While many companies are taking advantage of Skype technology to conduct long-distance interviews, at some point in the interview process, you may be traveling to meet your prospective employer. Interviews are stressful enough – add in the worry that can come from traveling to an unfamiliar place, and long distance interviews can cause you to go from being a little nervous to extremely anxious if you don’t plan properly.
Follow These Helpful Tips to Make Business Travel a Pleasure:
Travel Tip #1: Know Before You Go
Some companies will make all the travel arrangements for you; others will make some arrangements, but not all. Ask for a run down of everything they will arrange and what you will need to do. They should offer you a full itinerary; however, if for some reason this is neglected, you should be certain to request a written agenda, which includes the location of your interview, date, and time.
Also, get a breakdown of the costs being covered by the company and which ones are your responsibility. Plan to bring enough money to cover these and any unplanned expenses that may arise during your trip. For example, if the airline loses your luggage and you are forced to buy a new interview outfit, bring money or a credit card for this fashion emergency. Better yet, don’t check
your interview clothes with your bags at the airport, carry it with you on the plane.
Travel Tip #2: Packing Prowess
Make a list of everything you use to get ready to go to work in the morning, and pack all of these items. Also, include two phone chargers, a sewing kit, a stain pen for clothing, extra contact lenses or glasses, headache pain reliever, and an umbrella.
Bring several interview outfit possibilities and only clothes that you have worn before which you know fit well and are comfortable. There will be enough to worry about without being concerned that your clothes don’t fit right and there are no other options available the day of your interview.
Create and bring an information folder with all of your trip details: company contact name and phone number, flight information, hotel reservations, rental car details, and address for the location of your interview. Also include extra copies of your resume, any work samples you wish to share, and your professional portfolio. Keep these items in a carry-on bag that you do not check with your luggage at the airport.
Travel Tip #3: Get Some Shut Eye
Traveling is tiring and it is important to allow yourself enough time between arriving in the city of your interview and the interview itself to unwind and get a good night’s sleep. If possible, book a hotel close to your interview location, so there will be as little travel time as possible. Request a wake-up call from the front desk in addition to setting your cell phone alarm and the hotel alarm clock.
Final Tips:
- Ask for and keep receipts to get reimbursed for all expenses the company has agreed to cover
- If the company is covering the hotel cost, don’t splurge on extras like ordering a movie in your hotel room, or room service.
- Bring cash for tipping at hotel and for cabs
- Be prepared to answer questions about relocating, including when you would be available to move.
Safe travels and best wishes on your interview!