Can't travel to interview

[tonybennscat]

I posted on here a few weeks ago about a job I was applying for and whether I should mention my recent accident, that it will be a few months before I can drive, travel etc.

Consensus was not to mention it and I didn't. Now I've been invited for interview, unfortunately the interview is 200 miles away on the employers other site, not the one that is 4 miles away from me. There is no way I can get there!

I'm going to have to ring them up and explain aren't I. I'm worried they won't think I'm a serious candidate. Gah!

Not sure what anyone can do to help but just wondered if any of you are prospective emplyers and how you would view this.

They want you to travel 200 miles to an interview for a job that's 4 miles away?

They're taking the piss.

It seems a bit unreasonable for them to ask you to travel that far for a job so close. What's their reasoning?

Yeah, you might be right pidjin. The job was advertised as being on either site...this is obviously a strong hint they want someone on the other site.

Shame, it was ideal.

I am guessing the interviewers are based on the other site. I will give them a ring on Monday. Only just got the invite.

I would contact them and let them know. It may be possible to give you another date for the closer site, or even a telephone interview.

I've had quite a few skype interviews recently - might be worth suggesting.

Skype? Would never have thought of that. It is Public sector so wonder how they would take to anything, er , unusual. Have had a few public sector interviews in the past and they were a bit formal. But worth a try, nothing to lose!

Thanks cat, fingers crossed then!

don't forget to ask what they do about travel expenses.

I once had an int for a PS organistaion with a site in Newport, Wales, and a site in Fareham, Hants. I live close to Fareham. They made me go to Wales (I had to stay overnight due to morning start) and they didn't pay travel expenses. Bastards.

how would you cope if the job was based at the other site?

Well I phoned them up and explained my situation. They were very sympathetic but that's as far as it went.

lisaro I wouldn't have applied if the job was at the other site. I applied because it was based in EITHER location. I accept there would have been a bit of travel between the 2 sites.

Ah well, back to the job sites.

That's my point - how would you get there if you got the job if you can't now?

lisaro Well, in a month or two I will be able to travel, it's not a permanent disability, just an nasty accident from which I am recovering - 4 broken bones. They are mending, just not quick enough for this interview.

Ridiculous! They want to interview you - what do they suggest as a solution to your problem?

We interview people via phone or video link all the time - why was this not offered/suggested?

Ah, fair enough.