Busy Schedules & Interviewing

Busy Schedules & Interviewing

Someone recently asked me to write a BLOG on how those employed by Big Five and high-travel consulting roles can find time to interview with their high travel requirements. This is a great question and a topic that I deal with quite often. I believe some of my ideas below may help.

First, I recommend that people are very serious when they decide it is time to begin interviewing. Meaning, that the job seeker has already spoke with their current employer or supervisor about any important issues that is causing the person to consider making a move. When it is 100% clear that a career change is mandatory, people seem to find a way to prioritize their schedule and find time to interview.

Secondly, I recommend that people do a phone interview first to ensure that you really are excited about the company, the role, the responsibilities, and the person you'll be working with. You are interviewing the client as well! Phone interviews are easier to squeeze in before 8 AM; during lunch; and in the early evening if both parties realize the importance.

Third, I recommend that you fully research the company on your own using the internet, industry contacts, trade journals, etc. Do all of your homework before investing your own time and the time/money of a company that is also in your industry. By not wasting their time, you won't burn future bridges in a very small world!


Consultants usually travel Monday thru Thursday and can often interview on Fridays in their home town. Some companies are open to interviewing on weekends as well.

When all else fails, the next three best options for high-travel Big 5 consultants is to do a Video Conference Interview with the client (your local Kinko's); schedule it 1-2 weeks out and take a vacation around a 3-day weekend; and finally make creative suggestions like starting you as a consultant in a "Right to Hire". I've even had hiring managers fly to the "job seekers' location and I've heard of executive recruiters video taping an interview and mailing it to the manager.

I hope these ideas help you to consider some other options as we try to fit interviews into an already hectic professional work schedule! Good Luck.

SAP talent agent (IT Recruiter, MRI)