Job Interview Travel Tips

Job Interview Travel Tips:

Job interviews can be stressful enough, but what about interviews that require you to travel? This is a whole different ball game. Traveling to meet with an employer is not a vacation, and you don’t want to pack on any extra stress in addition to your interview. The trick is to be prepared for the interview, and not have to worry about the travel portion at all. Traveling is stressful enough, but you don’t want to stress over traveling AND the interview. There are a few organizational things you can do to alleviate the stresses of traveling so that you can focus solely on the interview. Here are some tips:

1. Know where you are going: Your flight and hotel room will likely be set up for you, but you should not use your potential employer as a travel guide. Candidates should not ask questions on how to get to and from an interview. You should already be prepared for this. Way beforehand, figure out how to get from the airport to the hotel to the company’s building. Ask your hotel about transportation options. Research and organize these things well ahead of time, and you will be fine.
2. Pack light: Remember that you are solely traveling for this interview, and NOT to go sightseeing or to do tourist-y things. You should forgo checking bags or packing heavily. Save time by bringing along carry-on items. Pack only clothing and toiletries, and perhaps your business portfolio to take notes during the interview. Saving time by not having to check bags will alleviate the stress of the impending interview.
3. Bring cash and save receipts: Be sure to have cash on hand for taxi/transportation. Paying for things with cash is faster, easier, and more conducive to traveling. Also, save your receipts for your travel-related purchases. The company will likely reimburse you for those expenses, like food, transportation, etc. But do not bring up reimbursement prior to the interview.
4. Pack a snack: On the day of the interview, you should take some time to go to a store and buy a light snack just in case you don’t have access to food. Sometimes, interviews can last all day, and you might not have an opportunity to eat a full meal. When you get a short break, take some time to eat. You don’t want your empty stomach to distract you while you are trying to interview.
5. Be prepared for the interview: Above all, remember to stay prepared. Don’t let the stresses of traveling distract you from your main goal: to interview well and put yourself in a position to get the job. Remember all of your previous interview tips and techniques.Research the company you are interviewing for. Practice your two-minute pitch. 2 Minute Speech Just because you have traveled hundreds (or thousands) of miles does not mean you should take your eye off the prize. You might be in a different city, but your end goal should remain the same, and your preparation should reflect that. Strip away the headaches of traveling, be diligent, and you will do just fine.