When I finished college years ago it was time to head out on interviews. While I was hoping to get interviews for companies in the suburbs, that didn’t always happen. 90 percent of my interviews were in the city about 50 miles away, which was an hour by train. When doing long commutes it’s important to bring only the essentials — meaning pack light!
Bring your handbag and a nice folder with your resume, cover letter, the application, and samples if you’re applying for a creative position. In my handbag, I would have a lip product, blotting paper, flats, and a book to read on the train.
To make the long walk easier I use my Kushyfoot Flats to Go. They’re super comfortable and fold into a small bag that will fit perfectly in your hand bag. While you’re walking have your heels in a plastic bag, which will just go in your purse during the interview.
If you’d rather just walk in your heels, a product like the PreHeels One Quick Spray is needed! The invisible anti-friction barrier sits between your feet and shoes. Just spray about four inches away on your feet and just above the heel, and let it set for 90 seconds. It’s going to mold to the unique shape of your foot and work at preventing painful blisters and other irritations.
Train rides go by faster with a book. I’m currently reading Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer. The novel is about Juliet Young, who writes letters to her world-traveling photojournalist mother. After her mother passes, she leaves letters at her grave as a way to cope. Declan Murphy is trying to escape his past while in the middle of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery. He finds a letter left on a grave and couldn’t help but write back. Sparks are flying, but as they discover the truth it could tear them apart.
Books don’t always grab (and keep!) my attention, especially young adult novels, but this book did. While the story is pretty dramatic, it’s still a great, easy read that will keep you hooked until you finish. It’s a well-written story where you’re hoping the two main characters, who are going through rough times, find happiness.
For makeup items, I only bring my Boscia blotting sheets since I can get a bit shiny, and my lip product. I’ve included a few options. If you want to go bold, a red lip like the 100% Pure Cocoa Butter Matte Lipstick in Sonora is a great option. It’s a classic red shade, comfortable to wear, and looks ultra chic. You can also go with the Tarte Lip Surgence in Legend, which is a sheer red with a little sheen or opt for a neutral lip with the Tom Ford Lip Color in Indian Rose.
When going on interviews, you don’t want to walk in with a school bag, giant messenger or tote bag. First impressions matter. A small to medium size bag with the essentials is all you need!
What are your must-have items when commuting into the city for an interview? Let us know in the comments!
About Angie
Good ideas. Less is more.
Wow this is ultra cool for our youngsters hitting that pavement hard
Lipstick and a novel..A girl is all good
I’ve never had to travel far for a job interview but I still went prepared.
I love the Kushyfoot Flats to Go. I would use them interview or not.
Wow, pre-heels is a great idea.
Good idea to have stuff that helps be prepared for an interview.
Great tips. I have those blotting sheets and they are awesome!
Thank you for sharing. Great ideas.
These are great tips, especially the blotting papers. Nerves can make you feel sweaty and they would help you r face feel fresher.
Great tips,especially the lip care ideas.
Some great tips you gave here and will help many. I will share also.
Very good ideas for interviews! I’ll share with my daughter.
Carrying less makeup is a good idea. Great tips.
I always have to have my cell phone. Playing silly games calms me down.
Great tips!
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Lot of good information for the first time job seekers
You have got some great tips here for interviewing. Just love the Kushyfoot Flats to Go. I would wear these all of the time myself.