If you’ve expanded your job search out of your home state,there may come a time when a prospective employer is so impressed with your resume they are willing to fly you out for an interview. It can be an adventure with an opportunity to see a new part of the country. These are usually quick trips, packed with interviews and meetings over a day or two. Out-of-town interviews take a little more preparation and planning than rolling out of bed in your hometown and dashing out the door just in time to make your interview appointment. Here are a few things to consider making your interview a success.
1. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. Figure in travel time to the airport, dragging your luggage to the check-in desk, getting through security and making your way to the gate at least 20 minutes before your flight departure. I remember flying out of Dulles Airport and almost missing a flight because I didn’t figure in the bus trip from the main terminal to my carrier’s private terminal. Every airport is different. Check out the terminal information online to locate your gate and plan a route.
2. Check the overhead flight information displays in the terminal when changing planes. The gate for your connecting flight may have changed while you were in the air, so check the flight information display as soon as you get off the plane. Depending on the time of day, you can get stuck at the airport overnight and miss your interview if you head for the wrong gate and missed your connection.
3. Travel dressed for the interview. Wear your interview suit and take an extra shirt and the rest of your necessities in a carry-on bag. Luggage gets lost or can miss a flight even if you make it on time. Luggage that is available “plane-side” can take time to off-load, which can also cause you to miss a connecting flight.
4. Allow for time zone changes and jet lag. Even though a flight to Los Angeles gives you an extra three hours in the day, your body clock still thinks it’s at home in Philadelphia. Close the hotel room curtains and make it an early night so you will be sharp in the morning.
5. Eat breakfast. You won’t be your best on an empty stomach or six cups of the in-room coffee. Keep it light and familiar, but enough to quiet a growling stomach.
6. Plan the trip to the interview site. Take along a GPS or print out directions from MapQuest to get you to the interview site at least 20 minutes early. Morning rush hour traffic, road closures,construction delays or accidents can cause the worst interview disaster—showing up late. If you’re taking public transportation, get the schedule online or from the friendly front desk agent. Build in time to walk or catch a ride from your stop to the interview site. This is part of the interview, too.
What tips do you have for out-of-town interview? Share your experience with other readers in the Comments section below.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger,motivational speaker and freelance writer for phillyjobs.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients reinvent their careers for today’s job market. You can read more of her blogs at phillyjobs.com and view additional job postings on Nexxt.
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