Feel free to bring paper and pen and notes if it makes you more comfortable. I think nothing either way if a kid does.
Honestly, I don’t think you will need to take notes…. Fine to have a list of questions to refer to…as it is a conversation, sometimes answers to questions come up during the interview and you may want to refer back to list at the end.
The good thing is, I don’t think these mean all that much at any school I have heard of. They are technically evaluative at my alma mater (which is honestly rare at this point), and the college swears they are read by AOs, but I don’t think they move the needle except in the most rare of circumstances, and I suspect only in the most extreme of cases.
No need to offer anything to the interviewer IMO. They almost certainly will be there before you to get a seat and already have a coffee/drink. I actually always offer my interviewee something, in fact when meeting at a coffee shop. The alum are doing this as they like it! It isn’t a chore for them:)
IME/O that is an odd take. I have never been to, or conducted a job interview where both sides didn’t take notes or have paper in front of them. I see no reason why this is different.
Since the interview has already happened, please do not challenge the OP unless they ask for more feedback. Likewise, sidebar conversations between posters should be taken to PM or another thread. Thank you for your understanding.
This is actually an interesting question. Is there much harm in such a post evolving into a sidebar discussion about young people and note-taking habits in general? Do you really need someone to start an entire new thread (“Should students take notes in an interview?”) Just curious as to why such an evolution of a thread (which could be useful for others) is not allowed.
We do allow threads to wander off-topic or to sidebar conversations in the Cafe, but since this is not in that forum the conversation should be directed to the OP. If the OP would like to continue the sidebar, then feel free to engage here. Otherwise it is best to start another thread to discuss with other posters.