Travelling a long way for a job interview: is it acceptable to take your baggage in with you?

Question

Hi- tomorrow I am travelling all day from Devon to Edinburgh for a job interview. I will have one small sports bag with me. After the interview I will literally have to run like Jessie Owens to get the last train of the day home, so I need to leave literally like a shot from the interview (I mean really running).

Is it acceptable to an employer if an interviewee brings a small bag in to the interview or is it wise to see if I can leave it somewhere, at the risk of having to collect it and missing my train? The bag is the size of a small cat basket, give or take.

Thanks.

Answer 1

There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't take a small bag with you , especially since you are travelling such a long distance .
In these days of security scares we are constantly told that you should always keep your baggage with you .
Make good use of the journey up to prepare for the interview , and write down any questions you want to ask , you don't want to have left of this sprint haven forgotten something vital you need to know ,
Explain when you first get into the interview that you have to catch transport back and you need to leave by a specific time , then you will be more relaxed during the interview .
I hope it goes well , good luck

Answer 2

Why dont you phone the potential employer's office today and explain your situation and see if you could possibly have the interview half hour early?

And also state that you are travelling a long way and will have luggage,etc and will there be a place you can leave this will in the interview.

I'd suggest speaking to the receptionist/PA rather than the actual person conducting the interview though.

Loads of luck x

Answer 3

If someone brought their luggage into an interview with me I wouldn't be put off, i'd consider it a compliment to how far they have travelled for the opportunity of the job.

One Point, let me get this straight. You are willing to travel hundreds of miles for an interview but are going to rush the interview to ensure you get home that day. Rent a hotel room and relax, you'll do the interview better, trust me. How come the jobs important enough to travel virtually the full length of the country for but not to rent a room for???

Good Luck and Smile

Answer 4

Take the bag in with you. It re enforces your commitment to them and reminds them that you have travelled to be with them.
Leave it just inside the door of the interview room and ask if it is all right to leave it there.
Trust me this will be no problem. Just make sure its a nice bag, no shopping bags, no political badges etc.

Answer 5

I think the sport bag would make a good first impression: you came a long way and appear intent on making the interview.

it may also show that you are a money-conscious individual who isnt going to blow money on a hotel room. employers like candidates who wont use money like toilet paper in their office.

Just make sure the sport bag doesnt have offensive badges that will put them off.

Answer 6

You will presumably have to report to a receptionist - I would ask that person and he/she should be able to arrange things for you. You should also mention in advance the need to catch this train before you go into the interview so that they are aware ifyou start getting a bit fidgety.

Answer 7

Not a problem, interviewers understand that you have to travel.

Just make sure you're not all stressed towards the end of the interview and looking at your watch - that will make them think the job is not all that important to you!

Good luck

Answer 8

short hair is good for a few people, others, not. it depends just what u look like

Answer 9

Another possible excuse not to employ you so dont. You want to go there looking as if you belong not raising doubts about your ability to move home etc. Which would you rather buy a chain free house or one that isnt.

Answer 10

See if the receptionist where you are having your interview will keep it under her desk! Good luck.