Interviewing out of town? Were travel expenses reimbursed? (job interviews, employer, job)

[Workaholic?]

Has the terrible economy eliminated reinbursment for travel expenses for out of State job interviews?

Lets say you applied in CITY A 1000 miles from your home for a typical $50K office professional position. If they invite you to interview can you expect to be reimbursed for your travel expenses .. MOST OF THE TIME?

[jbird82]

I'd guess it depends on the job and the availability of the skillset required for the job. What would the typical $50K office position entail? Is the skillset required rather rare/unique? I find that the harder it is to find a person to fill a particular skillset, the more incentives a company will provide.

[manderly6]

Most openings have enough local candidates. They won't offer travel reimbursement. Of course you may get lucky.

[Hemlock140]

Generally only executive positions paying 6 figures will be offered expenses
for an interview. It's easy to find local people for a $50,000 job.

[CoolSocks]

It's hard enough finding an out of state job since employers don't want to pay for things like travel reimbursement and relocation fees. Sometimes your best bet is to write on your cover letter "I will be relocating from ____ and am willing to cover my relocation costs." Otherwise the employer will look at your resume, realize you're 1,000 miles away and might not even bother to offer you an interview simply because it will mean a hassle for them.

[robabeatle]

If offered an interview, simply ask. It does happen even for salaries under six figures.

[MrRational]

If you aren't **invited** by them have NO expectation for so much as a meal.
If you are invited (recruited, head hunter etc)... things can change quickly.

[pvande55]

Went to an out of town interview a couple years back. I was not hired but they paid my expenses.

[jazzmanjoe123]

I always had all my travel expenses covered (entry-level positions). One even flew me to one state over, a 45-minute plane ride, all expenses paid including food and hotel.

But I have heard from some of my friends where they were expected to pay for the travel themselves. If they want the best candidates, they have to be willing to pay for those costs IMO. Its just a few hundred dollars for a potential $XX,XXX+ mistake.

[Thursday007]

If you itemize your taxes all expenses for finding a job, including stamps and printing your resume to travel, hotel, car rental, etc. are deductible as a business expense. My suggestion is to read the booklet that comes with your taxes for each line of itemization, particularly for Business Expense deductions and you'll find a lot of things you never knew you could deduct. There is a seperate form for "Business Expenses" then after you do the calculations you enter it on the Itemization Form. Just save all your receipts and be organized. Of course this only applies when your itemized deductions exceed your primary given deduction.