Common Interview Questions
Master 30 common interview questions that appear across industries and interview formats.
Question 21 of 30
Are you willing to travel for work?
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Example Answer
Admin
Manager
Marketing
Retail
Sales
Teacher
What to Avoid
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Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Depending on the role you're interviewing for, the hiring company may require you to travel for work. The interviewer wants to know your thoughts on work-related travel and how much travel you are comfortable performing. The goal of your response is to express that you understand any travel requirements for the role and that you can be relied on to meet these needs.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I understand that regular travel is not a requirement of this role; however, I am certainly willing to travel up to 20% of the time for trade shows, conferences, or client appointments as needed. Could you share with me a bit more about any travel requirements for this position?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Travel requirements are new to me, but I am certainly happy to accommodate the travel needs for this position. Could you share with me how much travel is involved in this position?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"In my current position, I travel approximately six overnights per month, which is a comfortable pace for me. I am willing to discuss your travel schedule further and come up with a solution that works well for the company and my family responsibilities."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Much of what I do as a marketing director can be done from remote work situations. For that reason, in my previous roles, I have not traveled more than 10-20% of the time. With that said, I am happy to discuss your travel requirements and accommodate the needs of this position."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"Traveling for work is something that has always interested me. Could you share more details with me regarding the travel opportunities in this position?"
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"As a sales professional, I am accustomed to a great deal of travel. Currently, I spend half of my month on the road for overnight trips. Your job posting mentioned 40% travel time. I'd like to know more about your travel requirements and the preferred schedule."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"As an educator, travel is not something that I have truly considered; however, I am not opposed to the idea! If you could share more details of potential travel requirements for this position, I would appreciate that very much."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
Avoid giving a basic yes or no response. Saying, 'Yes, I am willing to travel for work,' is too vague to help the interviewer accomplish their goal of gauging your availability and flexibility. Saying 'No, I cannot travel for work' sounds inflexible and will quickly close the conversation between you and the interviewer.
- Instead of giving a flat yes, try offering a measurable answer such as, 'Yes, I am willing to travel for work up to 15% of the time.'
Instead of giving a flat no, try saying something like, 'My overnight travel availability is limited; however, I am happy to be as flexible as possible with some notice.'
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
If you aren't entirely clear on the travel expectations for the role, it is okay to ask questions. The number of expected overnights and the overall travel schedule are essential factors for you to know before accepting a job offer. Most jobs that include overnight travel require 50% or less time away from home. If the position in question requires more than 50% travel time, be sure to consider if this expectation works with your personal life.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
If overnight travel is an expectation in your current role, answer by expressing the amount of travel you currently perform and the amount of travel you are comfortable performing in your next opportunity. When you respond, consider providing a percentage or number of days. For instance, 'I currently travel 30% of the time and am comfortable with this level of travel in my next opportunity.' Or, 'I am comfortable with overnight travel up to 10 business days per month.'
Write Your Answer
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Anonymous Answer
I understand that regular travel is not a requirement of this role; however, I am certainly willing to travel to training, conferences, or client appointments as needed. Could you share with me a bit more about any travel requirements for this position?
Rachelle's Feedback
Perfect response! Short and sweet.
Anonymous Answer
Yes... in fact I'd be excited about traveling.
Rachelle's Feedback
Fantastic! Showing excitement and enthusiasm is always the best approach :)
Anonymous Answer
Could you please describe to me the length of, and types of, work-related travel that you are thinking about?
Kristine's Feedback
Great answer! The interviewer will be pleased to hear you are available to travel for work. If the job description does not mention travel, and you are asked this question, you may take the opportunity to ask questions to learn more about the travel requirements for the position. I made some adjustments to your response for conciseness and incorporated a question you could ask as well.
Yes, I would definitely be willing to travel for work. Could you please share with me any travel requirements for this position?
Anonymous Answer
No. I have a son who is dependent on me.
Lauren's Feedback
I am glad you are transparent with your response here. The interviewer must know your expectations.
Unfortunately, I am unable to travel for work due to caring for my son.
Anonymous Answer
I understand that this position doesn't require regular travel, but I am willing to travel if necessary, or if the right opportunity comes along.
Rachelle's Feedback
You sound very agreeable and flexible, which any interviewer should appreciate.
Anonymous Answer
In my current role, I travel around 18-20% every year. I would be looking for my travel to stay around this level or be reduced.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good answer! You are nice and specific. These are details that will be very helpful for the interviewer when determining fit.
Anonymous Answer
Yes, I am willing to travel when needed. I understand that travel may be 25% of the time. Can you explain that to me in more detail?
Rachelle's Feedback
Good start! When asking questions for clarity, try being more specific rather than using phrases such as 'explain that.' I have provided an example below.
"Yes, I am willing to travel when needed, and I understand that travel might be 25% of the time. Could you please break down the travel schedule and expectations for me in further detail?"
Anonymous Answer
I understand that regular travel is not required, but occasional is required as you have more than 30 centers. I have been traveling for my previous job to meet clients and check on various hospitals, so I am completely okay to do the same here.
Rachelle's Feedback
Great response. You are agreeable and also show that you have been delivering this need for some time already.
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