Out of Town Interview Etiquette on Who Pays for Travel

When you apply for a job and the employer offers you an interview, the elation of snagging an opportunity can quickly turn to anxiety if the interview location requires travel and overnight lodging. Because travel costs can prove costly, establish who is the responsible party---you or the employer---when it comes to paying for the plane ticket, rental car, fuel and hotel expenses.

Responsible Party

There is no hard and fast rule regarding out-of-town interview etiquette regarding travel expenses. Employers implement their own policies. Some will pay for your expenses up front or reimburse you for the expenses you incur as a result of traveling to the interview. Others opt out and expect you to pay. Instead of wondering what will happen, the time to address the issue is when an employer offers you an interview, not after. If you or the employer have not addressed travel expenses by the time you have accepted the invitation, you should expect to pay your own way, without reimbursement.

How to Inquire

If the employer who extended the interview invitation to you doesn't offer any information in regards to travel expenses, you can ask to find out. For instance, ask "Do I need to make my own travel arrangements or is there a contact person who will handle that for me?" This allows the employer to take the cue and explain to you how you should handle your travel arrangements and expenses.

How to Manage Expenses

If you really want to attend the job interview but you have to shoulder all of the expenses, you can still make it work. If you know someone who lives in or nearby the city in which the interview will take place, call the person and ask whether you can stay with her to save on lodging costs. Check for last-minute flight savings if the destination requires you to fly. Alternatively, you can plan to get the most for your money and interview with other employers in the area or turn the trip into a mini-vacation.

Asking for Help

If you do not have the money to pay for your travel expenses, you can be honest with the employer and let him know that your current financial situation will not allow you to incur travel expenses. If the employer is interested in you, he may offer to pay part or all of your travel expenses.