Staying away for interview

[chunder27]

Might sound a little cheeky

But have a group interview soon, quite far away from home and am thinking it might be best to stay away the night before rather than try and battle the M1/M25/M4 to get there.

Would anyone think a recruiter might assist with a hotel fee? Or is that being too cheeky?

[xjay1337]

Depends on the level of the role and how far away you live.

[bristolbaron]

chunder27 said:

Might sound a little cheeky

But have a group interview soon, quite far away from home and am thinking it might be best to stay away the night before rather than try and battle the M1/M25/M4 to get there.

Would anyone think a recruiter might assist with a hotel fee? Or is that being too cheeky?

Unless you were specifically headhunted for the role there’s absolutely no way I’d ask as an interviewee.

As an employer if I received that question I’d be strongly favouring the other candidates. If I were happy to pay candidates expenses I’d have let them know in the invitation.

[chunder27]

That s what I thought, have no asked. It is not a senior role, so would be too cheeky.

[Countdown]

Phone up the HR department and ask if interview expenses are paid? I don't think it's cheeky, a lot of Employers pay them.

If you're the best person for the job I would be surprised if they gave it to somebody else solely on the basis of you asking the question.

[Type R Tom]

As above, I've heard of interview expenses being covered, although can't comment to what level. Don't think it's too big an issue to ask.

[Integroo]

It doesn't hurt to ask, and if it is a big organisation, the interviewer probably won't even be told you asked. I have had travel expenses covered before and also had my request refused, though airfare only not accommodation - they would probably expect you to fly same day, if you could. I've had my request declined, and then been offered the job (for my current job, actually), and had my request accepted, and then not offered the job. I'm junior.

[Mr.Chips]

About 20 years ago, the school I worked at was advertising for new teachers in a number of subject areas. The information pack they sent out did say that travel expenses would be paid for all candidates attending an interview. One particular candidate flew from Jersey to Southampton and then got public transport from there to the school in Wiltshire. After the interview, she went to sort out her expenses only to be told that the school would only pay for the expenses incurred from the point of entry into the country, a matter of a few quid. As she was unsuccessful in her interview, I can entirely understand how annoyed she was and the comments she made as she was leaving the building.

[chunder27]

Thankfully I played it cool with this and there were two induction times, so not an issue now, but interesting to see that it is a possibility with some companies, and this is a huge one, so probably not a daft request if I made it.

[ToothbrushMan]

youd like to think that after sifting out all those applications (10's or 100's?) to be passed up leaving those hand picked ones that the employer is keen to meet on the table that they would if they were a half decent none tin-pot firm pay reasonable travel expenses if they want candidates to travel distance to come and see them. I know its an "invite" but all the same - especially hard on any of those applicants that are not currently earning.

If it was a local bus or train trip then I would be more inclined to not bother asking but if it was distance then I would ask.

[Vocht]

Absolutely not. It's an opportunity cost to yourself. It only shows the employer that you aren't that bothered as if you really wanted the job, the £60 for a Travel Lodge wouldn't be important in the grand scheme of things.

[Jasandjules]

Vocht said:

Absolutely not. It's an opportunity cost to yourself. It only shows the employer that you aren't that bothered as if you really wanted the job, the £60 for a Travel Lodge wouldn't be important in the grand scheme of things.

I know this is Pistonheads therefore people give £60 the Big Issue person or tip the waitress, but not everyone has £60 they can afford to lose/risk. And someone who may not have a job in the first place.......

[Vocht]

Jasandjules said:

I know this is Pistonheads therefore people give £60 the Big Issue person or tip the waitress, but not everyone has £60 they can afford to lose/risk. And someone who may not have a job in the first place.......

I agree it's no small amount, but staying over night is optional, for convenience, and ultimately leaves a bad impression given the circumstances presented imo.

[ericmcn]

I have had expenses covered before, including train and a hotel - but this was an Engineering role and I was commuting from Scotland to SE England - and quite a few years ago mind you, nowadays i would not expect to get a hotel but rail or petrol expense is not unheard of.

[chunder27]

I am glad I did not do this.

Interview was a complete waste of time, I was under experienced and under qualified for the role compared to the people I talked to.

And feel rather like as usual I was the token outsider selected by HR.

I will add I made mistakes in the process that did not help, but still felt out of place.