration on your part. Those are good things:-)

Next...place another of the sleeves in the binder--and on the next two side by side open pages (this will be page 4 and 5), place any company brochures or publicity materials you have (you got them when you visited the place where you asked for the interview--remember? If you didn't, take the time to get them or have a friend get them if you want to be coy about doing the research). Read them until you know the contents well, and then place them so you can look at the brochures, or other materials, side by side. This will be page 4 and 5.

By doing this, you have actually done some research on the company where you are being interviewed. Since the vast majority of applicants for any position have done little or no research, you're already ahead of the game. If you do some further research, which you should (like on the company or industry...on the Internet is a good place for researching), you are well ahead of the pack. Think of some meaningful questions you might want to ask during the interview--and choose the questions so that they not only get you information you can amplify and use to your advantage, but so that they clearly indicate that you have some depth of knowledge behind them.

A side story that will illustrate what I mean...a client went to an interview for a position in the computer department of a large multi-national chain. During the interview he stated "I understand that you plan on building four new outlets in this province over the next year (he found this info on the 'Net--and he said so...later) in Cities A, B, C and D." Then he asked "Will I be considered for management positions in these upcoming stores when (notice the when...sales people call it the presumptive close...you actually steer the conversation so that it flows as if the conclusion had already been reached) I am hired for this position?" The exchange showed the interviewer that this candidate was organized, well-researched, knowledgeable and ambitious enough to be looking to the future. Yes, he was hired.

Place another of the clear plastic sleeves (making pages 6 and 7) in the binder. Fill one (page 6) with some lined loose -leaf paper. That way, you can readily take notes if you need to. Place some copies of your reference sheet (a sheet you have already made up that contains the names and contact information of some (what I call ) "walk on water" references that you might have in the sleeve that makes page 7. These references should be folks that will speak very highly of your work or your attitude and it is best (but not essential) if they are local and recent. Have these sheets ready and be prepared to offer one if asked. If you aren't asked--make a judgement call at the end of the interview as to whether you should offer one as you prepare to end the interview.

Next, fill some space with hole-punched materials that you have downloaded from the 'Net (for instance) on the industry or the company--or any similar materials that you think are appropriate. There's no need to put these in a sleeve--as a matter, of fact, don't. You'll see why later. What is important is that the sheets--at least a good number of them--have some relevance to the interviewing business or industry. And make sure you know what you've got there...more research. Read the stuff.

Finally, use the sheets that hold the business cards and fill up as many spaces as possible, leaving at least three or four spaces open.

In one space, place your business card if you have one. (It's a good idea to have some made up even if you're not working. If you're not, just have the card contain your name, address, phone number and email address if you have one). Your cards don't have to be fancy, but they should look fairly professional. Why the email address, you ask--since you are fairly sure they won't email you? You're right--but an email address is a good but subtle way of indicating that you have some smarts about computers and the 'Net. That never hurts these days. As you leave the interview, offer it.

Leave a space or two free for the card of the person interviewing you--and ask for one if it isn't offered at the end of the interview (exchange cards). That way, you can easily do follow-up...and you will do a follow-up (a thank you, and/or maybe later a further inquiry)...right???

The rest of the spaces should be filled with any number of business cards that you have. It doesn't really matter from where, but you should be on at least speaking terms with any of the people whose cards you have in the folder.

Remember the first page...page 1?? If you have some, place copies of any reference letters you have there--or copies of any professional certificates...you get the idea.

Now, here's where the showmanship comes in...

When you sit down for the interview, don't just open up the folder to your resume. Nope.

Instead, thumb through the folder from back to front, fairly quickly but slowly enough so that the interviewer(s) at least get a glance at what the folder/kit contains. Then rest it, open, either on the desk in front of you or on your lap, with your resume facing you.

Even a cursory glance by the interviewer at the folder contents will give him/her the impression that you are prepared, organized and that you (remember the business cards??) are out there and doing something--even if you are presently unemployed. If they catch a glimpse of the research materials or company brochure, they will know you are prepared and organized.

Extra benefit Number 1--keep the kit in your car or with you (at all times when you are unemployed--and at least close when you're not). That way, you are at least decently prepared to respond to any opportunity for an interview or chance to offer your services that you might come across.

Extra benefit Number 2--When you do the routine with the kit immmediately before the interview, you will be reminding yourself that you are well-prepared, well researched and that you have already done more than the vast majority of any competitors for the position you seek. Confidence counts, and the kit will help.

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