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Original poster

Got interview for job I really want but I can't attend! Help!

93 replies

Rhubarb · 19/06/2006 15:09

I applied for a fundraising assitant position with the Red Cross not long ago. I was quite excited about it because I have the experience and the skills. The app form didn't come through properly and I have no ink in my printer, so I copied the whole thing out using black pen, ruler and so on, it took hours! But I did it! The job has part time flexible hours, it's in the right area to where we want to live, the money is good and I think I would enjoy the work.

Anyway, today I got this email off them:
[Could you possibly attend for interview on Thursday 29th June at 11.45am at our Kendal office?

I know that you will be returning to the UK on the 12 th July, but we cannot put off the interviews until that date and the 29th June is the only date that all members of the interview panel are able to attend.

Can you let me know as soon as possible. I will put a letter in the post to you today.]

I can't go! We can't afford the flights back and it would mean travelling the night before, landing at M/cr, finding my way to Kendal, staying overnight, attending the interview, getting back to M/cr for flight back (although not checked the times to see if they would be comptatible)

Yet I really do want this job! What can I do?

OP posts:
Tortington · 19/06/2006 15:10

how much you need?

Norah · 19/06/2006 15:11

Any chance of doing it by video conference ??

No idea where you could find one near you - but we often do interviews by VC - did one to Oz last month ! Very green - very cheap and less waste of time travelling !

zippitippitoes · 19/06/2006 15:11

could you have a virtual interview?

Original poster
Rhubarb · 19/06/2006 15:11

I have thought of that Norah, but I don't have a vid link and I don't know of anyone who does.

OP posts:
Marina · 19/06/2006 15:12

Call in some favours and accept some help from those who want to assist. How's that sound?
Rats that it is Kendal, tbh. Carlisle has cheaper hotels and better access to rail links and also Newcastle Airport.

PsychoFlame · 19/06/2006 15:13

Flame is wondering whether you cauld ask about some type of phone interview. Don't if this would work, but is it worth a thought/asking???

ediemay · 19/06/2006 15:13

Rhubarb, where do you live? Are there any hotels nearby? They might have VC facilities

Blackduck · 19/06/2006 15:14

telephone interview? - done that in the past too....

Original poster
Rhubarb · 19/06/2006 15:15

Ok, flying, I would need to stay 2 nights as the flight back is earlier than the interview. Getting there would cost £60 and coming back £150 and this does not include airport tax, cost of B&B or taxis. It's not possible, I might not even get the job after all that!

OP posts:
Norah · 19/06/2006 15:15

What about local library ? Or local business ? Do you know anyone who works somewhere with VC ? If They call you - there will be no cost !

Really think you must do this interview - by hook or by crook !

Sure some Mumsnetter will come along and help you sort it out ! Good Luck !

Original poster
Rhubarb · 19/06/2006 15:16

Tel interview I could ask about. I don't know anyone over here who could help tbh! I will think about the hotel vid link thing, would they let a non-guest use it?

OP posts:
Original poster
Rhubarb · 19/06/2006 15:16

Libary no good, they don't even let me use the printer! I'll try and find someone with a vid link and just hope they agree to it!

OP posts:
cupcakes · 19/06/2006 15:16

don't suppose there's any way they would contribute to the expense? Though being a charity I doubt it...

ediemay · 19/06/2006 15:17

Yes they will, Rhubarb - they are mostly used by outside businesses, not guests

Tortington · 19/06/2006 15:17

how much is a vid link - if they have the facilities there - surely its only a web cam ?

Norah · 19/06/2006 15:18

Will they not pay travel expenses ??

Original poster
Rhubarb · 19/06/2006 15:18

I've never had a web cam before Custy so I don't know how it works - perhaps someone could run through it with me? Do I just need the webcam and if so how much are they?

Gotta go and get the kids from school/creché, will check back later - thanks all

OP posts:
Marina · 19/06/2006 15:18

Ask the RC for local assistance, Rhubarb.
Is there someone at their Kendal Office who could put you up, for example?
Or recommend modestly priced accommodation?
There is a YHA in Kendal who might be able to do you a room.
And they could at least offer you an early morning interview to assist with the return journey.
I can see how impossible all this looks, but breaking it down into chunks might help.
Is there any way it is easier to do it by train, given the rapidity of the TGV/Eurostar?
Would the the RC consent to you attending London for a videolink interview, their HQ is very central?

Norah · 19/06/2006 15:19

Hotel may charge nominal fee for use - but nothing compared to flying etc.

Original poster
Rhubarb · 19/06/2006 15:19

Norah - I could ask I suppose but as they are a charity I think asking for that much would count against me a little bit! We're not talking peanuts here - around £300 might just cover it!

OP posts:
Original poster
Rhubarb · 19/06/2006 15:20

Marina, flight back is 6.45am that day!

OP posts:
Marina · 19/06/2006 15:20

Yes, do check about travel expenses (although a lot of organisations only refund the successful candidate for out-of-UK travel I believe)

katzg · 19/06/2006 15:20

check but i've got an interview next month and they will pay my expenses for getting there.

I'm sure this is standard

Marina · 19/06/2006 15:22

Rhuby, they shortlisted you knowing full well where you live. They should have a clear-cut policy on travel expenses and your making use of it if it applies to French residents is a totally separate budget and ethical issue to their fundraising function.
It is Equal Ops. The Red Cross has a reputation as a good employer, I am sure they will not mark you down for enquiring.

motherinferior · 19/06/2006 15:23

The Red Cross office in Paris should have some sort of videoconferencing facility too.

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