🗺️ Interview Logistics: Your Mission Control Checklist
Metaphor: Think of your interview day like a space mission launch. Astronauts don’t just wake up and fly to space—they plan every detail! You’re the astronaut, and this guide is your mission manual.
🚀 Why Logistics Matter
Imagine showing up to a rocket launch… at the wrong launchpad. Oops!
The best interview answers mean nothing if you:
- Arrive late and sweaty
- Forget your ID
- Can’t find the building
Good news: A little planning makes you look like a PRO before you even say “Hello!”
📍 Planning Your Route
The Story
Maya had an interview at 9 AM. She checked Google Maps the night before—25 minutes away. Easy!
But on interview day… construction. Detour. Her “25-minute” trip took 50 minutes. She ran in, flustered and apologizing.
Don’t be Maya.
Your Action Plan
graph TD A[📍 Get the Address] --> B[🗺️ Check Routes] B --> C[🚗 Test Drive/Walk Route] C --> D[⏰ Add Buffer Time] D --> E[📝 Save Backup Route]
The Golden Rules
| Rule | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Do a test run | Discover surprises BEFORE interview day |
| Check at same time | Traffic at 9 AM ≠ traffic at 6 PM |
| Find TWO routes | Construction? Accident? You have a backup! |
| Locate parking/entrance | Know exactly where to park AND which door |
Real Example
Address: 500 Tech Plaza, Suite 1200 Test drive: Sunday at 9 AM = 20 min Backup route: Highway instead of surface streets Parking: Visitor lot B, enter through main lobby
🚌 Travel Arrangements
Flying to Your Interview?
Some companies fly you in! Here’s what smart candidates do:
graph TD A[✈️ Company Books Flight] --> B[📧 Confirm Details] B --> C[🏨 Check Hotel Location] C --> D[🚕 Plan Airport → Hotel] D --> E[📍 Plan Hotel → Office]
The Checklist
✅ Flight booked? Confirm times and airline ✅ Hotel confirmed? Note address and check-in time ✅ Ground transport? Uber, taxi, rental car, or shuttle? ✅ Time zones? A 9 AM interview in New York is 6 AM if you’re from California!
Simple Example
Interview: Tuesday 10 AM in Chicago Flight: Monday evening, arrive 8 PM Hotel: 10 min from office, booked by company Morning plan: Uber at 9:15 AM, arrive by 9:45 Buffer: 15 minutes to find the right floor
Local Interview? Still Plan!
- Driving: Where do you park? How much does it cost?
- Public transit: Which bus/train? How long between stops?
- Walking: Is it safe? Weather-appropriate?
📋 Documents to Bring
The Document Toolkit
Think of this as your astronaut gear—you don’t launch without it!
| Document | Copies | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Resume | 5+ copies | Interviewers forget theirs! |
| Photo ID | 1 | Building security needs it |
| Reference list | 3 copies | They might ask for contacts |
| Portfolio/work samples | As needed | Show, don’t just tell |
| Notepad + pen | 1 each | Write down names, take notes |
The Folder Trick 🗂️
Put everything in a nice folder or portfolio:
- Looks professional
- Keeps papers crisp (no wrinkled resumes!)
- Shows you’re organized
Real Example
Alex’s Interview Folder:
- 6 resumes (crisp, printed on nice paper)
- Driver’s license in wallet
- List of 3 references with phone/email
- Notepad with 5 questions to ask
- Blue and black pens
✅ Interview Day Checklist
The Night Before
□ Outfit ready and wrinkle-free
□ Documents in folder/bag
□ Phone charged
□ Alarm set (plus backup alarm!)
□ Route reviewed
□ Weather checked
Morning Of
□ Shower and groom
□ Eat breakfast (brain fuel!)
□ Double-check documents
□ Check traffic/transit
□ Leave with 30+ min buffer
□ Phone on silent (not off—you might need GPS!)
The 15-Minute Rule ⏰
Arrive at the BUILDING 15 minutes early. Arrive at RECEPTION 5-10 minutes early. Use those extra minutes to breathe, review notes, and calm nerves!
Your Mission Timeline
graph TD A[🌅 Wake Up Early] --> B[🍳 Eat & Get Ready] B --> C[🗂️ Grab Documents] C --> D[🚗 Leave with Buffer] D --> E[🏢 Arrive 15 Min Early] E --> F[😌 Breathe & Review] F --> G[🎯 Enter Reception 5 Min Early]
💰 Expense Reimbursement
When Companies Pay
If you’re traveling far, many companies cover:
- ✈️ Flights
- 🏨 Hotel
- 🚕 Ground transportation
- 🍽️ Meals (sometimes)
The Golden Rules
| Do This | Don’t Do This |
|---|---|
| Keep ALL receipts | Throw receipts away |
| Ask about limits BEFORE | Assume everything is covered |
| Submit expenses promptly | Wait weeks to submit |
| Book reasonable options | Book luxury suites |
Real Example
Company Policy: “We reimburse up to $50/day for meals” You: Keep every receipt, even for coffee! After trip: Submit receipts within 1 week Result: Full reimbursement, no awkward conversations
How to Ask
Before your trip, send a quick email:
“I’m excited for my interview on [date]! Could you share the expense policy for travel reimbursement? I want to make sure I keep the right documentation.”
This shows you’re:
- ✅ Professional
- ✅ Organized
- ✅ Respectful of their budget
🎯 Your Pre-Interview Mission Summary
graph TD A[📍 Plan Route] --> B[🚗 Arrange Travel] B --> C[📋 Gather Documents] C --> D[✅ Follow Checklist] D --> E[💰 Know Expense Policy] E --> F[🚀 Launch Day Success!]
The Confidence Formula
Preparation + Organization = Calm Confidence
When logistics are handled, your brain can focus on what really matters: showing them why you’re amazing!
💡 Quick Tips from Interview Veterans
🔑 “I always bring a snack and water. Interviews can run long!”
🔑 “I save the recruiter’s phone number. If I’m running late, I can call immediately.”
🔑 “I wear my interview outfit the day before to make sure everything fits and feels good.”
🔑 “I take a photo of my parked car location. Interview brain fog is real!”
🌟 You’ve Got This!
Planning logistics isn’t glamorous, but it’s your secret weapon.
While other candidates rush in stressed and scattered, you’ll walk in calm, prepared, and ready to shine.
Your mission is cleared for launch. Go get that job! 🚀