What they are really asking

If they're asking, the job probably includes some travel, and they want to know if you'll say yes and mean it. "Travel" can mean anything from a train to a client twice a year to spending half of every month in hotels. That's a big range, and the right answer depends on where the job sits in it.

So it's fine, and smart, to ask how much before you commit. A quick "Could you tell me roughly how often?" shows you take the question seriously. The interviewer also wants to know you'll be good on the road: organized, comfortable meeting new people, able to work from an airport. If you've traveled for work before, this is where you say so.

A shape that works

Clear yes or a clear limit, a question about how much, and some evidence. If you're happy to travel, say so, then give one example of work travel that went well. If you're not sure, ask how often and then answer. If you have a limit, like young children or a caregiving role, state it plainly and say what you can do.

Model answers

Listen to how each answer is built, then make it yours.

Answer 1: a regional sales manager in Nairobi
Answer 2: a user researcher in Seattle
Answer 3: an engineer in Osaka with young children

Check yourself

1Why is it smart to ask how much travel the job involves?
2In Answer 3, how does the engineer handle his limit?

Practice · 3 min

Record two short answers of about thirty seconds each. In the first, you're happy to travel and you give one example. In the second, you ask how much travel there is and set one clear limit. Listen back and check that each answer has a clear first sentence.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.