February has arrived, and with it so has interview season! Whether you’re looking for your first graduate role, or a next step job that’s your perfect match, interviews can still be daunting for anyone. So, how should you prepare? Whilst rehearsing answers is a good start, getting organised with the right stationery tools is an underrated tactic that can set you up for success.
We’ve compiled a list of some of Oxford and Pelikan’s best stationery you can use before, during, and after your interviews. Check out the below:
1. Notebooks: Your Interview Prep HQ
A good, trusty, reliable notebook will be your foundation for any interview. This will act as a central place to keep all your ideas, responses, insights, and feedback organised in whatever system is best for you.
Writing things down is the number one way to boost memory retention, especially when you’re entering a high-pressure situation. Whilst you can’t predict every question you might be asked, noting down practice answers in your notebook will certainly increase your chances of recalling the information during the interview.
Here are some of our top notebook picks:
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Oxford Black n’ Red – our classic, sleek, and professional notebook will certainly look the part! With smooth Optik Paper+, these notebooks are ideal for interview preparation, helping you get into the right mindset for the big day.
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Oxford International – again, another range of polished notebooks that will set you apart from other candidates. These feature a double margin and multipurpose header as an extra organisational tool – great for interview prep.
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Oxford My Notes – with a glossy finish card cover, these notebooks offer a little splash of colour but still make you look cool, calm, and collected.
2. Flash Cards: The Memory Boosters
Some people think flash cards are left behind once you finish your studies, but they are still an incredibly useful tool for a number of reasons, especially for interview preparation.
Flash cards are brilliant for quick review, helping you memorise key information such as your strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and company research. Not only that, if your interview requires you to put together a presentation, flash cards also make great cue cards – giving you a well-prepared and put together look overall.
Our recommendations are below:
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Oxford Assorted Flash Cards – our most popular set, this pack of 80 features four different colours, making them perfect for colour coding your notes or used as a visual indicator for your presentation.
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Oxford A6 Ruled Flash Cards – the larger of our two kinds of flash cards, these are ideal for your quick revision notes when preparing your answers. Getting someone to test you with these will really boost your confidence.
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Oxford A7 Blank Flash Cards – if your revision style is more visual, drawing diagrams on our blank flash cards is another great way of getting fully prepared for your interview or presentation.
3. Pens: Write with Confidence
Choosing a reliable pen matters when you’re jotting down preparation notes or taking notes during the interview itself. A great pen can also reflect your personality. For interviews, putting your best foot forward is important, and that can all start with the stationery you’re using.
Whether you’re writing down your practice answers, or jotting down information during the interview, a pen that isn’t comfortable can be a major distraction. Luckily, our professional pen range has a great assortment to choose from, no matter your preferences.
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Pelikan INEO Pens – these smart, modern pens are the pinnacle of professional writing. Available in four different colours, the matte barrel provides an easy grip, creating a beautifully smooth writing experience. The INEO pens will definitely give a great first impression in your interview.
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Pelikan Twist Pens – for some, writing comfortably for a prolonged period of time can be a little more challenging, so the Pelikan Twist pen would make an excellent choice. Not only are they smart, they also feature a triangular barrel designed to optimise grip. That means no painful hand cramps when you’re trying to focus!
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Pelikan Jazz Pens – our Jazz pens add an elegant touch to your writing. With super smooth ink flow, these pastel themed ballpoint pens will convey your personality and style to any interviewer.
Final Tips
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Keep it organized: Label each notebook and flash card set by topic — this makes your review quick and focused.
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Daily practice: Spend 10–15 minutes each day reviewing flash cards to reinforce key concepts and answers.
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Reflect: After mock interviews, quickly jot what went well and what can improve - write this down in your notebook to revisit later.
With the right stationery, you’ll be prepared, organised and confident walking into your interview. Invest a little time in setting up your tools - your future self will thank you! Good luck!