Who pays for job interview flights?

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meesham

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#225602 25-Nov-2017 23:26

I've been subcontracting for an Australian company since moving to NZ 9 years ago but I'm starting to think about becoming an employee for someone locally. I'm currently in Dunedin and the job market for my skillset is a bit dismal so I'm open to moving to other parts of the country. It hasn't gotten to the point of a face to face interview with anyone yet (I'm about to write my first cover letter in 12 years) but I was wondering what the situation is usually is if I have to fly somewhere for an interview, does the (potential) employer usually pay for the flights?

freitasm

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#1907804 25-Nov-2017 23:32

Skype, GoToMeeting, Skype for Business all allow video and audio, possibly ideal for this kind of situation.

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t0ny

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#1907806 25-Nov-2017 23:58

Depends on the role you are applying for. Initial meetings are typically over mediums mentioned above. But typically the company will pay for your flights to fly you over

jbard

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#1907811 26-Nov-2017 01:10

If a company won't spend a few hundred dollars on flights for a potential staff member I think it says a lot about how they treat employees and would not be interested in working for that company.

Every job I have interviewed for, after the initial Skype interview, my flights have been paid for by the company (including international flights which were $2000+).

nzkc

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#1907837 26-Nov-2017 07:33

I had a Skype interview and was then invited for an onsite interview and the company paid for flights. I'd recommend you at least suggest a Skype interview first and then negotiate with them if they wish to take the process further. I would think most companies would pay for the flights if they are interested in you and believe you are a good fit for the role and company from the Skype interview.

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#1907839 26-Nov-2017 07:52

Do you have specialist, in demand skills? Then sure, second or third interview, in person, they should pay for the flights. Initial on skype etc. I've interviewed people using videoconferencing before, it's ok.

meesham

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#1907844 26-Nov-2017 08:13

Thanks for all the responses. I'm expecting the first round of interviews would be through Skype, I'm not averse to it - all of my customers are in Australia and I don't travel much anymore. I'm just figuring out what the normal situation is if I get through to the next round of interviews and they want me to be in the same room - I'm not sure if I'm being old school here. For 14 out of the last 18 years I've been subcontracting so I'm used to paying stuff myself (ie including the costs in a bill), my feeling is that the potential employer should pay and I agree with jbard that a company not willing to pay isn't worth working for, I just wasn't sure if I was being unreasonable.

My last proper job interview was in London in 2005, this should be an interesting few months (hopefully)...

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Lias

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#1908219 27-Nov-2017 07:41

Skype etc is obviously the first point of call, but I've never had a company pay for flights for myself, or seen them pay for flights for others for interviews when I've been on panels etc.

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KillerHulk

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#1908220 27-Nov-2017 07:49

My mate here at Auckland, had an interview in Christchurch,

First he had a video chat over skype

Then was called over for which company paid for his flight.

FYI: Still did not get the job.

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MikeB4

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#1908224 27-Nov-2017 07:53

I always paid for all travel costs including accommodation if needed for all out of town candidates.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Inphinity

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#1908252 27-Nov-2017 08:54

I would expect the company to pay, that's always been my experience and I'm not sure I'd go through with it if they asked me to fly myself in (assuming we are talking second/third round interviews, with first stage over some sort of media as above).

djtOtago

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#1908258 27-Nov-2017 09:12

The last time I applied for a position with an out of town employer, they came to me for the interview. Interview was held in a local hotel room. They even paid for lunch.

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Meltdown16

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#1911922 2-Dec-2017 10:36

The company should pay. If they expect you to pay they will probably be just as tight around salary negotiations... move on...