Final Interview Arrangements

Usually an admin person will be taking care of setting your schedule and providing you with advance materials. If you have not already completed an employment application, ask if one will be required. If so, ask if you can complete it in advance. If you have a choice between online and print, opt for the online version. Note that "See Resume" is not an appropriate answer on an employment application. If it is print only, make sure you print your responses neatly, since you will be judged by your penmanship (and you thought your second grade teacher was crazy for giving you such a hard time about your sloppy writing skills).

There are four categories of travel expenses that can be incurred in your visit to the company-site: travel (air, train, or auto), local transportation, lodging, and food.

In most cases, your arrangements will be made for you by the employer. The general rule is that the higher the expense and further the distance, the more likely the employer will be to make the arrangements for you. However, if you are just across town, it may be presumed that you will find your own way without any expectation of compensation for the minimal expense incurred.

Interview Travel and Transportation

If you are flying to the interview, the flight expense is usually booked directly by the employer. Your tickets will usually be e-tickets with a confirmation number delivered to you by email. It is always best to pack in a carry on bag so that you do not risk having your luggage lost en route to your destination. If you are traveling by train, you may be expected to purchase the tickets and fill out an expense report for reimbursement. If traveling by personal auto, you will usually be reimbursed at a set rate per mile, so be sure to reset your trip odometer before starting on your journey. When you fill out the expense report, you simply double your one-way mileage. If you forgot to do this, just look up the distance in a maps app to calculate the approximate distance covered.

If you will be taking a plane or train, know what your local transportation arrangements will be upon arrival. The most convenient is to use a cab or Uber and save receipts, but if the company is not located in a large population center, they may have a rental car for you or may even have a company car or limo pick you up at the airport or station. If you are taking a cab or Uber, make sure you keep receipts. If the company is expecting you to initially pay for a rental car, you will need a credit card. Keep receipts for your gas and parking for later reimbursement. If the company is sending someone to pick you up, know the designated connection point and signals. Usually the pickup person will be standing with a company sign with your name on it.

Interview Food and Lodging

Overnight lodging may be required, especially if you are traveling from a distant location. Again, this is usually taken care of by the employer, but you may be asked to put the expenses on your credit card and submit an interview expense report later. Many employers have arrangements with local hotels for out-of-town visitors. You may be required to use a credit card if you want to use any of the extra services in the hotel. Do not, under any circumstances, indulge in either the locked liquor refrigerator or the pay-per-view movies.

Go to bed early and wake with enough time to fully prepare. Plan to take time to iron your clothes, which may have become wrinkled in packing. An iron is typically provided in the closet of most hotel rooms. If not, you can usually contact the front desk to ask for one to be brought to your room. Food is always a covered expense while you are with the company representatives. However, other meals, including breakfast and dinner, may be on your own. Many hotels offer a continental breakfast included with the room. Always make sure you have eaten before your interview. You will need the extra energy for what can sometimes be a grueling schedule throughout the day.

Interview Arrival Logistics

Know specifically where and when you will be meeting with the employer. Get accurate directions in addition to your map app so that you have a backup if your app intends to take you to the wrong location. If you are arriving the night before, an excellent psych-up activity is to drive by the company location and visualize your interview the following day. Always plan for the unexpected, especially when it comes to traffic.

Plan to arrive early. Keep in mind that it may take five to ten minutes to get from the parking lot to the front door and another five to ten minutes to get to the department location, so allow plenty of extra time. No one will fault you for being up to fifteen minutes early, but do not be earlier than that. Your target is five to ten minutes early. If you have extra time, spend it reviewing company materials, your resume, and any additional information. Take a restroom break before you leave for the company, since some companies do not have public restrooms available. If there are restrooms available, stop by for one final visual and mental check. Look yourself straight in the mirror and say, "I am the very best person for this job. My job today is to convince the employer of that fact."