Your Interview Commute: Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays

If you are on your way to a job interview, the last thing you want is to be stuck in traffic or lost. While most of us depend on Google Maps or an on-board GPS device to get us where we need to be, this is not always a reliable approach.

How many times have you been on your way somewhere, and your app tells you it will take 20 minutes, but you still end up being on the road for an hour? It happens, sure. But when you’re en route to an important job interview, this is an inconvenience you simply cannot afford.

Here are our top tips for optimizing your interview commute:

1) Plan Ahead

Planning ahead might be the most obvious strategy for getting to your interview on time, but it’s not just about the route you take. Being prepared well in advance of leaving your house is key, meaning you’ve got a clean suit at the ready, your shirt is pressed, your shoes are shined, and you’ve got copies of your resume printed, stapled, and prepared in your portfolio.

2) Eat Something Before You Go

Don’t show up with an empty stomach and low blood sugar. You want to make sure your brain is firing on all cylinders and that your stomach isn’t growling during your interview.

3) Estimate Your Commute Time — Then Double It

If your interview is in a part of town you are unfamiliar with, you don’t know what the traffic, parking, or any other challenges might be until you get there. Leave yourself plenty of time to find a parking spot, locate the building and office you are going to, and get to the reception desk on time or even a bit early.

4) Take a Practice Run: Drive Your Route

To minimize any confusion or delays in reaching your destination, do a practice run the day before if you can. Choose a weekday, not a weekend, as the traffic will undoubtedly be different. Go to the gas station and fill up your tank so you’ll have one less thing to think about on interview day.

5) Plan to Arrive Early

To avoid any unexpected hassles—elevator not working, no street parking, can’t find the office—time your commute so you will arrive 10 minutes early for your interview. The worst that can happen if you’re early? You’ll have to wait. It’s far better than being late.

6) Charge Your Phone

Even though you’re going to turn your phone off once you arrive at your interview, you’re going to need it. Make sure it’s got a full charge before you leave to avoid any frustration or missed communication.

7) Get Excited! This is Your Time to Shine

Last, but certainly not least, get ready to rock your interview. You’re looking good, feeling great, and you’ve got a lot to offer. The world is your oyster – go get that job! Your enthusiasm and positive outlook will speak volumes about who you are and what you bring to the table.

Showing up early or late to an interview can make or break it when it comes to your job search efforts. Be sure to start things off on a good foot and get yourself one step closer to finding your dream job!