Should I Take Notes During a Job Interview?
By Pinal Dave | Last updated: 2026-07-25
TL;DR: Yes — brief, visible note-taking (a few words on questions asked, names, or details to reference in follow-up) reads as engaged and organized in most interview formats, as long as it doesn't pull your eye contact or attention away from the conversation for more than a few seconds at a time.
The Claim
Interviewers generally read note-taking positively, not as a distraction, when it's light and purposeful rather than constant.
The Evidence
Career coaches and recruiters commonly recommend jotting a short list of questions to ask at the end, plus interviewer names and any details worth a personalized thank-you note — this is widely cited standard interview etiquette across in-person, video, and phone formats alike.
Comparison Table
| Note-taking approach | How it reads | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Brief bullet points on a notepad | Organized, engaged | In-person and video interviews |
| Typing extensively on a laptop during video calls | Can look distracted, breaks eye contact | Avoid unless explicitly screen-sharing or coding |
| No notes at all | Neutral, but misses names or details for follow-up | Fine for very short (15 min) screens |
| Recording the interview to review later | Requires disclosure or consent in many places | Only with explicit permission |
Step-by-Step
- Bring a small notepad (in-person) or keep a simple text doc open (video) — not a full laptop typing session unless it's a technical or coding round.
- Jot interviewer names as they're introduced so you can address them directly and personalize a thank-you note.
- Note 2-3 words per question you're asked if you want to reference them later, not full transcripts.
- Keep a running list of questions that come up naturally so you can ask them at the end instead of interrupting.
- In video interviews, glance down briefly rather than typing continuously — sustained eye contact still matters more than thorough notes.
FAQ
Is it rude to take notes during an in-person interview? No — most interviewers view it as a sign you're taking the conversation seriously, as long as you stay engaged.
Can I record a job interview to review it later? Only with explicit consent from the interviewer, and many jurisdictions legally require two-party consent for recording — always ask first.
Should I take notes during a video interview on Zoom or Teams? Light notes are fine; avoid heavy typing that's visible or audible on camera, since it can look like you're distracted or reading a script.
What should I do with my notes after the interview? Use them to write a specific, personalized thank-you email referencing something from the conversation — generic thank-you notes are far less memorable.