Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
Companies don’t normally pay expenses, but when I applied for a position in Northern Ireland the company made it clear that it would pay travel expenses (up to a specified sum).
It is now eight weeks since the interview and I have neither heard the result of it nor have my expenses been reimbursed. My numerous emails and calls, which have mostly gone to voicemail, are simply being ignored. I am presuming that the result of the interview is a no, based solely on the presumption that if it wanted me it would have been in contact by now. I have no income at present so really do need the money.
Not hearing back from interviews is, in my experience, increasing. It is at best impolite, and at worst unprofessional, when someone has invested a day of their time and perhaps half a tank of petrol in exploring a potential career with the company.
How, when job hunting, can you guard against this and what is the best strategy?
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
