So, you’ve heard/ received an email about a particular company which is hiring and want to/ have been asked to attend the interview. You feel excited but at the same time a little bit apprehensive as well because the place of interview is out of your town/city. It’s but natural that a lot of things are going through your mind right now, first and foremost being the expense you will incur traveling, lodging and boarding in city or town which you might not be familiar with. Why not use this opportunity not only to get that job but also to see new places and gain some experience of that city as well? With a little planning you can attend an interview outside your home town on a minimum budget.  

Traveling: Almost always, traveling by train is the most economical when compared to the other options available. Once you get a call to attend the interview, decide about the mode of conveyance which you want to take. If it is through a train, book your seat in advance to avoid last minute tension. In case you’re thinking of taking a bus, with the services of many private transport providers available, enquire for the price of the ticket from different service providers and go for the one which charge the least. If possible, also enquire before hand, the various modes of transport available to you to travel within the city once you reach the place.  

Lodging: Do you have any relative/friend in that place? Contact them and enquire whether they will not be put into inconvenience if you stay in their place for a day or two. If you do not want to trouble them ask for their advice on availability of lodges at affordable price. Check the web for lodges located near the company and the room rent charged by them. You can even enquire about the lodging facilities available with the contact person mentioned in the advertisement/ email issued/sent by the company. Many companies do have guest houses and if accommodation is available they may accommodate you. It is better to be at the place a day prior to the interview so that you can plan about the distance you have to cover from your place of lodging to the place where the interview is being scheduled. Which bus, local train will ferry you, the time taken, etc are to be taken into account. If time permits it is better to go and have a look at the place.  

Go prepared: On the day of the interview fill your belly with a rather heavy breakfast as you do not know how long the interview will take place. Though all BPO companies maintain a cafeteria, it is better you take along some light snacks like biscuits, dry fruits/nuts and a bottle of drinking water. These things you can carry in a handbag/briefcase in which you have your certificates and other documents. Apart from the relevant documents forget not to take with you pen, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, calculator, etc. which you may need for writing the test. Forget not to keep the number of the contact person mentioned in the advertisement/ email received by you. Leave early as you could get delayed due to unforeseen events and circumstances like traffic jams, breakdown of the vehicle transporting you, etc. If you reach the office before the schedule time of the interview, find time to relax in the office lounge and going through the newspapers and magazines.