Are you willing to travel?
⚡ In a Hurry? Quick Answer
Be honest about your travel capacity. Say yes if comfortable, no if it's a dealbreaker, or ask for clarification about frequency and duration before committing. Don't agree to 50% travel if you'll resent it in six months.
💡 The Recruiter's Mind
This is a qualifying question disguised as a preference question. If the role truly requires significant travel, your answer determines whether you proceed. They've seen candidates say yes to get the job, then complain about travel three months in. They want honesty, not what you think they want to hear. Travel requirements are usually non-negotiable, so a misalignment here wastes everyone's time.
The Honest Answer Framework
- Give a direct answer: Yes, no, or "it depends" with specific parameters
- Ask for specifics: Clarify frequency (10%, 25%, 50%) and duration (day trips vs. weeks away)
- Mention constraints if relevant: Family obligations, health issues, etc.
- Show flexibility where genuine: If open to some travel, specify what works
Example Answers by Situation
Yes - Comfortable with Travel
"Yes, I'm comfortable with travel for this role. In my last position, I traveled about 30% of the time for client meetings and conferences, which I found energizing. Could you share more about the typical travel expectations for this position? I want to make sure I understand whether it's mostly regional day trips or extended stays, so I can plan accordingly."
Yes - With Reasonable Limits
"I'm definitely open to travel. I'd say up to 25-30% travel works well for me - that level allows me to meet clients and partners without being away from home base constantly. Can you give me a sense of what percentage you're thinking for this role? I want to make sure we're aligned on expectations from the start."
Limited/Conditional Willingness
"I can accommodate some travel, though I do have family commitments that limit extended trips. Occasional travel for important meetings, conferences, or training is absolutely fine - I'd say up to 10-15%. However, a role requiring weekly travel or extended trips of more than a few days wouldn't be sustainable for me right now. What does travel typically look like for this position?"
No - Honest Boundary
"I appreciate you asking directly. At this stage in my life, I'm not able to commit to regular travel due to family responsibilities. If the role requires significant travel, I want to be upfront that it wouldn't be a good fit. However, if travel is occasional or optional, I'm happy to discuss. Could you clarify whether travel is essential for this position or just preferred?"
🚫 Red Flags to Avoid
- Saying yes when you mean no just to get the job - you'll be miserable
- Being vague: "I guess so" without understanding the actual requirement
- Not asking for specifics about frequency and duration
- Oversharing personal details: long explanations about childcare, relationships, etc.
- Seeming inflexible if the role truly requires travel
- Assuming travel means exotic destinations - it often means airports and hotels
- Negotiating travel requirements upward after accepting (downward is harder but possible)
Pro Tips for the Travel Question
- Clarify what they mean: Ask about percentage, frequency, and typical destinations
- Understand the type: Day trips vs. overnight vs. week-long vs. international
- Know your limits: Be honest with yourself about what's sustainable
- Check the job description: Often travel requirements are listed there
- Ask about notice: How much advance notice for travel requests?
- Consider career stage: Early career professionals often have more flexibility
- Think long-term: Will your travel capacity change in the next year?
- Get it in writing: Agreed travel expectations should be in your offer letter