Not having access to a car can make the job search experience more stressful than it already is. In addition to needing to get to the interview, many postings list “reliable transportation” as a quality the applicant must have.
Reliable transportation doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have a car. Until we can magically transport ourselves to the office (am I the only one who is waiting for this to be invented!?), you have a few options to get around this requirement.
1) Your local public transportation network - Take the bus! Take the train! Chances are there is some type of public transportation service provider in your area. If you aren’t sure, do a quick Internet search (for example: “public transportation in New York City”). If that is unclear, contact your state’s public transportation department. They may have a listing on their website of all providers in your state, or they will be able to point you in the right direction.
2) Carpool - Do you know someone who works in the same area of the business you are interested in? You may be able to coordinate schedules so you can catch a ride with them.
3) Good ol’ fashion walking - Jobs have been around longer than automobiles. How do you think most people got around before then? Take a walk around your area and see what businesses are within walking distance. While you’re at it, go in and ask if they are hiring (be sure to dress professionally and have your resume with you). Not only is walking to work very reliable, it may also help get you in shape!
Don’t think that just because you don’t have a vehicle that you can’t get a job. With a little work and creativity you can make it to your interview/job and help save the environment!
About Kim Costa
Filling out an app for an employer on this site, one of the “questions” states that applicants must have a car as “the nearest bus stop is over two miles from the store”. Which isn’t true of ANY that stores branches here.
I answered the first time (I’ve applied to several different branches) with the location of the neast bus stop (across the street). The other two, I simply wrote “I have reliable transportation.”
No idea why they put that on there.