Claiming expenses back at an interview
Discussion
A friend of mine is notoriously tight with his pennies, from buying a round to new clothes to anything really.
I on the other hand don't mind spending a bit here and there and certainly for a job interview I don't mind forking out the mileage/trainfare etc.
Next month were both going for a job interview for the same position, he is hell bent on claiming the train fare back (its in leeds city centre) whereas I think its somewhat embarassing to go to an interview then ask for his expenses back.
The new job (be it this one, or another) is a step up in ones career and the sacrafice (be it a day off work or the expense or mileage/trainfare) is worth it for its rewards.
How do interviewers see the concept of claiming expenses back? Is it me being too polite or does my mate have a point?
I on the other hand don't mind spending a bit here and there and certainly for a job interview I don't mind forking out the mileage/trainfare etc.
Next month were both going for a job interview for the same position, he is hell bent on claiming the train fare back (its in leeds city centre) whereas I think its somewhat embarassing to go to an interview then ask for his expenses back.
The new job (be it this one, or another) is a step up in ones career and the sacrafice (be it a day off work or the expense or mileage/trainfare) is worth it for its rewards.
How do interviewers see the concept of claiming expenses back? Is it me being too polite or does my mate have a point?
A bit of context is necessary here.
External interview - asking for expenses is not going to help you get the job.
Internal interview for a large company, for example you work in the Birmingham office but are travelling to the London office for the interview, then you would probably get away with putting it through with your normal expenses (to be approved by your *current* mgmt).
External interview - asking for expenses is not going to help you get the job.
Internal interview for a large company, for example you work in the Birmingham office but are travelling to the London office for the interview, then you would probably get away with putting it through with your normal expenses (to be approved by your *current* mgmt).
vincenz said:
A friend of mine is notoriously tight with his pennies, from buying a round to new clothes to anything really.
I on the other hand don't mind spending a bit here and there and certainly for a job interview I don't mind forking out the mileage/trainfare etc.
Next month were both going for a job interview for the same position, he is hell bent on claiming the train fare back (its in leeds city centre) whereas I think its somewhat embarassing to go to an interview then ask for his expenses back.
The new job (be it this one, or another) is a step up in ones career and the sacrafice (be it a day off work or the expense or mileage/trainfare) is worth it for its rewards.
How do interviewers see the concept of claiming expenses back? Is it me being too polite or does my mate have a point?
I have interviewed a lot of people and no-one has yet asked me for the train or bus fare.I on the other hand don't mind spending a bit here and there and certainly for a job interview I don't mind forking out the mileage/trainfare etc.
Next month were both going for a job interview for the same position, he is hell bent on claiming the train fare back (its in leeds city centre) whereas I think its somewhat embarassing to go to an interview then ask for his expenses back.
The new job (be it this one, or another) is a step up in ones career and the sacrafice (be it a day off work or the expense or mileage/trainfare) is worth it for its rewards.
How do interviewers see the concept of claiming expenses back? Is it me being too polite or does my mate have a point?
If someone did, I would get my wallet out, and then ask them how much their suit cost, if they were going for lunch soon and whether they took a day off work or not. Just enough so they knew I was taking the p1ss.
Then tell them it was that which meant that from this moment they would no longer be considered.
What planet is he on!? He is not 'on assignment' or a rock star with a rider, he is going somewhere to apply to be considered for a job - does he honestly think that he is that important that the prospective employer should cover his expenses for the privilege of his appearance!? Jeeessss......
In a nutshell, if he thinks that is acceptable. Don't. Just go for a job yourself. If you want to be really nasty, tell him it is fine and let him ask, just don't ask yourself!
Having previously spent a good few years in recruitment, I've probably had one person a day for 5 years interview for jobs through me, so I guess c. 1,250 people. I bet less than 25 had any interview expenses paid. When this happened, it was because they were senior candidates who were having to travel to a different country to meet a CXO, so had flights and hotels to pay for. If that's the case (and I'm guessing it's not), then I'd have expected the agency or potential interviewer to have sorted out the flights and hotels for you, so you shouldn't be out of pocket.
If you're getting the bus, train or driving or anything else at all similar, don't ask - you'll look like a junior guy who doesn't want to invest in his future and values making a good first impression below the £20 train fare it cost to get there.
If you're getting the bus, train or driving or anything else at all similar, don't ask - you'll look like a junior guy who doesn't want to invest in his future and values making a good first impression below the £20 train fare it cost to get there.
Edited by willdew on Tuesday 26th February 16:36
When I was contracting a few clients would offer to pay travel expenses for interviews, but it all depended on the state of the economy and how desperate they were to get people on board. This was only for interviews where flights were involved though.
If I were interviewing someone and they asked for their expenses, they wouldn't be getting the job! Unless the were going for an accounts position maybe
If I were interviewing someone and they asked for their expenses, they wouldn't be getting the job! Unless the were going for an accounts position maybe
k knows.Perhaps some do it out of ignorance? One of the first proper jobs I got interviewed for was at Andersens, they gave me a form to fill out for my travel expenses (£8.90 or so!) before I went in. If that was your first interview, it's not too crazy to expect the same at the second?
On the other side of the table: I have only ever been asked once for payment of travel expenses, must say I found it a bit offensive.
On the other side of the table: I have only ever been asked once for payment of travel expenses, must say I found it a bit offensive.
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