A question about interview questions!

[admylin]

At an interview is it OK to ask if the employer gives any help with the move , home search etc? If so how would you call such a request? A relocation package?
We hope to move back to the UK soon and dh is having interviews but jobs are so hard to come by that he says it is too risky to start demanding packages - is he right? I have had to big moves and they were hell as we had to do everything ourself and with own finances, now if we have to move from Germany to UK it would be better and easier on my nerves if we got a relocation help.
What do you think? Am I living in dream land or is it a reasonable request? (Job area is in research, university , clinical or pharmaceutical)

In an ideal interview world, as well as the professionals with whom the appointee will be working, a panel interview will also contain someone from HR. In our organisation their role is threefold in interviews - they do the meet and greet, they make sure none of the rest of the panel ask questions or make remarks which breach any equal ops etc legislation, and they are there specifically to answer that sort of terms and conditions question.
If I was Head of a Lab I might not want to be put on the spot about recruitment packages, and it might (unfairly IMO) prejudice me against a candidate who had only that sort of question to ask. But if there was someone else on the panel in an HR role I'd be quite happy for it to be raised.
HTH
University "relocation" packaages are likely to be long on goodwill and short on £££ in my limited experience. I would think the private-sector funded posts will be more financially generous but not necessarily better pastorally.

The sectors you mention will probably have a relocation package as a matter of policy, although often up to a set maximum. I'd leave this question for when a job offer has been made rather than bringing it up in interview - a much better place to be negotiating from. Good luck!

I would ask if they offer any assistance with relocation - if they like you, they will realise what a huge committment you will be making to move and that you will be more productive if you are happier and worries taken out of your move. A friend of mine carrying out research for a large pharmaceutical company recently had all of her relocation expenses paid by her new employer so it is not uncommon and I guess it depends on what level you are entering the market.

Where are you thinking of moving to - I may be able to offer a recommendation of a relocation agent if the company does not provide it. Good luck!

Great advice, thanks. I was also thinking it might be better to wait for confirmation of getting the job but I will definately tell dh to feel free to ask if there is someone in an HR role at his interviews.
I think even if the actual financial side of a move isn't included to a huge amount, even a little help would be great especially since dh isn't British and I have been out of the country since I was 18 so we would be lost with things like schooling, taxes, council rates or council tax and where to find a house, rental contracts, it will all be new to us.
estobi1, dh is applying everywhere but so far Bristol and Edinburgh have offered interviews so fingers crossed we could be back in the UK by next year (a dream come true for the kids too).

Yes, good luck admylin's dh!
LOL at the parking space pamina. One does get some crackers from interview candidates