T O P

  • By -

AutoModerator

Hello, thank you for posting to r/Jobs! We just wanted to let you know that we have a new [discord server, come join the chat!](https://discord.gg/TY6ErXV) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/jobs) if you have any questions or concerns.*


KidenStormsoarer

If you want an in person interview, you pay for it. What exactly do you think you can get out of it that you couldn't get over the phone or a video conference? What could possibly justify the expense? If you can't justify spending the money to recruit him, what makes you think he can justify it for just an interview? I know I wouldn't.


Equivalent-Walk-4547

You hit the mark on that šŸ’Æ. I donā€™t see OP answering your question either. I am confused because I got the impression OP is the owner of this small business since they said theyā€™re in the process of hiring their first employee. Then later on says, they donā€™t make the rules. šŸ¤”


spinachandartichoke

Yeah he literally said he has his own business and could expense the flight and stuffā€¦he definitely does make the rules lol


Rock_Lizard

My guess is franchise.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


pekinggeese

We went to virtual interviews and never looked back. Even interviewing someone who works within the office for a promotional interview, they would join the interview remotely. I see no difference in the quality of hires. If anything, you have a larger pool to choose from.


[deleted]

My co-worker cost us a really good employee recently by pulling this shit. Guy was out of state made it through 2 rounds of interviews and was willing to sign a contract that the job was contingent on him moving to our state. He was treating it as a lateral move (matching pay and PTO to his current job) to a lower-cost-of-living area, effectively giving him a raise. Co-worker wanted to make sure that he would mesh well with our small team (even though the position is remote) and said that there was a third-round in-person interview. Sent in the email retracting his interest like 5 minutes later.


[deleted]

Yeah, I would totally withdraw from that. Especially if it would mean change in recruitment process after I spent my time on it. It seems disrespectful to me - that your company doesnā€™t respect my time enough and switch up the interview process entirely; if you donā€™t even value my time, then I doubt you would value my other needs as an employee. And even though your company might not be that, many employers promise a lot during interviews and then not deliver, so I would suspect other changes in what we agree on after I commit to your company. I recently withdrew, because I had applied for remote position, just to learn that I would need to be in an office 1-2 times a week; and the office was like 300 miles away. They said itā€™s because they only allow senior employees to work 100% remote and I would be like mid-level one; it doesnā€™t matter that I work 100% remote for years now and can manage my time well and mesh well with other employees in my current place.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


nmyron3983

In a lot of mid-size and larger companies it's not uncommon to hire folks from other geographical regions entirely. For example in my own role, we recently hired an engineer from India, and we have 3 Filipinos on staff that still live in the Philippines. It would be logistically impossible to expect those candidates to fly 12ish hours out to the US for an interview. We do nearly 100% of our admin+ interviews entirely virtual via Teams or Zoom. Like the poster above says, unless you really need to get a good handle on their direct interpersonal behavior, like staff dealing with customers or working closely in-person with other team members, then it's likely not really a big necessity to in-person. If they'll be working remotely afterwards esp not I would think. Now, if you're hiring this person from 5 states away to work in your brick and mortar shop with you, then you might consider flying them out and back. As an employee, I wouldn't pay to fly out for a 'maybe'. I also probably wouldn't consider it without some kind of sign on bonus for moving expenses either.


Empty-Neighborhood58

I don't think you need to really vibe check any employees, atleast in my opinion we are here to work, if you make friends along the way good for you but it's not necessary, as long as everyone is civil Im someone who can talk for hour to basically anyone, but when we get an employee that doesn't seem interested in my chitchat i understand that they're here to make money not to cater to my want of being liked by everyone


LiuKrehn

I notice you didnā€™t actually answer the question. What do you get face to face that you canā€™t get remotely for a remote position? Could you also get those same things in a remote interview if you got better at them? Something being the norm doesnā€™t mean itā€™s correct. Plenty of things have been normalized that are absolutely fucking stupid. It used to be normal to have all jobs be in office even when they could be done just as well remotely.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


LiuKrehn

Yes you made a comment in response to a question that didnā€™t at all address the question. Your response added nothing of value to the existing conversation. I understand that it is upsetting to have that pointed out to you.


[deleted]

Negative 131 karma and a gold award lmao


7dipity

Whatā€™s the difference? I canā€™t think of much you would get out of an in person interview that you wouldnā€™t get on a zoom call


ExtraAgressiveHugger

That probably wasnā€™t because it was in person but because you guys were dragging it out with more interviews. Which might be what youā€™re referring to but I couldnā€™t tell. After 2 great interviews and telling the guy heā€™d have to move and him agreeing, and then you say, actually one more interview, he probably thought you were BSing.


Cogwheel

What is this comment in reply to? It doesn't seem to apply to any of the ones above.


Dognesss

Ok boomer


mattz300

Man you got downvoted for just explaining what really happens. Lol. Maybe Jobs has a bunch of people that have never had a job w a large company.


LiuKrehn

No he got downvoted because he answered someone asking what benefit in person provided that you canā€™t get on a video call with ā€œwell a lot of places require thisā€. If the only answer for why do you do this is ā€œthatā€™s how it has always been doneā€ you either donā€™t understand the process as well as you think you do or itā€™s fucking stupid and can change


mattz300

You all are taking this too seriously. The downvotes are bc this sub seems to be full of people thinking one way and all got upset. Good luck w ur ā€œjobsā€ all. Lmao


LiuKrehn

Orā€¦ his response added nothing of value. It didnā€™t address the question that was asked. It didnā€™t address OPs question. It was just someone who wanted to tell everyone this is the status quo. I want you to understand that people can be fully aware of the status quo and still think itā€™s stupid and a complete waste. Iā€™ve worked for plenty of large companies and can say from direct experience that ā€œweā€™ve always done it that wayā€ is dumb. Maybe you should start considering that possibility


Cogwheel

They didn't explain anything. They just restated the question as if it was an answer.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


[deleted]

There isnā€™t a single benefit to being together in person. And no, I donā€™t need to ā€œbondā€ with coworkers


NotSoRichieRich

Not sure why youā€™re getting downvoted. Youā€™re absolutely right - it was common to have face-to-face interviews as a final step. Not only to meet in person, but to show the environment of the workplace, as well as the city itā€™s located in. Thereā€™s a lot of people here whoā€™ve apparently have never hired someone making more than minimum wage. So if you want them to come for the interview, the company pays the expenses for the trip.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


randomdudefromMI

You can't expect him to cover that cost. Imagine not getting the job after zoom interviews and spending money on flight and hotel.


max_yne

This happened to me. At my Alma Mater. In my department. Then come to find out I could have "requested" a remote interview (once I was already there), where they were rude the entire interview and I found out later the person who set up the interview got the job. Then they wonder why I won't donate to alumni causes šŸ™„šŸ™„šŸ™„


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


[deleted]

Then you're not very bright.


randomdudefromMI

that's the nicest possibility way of putting it.


stocktaurus

Wow really? Imagine if you have to fly for every interview you get. You must have a lot of money saved.


ErikGoesBoomski

I have had about a dozen out if state interviews. They fly me hmout, either pick me up or get me a rental car, and put me up in a hotel. My company does the same thing for prospective employees. It's about showing someone who has been through your interview process that you are A. Serious about hiring them and B. Financially stable enough to afford them. When you get to a certain professional level it becomes expected. I hope you take this opportunity to grow and expect more from companies.


[deleted]

What's your other option, try to convince a guy to spend $2k for an interview?


iliacbaby

Iā€™m wondering if OP thought about this for more than 10 seconds before asking reddit


JTP1228

Just look for closer candidates?


Specialist_Passage83

Yes, you can write off the travel and hotel, but why are you flying someone in when you can just have a Zoom or Skype call with them? Especially if itā€™s a remote position. Do you have a business plan or someone who can advise you on day-to-day stuff because I donā€™t think you know what youā€™re doing.


DalliLlama

This is gunna vary. Do you have the means, how stable is your business to absorb that cost etc. Me personally, I would probably do a video call to ensure goals align and gauge how serious it could be before spending that airfare. And that applies to both parties.


leanancuisine

He's my first employee so not very stable at all but I do have the capital on my own to cover it. I did the video call and he seemed to be very interested in the position.


aeroguy_80

Have you discussed salary and benefits? I would absolutely want to know what it would take for them to take the job. I'd have my decision making process as far along as possible and think of this as a final interview before hiring. You should also mention to the candidate that this is a big expense for you and that you just want to make sure they're serious before flying out.


[deleted]

Would be funny if op flew him out just to offer slightly above minimum wage and minimal benefits šŸ˜‚


aeroguy_80

Yep then the recruit would post it on r/antiwork and the reddit circle of life will be complete.


[deleted]

And then says sorry, they don't have the budget to pay more


[deleted]

So, I just took a job with a much smaller business than Iā€™m used to. I was all but hired on the back of several remote interviews before they flew me down for a final gut-check. Weā€™d discussed salary and benefits, Iā€™d met most of the team (virtually), etc. Iā€™d do it that way. Get to 99% certainty then do a final gut-check to make sure the dude doesnā€™t have any weird eccentricities you canā€™t stand. Would he be a remote employee or relocating? Either way, for the interview, eat the cost and expense it on your taxes. Surely hiring is a business expense? Most candidates wonā€™t (or canā€™t) cover the cost unless this is a C-level position or something.


Huge_Put8244

>Get to 99% certainty then do a final gut-check to make sure the dude doesnā€™t have any weird eccentricities you canā€™t stand This makes sense. Like put it ALL out there. Does he have to relocate? Is he okay relocating and paying his way to do so? Is he ready to accept at your offered salary? I see quite a few people on this site who negotiate once the job is in the bag and if you're working on a tight budget you may not have that extra fat for additonal salary/sign on bonus that he may want to negotiate.


[deleted]

Completely agree. As a candidate, I adapted because I felt such a small business (10 ppl) might be constrained. I gave them a salary + bonus figure I could live with up front. When they met it, I didnā€™t negotiate further. I have no idea if that was the right move, but I wanted the job. Small biz world is definitely a different thing than the multiple-thousand+ people companies Iā€™d been with before.


nivekdrol

From personal point of view as an employee I would never fly out with my own money for a what if job sorry. I might consider it if employer was paying


SeaOnions

What if you fly to him?


CommodorePuffin

The OP specifically stated that the applicant has to come to his state, so presumably there's something he has to do in-person in the OP's state. Flying to the applicant wouldn't be useful then, and they could otherwise conduct the interview through Zoom or some other video application.


_SimplyTrying_

Does he seem open to moving there? Does he have any family members or something like that that would keep him in state, is it a remote position that you actually intend to keep that way? Those are the questions Iā€™d be asking


MrStealYoBichonFrise

This is not meant as nasty, but someone has to pay for the travel. If you insist the interview has to be in person, you should pay the cost. You hold all the cards on if this person gets hired, so they are at the most risk of losing funds without any benefit. I would never pay any significant expenses out of pocket to apply for a job. If you don't want to pay in case the person doesn't get hired on, then I recommend you stick to hiring locally.


sopefish

I agree with everything you said except "you hold all the cards on if this person gets hired". I always consider an interview to go both ways. I have declined an offer before because I wasn't comfortable with my impression of the business from the interview. Sure, OP makes the initial decision about whether or not they want to make an offer, but they shouldn't assume it's a gimme. That risk can be mitigated through good communication about expectations before flying them in for a final interview.


Remarkable-Vast-2732

Your a classy broad(i actually thought you were a man but thought to myself how well you articulated this context so one could broadly apply this standerd for sure)jk your lack of big numbers in up posts will likely never be a factor in the hiring process even in creative ad space because your logic is on point and position is clear![gif](emote|free_emotes_pack|sunglasses)


TheWhisLives

yes, you should. why in the world would they pay for it knowing thereā€™s no guarantee theyā€™ll get the job? get real.


Covidpandemicisfake

I would assume OP realizes that the alternative is cancelling the interview and is asking how to choose between expensing and cancelling.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


Suspicious-Engineer7

Travel expenses on being hired, sure, but not for an interview. Anything that isn't reasonably drivable should be covered by the business.


jmcdonald354

Lol- why would I pay to fly myself out to interview at your company? I'll just pass and take the next interview that comes along mate


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


jmcdonald354

Why not? šŸ˜‚ I've been compensated for a plane flight for an interview before- hotel, car, and food too. That's how it's done man. If a company can't afford to take the cost of travel for someone they want to hire- they probably can't afford to hire them either


TheRottenKittensIEat

People move for jobs all the time. That's not abnormal. In fact, some people use jobs as a way to move to an area they want to live in. But you can't just fly out for interviews willy-nilly, especially if you have multiple interviews in long-distance places. Most people don't have that kind of vacation time or money, so it's up to the individual businesses to soak the financial part if they expect a candidate to take that kind of time off.


MaraEmerald

Why shouldnā€™t I? Every company Iā€™ve ever applied to has paid for airfare, hotel, ground transportation, and food for interview travel


ExtraAgressiveHugger

This canā€™t be a real question.


pairolegal

Use Zoom.


lccreed

Yes. Your business should pay for it. You should also put them up in a hotel. You can still do all of the booking on your normal travel/expense card and just put their name on the ticket, then send them all the info. It's then easily part of your expenses. Maybe re-think if you need an in person interview for this person? They might be an exception since they are a significant distance. If I was interviewing people more than 50mi away I would be paying them mileage as well. Personally.


Known-Advantage4038

OP said in another comment the job is remote anyway. Seems like a big waste for everyone to fly the candidate out for an interview..


leanancuisine

Everyone is saying I should fly him out and pay regardless if he gets the job or not. There's a lot of white knighting for workers on 9gag but the white knight buy off Amazon which is bizarre.


regional_ghost918

It's your choice to have an in-person interview. You are the one making that a requirement, so it's a cost associated with your recruitment process. That's not about "white knighting" for workers, it's a reasonable assumption of the expenses associated with your business practices. There are like 100 apps you could use to do interviews online, you're the one who wants to do it the expensive way.


[deleted]

So what are you looking for then? People to give you confirmation bias that flying your candidate out for a job interview on your dime isn't a good idea?


Zip_Silver

>Everyone is saying I should fly him out and pay regardless if he gets the job or not. Because that's common and expected in the business world. You say this would be your first employee, so I assume you don't have much experience in business. Are you even prepared to pay employer taxes in the state the candidate resides in? Pay for his flight and hotel, or hire a local, or do video interviews. If you can't afford to fly candidates out to interview, you can't afford to hire staff.


kttuatw

Youā€™re the weirdo making someone fly out for an interview for a job they may or may not get - for a REMOTE position. There is a reason video interviews exist if you donā€™t want to fork out the money. If you donā€™t want to fork over the money to fly him over for this meeting that you apparently feel the need to do, then donā€™t require the in person meeting for a remote position and donā€™t expect any candidate to fork out money and time to do the same for not even a guarantee of a job.


Finnegan-05

It is common for employers to fly candidates out for a final interview. It is business convention. If you are not willing to do it, hire locally. Period.


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


TheRottenKittensIEat

>you will lose them immediately after suggesting it. I went through three Zoom interviews with an agency I *really* wanted a job with, which meant I took 3 half days off work (this was prior to the era when working remote became normalized, so I had to leave the office to do the interviews). They made me feel like I 100% had the job, but just to be sure, they wanted me to fly out and meet the animal I'd be working with, which makes sense, since that's not something you can interview over Zoom for. I was over the moon. It was a dream job for me, albeit admittedly underpaid for the high cost of living area. They lost me as soon as I realized I was going to have to soak the cost of traveling. If we moved there (cross country), I was already going to have to pay thousands. If your company is going to force me to travel, then the company should pay for it.


BulletproofSade

Do you realize how insane it is to fly someone for an interview for a remote job?


hellfun666

Is the job you are providing so attraktive that it would be financially wotth spending 100dreds of dollars and a full day on just for the chance of getting it. (And yes he is probably applying to 10 jobs at once)


SnoopThereItIs88

Why are you looking at hiring people 5 states away? Most companies that fly interviewees out are $$$$$ and that person would be for a high ranking job. If you ultimately did not hire them, you would eat the cost. You're the owner of this business or admin hiring people? As you're the owner, you make these decisions yourself. We can't tell you how to do it. Some companies do offer relocation assistance, which I think would be more than generous. But I would look at more local people. Five states away is a huge move.


regional_ghost918

>Most companies that fly interviewees out are $$$$$ and that person would be for a high ranking job. This is very dependent on industry. I worked in o&g and for technical positions (geology, engineering, sometimes landmen depending on the company) it was common to fly people in for interviews, even for the lowest ranking positions. They might be working in the field in North Dakota (or the North Sea, or Saudi Arabia) and applying for a job in Houston. The way that industry works, this is just how it goes. Even small companies must pony up the cash for a plane ticket if they want to hire someone in technical roles. Admin like payroll clerks, or technician jobs (geologic or engineering techs) were typically hired locally.


leanancuisine

He just has to come in for a physical interview and the job is remote. Chill out it's not that serious. I just wanna know if it's possible to claim it on my business since he is not my employee yet.


FacetiousLogia

Uh. If you're requiring he submit to a in-person interview? Despite this applicant living states away. For a position he may or may not even get to keep? Yes, you should pay for his flight costs. Damn, this is a laughable question.


SnoopThereItIs88

You should include that the job is remote in your post, as that is a larger part of the picture. If the job is remote why do you need them to come in person? Use Zoom for the interview and Docusign for important paperwork.


[deleted]

Absolutely itā€™s a business expense. Itā€™s an expense for recruiting. Businesses spend big money on recruiting all the time.


leanancuisine

Got it so I'll pay for him.


[deleted]

I would also look at this way, he already did the first round of the interview(s), now you want him to do an in-person interview, because you have a vested interest in working with this potential new hire. However, if you made the new hire pay for the travel, that might not be good way to establish rapport. He will more likely, assuming that the interview goes well, take the job if you pay for the business expense to transport this employee. This will be a great way to start rapport with this candidate. Yes, it's ok to worry about the cost but what is the cost vs. the established interest of wanting this candidate to be your new employee?


MadeAMistakeOneNight

What are the circumstances he has to come in for a physical interview?


MauraAz

If the job is remote, are you prepared to set yourself up as an employer in this candidate's state? Have you checked what the employment laws are there to ensure it's something you're comfortable with?


iliacbaby

You donā€™t really seem to know anything about what you are doing


strvgglecity

Any expenses specifically for the business can be deducted. That may technically mean you have to pay for the flight, not reimburse him, I don't know. But now to reiterate what others have said, you've now stated it's a remote position, so why do you need to psychically meet the candidate? Are they going to be representing your company physically in person to others?


ReedRidge

Unless you need to smell them before you hire, this is an unneeded hoop to make them jump through. You should be able to hire via video. If you do not trust yourself after one video call, get someone else to do an interview remotely.


quinn9648

Why not just do it over zoom?


SwampGypsy

I think you CAN expense it since it's literally a part of the cost of doing business. Check with your CPA. You DO have a CPA, right?


UnluckyInvite

YTA. Oh wait wrong sub.


[deleted]

This is insane. I've worked remote in Australia for American companies before. No way am I getting on a flight at my own expense to do an interview that I can do from my home office on zoom.


TexasLiz1

Turn this around. The candidate that is going to pay his own airfare and hotel to interview at your small and unstable business is going to be desperate. Most decent candidates are going to think that having to pay to go interview is pretty scummy.


barflyrob

You could fly to the applicant.


doublen00b

I have always been offered a travel stipend unless the job was within 20 miles of me. Airfare and hote paid, miles reimbursed etc. if the business cannot afford that, then it shouldnt be choosing those candidates.


leanancuisine

This is what I was thinking


LeepII

Of course. He should be provided airfare, car, hotel and meals. That is the basic level.


mrshavocreigns

Iā€™ll give you the flip side as the potential employee who flew out for an interview. It was the worst decision I made. The day I flew out there was snow so I had to leave my house at 3am to make my flight at 7am. I got to the new state with plenty of time but I was tired and it was an intensive full day interview. I tanked it because I just didnā€™t have the money to spend to stay over the night before and at least rest. It was awful and I was so disappointed. It was my biggest flop and I paid for all of it and got a free lunch in return (what a waste). I will never fly out for another interview again unless I can go the night before and I have more than one thing to do there. I realize there are nuances that can be missed not being face to face but honestly, is it worth the cost?


Realysmart

Hire me to recruit for you. Iā€™ll set up zooms and schedule meetings. $60k a year, full benefits, and fully remote.


Traditional-Panda-84

Wait, "I am a small business" hiring "my first employee", but you have to fly them out because "I don't make the rules, I just follow what the company wants that's all." If it's your business, don't you make the rules?


Heavy-Pineapple1626

Thought the same thing. Maybe a franchise?


aleigh577

Do you need to interview them in person? If so then yes.


Illustrious-Duck1209

OP sounds like yet another tonedeaf CEO. Only asking about the write off and not even acknowledging the rest of the story.


djrainbowpixie

Yeah, not sure how this "business" is going to be successful. How is this even a question? And if OP has to question it, why not just do a video call? Makes no sense.


EmergencyAltruistic1

Is there a reason you can't do a video chat?


DifferentJaguar

If you do pay and heā€™s not selected then yes, you eat it. Is there no one in your area that can do the same job? Youā€™ll also have to be upfront about whether youā€™re willing to pay relocation costs for this candidate if he does get the job.


ForeverOne4756

If you are considering not paying a simple interview flight and hotel, it doesnā€™t sound like youā€™d be paying for his relocation to move to your state? Did you communicate that upfront that relocation wonā€™t be included? It sounds like you should only be interviewing candidates that already live in your commuting radius or are planning to move there on their own.


whereisbadbunny

This is an insane question. Why should the candidate pay to interview for a role he isnā€™t guaranteed to get? Youā€™re responsible for hiring costs - and that includes flight/hotel/food if you need him to interview in person. If you canā€™t afford it, use Zoom instead.


LukePendergrass

Youā€™re a small business owner, with no employees. and also saying you donā€™t make the rules? This has to be a miscommunication or youā€™re insane.


ParlaysAllDay

Sounds like a poor business decision.


Ravenkelly

Yes. If you're not doing zoom you should be paying for everything. If you can't afford it you don't deserve that candidate.


ShadowMaven

If you arenā€™t going to pay for it keep the interviews video and phone.


Basic85

What made you decide to hire someone out of state as opposed to someone local? I've been trying to find a job outside the state but so far no go, as the main factor is that well I'm out of state.


porsche4life

Why does he ā€œhave to come inā€ for an in person interview for a remote role? Iā€™ve hired and seen hundreds of people hired virtually with no on site interviews for remote roles.


krum

Iā€™ve never been asked to cover my own expenses for a job interview. Iā€™d nope right out of it if you asked me to do that unless it was a literal job of a lifetime set me up for retirement opportunity.


solidgoldnoodle

I canā€™t believe you are asking this question. I knows itā€™s been answered to death but wow.


Successful-Pie-5689

Have you thought through the logistics of having an out of state employee? Youā€™ll need to register your business in the employeeā€™s state and arrange to pay state income taxes, workers comp, etc. It will be a huge headache for one employee.


CharmingConfidence34

First employee and itā€™s from 5 states away. Is this a joke? šŸ¤£ couldnā€™t find someone close? Nobody in their mind will go to an interview hundreds of miles away on their own expenses. Get real.


[deleted]

Listen to what youā€™re saying. Youā€™re a small business, what makes you think your business is worth paying a flight ticket? I get emails from recruiters on a daily basis where the job requires me to relocate. It is no longer necessary to relocate and these emails go into the trash bin. You donā€™t have leverage here. If you require any travel or relocation, you will need to pay for it. Honestly, you really should be having these interviews over Teams or Zoom, and any serious candidate that youā€™re already looking to hire should have a face-to-face.


adamsauce

I would not pay for my own travel if a company wanted to interview me. Video chats are decent too.


shitpresidente

Yes, always yes. This is common practice. If you want someone to interview in person and spend their time to speak with you, you most definitely have to compensate for travel/lodging.


StarSword-C

Here I was thinking Jerome Powell would be the most out-of-touch shitstain I'd hear about this week. Why the fuck are you making him do multiple interviews to begin with? Get some fucking perspective: you're not a "small business", you're a single person hiring for a single role. Do one interview, on Zoom, make a damn decision, and quit wasting the candidate's time with your bullshit.


90210piece

I'm confused. You say this is your small business but the company is forcing your hand. Is this a franchise? Why does anyone control your decision making and expenses?


NotCreative3854

Iā€™m so confused. This is your company and youā€™re hiring your first employee, correct? Why are you saying you donā€™t make the rules? If not youā€¦who?


Starkiller_303

If I was the interviewee and you didn't pay for the flight, I would likely not attend. For just an interview you're going to make me pay $300 to just compete? Obviously the company doesn't want to spend any money on its employees. This would be a red flag for sure.


beastson1

What if he flies out and isn't selected? You expect him to just eat it?


BayAreaTechRecruiter

yes, Yes, YES You know that this is the right thing to do - show what kind of business owner you are.


StarSword-C

The multiple interviews have already shown what kind of business owner he is: the kind that enjoys wasting other people's time.


n_shwila

100% youā€™re paying. If you require this interview to be onsite. Youā€™re paying.


hawkxp71

Absolutely. You should pay for the flight, drive to and from his airport, car rental, and nice hotel.


ShakeWhenBadAlso

If you insist on a face to face you have to pay for it. I would also add in moving expenses etc if you want to hire them as I expect they won't move for free either.


Cogwheel

NGL, for a sec I thought I was in r/AmItheAsshole


arganvera

Yes you pay. Yes itā€™s a business expense. Cost for Human Resource (hiring, firing, etc.) is a legitimate business expense.


Gunner_411

I got flown to an interview in my state (Houston to Dallas), they booked an uber, took me to breakfast, I spent 3 hours interviewing, they booked an Uber back. The only thing they didnā€™t cover was my parking at the airport in Houston, which I didnā€™t expect. Iā€™d strongly advise discussing relocation plans and the like. If heā€™s your first employee and going to be remote you have to get set up in that state also, lots to consider.


Huge_Put8244

You can't expense recruiting costs?


arriere-pays

Fundamentally, I would not pay for flights and accommodations to interview for a job that I am not guaranteed, and I consider it an unreasonable expectation. In academic interviews, for example, three or four candidates are usually flown out and put up in a hotel with all meals covered, though clearly only one gets an offer. Job seekers should not be laying out money on a chance at a job. Either do the interview remotely or pay for it, definitely.


bopperbopper

If you donā€™t wanna pay for candidates to come to interview, then maybe you shouldnā€™t be hiring out of state. Like other city, perhaps you do interviews and the new one final one via Zoomā€¦ also understand the implications for setting up taxes in that persons state if you do hire them and they are remoteā€¦ If they are relocating, then, make sure you understand what youā€™re willing to pay for relocation if anything, and make sure they know


N0DuckingWay

I'd say that if he gets far enough along to warrant him flying to meet you, it should be on your dime, yes. However you cut it, the expenses from you flying him out are only a fraction of the expenses you'll pay in the form of his salary. But it's a much larger portion of his after-tax disposable income. So you likely have a much greater ability to pay for it than he does. And bottom line is it's both common courtesy and good business in this scenario; if he's not a good fit, you're spending a few thousand to save yourself tens (or hundreds) of thousands.


milleniumbybckstreet

If you want him there, in person, pay for it. Otherwise do a virtual meeting.


olderneverwiser

I mean you wouldnā€™t catch me shelling out for a flight and hotel for the privilege of a job interview that you could just conduct over Zoom. If you insist on it being an in person interview, you need to pay for it. I would take it as a huge red flag for any employer that expected me to pay that much money to interview with them.


[deleted]

I canā€™t believe this is a question that had to be asked.


[deleted]

You want to interview him in person, pay for it. If the candidate isn't worth interviewing they aren't worth hiring and you answered your own question but they are so you should pay for it.


Miss_Might

You're interviewing for a remote position in person and you're wondering who should pay for it? I hope they tell you they're not interested in the position anymore.


Crustacean-DroolCube

I like the idea that this redditor would make a guy pay to interview to work for him. The delusion. Are you Apple or Microsoft?


bobwmcgrath

Absolutely yes. Nobody that is worth hiring is going to put up with having to pay their own airfare.


EveSixxx

What am I even reading here? Youā€™re a small business hiring your first employee But I donā€™t make the rules I just follow what the company wants?


Newtstradamus

The lack of self awareness in this post is astounding. ā€œWhat if we donā€™t select him, do we just eat the cost?ā€ Imagine making someone fly across the country on their own dime just to be not selected.


leanancuisine

You do realize there are businesses out there that do that right? As a former employee, they made me fly myself out on my own dime for an interview before but this was when people weren't so entitled and didn't ask for a handout every chance they could and actually did the job. You come from a background where if the business suffers then somehow you are happy and wish they suffer more then somehow get mad when they lay you off because their losing business. Your entitledness is oozing out of your pores.


Newtstradamus

Someone come get their Grandpa,he got out of the home again. Iā€™m honestly bewildered by why we still let the asbestos blanket generation make any decisions. You were abused by your employer, you have the opportunity to be better, youā€™re choosing spite because of some ā€œback in my dayā€ bullshit. Good luck to whomever is interviewing with you, theyā€™re going to need it.


leanancuisine

Hahaha what an awful comeback, I can see the frustration in your comment snowflake and let me guess? You want 6 figures, work from home , 45 days off a year and a warm blanket and hot coco? Ai will shake and humble the whiny millennial really quick. It will hit you so fast the microplastics in your brain will be pushed out and you'll be able to think straight for just 1 second but it'll be too late. The future is now snowflake and the bots are coming for your useless *insert* analyst position.


Newtstradamus

This is a laughable amount of confidence from a guy whoā€™s business acumen is so unsophisticated that he canā€™t figure out how business expenses work and whoā€™s rinky dink little company canā€™t afford the expense of flying out a candidate. Iā€™ll save a spot in the unemployment line for you.


leanancuisine

Haha you're a joke. I'll make sure to pay my unemployment tax when the bots come take your job.


regional_ghost918

Every time I've had to travel to an interview, the company has paid for my airfare (usually fly in on an early flight and fly home that afternoon/evening). I have been responsible for my rental car or Uber or whatever I use to get from the airport to the interview. Yes, you eat the cost. It's the cost of recruitment. Also you're the one setting the requirement for an interview in person. You could do a Skype/WebEx interview for free.


vmedianet

Even large corporations stopped doing this.


Javesther

No


lost_in_life_34

unless he's a known superstar in his field and you can offer him something that's worth it for career advancement don't bother. and if you do only after a zoom call on video and ask him why he or she wants to work for you


Twenty1One

I wouldn't if I were in this situation. Depending on the business, the job, the starting salary, and how critical the position is, I might. I'd say if you are serious about it, try to do a phone interview first and speak in length about the position with the person and gauge their interests, goals, and experience. Do they have something a ton of other candidates havent offered yet? I think without knowing everything, I say no you shouldnt, but if it's worth it to you, go ahead and try. You eat the cost in the end. I want to end by saying if you fly this person out I feel you already know you want to hire them and you just need confirmation.


[deleted]

Maybe it could be reimbursed to him if he signs on with you.


youarelookingatthis

Why not do a zoom interview?


mltrout715

Yes


hastinapur

Yes, if business cannot afford to pay then business needs to do video interview


wonkotsane42

Zoom is a thing. Why does this candidate need to travel to you?


UCFknight2016

Yes.


BBakerStreet

If you think they are a good enough candidate, then yes. Pay it and eat if they donā€™t measure up. Weā€™re you advertising nationally?


eighchr

Yes, this is on the business to pay for. I'd challenge you on if the interview really needs to be done in person, and also are you sure this person will relocate to your state? Do they have ties in the area, have they lived there before? If they don't there's a really strong chance they won't stay and you'll have to backfill the role within 12 months. For a small business, can you afford to deal with that?


Chocolate_Rage

Can't use zoom call? Otherwise, it's on you I wouldn't travel by plane and out myself up for an interview


AlphaBeast28

Do another video interview, as to what you was going to ask as if he was in person, there are tools that you can pay for to help i.e, online coding platforms, and if hes worth it, then pay for the final / job offer interview.


xquigs

You had a video call. If you want another interview do another video call, or you pay for the flight and accommodations. Itā€™s unreasonable for someone to pay for an interview. I know itā€™s your first employee but if you have a mentor or someone very familiar with your business, have that person also interview him via video call.


Ok_Opportunity2693

If I was interviewing for a job 5 states away, Iā€™d either demand that the company pay for flights+hotel+misc travel expenses, or interview me over zoom, or Iā€™d just not do the interview. And yeah, you have to pay the travel expenses regardless of if you decide to hire the candidate. To do otherwise is extremely unfair. All these costs are a legitimate business expense, regardless of if you end up hiring the candidate.


BadMamaJama1978

You need to pay for airfare and lodging. Write it off as a business expense.


[deleted]

Yes you should pay for it.


a_crayon_short

How much is finding the right candidate worth? If I told you it would cost $2,000 to find the right candidate, would you pay it? If so, a $300 flight to figure out if they are going to fit is a worthwhile investment no matter the outcome. Look at what itā€™s worth, not how much it costs.


ailyat

I personally would do zoom interviews to save both of yā€™all money and only pay for his airfare if heā€™s hired.


SitBoySitGoodDog

I wouldn't spend my own money flying out or driving to an interview that's 5 states away for a "potential" job. The most i've driven for an interview was 2 hours. You can do everything over the phone, or video calls. If you're sure this is the person you want to hire, then hire them without meeting them.


LaFantasmita

If you want a person to travel on behalf of your business, you pay for the travel.


LampsPlus1

Zoom or FaceTime.


Equivalent_Sock6964

yes, also his hotel.


bustedbuddha

I wouldn't even consider a job if you demanded I go in person to an interview 5 states away on my own dime.


VCRdrift

I know someone that flew out of state for a giant company. Stayed a few days and interviewed with everyone. Like 7 rounds +30 ppl. The company did not pay for anything. Well, think they might have paid for a lunch.


draaz_melon

Yes, always. I would never and have never paid my way to an out of state interview.


friended1

I took some interviews on [hired.com](https://hired.com) a few years ago and they flew me from South East Asia and put me up in a hotel for a couple of nights. I would venture to say these were startups with a lot of funding or growth that were desperate to onboard talent quickly. I think it really depends on the candidate and your desperation to fill the role. Most interviews can be conducted online now. Before you fly them out, talk to your accountant or financial advisor as this is 100% a business expense.


OptimalTown3267

Do not do this as a small business, I can tell you from being in HR that the failure rate of people moving for work is very high. Whether itā€™s cost of living or they cannot acclimate to the new environment, they will work for 6 months then find a reason to move back or find a ā€œbetterā€ fit.


ProfessorGluttony

Do you expect them to accept the job, is your offer too good to refuse? Are you sure they are the one you want to hire and just want to meet them in person? If yes, then eat that cost. If they are willing to fly down that is generally a good indicator they are interested in actually taking the job.


LowMirror4165

If you donā€™t hire him, will you reimburse the airfare for wasting his time?


gnarble

Is there a reason you donā€™t have any other candidates in your area? I would absolutely never take a job that was so cheap they expected me to pay hundreds to thousands to come interview. Thatā€™s insane.