Originally posted on September 15, 2016 @ 10:12 am
With the craziness that has been the job market in recent years, any nibbles at your resume can be exciting. If the city you’re currently living in still has a minimal amount of jobs suitable for you, you’ve likely been sending out resumes all over the country, including big cities like New York. But applying for jobs outside your vicinity means an added pressure to the already stressful job interview: travel.
Business travel is much different than personal travel, especially when the point of this travel is to hopefully come back home with a job. To help you manage this short trip, here are three things to remember when traveling for a job interview.
Get There Early
If at all possible, Laura Longwell, a contributor to TripIt.com, suggests getting to the city of your interview a day early. This can be especially helpful if your interview is scheduled for the morning. By arriving at the city early, you give yourself a cushion in the event that travel arrangements get changed or other unforeseen circumstances. Having some extra time in the city before the interview will also allow you to relax and prepare before meeting with your potential employer.
Handling The Expense
When you get called in for an interview that requires you to travel, it can be a little tricky figuring out who’s footing the bill. Alison Doyle, a contributor to TheBalance.com, suggests broaching the topic by asking which side will be handling the travel arrangements. If they take on the responsibility, great. If they have you handle it, ask if there is any kind of reimbursement available. While you want to make a good impression by causing minimal waves for the company, you also don’t want to be out hundreds of dollars for travel expenses and hotel accommodations if the interview doesn’t lead to a job offer.
Taking An Extra Day
Another good idea, according to Concur.com, is to leave yourself the option of staying an extra day after the interview. If the interview goes well, the company might ask you to come back for another interview, meet other employees, or even begin new hire paperwork. While most companies will understand if you have to get back, it’s nice to leave yourself that option. And if you plan to spend an extra day in the city but don’t have any more interviewing obligations, you can always explore the area to see how this new town would suit you if you do get the job.
Remember to relax and try not to stress too much about traveling for an interview. But if you do feel a little anxious, use the tips mentioned above to help this event go off without a hitch.