next »

[GEM]

I had an earlier travel-expense experience and I could use some feedback: I'm currently looking to teach full time after spending almost a decade out in the "real world" gaining experience to bring back into the classroom. Prior to my current employer, I was approached at a conference by a college human-resources representative who was interested in having me come to the school for an interview. The one caveat was that they would not be able to reimburse me for any travel expenses. At the time, I had just been laid off so I financially couldn't afford to make the trip on my own.

Currently, I am considering applying for a posted position at the institution but I have the earlier denial of travel reimbursement in the back of my mind. My teaching qualifications are very different than when they first approached me. I have a significant amount of published work and much more speaking experience at the undergrad (adjunct professor) to the professional level (speaker at conferences and professional association meetings). I also earned awards for my work and international notoriety in my field.

Do most institutions offer travel-expense reimbursement when the candidate must travel 1000+ miles to their campus for an interview? Is there a good way to inquire about travel-expense reimbursement knowing my prior experience with this institution?

[Nick de Plume]

Yes, they usually do offer to reimburse travel expenses. Some small colleges, or community colleges, will not at times, but it is common practice for them to offer travel expenses. If they do not, most will be kind enough to warn you in advance, such as in your situation.

[Selby]

Do not expect that they would hold it against you that you could not afford the travel expense and do not hold it against them.

Some small colleges, and especially some community colleges, might do a video interview before they do the visit. And, to manage cost, some will actually book and pay for flights for you.

[DVA]

Gem,

All interviews that I traveled to in the last year (that were more than 200 or so miles) did pay travel expenses. It's not too uncommon. I think it is fine to ask about this, particularly if you cannot reach the location by car in a reasonable amount of time.

If they will not pay travel expenses, ask if they will do an initial phone interview. Sometimes, I think places will try to reserve their travel budgets for those whom they consider to be the top candidates. They may not offer an initial reimbursement, but perhaps after a phone interview, they will realize that you are who they want to hire. At that point, the purse strings will sometimes come loose.

[GEM]

Thank you all for your comments. I do not hold it against the school, since I had much less experience than I do now. I just didn't want them to hold it against me either.

Financially I am more capable of making the trip on my own, should the need arise, but I wanted to make sure that it was not inappropriate to inquire about travel expense reimbursement for educational interviews. (I'm more experienced in corporate interviews. Returning to academia full time is a big step for me right now.)

I do like the idea of offering a phone interview as another option too.

Thanks!

[totoro]

Is this a record delayed reaction?