Pre-contract expenses

[The Spartan]

Done a couple of searches but I'm probably using the wrong terms.

Had an interview a while back for a post that was a bit last minute. It's a long way from where I live.
So I took a holiday, booked a cheap room and drove down for a 30 minute interview.

Now I'm being asked to go back down for an additional test.
Am I being naive by asking the agency if there is any room for recompense for the travel?
I've already accepted that it's another of my holidays wasted (I'm currently a permie)

It's part and parcel of being a contractor so it's soemthing you'll need to get used to if you're going to set out on your own. Case in point I came back from Switzerland at the end of May and decided to take a month off during that time I've attended two interviews. The first one involved a 340 mile round trip and this was after I had, had a telephone interview. I landed the role but all contracts have been frozen so I'm waiting to hear back when/if they want me to start. The second was only a 140 mile round trip subsequently after a bit of deliberation they decided to pull the role completely. Sometimes that's just the way the cookie crumbles

[Contreras]

If they are willing to pay your travel expenses then they are either (a) really, really keen to see you because they want you; or (b) really, really keen to see you because they want a day of free consultancy.

More often than not, I'd suggest it's the latter.

Definitely wasn't b). Could've been a) possibly. But the hiring manager turned out to be an clueless and deluded control freak intent on destroying the company, IMHO. Their only software dev. was leaving, and given the manager's attitude I don't blame him. As far as I could see the unprompted offer to pay travel expenses in this instance was part of his ego trip.

I agree with your reasoning though, and yeah maybe I missed a trick. Perhaps in future if offered travel expenses then it would be worth trying to negotiate say a half day consultancy fee instead.

[TheFaQQer]

I had a (prospective) client offer to pay travel expenses once during the initial telephone interview. I took that as a sign that they weren't really serious. After a 180-mile round trip (and a day wasted) for a face to face meeting, was proven correct.

If they are willing to pay your travel expenses then they are either (a) really, really keen to see you because they want you; or (b) really, really keen to see you because they want a day of free consultancy.

More often than not, I'd suggest it's the latter.

[Contreras]

Anyway, insist on a phone interview - would you sit down in front of a succession of plumbers and ask them questions. Mind you, if you did they'd charge you for it.

I've changed my mind, we should charge for interview time! That would kill off the Bobs if ClientCo had to pay £1500 for a return flight from Mumbailumbawumba or whatever it's called now...

Nice idea.

I had a (prospective) client offer to pay travel expenses once during the initial telephone interview. I took that as a sign that they weren't really serious. After a 180-mile round trip (and a day wasted) for a face to face meeting, was proven correct.

To the OP, you could have asked for a telephone interview in the first instance. Contracts are often won on the strength of a telephone interview alone. Given where you are now I would be asking them what is it they are so unsure about that they need to see you twice.

[northernladuk]

Agreed. Put it down as pre-sales.

I mean, if I go and test drive a new BMW, they aren't going to charge me for petrol are they!

Unless you are with a brolly in which case you can only claim costs incurred in the performance of the duties of the employment. You have on income from which to offset the expense. LTD's can as it comes under 'for the purposes of the trade'.

[stek]

I don't think it's quite comparable in these circumstances but I understand what you're saying

Anyway, insist on a phone interview - would you sit down in front of a succession of plumbers and ask them questions. Mind you, if you did they'd charge you for it.

I've changed my mind, we should charge for interview time! That would kill off the Bobs if ClientCo had to pay £1500 for a return flight from Mumbailumbawumba or whatever it's called now...

[zappakat]

I don't think it's quite comparable in these circumstances but I understand what you're saying

[Wanderer]

Being a contractor means you will be a business selling your services. There is going to be a bit of a cost/effort incurred in landing a sale as there is for any business. You want the gig you are going to have to swallow the costs. No molly coddling and cotton wool in contractor land I am afraid.

Agreed. Put it down as pre-sales.

I mean, if I go and test drive a new BMW, they aren't going to charge me for petrol are they!

[northernladuk]

Being a contractor means you will be a business selling your services. There is going to be a bit of a cost/effort incurred in landing a sale as there is for any business. You want the gig you are going to have to swallow the costs. No molly coddling and cotton wool in contractor land I am afraid.

If it is a close run thing between two possible candidates and one is moaning about expenses and the other isn't who do you think will get the gig?

[TheFaQQer]

Don't ask, don't get.

Ask, but you almost certainly won't get anyway.

[stek]

Yeah don't ask, they'll just laugh and doubt you're really cut out to be a contractor.....

[zappakat]

Done a couple of searches but I'm probably using the wrong terms.

Had an interview a while back for a post that was a bit last minute. It's a long way from where I live.
So I took a holiday, booked a cheap room and drove down for a 30 minute interview.

Now I'm being asked to go back down for an additional test.
Am I being naive by asking the agency if there is any room for recompense for the travel?
I've already accepted that it's another of my holidays wasted (I'm currently a permie)