Interview Expenses: Should they be Reimbursed?

We recently had a client of ours cancel an interview after the candidate asked for his travel expenses to the interview to be covered.

 

This might seem like a rash decision on the part of our client and we understand that many candidates would feel particularly aggrieved if they found themselves in a similar situation. After all, some companies do pay for interview expenses - don’t they?

 

The answer isn’t always as clear as a simple yes or no. That’s why we’re going to look at some of the instances in which you can and cannot expect to have your interview expenses compensated so hopefully you can avoid a similar experience in the future.

 

Circumstances Count

 

Company policy will vary from business to business, but there are some common factors taken into account when considering whether interview travel expenses will be reimbursed. 

 

These can include, but are not limited to:


Seniority of Position

 

You will often find companies are open to covering expense claims for graduate opportunities.

 

Although these are still entry-level roles they require skilled individuals who have spent considerable time in higher education obtaining a specific qualification that relates to the job in question. Therefore, suitably qualified candidates can often be in short supply. And as most graduates also happen to be broke, situations like this make perfect sense for businesses to offer a reimbursement of travel fees.

 

Distance Travelled

 

Generally speaking when you are interviewing for a new job the businesses premises will be a commutable distance from your current location. When this isn’t the case however, you might find you have the opportunity to claim back your travel expenses, but only in certain circumstances.

 

When large companies are seeking top performers they will look nationwide, and sometimes even worldwide. If relocation for a role is a requirement companies will often pay for the interview expense and even help with the move in some instances.

 

Competition for Position

 

With a competitive job market where the role doesn’t require an active search for specialist professionals form a small talent pool companies will usually have enough qualified applicants within close proximity.

 

In this instance it is extremely unlikely they will be willing to pay for someone’s travel expenses as they will simply choose to interview another suitably qualified individual instead.

 

So What Should You Do?

 

Broaching the subject of travel expenses is always tricky. Any communication you have with a prospective employer will be taken into consideration when choosing the right person for the job. The last thing you want to do is come across as a pain by pestering for your petrol money.

 

As wrong as it may be, people are quick to make judgement calls in the hiring process and a candidate who comes across as demanding in these early stages might scare off employers who presume they will carry this mentality into employment. 

 

If the company’s policy on interview expenses isn’t clear from the outset (and if travel expenses are reimbursed it usually will be) your best bet is to use your common sense.

 

If you’re applying for a role that is a commutable distance from your home 99% of companies will expect you to cover your travel expenses. It shows a level of commitment to your interest in the job and demonstrates you are pro-active and self-sufficient.

 

Of course it’s never nice to fork out for train tickets for wasted journeys, but try to think of interview travel expenses as an investment into your future. It’s all part of finding a new position, and when you find the one that’s right for you that £10 train fare will fade from the memory in no time at all.












Damian Eyre | Director T: 0208 834 1392 | M: 07795 471963 http://www.saleslogic.co.uk/

What Has 2014 Served Up for Saleslogic So Far?

It might just be us, or it might just be the industry, but we’re finding that 2014 is flying by at record pace and with June already on the horizon we thought it would be a good idea to take stock.

 

So without further ado, welcome to Sales Logic’s highs and lows of the year so far. Your exclusive peak behind the curtain at the diverse world of recruitment...

 

1.  False Starter

 

The year didn’t get off to the start some people were hoping for. In a bizarre turn of events a candidate we placed was abruptly let go after just a week into his new job. Don’t worry though, he probably wasn’t too disappointed, he was shown the door for complaining aloud about the lack of business class flights and luxury hotels thrown his way. Suffice to say if you’re starting a new job it pays to show your worth before making such demands.

 

2.  European Excursions

 

Of course no job is wall-to-wall premium flights and 5-star hotels (unless your name is Justin Bieber) but we have sent some lucky consultants to Paris on business so far this year. Our client base has been expanding into Europe and meetings needed to be held in the French capital.

 

3.  Internal Relations

 

No, we’re not discussing inter-office relationships. We’re talking about the often mismanaged internal recruiter and agency recruiter relationship. One of our most valued clients took on an internal recruiter this year and they have done a fantastic job. We continue to provide a valuable service to supplement their efforts. It’s a prime example of how an in-house team can function in harmony with a specialist-recruiting partner.

 

4.  Record Placements

 

We’re really starting to see the signs of a recovering economy with a record number of placements being made by the team so far. There’s a real sense of optimism in the air and it’s great to be able to help larger numbers of candidates get a foot up the career ladder, not to mention to see the smile on our clients faces.

 

5.  Lows

 

However, when the market gets busier the chances of experiencing some misfortunes gets higher. Just ask one unfortunate consultant who had a candidate accept a job offer and sign his contract, only to change his mind and pull out 24 hours before his first day!

 

6.  And Highs!

 

They say in football everything evens itself out over the course of a season, well the same can be said for recruitment. The pain of having a candidate pull out of a job was quickly eroded when the same consultant had a candidate reject an offer and start a different role, only to come back and take the original offer. Swings and roundabouts, as they say.

 

7.  Late Nights (or is that Early Starts?)

 

We all burn the midnight oil from time to time when searching for that elusive candidate but how about this for a late night. When celebrating an excellent end of quarter one individual (who will remain unnamed) was out on the town long enough to get the first tube home. Claims he was led astray have yet to be confirmed…

 

8. The Samson Saga

 

Just like Samson one of our consultants lost his strength when he decided to lop off his unruly mane. Then when his Worzel Gummidge look returned so did his business. We’re still not sure which version we prefer.

 

9. The Big Marriage

 

It was a momentous occasion when director Steven, a founder of the agency, tied the knot. Suffice to say the Saleslogic team stormed the dance floor that evening to make it a wedding to remember.

 

10. Fore!

 

We were proud to support a social enterprise that runs events to support food related causes by getting involved with a charity golf day. Four members of the team played a round, including two recent graduates. We won’t be divulging who shot the highest score!

 

11.  Little & Large

 

Continuing the graduate and high scores themes, this year we have seen both the biggest fee by a new consultant - with a successful executive placement at the six figure level - and the lowest. Coincidentally both by the same individual, he must have a thing for records.

 

12.  Doing Business Down Under

 

We wrap up this review with news that we have recently made placements with a partner in Australia. Recruitment truly is a roller-coaster ride, but it’s one we would never want to get off. When you witness first hand the difference you make to peoples lives, now all over the world, it’s quite humbling.

Damian Eyre | Director T: 0208 834 1392 | M: 07795 471963 http://www.saleslogic.co.uk/

5 Common Traits Our Hiring Managers Look For

 

5 Common Traits Hiring Managers Will Look For

 

What key traits are all hiring managers looking for in prospective employees? The answers to this question are incredibly important whether you are looking for a new position or trying to gain promotion within your current company.

 

There are clearly specific skills and criteria that will be unique to the individual role you are going for. However, there are common personality elements and themes that hiring managers will be looking for evidence of to ascertain whether you’re the type of employee they want on the team.

 

Five of the most common traits we see hiring managers look for in candidates are:

 

1.  Honesty

 

It should go without saying really but honesty is a key trait decision makers will be looking for from the word go. If they feel they can’t trust you they will almost certainly not want to hire you.

 

This is more than simply telling the truth, it’s about being transparent about your career history, even if you made some mistakes along the way. If a particular position didn’t work out, or you had a short stint somewhere, it’s always best to be open about the reasons why.

 

It’s very rare to find someone with a bulletproof work history, we’re only human and we all make mistakes from time to time. Hiring managers will be sympathetic to this as long as they have the full facts.

 

Ask yourself who you would rather hire, someone who made a mistake in the past, was honest about his or her error and demonstrated they’d learned from the experience, or someone who fabricated the truth and didn’t hold their hands up when they made a mistake?

 

2.  A Consistent Career Path

 

A history of success and stability are clear indicators of someone that will add value to a team. Working for a company for a prolonged period of time demonstrates you were clearly effective in your role, this is enhanced if your background shows a history of progressing within your chosen industry.

 

Of course there will always be some exceptions to this rule. Some moves don’t always work out, and it might have been necessary to move side-ways if you were seeking to learn new skills and work in an alternate sector.

 

On the whole though, hiring managers will be looking for consistent progression and a logical career path. Ideally this experience will come from the same field in which they work, or one closely aligned to it. If it doesn’t, they’ll be looking for a strong reason as to why your skills are transferrable.

 

3. Energy and Passion

 

A less tangible trait but one that is no less important, energy, passion and a positive attitude are a must for decision makers. Without them even the best candidates will be overlooked. If there’s one area where a lack of technical skills or experience can be made up for it is in the passion stakes.

 

You must show that you care about what you do. A committed employee is doubly as effective as someone who’s just there for the pay check. High energy levels and passion are infectious. Decision maker’s love seeing vibrant candidates as they know this ambition and enthusiasm will rub off on others in the team, giving everyone a morale boost.

 

You’ve probably experienced it yourself when working with others, how much more enjoyable and productive is it to work with a highly driven and passionate group of individuals? Be the type of employee you would want next to you.

 

4.  Good Communication Skills

 

Strong communication skills are no doubt a trait you have heard before. But what do we really mean when say communication skills? It’s not just about speaking clearly and being friendly.

 

The type of communication skills hiring managers are looking for in employees is their ability to engage with key stakeholders in a credible fashion. Whether you are a Sales Executive, Account Manager or Project Manager, the ability to clearly articulate your ideas and have clarity of thought is crucial. 

 

5.  Personable and Team Orientated

 

How you fit into a company both from a wider organisational level and on a more intricate team based level is particularly important. Everyone is different and decision makers appreciate this, however there will be a clear company culture that they will be evaluating whether you fit into.

 

What will your personality add to the team dynamic? How will you work with others? Will you hit the ground running or take time to integrate yourself into the group? These are all questions they will be asking themselves.

 

It’s a more difficult trait to prepare for, sometimes you are just not the right fit and it is no reflection on your capability as an individual. The best you can do is check any ego at the door, demonstrate the value you can add to a team and try to apply for positions with companies whose values match yours.

 

 

 

 

 

Damian Eyre | Director T: 0208 834 1392 | M: 07795 471963 http://www.saleslogic.co.uk/

Do you agree?

Someone asked me recently what foundations I use to base my work on. I decided to put those into writing for them and send ten points for discussion. These are just my personal thoughts and created an interesting conversation

 

1.        Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness, and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success

 

2.       You are what you think. Have attention to this. Talk to yourself like you would someone else and control what you think. What to Say When you Talk To Yourself  by Shad Helmstetter is an excellent book if you are interested in this topic.

 

3.       Exercise a lot. My best work is when I am fit and focused. If you are in a rut, review your lifestyle and take decisive action.

 

4.       Success breeds success. Get ahead and stay there. It is a lot easier than always having to fight all the time.

 

5.       Plan and execute. Set yourself power hours and don’t be distracted. Most things can wait, especially e-mail.

 

6.       Talk to people. On the phone, at meetings. Have conversations and things happen.

 

7.       Have an idea of your business ethics and use them when in a tricky situation. I did this with a client some time ago which caused us some short term pain but ended up being our most rewarding account. It is useful to have a platform to base your decisions on.

 

8.       Take Time out – sometimes you are too tired and need to step away. Fighting on can cause more damage so relax, rest and do what you need to recharge the batteries. Keep a balance

 

9.       Make time for fun. At work your team needs to enjoy themselves. A bit of friendly banter always helps as do events and stepping away from normal tasks through team events

 

10.   Tame the Chimp – not always easy but something I have worked on over the years. He needs a to be heard but don’t let him run your life. Be aware of your thoughts but don’t let them control you.

 

 

Damian Eyre | Director T: 0208 834 1392 | M: 07795 471963 http://www.saleslogic.co.uk/