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[Tentative CC'er]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to interview at a community college, and was told that the college would pay for the flight, the hotel and a car rental. Yet, from what I've read here, it seems that many people hold the strong opinion that "cc's do not pay for the interviewee's travel expenses." What's going on? I'm feeling suspicious, and wondering if I will be left holding the bill, as happened to several people who posted here. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[don't freak out]

Every CC I've been contacted about having an interview with has been very up-front about not paying for costs. So if you were explicitely told they would pay, I would believe them.  Did you make all the arrangements yourself and need to be reimbursed? Although the forums are filled with horror stories, I don't think most SC's/HR depts would outright lie about reimbursement.

[probably fine]

I agree with "don't freak out."  WHile I don't have personal experience with CC (I do know people who have done it), the horror stories seem either to be from people who assumed that they would get reimbursed (without hearing) or were dealing with places with policies that they wouldn't reimburse if you turned them down.  And then there's some just old incompetence ones.  But nothing in the horror stories would suggest that you have anything to worry about if they've told you they will reimburse you.  I don't think they would lie to you.  It's probably just a CC with more money for recruiting.  Most CCs are upfront about not paying expenses for the first interview (I've heard of them paying for a second interview though).  Just make sure that they said that they woudl do it, and relax.

[Prytania]

My CC generally pays for nothing although they could afford to, but they are upfront about it to candidates. If they say they will pay, they'll pay. Granted, a few people have had problems getting reimbursements but that is probably a result of disorganization on the school's part.

[Just Asking]

What I don't understand is why any potential employer -- CC or otherwise -- would advertise nationally if they are unwilling to cover interview expenses.

[not true!]

I heard this on here and was pleasantly surprised when 3 out of the 4 CC's I interviewed with paid all or the most expensive part of my expenses. The one that did not was drivable, so I didn't need a motel. Don't be suspicious! Be thankful. I had not trouble being reimbursed, and in one case, they reimbursed nearly triple what I'd spent (which I still can't figure out!).

[Prytania]

In the case of my CC, we are located in the NY metro area, and the mentality (right or wrong) is that we have plenty of local talent without having to fly someone from LA. If someone wants to fly from LA, that's fine, too, but the CC isn't going to pay for it.

[Just Asking]

To not true! -- Is it possible that they paid you the government per diem rate, as opposed to actual expenses?  On the other hand, who cares?  I hope you cashed the check.

To Prytania -- I understand that some places think that way (as you say, rightly or wrongly).  What I don't understand is why they advertise nationally.  Of course, if they place an ad in The Chronicle, for example, they can't prevent people outside NYC from reading the ad but they could at least say that they will not pay interview expenses.  Potential applicants who are only a cross-town bus ride away won't care and those who are a $500 - $1000 plane ride away won't waste everybody's time by expressing an interest.

[Sweetheart]

My CC pays these expenses.

[Prytania]

We don't always advertise in the Chronicle (although usually we do), but we always advertise in the New York Times, and that reaches a national audience. Honestly, though, everyone we've hired in the past 15 years was in the tri-state area.

[OP]

Thanks for all the responses. The school hasn't given me any reason to be doubtful, but I was just concerned. It helped to read all of your thoughts on the matter.

OP

[anon]

To OP: I doubt they are misleading you if they explicitly state that they will pay.

To everyone else: Here's a weird one. I have had three interviews at three different ccs in the same state (within driving distance of my home). One asked me to fill out the reimbursement paperwork the day of the interview for mileage at the IRS rate, and I had a check within two weeks. The other two ignored the entire issue and I never got a cent. Why the difference within the same state system?

[backscratcher]

I interviewed twice with a community college system in Colorado and on both occasions they paid for my flight, a rental vehicle and motel room.  I was responsible for my meals and any personal expenses.  This was agreed upon up front and I had no problems with reimbursement at all.  Yes, there are horror stories about not getting reimbursed, but there are horror stories about all kinds of other things as well.  Most things turn out just fine.

[anon anon]

One CC that offered me an interview offered to reimburse 1/2 expenses. I declined that interview.  Other CC has just offered to cover all expenses.  I have accepted that one.  Generally, it seems that CC's are much less likely to cover expenses.  It's never even been an issue with other schools.  I've even had two fly in my spouse so we could both get a feel for the area.

[To Prytania]

Hey Pry, I'm a regular poster and you know me. But I've been wondering, are you in the CUNY system? And also, how is your college allowing your long leave?
Naturally, you may not feel comfortable answering but thought I'd ask.