Confirm travel accommodations.
Generally, second interview out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed, but you need to make certain to what degree you will be reimbursed, methods of obtaining reimbursement, and any limitations that are placed on reimbursable expenses. If this is not made clear by the employer in the interview invitation, it is your responsibility to raise any questions you may have at the time you confirm the interview data and time with the employer.
Travel
Large employers expect to reimburse you for reasonable travel expenses. However, if such expense is minimal, such as driving only a few miles to the interview, good judgment would indicate that your seeking a reimbursement of
two or three dollars would not be acceptable. Not-for-profit or smaller employers may not have the funds necessary to reimburse travel expenses, even if it is a significant distance. In general, you will be expected to use the most economical means of transportation available. The employer may prefer you to fly rather than drive if time is a factor in the selection process. It is wise to determine reimbursement policies and preferences well in advance of the visit.
Lodging
When an overnight stay is necessary, the employer will usually pre-arrange your reservations and will be billed directly for your room and other expenses connected with your stay. If the employer asks you to arrange your own accommodations, ask them to recommend one or two hotels in their area. If your company visit takes place within the metropolitan area of your home, you should expect to stay at home overnight rather than at a hotel.
Meals And Entertainment
Generally, the company will pay for your meals and other “built-in” costs incurred during your company visit. The company may take you to restaurants, serve food at the company dining room and/or host some kind of entertainment during your stay. It is advisable that you avoid expensive menu items and not request “luxuries” during your company visit. In general, entertainment expenses such as hotel in-room movies, long distance phone calls and magazines are NOT usually reimbursable.
TIPS & GRATUITIES
Tipping is an accepted part of travel and dining expenses and will be honored as reimbursable expenses as long as they fit within generally-accepted guidelines:
Restaurant Servers………………………………15-18%
Taxi Driver………………………………………..10-15%
(based on meter charge; $1.00 minimum)
Hotel Porters……………………………………...$.75-$1.00/bag
(carry your own briefcase)
Reimbursement
Ask in advance when and what type of receipts will be required for reimbursements. Depending on company policy, obtain receipts for all expenditures and record accurate driving mileage. Be prepared to submit this information after your visit.
Following The Visit:
- Write a summary of the interview(s).
- Write a list of questions that may need to be answered before any confirmation of employment or further interviewing.
- Determine how you rate the employer in terms of your own job expectation.
- Within 2 days, send the interviewer(s) a thank-you letter for the time and consideration of the interview. Restate any offers and reaffirm your interest.
If more than one interviewer interviewed you, you may send each person a formal thank-you letter if each person interviewed you individually. For panel interviews, you should send the contact person a formal thank-you letter. It is optional to send thank-you notes (or e-mail messages!) to other interviewers and to those who entertained you during your company visit.