Saving money on interviews!

[virtuoso735]

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I know a lot of us are getting interview invites now, so I thought it would be a good idea to start up a thread in which we share tips on how to save money on the interview trail. I personally am broke and need to borrow from family to go on the interviews, so I would like to spend as little as possible, and I'm sure many feel the same way!

I'll start out with some tips:

1) Take the car/bus/greyhound to your interview site if it's not too long of trip and won't compromise your performance.

2) Pack some snacks (or even meals) so that you won't have to spend too much on food.

 

[Ost3oclast]

Ask hotels if they have discounts for students interviewing at schools nearby! I've saved some cash doing that already!

 

[DrWily]

Bunk up with another interviewer to split hotel costs.

However, as mentioned in this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=940391

You may have to buy a shotgun or commit murder, or both.

 

[Nymphicus]

Take advantage of student hosting if available.

The blue SuperShuttle vans can be cheaper than taxi and not too slow.

 

[angldrps]

save $$ by buying package deal for flight+hotel+car from sites like orbitz instead of booking each separately.

 

[Night Hawk]

.

 

[MedPR]

Ask hotels if they have discounts for students interviewing at schools nearby! I've saved some cash doing that already!

+1. Ask them if they have a shuttle service to/from airport and/or the school too. Also try to stay at a hotel that gives you free food.. Hampton Inn, Drury, etc.

Bunk up with another interviewer to split hotel costs.

However, as mentioned in this thread: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=940391

You may have to buy a shotgun or commit murder, or both.

You can carpool a rental car as well. An SDN member was kind enough to help me out with this since I'm <25 and there is an additional rental car fee.

This one is probably obvious but pack lite when flying since checking bags is a waste of money and time! You get two carry on items so a garment bag for your interview attire might be a nice investment.

Not only the cost, but the time waiting at the baggage claim plus the risk of losing something important . However, if you absolutely must have checked bags (say you're attending multiple interviews in the same area and will be on the road for a week) Southwest lets you check 2 bags for free.

 

[Ost3oclast]

Not really a cost thing but MAKE SURE, if you are flying, to bring your suit with you as a carry on! Last thing you want is to check it and get to your destination to find that it is lost.