Topics Outside the Box

May 2006 Archive

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May 1, 2006  [Anonymous Contributor]

I'm currently job-hunting, open to relocation, and targeting some companies in Boston and New York, among other areas (I live in the Southeast). I understand it's common for agencies and companies in these two cities not to cover relocation costs -- which I can understand -- but I've run into a number of companies that also expect me to front the travel costs associated with interviewing. I'm wondering what your thoughts are on this practice.

Typically, an agency will post an ad, I'll respond, and then receive an e-mail from an HR manager that says something along the lines of, "We like your resume. Let us know when you will be visiting the area so that we can schedule an interview." I actually bit once late last year, and took the opportunity while I was there to meet with some other firms for informational interviews. However, the only visit that resulted in any follow-up was from the firm that had posted the ad -- and, after visiting them, I realized I it would not be the best fit. Between flight, hotel, meal and cab costs, this visit cost me more than $1,000, and though I know it's tax deductible, I rent, and even when I tried to itemize, the costs weren't high enough to offset the standard deduction.

As you can imagine, I'm reluctant to incur these costs again, but some agencies are just adamant. Recently, I asked one agency that had replied to my application and asked when I "planned to visit," if they could invest 30 minutes for a phone screening so I could learn more about the position and corporate culture before committing to the costs, and they refused.

At first, I thought this issue may have been specific to small or medium-size agencies, but to my surprise, I heard a similar message last week from a highly regard, "Big Five" accounting firm. This company, at least, conducted a phone interview first, but they're going to want me to visit on a specific day of their choosing (apparently, the conduct monthly "interview days" with candidates), and at my own expense. What are your thoughts on this practice? Is this common? Acceptable? Negotiable? It's not like I'm fresh out of college -- I have eight years of experience and an MBA.

[JUDY]

I do not believe you should be picking up the cost of trips to conduct interviews at the beck and call of agencies. The possibility that you will be offered a job is extremely remote. The only way that a job hunter can expect to find a new position is by interviewing for many jobs and “play the odds.” If you are seriously looking, eventually you will find the right “fit.”  

That said, I do believe it is worth an investment of time and money to plan a trip where you are in control of your schedule and can really make many, many contacts. I would time it to coincide with professional association meetings, say the monthly PRSA, AMA, NIRI, or IABC to name a few. If you belong to one of these groups, contact the President of the local chapter and say you will be in town and would like to meet colleagues. This would be in addition to attending the meeting, since you are hoping to relocate to the area, etc. Give everyone several weeks advance notice so there is time to get on busy calendars.  

Pay attention to posted jobs in the area and respond by saying you will be in the city and give an approximate timeframe. As you firm up plans you can continue to stay in touch to see if they want to meet with you.

I would also subscribe to local trade publications to note where the job movement is. When someone takes a new job, possibly the job formerly held by the individual is vacant. Drop a note to the prior employer and say you’ll be in the area.

The market is getting tighter and good candidates (meaning those who fit the parameters of the position) are fewer and harder to find. That should mean agencies will be more flexible about picking up expenses for candidates.  The other angle is to ask if the agency has a local representative in your area so that you might conduct a preliminary meeting with him/her. If it goes well and the individual says so, you might find at agency HQs that the interviewing team will pay for your trip.

In short, if you are paying for the trip, you should be making the decision about if and when you will be available.

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