A company I'm interviewing with wants me to fly out to another city for an interview, are they suppose to pay?

Question

A company I'm interviewing with wants me to fly to Chicago and I am in NYC. I can't afford to fly out there and stay in a hotel but I'm guessing I shouldn't have to. However, nothing about being reimbursed was brought up. I was simply asked if I could fly to Chicago for an interview (via email), I have not yet responded. How should I proceed?

Answer 1

Clarify with the person you are speaking with "I am available to travel to Chicago, could you please advise how the travel details and arrangements will be handled before I can make a decision." You need to make sure who pays for what and what they are expecting so you don't get a surprise. The company should make the arrangements for you, they may ask you to fly in and out in the same day. (Since you are close enough to do so) You should not pay for anything and get reimbursed as you are not yet an employee of the company.

Answer 2

I would think if they are wanting you to interview out of town or state they would need to pay for it. It would be more logical for them to have the person fly to you. I sure would hate to see you fly to them and then they be busy, can't see you or some issue comes up with the flight. Ask them if they are paying for it, or if it would be possible for the to have that person call and do a phone interview with you and if he likes you, they can fly to you to meet in person. The advantage to an in person interview is to see the body language, dress and attitude. But, over the phone you can be more relaxed.

Suggest this to them. If they can see you are willing to find ways for them to save money it may be a plus.

Answer 3

Of course they should pay, or at the very least, reimburse you.
I've had several interviews where the company wanted to send me to a differnt location and they ALWAYS paid.
I would be very suspiscious of a company that expected you to foot the bill. If they're legit, it should fall to them to pay, and, in all likelihood, set up the travel and accomodations, too.

Good luck on the interview!!

Answer 4

I would think that if they are interested in you and need to you to fly to Chicago, they should be paying for the airfare and hotel. Maybe you should call and talk to the HR director of the company and ask them. Tell that you are unsure of who is responsible for paying for the expenses. It might be to where you might have to put the expenses on your credit card and they might reimburse you for it.

They wouldnt fly you out there if they werent interested in you. Chicago is fun by the way!!

Answer 5

They are expecting you to pay and they will reimburse you afterwards for the flight, hotel, car rental, and a few meals. You better clarify this prior to doing it, if they like you enough to interview youout of state then they might even pay for you ahead of time. Either way just push for the reimbursement. Good Lcuk

Answer 6

It depends. In professions where you are in demand, like Information Systems or Investment Banking, they want you and will have to pay for the privilege of talking to you.

In other professions, where there a lots of qualified candidates, like broadcasting technicians, it is the job that is in demand and you have to pay to talk to them.

This is where you find out how bad they want to see you. Call and ask who is making arrangements and where you pick up your tickets. My experience has been they make the arrangements and it is billed to them, so reimbursement was not an issue.

Answer 7

Make sure its not a scam somehow...
yes, they should absolutely be paying..and they WON'T expect you to pay for that yourself...so if its honest position, tell them yes....and than casually say, how do we work out the flight/hotel arrangements etc. ?

Answer 8

Yes you should foot the tab