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/
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