This new--although as far as I can tell, not yet usual and customary way of doing business--is popping up as employers try to balance their need to hire while keeping costs down.

It looks as though it is mostly entry-level candidates being asked to get to the interview on their dime. But not always. One of my clients-a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years experience under her belt-was told this in a letter from a recruiter in response to an ad:

"Before we move forward, I need to ask you if you are willing to assume the expense related in traveling to an interview. If so, please let me know when to call you."

My client was shocked and offended. "I think it's criminal and makes me think that whomever this company is, I probably wouldn't be interested in working there." It may also say something about the financial state of the business.

My client also discovered the job the company was looking to fill was temporary-which made her more unwilling to foot the bill.

An out-of-town interview that's requested by the employer is a business trip, and your expenses should be paid for--especially if you've got a track record. A company should do a thorough job of screening someone before it incurs these costs, checking references and holding one or two phone interviews.

Since this practice has cropped up, before you book a flight and assume your expenses will be reimbursed, ask to be sure. If the company is holding firm to its "no pay" policy, and you still want to go, you can always ask if they'd split the costs.

Make sure you understand what the position is, evaluate your time and decide if the benefits are worth the cost.

If you do decide to pay your way, make the most of your visit. Assuming you like the geographical area, research the place where you're heading. What other large and small companies are located there? Subscribe to the local business paper and the metropolitan newspaper or read them on-line to learn more about the area and who's starting a business or developing new products and services.

Contact people you know where you live to see if they can refer you to anyone in that city. These people become your conduit to the city to find out who's doing what-something only a resident or local business person might be privy to.

Even if you don't know of other job openings, your time can be well spent. Set up meetings at these companies you've discovered and want to target to introduce yourself and explore what needs they may have. You're planting seeds. Plan on staying at least a few days-up to a week. Hopefully, as you talk to one person, you'll get referred to others.

Also, contact other companies in the area that do have openings you've heard about, telling them you'll be in the area and would like to interview. What do they have to lose? They don't have to pay a dime to get you there.

© by Andrea Kay