You’ve just been granted an on-site interview in another town. Hurray!
This means you’ll be traveling to an employer’s location so that they can further evaluate you for a specific job position.
Before you make any travel arrangements, it’s a good idea to discuss who will be paying for your trip – you or the employer. If you’re paying, find out if you’ll be reimbursed. It’s a good idea to save all your receipts from the trip if you’re being reimbursed for expenses.
Here’s some things to keep in mind when traveling to interviews:
- Let the employer know immediately if you have to cancel the trip or make any changes to your visit.
- Unless the employer is reserving your flight and hotel room, you will need a way to make reservations in advance.
- Get all directions and transportation instructions to your destination ahead of time.
- Factor in your commute time when planning to leave for the interview destination. How long will it take you to get there in traffic?
- Avoid late airplane flights. These can be cancelled or delayed at a moment’s notice.
- Bring your interview clothes with you on the plane – just in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed.
- It’s okay to wear casual clothes while traveling if there is no employer representative waiting to meet you when you arrive.
- When you check into the hotel, ask the clerk if there are any messages or information for you from the employer.
- Schedule a morning wake up call with the hotel so you don’t oversleep. Or, bring a travel alarm clock.
Finally, Bring extra copies of resumes, recommendation letters, transcripts, contact information, etc.
