What about interview expenses?

As a physician considering a new career opportunity you may have questions about interview expenses. Who pays for interview expenses? The prospective candidate? The employer/hiring organization? In most cases it will be the hiring authority who pays for the interview expenses. In a few cases you will be expected to pay for the expenses.

Interview Expenses Paid by the Hiring Authority

It is not unusual for the hiring organization to pay the expenses of a visiting candidate. In most cases, the Organization may work closely with a travel agent or hotel/motel to pre-pay any accommodations that may be required. Pre-payment is particularly helpful when the candidate is a resident/student, or has interviewed in a number of places and is strapped for cash or has run up credit card charges in doing so.

Interview Expenses Reimbursed by the Hiring Authority

It is also a common practice to have the candidate make his/her own arrangements and then to seek reimbursement from the hiring authority. This may be the preferred approach if the candidate has a number of places that are being visited or if the interview is being carried out in conjunction with other trips or plans ( another interview, a vacation, a business trip, etc.). If the candidate requires that travel plans, etc. be made personally, this may also be a preferred approach. Keep your receipts for everything. They should be presented for reimbursement.

Interview Expenses Paid by the Candidate

As a candidate seeking a new job opportunity, it would not be out-of-the-question to pay your own way to the interview. The elimination of interview expenses may serve as an excellent incentive for a prospective employer to agree to meet with you. He may be considering a number of candidates and need to decrease his hiring costs. If the area is particularly desirable or has an especially tight market for your specialty, your recruiter can increase the likelihood of your getting interviews if he can tell an employer you will be in the area for a specific week for interviews.

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