Commuting - I have an interview on wednesday, how should i talk about commuting?

Hi everyone,

I'm an avid bicycle commuter in Atlanta. I've got an interview for a great job (first job out of college) on wed. The job is about 10 miles from where I live, and I've allready mapped out a bicycle friendly route. Is commuting something that I should bring up in the interview? Could this turn my potential employer off from hiring me? I'm not 100% dedicated to bicycle commuting, but I will say that I puts me in a better mood, keeps me in shape, let me not worry about traffic, and pretty much getes me around on time in a reliable manner. I will probably be working as a manufacturing engineer, which means I wont be dealing with customers or anything. What do I say if there are no showers at my future workplace? I'm in need of some help. How can I push bicycle commuting without seeming like an hippy? (which wont go over well in my field) Thanks for everyones suggestions!

Don't know that I'd mention commuting or not, but I would ask if they have a shower room or fitness facility as you like to exercise.

I am having the same predicament. For me, it always comes up because they always ask if there's a problem for me getting to the job. I always bring up that I do not drive, though I could. I rely on my own two feet, and if need be, there's always public transportation.

Why it's even brought up is puzzling to me. What does how I get to work have to do with my job performance?

Koffee

don't bring it up at the interview. you're not pushing how you get to work, you're pushing you as a worker bee for the company. plenty of time to lobby once you're settled in after the hire.

I'd simply ask if having a car is required for the position. See what they say.

I just wouldn't mention it.

And I never needed a shower anyway, but I am lucky, I guess, since I just don't sweat much... ever. I'd be in a sauna with a bunch of folks and everybody except for me will be completely slimy from sweat, but I would only have a couple of droplets starting to form... :D

But even if you do sweat a lot, you can do an adequate clean-up job in the washroom anyway. I know a bike commuter who sweats a lot, after even moderate exercise there would be literally rivers of sweat... he commutes to work and manages fine w/o showers, no stink. :D

Don't mention it since it has nothing to do with the job or position. Just go over your interview techniques and tips and make sure you get the job. How you get to work is your business. If they don't have showers there, try a nearby gym.

If you mention the commuting, you probably won't have to worry about the bike route nor the job for that matter. Why does it matter how you get to work? It only matters what you do after you arrive at work. Who cares how you get there?

Don't mention it since it has nothing to do with the job or position. Just go over your interview techniques and tips and make sure you get the job. How you get to work is your business. If they don't have showers there, try a nearby gym.

Agreed.

They might think you're an odd ball and will arrive to work tired, smelling and late. In fact, the interviewer might consider your actions dangerous and lead to expensive insurance claims. I would avoid it at all costs and would lie and tell them I have a car. In the city, you can say you'll take public transportation but other small towns just about require having a car to make to work on time.

Besides once they hire you, you're basically free to arrive by bicycle.

i've done a lot of interviewing in the last couple of years. ymmv, but i usually feel it out and play it by ear according to the vibe i pick up from the place. i don't usually mention it in the first interview unless:

a) i've decided i don't care what they think of me because i don't like them anyway, so i have nothing to lose and might as well find out if they can change my mind with while-you-work valet laundry service for bike commuters, champagne and caviar in the showers and an on-call bike mechanic on staff

b) they're really going out of their own way to make sure i know how healthy and active and all that they are, AND i want the job enough to want to brown-nose them a bit. it's easier for me to get those points by bringing up my bike commuting than try to make up something that isn't true. this happens quite often in my city/sector, actually, although yours might be different.

c) i'm clear in my own mind going in that it's a deal-breaker to me. then i'll probably tell them that somewhere along the line, because i can't stand stringing people along. if i'm clear in my mind that i'll take the right job even if i can't get there by bike, then a) and b) apply instead.

more typically though, i take a look at the job the company on their own merits and keep the commuting thing out of it. then i scope out how to do it this time in the first week i'm there. of course i'm fortunate in having always had a fair bit of certainty that some way of commuting by bike could be worked out, even if it had nothing to do with the company facilities. i agree with other posters who have said that it's absolutely none of their business what you do in your spare time, and as far as i'm concerned the time i spend getting to and from work is exactly that. it's none of their business if i get there by flying carpet, so long as the carpet is legally mine and i have a license to operate it.

Don't mention it since it has nothing to do with the job or position. Just go over your interview techniques and tips and make sure you get the job. How you get to work is your business. If they don't have showers there, try a nearby gym. --- I agree with that. Think of the employers' position: they need to know that you will accept responsibility to get yourself to the job on time whether you use private auto, public transit or bicycle. And that includes having a backup plan if your primary mode of transportation fails.

If the job is in the downtown, midtown, or Buckhead areas, I'd mention the bike commuting at the end of the interview. I work with all of the TMAs and many employers in these parts of Atlanta are very conscious of the traffic congestion and are pro alternative transportation; whether it's bike, Marta, carpool, or a combination.

If it's in another part of town, go with your gut feeling about the bike commuting question.

Good luck with the interview. :beer:

don't bring it up at the interview. you're not pushing how you get to work, you're pushing you as a worker bee for the company. plenty of time to lobby once you're settled in after the hire.

Good advice.

It's like asking about vacation at an interview -- not a good idea. You can always ask about this stuff after an offer is made, right?

Seems completely irrelevant to me.

I wouldn't mention it unless you see evidence of a large and full bike rack.
If you want to enquire about showers, ask if they have any fitness facilities since you like to go for a lunchtime jog. Running in circles is regarded as a more normal activity than getting from home to work on a bike.

No reason to mention it and if the interview is conducted properly they should not ask. I've performed quite a few interviews and often for large corporations. The subject of how you get to work is a taboo as it may include where you live. Large companies will avoid such issues as knowing where you live can potentially lead to discrimination. If they know what they're doing they'll stick to the job and not worry about things that don't matter or that they can't legally consider anyway. If they do ask I wouldn't suggest lying nor would i suggest you tell them that they aren't allowed to ask that. If they are so concerned about your private life that they care what mode of transportation you use then you probably won't want to work there anyway.

It depends . . . do you plan on showing up in leg warmers and riding pants? That might require some explanation. :)

yeah, don't bring it up. talk about the job and ask questions about what the company does. asking about their bike policy (or lack thereof) kinda seems like your interested in your own agenda. which, of course, you are! but don't let them know that. it's a good question for after you get the job.

Do they require a car? If not no big deal. You should not say anything that could hamper your getting the job or the most money you can. For example should not answer the "how much money do you need" quesion. Say "we can talk about that" or "I am flexable depending, we certainly can discuss that if you are making an offer" Do not answer that one!

If they ask KoffeeB's question, .."they always ask if there's a problem for me getting to the job." -- just say no, because there is no problem getting to the job. In fact you are likely to be more ontime and a better worker. While your getting the walk around you could see if they have a place to keep your bike, and a shower. Unless the boss is an avid biker, do not mention biking. Once they hire you you can deal with making more commuters.

Now I think that commuting women may be at a real disadvatage because of makeup and crap required to get ahead in some or most jobs. Some jobs expect you to "come to work ready to work" like waiters this is also a pain what if there is no showers or you have to wear a monkey suit.

Here are some employers that have been highlighted as good for bike commuters:
http://www.activetransportation.org/champions_worksites.htm

I would generally avoid asking whether a car is required for the job. Unless the job functions make it clear that you must have a motor vehicle, it's up to the employer to tell you that he requires you to have a car-- it's not your responsibility to ask.



What does how I get to work have to do with my job performance?

Employers are interested in whether you will reliably be at work. If you have a car that breaks down monthly and causes two half-days of missed work each month while you're going to your mechanic to have it fixed, that's a problem for the employer. If you have a bike that causes an equal amount of missed work, that's also a problem. If you show up on time all the time on a bike, that's not the employer's issue, although some will stereotype bicycles as an unreliable way to get to work.

It sort of depends. Do you need to know up front? Is not being able to bike commute a deal breaker for you? Are there places in the area that have a gym where you can change if it's not allowed at your workplace?

I would only ask if a) it wasn't apparent that others already are, b) there are no nearby facilities in the event that it's not ok, c) not being able to ride in is a deal-breaker as it is in my case, and d) taking the job would damage other prospects (such as if I were already employed or weighing multiple offers).

<snip> How can I push bicycle commuting without seeming like an hippy? (which wont go over well in my field) Thanks for everyones suggestions!

No need to "push" your choice of transportation. If the question comes up about having reliable transport, the answer is yes. Then, it's up to you figure out how to get there with enough time left over to change so that you are ready to work. Hint: Don't be late; be early!

I agree with the "don't mention it" crowd. How you transport yourself to work should be totally irrelevant to anything unless it is some kind of job where you are expected to use your own motor vehicle for job-related activities, and then get a mileage reimbursement.

That would be different if your trip distance and metabolism are such that your NEED a shower when you arrive. Then you would have to inquire about facilities. I myself have a back-office job and don't perspire heavily, so I can ride in work clothes and be fine.

I find it hard to believe that anyone inverviewing you for a manufacturing engineering position would even ask if you can get to work on time. You're an engineer. If they didn't think you could figure that out all by yourself, they shouldn't hire you.

If they do ask, just say that there are lots of ways to reliably get to work... car, bus, and even a bike once in a while. They might even think 'motorcycle' and leave it at that.

Good luck, and have a great interview.

I had a 2 hour interview last thursday, and I never brought it up. I changed in the building next door, and showed up in my interview clothes with my bike gear cleverly concealed in my bag. In general, I would never say anything about unless very specifically asked, or I already had the job.

DITTO !!!

Don't worry about showers, if they don't have them... baby wipes work fine.

Scan for places to lock up to in the company garage.





I'd simply ask if having a car is required for the position. See what they say.

No need to "push" your choice of transportation. If the question comes up about having reliable transport, the answer is yes. Then, it's up to you figure out how to get there with enough time left over to change so that you are ready to work. Hint: Don't be late; be early!I agree. In a conservative field (banking, law, etc.) bikes are a no-no. You might get away with it in a more liberal field (programming, media, healthcare, etc.).

But mainly, the employer needs to know that you are reliable. We know that a bike is more reliable than a car, but they probably don't know that.

Wow, thanks to everyone for the responses. I'm really appreciative of all the input. My plan is to not mention it in the interview and drive to work the first week on the job. During that time i'll be looking for the most bike friendly routes. After that first week, i'll start commuting on my bike. Ohh, an to everyone in Atlanta who wanted to know the starting and ending locations: Starting Atlantic Station (just north of Georgia Tech) and ending off of moreland Ave (just south of I-20, not exactly the BEST part of town.... but reasonably safe during the day).

Good advice.

It's like asking about vacation at an interview -- not a good idea. You can always ask about this stuff after an offer is made, right?

This is pretty much the attitude I have had about jobs over the years. But these days there is often a question/answer period given at the end of good interviews... you could just ask about sports facilities and whether they exist...

At any rate I would not make a fuss about it... as it might indicate to them that you will make it a pain to them. But on the other hand, if you have a position now that accomodates you... you may not want to move to a company that doesn't have facilities. So it does behoove you to ask somewhere along the line.

... and ending off of moreland Ave (just south of I-20, not exactly the BEST part of town.... but reasonably safe during the day).
:eek: Safe?? Crossing I-20?? One of my co-workers (bike commuter) lives south of I-20 and crosses it on Moreland to get to work near Piedmont Park.

yeah why bother - i wouldn't bring it up. and now more employees are fine with people taking different trans. methods. carpool / bus / bike so it wouldn't be a big deal when hired

I did at a job here and it worked out well. Told them i lived close enough to ride my bike to work and in fact- i usually ride around the area for fun anyway. Talked down the spandex, talked up the grocery bike. Gave the impression that i was local, hard working, fit and available. Like they could call me anytime to come in because it only takes my 10 minutes to come in by bike, not the hour it takes most other employees with a long commute.

But typically i wouldn't mention it. Not really their buisness.

I am having the same predicament. For me, it always comes up because they always ask if there's a problem for me getting to the job. I always bring up that I do not drive, though I could. I rely on my own two feet, and if need be, there's always public transportation.

Why it's even brought up is puzzling to me. What does how I get to work have to do with my job performance?

Koffee


I'm sure laws are different everywhere, but I know that my company does not ask how you get to work. It is only stated the you need to be here on time. To my knowledge it is seen a possible discrimination based question to ask how someone would get to work.

Wow, thanks to everyone for the responses. I'm really appreciative of all the input. My plan is to not mention it in the interview and drive to work the first week on the job. During that time i'll be looking for the most bike friendly routes. After that first week, i'll start commuting on my bike. Ohh, an to everyone in Atlanta who wanted to know the starting and ending locations: Starting Atlantic Station (just north of Georgia Tech) and ending off of moreland Ave (just south of I-20, not exactly the BEST part of town.... but reasonably safe during the day).

If you are worried about showers and the like... do what I do, ride Marta on the way in (well most of the way, from Midtown to Inman Park) and bike the way back. I do that every morning as I don't like to arrive to work all sweaty, but don't really mind it on the ride back. (BTW my commute is from Grant Park to Five Points). I justify the expense of the monthly Marta pass by reminding myself that I only have to drive my car one day a week now (and if there were commuter rail to Kennesaw, I wouldn't have to drive at all).

--Seth

they could call me anytime to come in because it only takes my 10 minutes to come in by bike, not the hour it takes most other employees with a long commute.

If true for someone, it's a good point. I have a friend who's on emergency call at a hospital, he's the radiology equipment tech. He can be at the hospital, beside the scanner, wrench in hand in 6 minutes on his bike at 3AM from home. In a car it takes him 10 because on the bike he can pull right up to the door instead of parking and running through the lot.

You're an engineer. If they didn't think you could figure that out all by yourself, they shouldn't hire you.

:D :D :D :D

course, then there are those of us who figured out how to do it on the dot every day and then decided it wasn't worth doing. but we don't have to tell them that.

I usually just ask if there's a place to put my bike.

I'm sure I can find a place to put my bike. If need be i can just bring it inside.

Wow, thanks to everyone for the responses. I'm really appreciative of all the input. My plan is to not mention it in the interview and drive to work the first week on the job. During that time i'll be looking for the most bike friendly routes. After that first week, i'll start commuting on my bike. Ohh, an to everyone in Atlanta who wanted to know the starting and ending locations: Starting Atlantic Station (just north of Georgia Tech) and ending off of moreland Ave (just south of I-20, not exactly the BEST part of town.... but reasonably safe during the day).

then you can bring the big junk in. coffee maker, pictures, computer speakers, etc. after five years i have way to much personal junk cluttering up my office.