Should Employers Pay for Interview Travel Expenses?

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Being an Engineer I refuse to pay for my travel expenses. If an employer does not offer to pay on his own then I will not go. If an employer does not offer to pay I believe:
1. They might have financial problems.
2. This might be a sign of the lack of generosities I could expect after joining them.
I do myself have an unusual situation, where a financially very stable company interviewed me. They had offered to pay travel expenses in advance. After the interview was over they decided they did not want to hire me, which I have no issue with, but it has also been 2 months and they have still not reimbursed me for travel expenses. This I do find unacceptable, but legally it seems there is not much I can do.

rogerrabbit44 of MA 9:03AM May 27, 2013

Just recently I contacted a company out of state about a position that was referred to me. I never brought up coming to see them. I discussed some highlights of my qualifications for them to get an idea of what I have to offer and then they asked if it was possible for me to come see them. I told them that I didn't think that would be a problem but currently have to work during the week. I suggested meeting with them on the weekend to see if they would work with me too. They agreed and then offered to reimburse to help with the expenses and the time taken to do the interview in person and get a feel for the town. I personally don't feel right asking any employer to pay for my expenses; seems rude but I understand under certain situations why it might be important to do so. I still think you get a gut feeling to be okay to make the trip if you take the time to interview on the phone and get as many questions answered as possible and get a feel for the employer's personality meshed with yours. It's a good start I think.

Dozer of CA 12:13AM March 02, 2013

I asked the employer exactly what you suggested about his interest into my candidacy? Never hear back from him.

Johnpeace of CA 9:35AM May 25, 2012

Interesting, it would have never occurred to me to ask for travel expenses when applying out of state. I always figured if I wanted to relocate it was on me. Now I might start asking.

Soap Lake of WA 11:38AM November 02, 2011