Can I take notes with both black color pen and red color pen? I want to use red pen to highlight some of the important things. But I am not sure the interviewer will be happy with it (especially during virtual interview)
Hi there,
I can't see any problem in a virtual interview (the interviewer won't probably even notice).
In a real one, it could look a bit strange to the interviewer but if it is useful for you I don't think there could be issues.
In terms of how to take notes, I would suggest to divide the first page into 4 parts as below:
Landscape format in general works better. Sometimes you will have to go back and forth, as you may get information, objective 1, additional information, objective 2, etc.
The vertical line should be closer to the left border and the horizontal line should be closer to the top border so that there is more space for the structure.
After the first page, you can structure as below:
The vertical line can now be in the middle so that the left and right parts have the same distance.
Besides that, you can also improve your notes with the following:
Hope this helps,
Francesco
(edited)
Hi!
No problem with using another color. But don't overdo it - if you start juggling around with several pens it just becomes incredibly messy! What is much more powerful is to learn how to organize your notes "physically" within/across pages.
Cheers, Sidi
what does "organize the notes 'physically' within/across pages?
Separate your structure (the roadmap of the case) from the essential information and calculatoin results and from your actual calculations/analyses. What usually works well is one page with the general logic/structure, and one page split between key information and analyses.
Hi,
During a virtual interview, the interviewer is not going to notice the color of the pen you are using unless you are planning to show your notes. However, I think to jump between pens could potentially be a bit distracting. One option could be to use one of those multi-color ink pens where you can change the color at the flick of a button!
As Sidi says, just having a good structure on your notes is going to be more important.
-A
Dear A,
Using different pens is ok. The most important is to have clear note so that you can communicate them.
By the way, I don't think that it will be visible and pay attention on what pens you are using.
Best,
André
In this case, you do you! Do whatever will help you organize your thoughts.
In an in-person interview the interviewer wouldn't care (as long as it's not distracting), and in a virtual one they most definitely will not care.
One consideration: Make sure this actually makes you perform better (i.e. does not slow you down, helps you keep track of your thoughts, etc.).
(edited)
I would be happy if someone took great notes!
As Sid mentioned, the key to good note taking isn't color it is how you structure your page for note taking, Specifically how key numbers are written, whether you highlight answers, where you do workings vs where you carry over information etc.
Hi, it is fine to highlight important numbers or conclusions with another color
Best
ANtonello
