Travel Expenses?

It is very expensive to travel these days, and if you’re spending a lot of money traveling to interviews and you’re not asking to be reimbursed you are making a mistake. I know you might really need the job so you don’t want to ask, but that’s the wrong approach. Asking will show that you are aware of costs. It’s a good thing to ask, not a bad thing.

You might not know this, but most companies will reimburse you for your travel expenses, if you ask. Some candidates will ask and some won’t. Which ones do you think get reimbursed? But here’s the key, you must address the travel expenses before the interview. This will also give you an idea of the type of company you’re about to join. Are they cheap or accommodating? This stuff matters.

If the company agrees to reimburse you for your travel expenses, make sure you don’t take advantage of this and fly first class, rent luxury cars, and stay in five star hotels. Even if that’s how you normally travel you should be reasonable with your expenses. If the company doesn’t agree to reimburse you for your expenses, now you have a decision to make. Should you go or not? That’s really up to you, but I would be concerned about joining a company that won’t reimburse you for your travel expenses. Maybe it’s just me, but that raises a red flag. 

The main thing to remember is to ask before you take the trip and don’t assume anything. Most companies will be happy to reimburse you for your travel expenses. I hope this helps.