Spent hundreds of dollars to get to a interview then told not to come in! (employment, unemployed)

[Greybear]

My wife got an interview in a town 600 miles away. They told her to call when she got in town and they would conduct the interview.

So we spent money on her getting a suit, money on driving there, getting a hotel room, and she lost money in lost work at her present job. All in all, hundreds of dollars were spent. This was a huge hit in our budget.

All this, and when she arrived and called them, they told her they had already found a candidate, and would not need her to come in. They did not try to contact her before she left to let her know.

We are not too happy!! She called their corporate and regional office and all they told her was..."we're sorry." Oooo we feel so much better now.

Has anyone experienced this before, what can we do? Should we call the better business bureau? I feel this company owes us big time.

[Racelady88]

Did anyone call before you left town to verify that the position was still open? I surely would not drive 600 miles without that type of confirmation.

[WitchDoctor]

Greybear, there is still a chance that she'll get called and they might even foot the bill this time. The candidate that took her spot may have some sort of skeleton in her closet and get bounced out on her first day. Another position may open up next week. I would definately advise against making a scene just yet. I had a very similar situation a few months ago and it was all I could do to let it slide and wait for the wheels to slowly turn. It's been 6 months since I first contacted that company and two 600 mile trips. I'll get my answer tomorrow.

Good luck to you.

[Beretta]

Count your blessings that she didn't land at said company. I can only imagine how well they would treat her once she was actually an employee.

[brokensky]

Sometimes you have to invest money in your job search. Was it polite or good form on the company's behalf? No. Was it illegal? No.

You are not the first person this has happened to. However, most companies would have just gone thru/ the motions and done a quick interview or feigned some interest rather than admitting straight up that the job was already filled. Had they done this, you would never have known the difference - and the result would have been the same - no job.

[Crew Chief]

I'm not a tax professional, but perhaps some of the expenses are deductible....

[gardener34]

I knew this from when I was unemployed but I do know expenses from job searches are tax deductible. (stationery, postage, travel, etc.) Hopefully you kept receipts. Although you may want to check and make sure this is not just when you are unemployed.

[BabyBoomers2]

Unfortunately, this is one of the BIG reasons why people need to live in the area where they are seeking employment!! But, this company should have had the courtesy to call you at home and tell you not to come OR as said in a previous Reply, you should have called them prior to leaving home to totally confirm that the interview was still on. The way some company's do the interview process can really pi** people off.

[NYSD1995]

never take an out-of-town interview unless:
- you are planning a trip to do multiple interviews
- the potential employer foots the bill

[nl2134]

6 months ago, I drove around 650 miles to work at a full-time job I thought I'd have for at least two years (contract position)

They told me to leave after 4 days (I wasn't right for the position), and I drove the 650 miles back the same day.

Life.