At the moment my emotions are a twisted mess of happiness and sadness.
I applied for a job on Monday, I saw it on the internet, knocked up my CV and sent it off all in one big five hour, painkiller fueled (just coming off a minor flu/cold thing) sitting. The job is exactly the sort of thing I want to do after university, just ideal. The only negative factor about it is its in London but...well you can't have everything. I have always said that it doesn't matter where I work for my first 2 years as long as I work, I just need that magic 2 then I can have my pick of jobs. I'm doubtful about my prospects post uni so if I got this job I would definitely brave London.
Come 30 minutes ago and I check my email- holy crap a reply from the company. They want to meet me.
This is unexpected, I know I'm perfectly fitted for the job and all that but...yeah. Never expected it all to happen so fast.
The problem?
They want to me to contact them back with what time is best for me...what time before easter that is.
And did I mention this company is in London?
And I'm somewhere north of Stockholm?
Checking ryanair, norwegian airlines and the like I'd be blowing a huge chunk of money to get over there, and all just for an interview- getting my CV accepted preliminarily is the easy part, the interview is where they truly decide whether I'd be good for the role or if someone else would be better.
I'm really torn and confused. My financial situation is not great, I have just about enough to survive until I finish in June and can get home to start collecting dole payments. Yet this job is what I want...
I should really probally reply to the guy tomorrow about this too...big pressure...Damn....
So did you want them to accept you without an interview? :P
Odds are they didn't realize you were in Sweden.
Contact them and explain your plight. They might pay for your trip to and from (I've had an potential employer do that once, although not right out of university).
They might agree to a phone interview (I got my current job through a phone interview).
They might give you more time to come down to London for an interview as well.
Video conference interviews over the web seem to be gaining popularity with employers for just this reason.
Quote from: sbr on March 24, 2010, 04:40:38 PM
Video conference interviews over the web seem to be gaining popularity with employers for just this reason.
True. Of course, you could always just show up for the interview and tell them when you arrive that you came in from Sweden just for this. They'd be impressed.
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on March 24, 2010, 04:55:16 PM
Quote from: sbr on March 24, 2010, 04:40:38 PM
Video conference interviews over the web seem to be gaining popularity with employers for just this reason.
True. Of course, you could always just show up for the interview and tell them when you arrive that you came in from Sweden just for this. They'd be impressed.
Yep, that would be very impressive.
It depends on the interview process,obviously. I would think you would have to have at least on face-to-face with your potential future employer before being hired, but if this is a multi-interview process I would hate to see him blow his whole financial "load" to get to an introductory interview only to not be able to afford to go back in a month for a final interview.
Quote from: sbr on March 24, 2010, 05:04:37 PM
Quote from: MadImmortalMan on March 24, 2010, 04:55:16 PM
Quote from: sbr on March 24, 2010, 04:40:38 PM
Video conference interviews over the web seem to be gaining popularity with employers for just this reason.
Call or mail the man, explaining your situation.
True. Of course, you could always just show up for the interview and tell them when you arrive that you came in from Sweden just for this. They'd be impressed.
Yep, that would be very impressive.
It depends on the interview process,obviously. I would think you would have to have at least on face-to-face with your potential future employer before being hired, but if this is a multi-interview process I would hate to see him blow his whole financial "load" to get to an introductory interview only to not be able to afford to go back in a month for a final interview.
What Barrister said.
Ring them up and talk about it. Chances are that they are not deranged sadistic lunatics and will be sympathetic to your situation. If you are one of a shortish list of "strong" candidates they might well pay for your expenses as BB says. Alternatively, if it is a preliminary interview to confirm that you are not a total fool, then they may be amenable to an initial phone interview.
Email, don't call. You don't want to scotch your chances by exposing them to your chavish patois.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 24, 2010, 06:44:33 PM
Email, don't call. You don't want to scotch your chances by exposing them to your chavish patois.
This.
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 24, 2010, 06:44:33 PM
Email, don't call. You don't want to scotch your chances by exposing them to your chavish patois.
He's gonna have to talk eventually...
Quote from: Admiral Yi on March 24, 2010, 06:44:33 PM
Email, don't call. You don't want to scotch your chances by exposing them to your chavish patois.
They know he's British.
Quote from: Grey Fox on March 24, 2010, 08:12:59 PM
They know he's British.
But they don't know how provincial he is.
Email or phone doesn't really matter, but you should let them know you're in Sweden. I don't suggest just showing up, because it may well be a multi-interview process.
Nah.
That said, anyone who says, "Ugh I'd have to live in London..." :rolleyes:
Isn't it standard for a potential employer to pay your travel costs and hotel? I haven't had a single interview where the employer would not pay for it. Just ask them for their policy regarding this.
If they don't pay for this, they are a shitty employer anyway.
Quote from: Zanza on March 24, 2010, 10:15:28 PM
Isn't it standard for a potential employer to pay your travel costs and hotel? I haven't had a single interview where the employer would not pay for it. Just ask them for their policy regarding this.
If they don't pay for this, they are a shitty employer anyway.
We interviewed a dude from Scotland, and we didn't pay anything. We hired him, however.
Quote from: Zanza on March 24, 2010, 10:15:28 PM
Isn't it standard for a potential employer to pay your travel costs and hotel? I haven't had a single interview where the employer would not pay for it. Just ask them for their policy regarding this.
If they don't pay for this, they are a shitty employer anyway.
I'd say that would be unusual for an entry level position.
Quote from: Barrister on March 24, 2010, 11:14:56 PM
Quote from: Zanza on March 24, 2010, 10:15:28 PM
Isn't it standard for a potential employer to pay your travel costs and hotel? I haven't had a single interview where the employer would not pay for it. Just ask them for their policy regarding this.
If they don't pay for this, they are a shitty employer anyway.
I'd say that would be unusual for an entry level position.
I think it depends on the industry.
Quote from: Zanza on March 24, 2010, 10:15:28 PM
Isn't it standard for a potential employer to pay your travel costs and hotel? I haven't had a single interview where the employer would not pay for it. Just ask them for their policy regarding this.
If they don't pay for this, they are a shitty employer anyway.
Never heard of that for entry level positions. Unless you apply at a multi-billion international supercorp, maybe.
Quote from: Syt on March 24, 2010, 11:34:13 PMNever heard of that for entry level positions. Unless you apply at a multi-billion international supercorp, maybe.
Hmm. When I was looking for an entry-level position last year, I only applied at big multinationals and they all paid my travel expenses and a hotel for the interviews.
A lot of UK employers will pay travel expenses, but not all.
I would say that your accent (unless the interviewers find it unintelligible) will not be a problem; most people in London have appalling accents anyway.
As for the desirability of living in London; IMO Tyr you have a chip on your shoulder about the South and "posh" people. That is a nasty thing and could easily be cured by a few years of metropolitan life. With that done you can either stay or lead a live of provincial retirement with equanimity.
What the others said. Reply direct to the email telling them you're in Sweden and won't be able to fly out for the interview. They will almost certainly do a telephone interview and, depending on the type of role, a written test you can submit.
Back in the day, they used to pay for graduates to attend interview, knowing they would be poor, but I suspect those days are over.
I've got jobs through telephone interviews having never attended in person, and I had to do a teleconference interview with someone in the US before, which was weird. If you've never done it before, do practice. Get someone to call you up and ask questions like, "Tell me about your background. Why do you think you're suitable for this job? Tell me about a time you solved a problem." etc.
Don't worry about London - hardly anyone who lives here is from London anyway :P Also, there's very affordable shared accommodation available, if that was one of your worries.
Also, email today, then if you haven't had a reply on Monday morning, call them too.
hmm, OK, so I'll mail them back saing great offer, big shame though; I'm still in Sweden and a flight to London at such short notice is out of my price range.
Should I mention alternatives like teleconferencing interviews or would that be me assuming they want me too much?
Quote from: Richard Hakluyt on March 25, 2010, 02:26:48 AM
As for the desirability of living in London; IMO Tyr you have a chip on your shoulder about the South and "posh" people. That is a nasty thing and could easily be cured by a few years of metropolitan life. With that done you can either stay or lead a live of provincial retirement with equanimity.
Its more the opposite actually.
I'm not big on the idea of living in a huge, rought inhuman hive with a 2+ hour daily commute where I'll be stabbed, blown up or just plain robbed and pay through the nose for the priveledge.
That's the general perception the media gives of London anyway. I know I exagerrate but...I do fear for those things somewhat.
But anyway, that's besides the point and getting way too ahead of myself.
Quote
But they don't know how provincial he is.
Whats your obsession with provinciality? I'm one of the least provincial people around.
Not liking the idea of one particular city != not liking the idea of going anywhere else at all.
Besides, I've checked up about this company: their boss is Scotch and the hiring bloke is from York. They're my people :p
Quote from: Tyr on March 24, 2010, 04:30:32 PM
The only negative factor about it is its in London but...well you can't have everything. I have always said that it doesn't matter where I work for my first 2 years as long as I work, I just need that magic 2 then I can have my pick of jobs. I'm doubtful about my prospects post uni so if I got this job I would definitely brave London.
London is awesome. It has so many different neighbourhoods that I'm sure you'll find one to suit you.
Kevin
Quote from: Tyr on March 25, 2010, 04:52:07 AM
hmm, OK, so I'll mail them back saing great offer, big shame though; I'm still in Sweden and a flight to London at such short notice is out of my price range.
Should I mention alternatives like teleconferencing interviews or would that be me assuming they want me too much?
Definitely offer to do teleconferencing interviews, phone interviews etc. You want to sound like you are making every effort and beyond to make this work. And don't use words like "out of my price range" or "such short notice". You want this job more than they want you. Forget the short notice part, it is not relevant. Say you'd really love to meet them in person and would buy the first train ticket to wherever they are - if you're not a poor student living in Sweden. They'd understand.
Quote from: Monoriu on March 25, 2010, 04:59:01 AM
Definitely offer to do teleconferencing interviews, phone interviews etc. You want to sound like you are making every effort and beyond to make this work. And don't use words like "out of my price range" or "such short notice". You want this job more than they want you. Forget the short notice part, it is not relevant. Say you'd really love to meet them in person and would buy the first train ticket to wherever they are - if you're not a poor student living in Sweden. They'd understand.
But then why aren't I hopping on the next plane to meet them if its not that I can't afford it?
Offering alternatives is good...OK, will do that.
Am going to reply in a hour once I've woken up properly.
Quote from: Tyr on March 25, 2010, 05:01:42 AM
Quote from: Monoriu on March 25, 2010, 04:59:01 AM
Definitely offer to do teleconferencing interviews, phone interviews etc. You want to sound like you are making every effort and beyond to make this work. And don't use words like "out of my price range" or "such short notice". You want this job more than they want you. Forget the short notice part, it is not relevant. Say you'd really love to meet them in person and would buy the first train ticket to wherever they are - if you're not a poor student living in Sweden. They'd understand.
But then why aren't I hopping on the next plane to meet them if its not that I can't afford it?
Offering alternatives is good...OK, will do that.
Am going to reply in a hour once I've woken up properly.
If you tell them you're a poor student living in Sweden (or words to that effect), it'll be obvious that you can't afford the ticket.
Keep it short, don't faff, let them deal with the details.
QuoteDear X,
Many thanks for your invitation to interview. I would be delighted to participate, but as I am currently living in Sweden, I cannot secure an affordable flight for the date you specified. Would it be possible to make alternative arrangements or to carry out the interview over the phone or via teleconferencing?
Best regards
Tyr
Trust me, I'm on my 16th job and had more different types of interview than you care to imagine.
Also, don't call the Scots guy "Scotch" :bleeding:
Quote from: Monoriu on March 25, 2010, 05:05:21 AM
If you tell them you're a poor student living in Sweden (or words to that effect), it'll be obvious that you can't afford the ticket.
hmm...sounds a bit...little orphan Annie. Why not just give the proper reason outright than going all woe is me? I am willing to go out of my way to go there, its just my bank balance isn't up to the gamble.
I'm guessing to send;
Dear Bob,
This is good to hear and I would love to come. Unfortunately I am still currently a student based in Sweden and cannot afford to get to London next week.
Would you be open to any alternatives such as a skype-interview and/or an in-person interview at a somewhat later date?
Sincerely Tyr
edit- ok, what Brazen said works. Its the flight failing not me :P
And yeah, I know, I love that word though, so much cooler than Scottish. Since this isn't a job as a fancy dress tour guide though I don't want to come across as to much of an archaic weirdo so I'll keep it on the downlow.
I suggest sending Brazen's draft.
If they do pay for your flights, I have a Languish-tested spare room. Though of course it's a 5-hour commute to central London that'll cost you £120, and everyone gets stabbed and blown up at least once a week :rolleyes:
In general I've found London to be safer than the NE of England. They like their closing-time fights back home and don't really care who they drag into them :P
Anyway, hope it works out for you. Good Luck!
Thanks everyone.
They seem open to a phone/video-conferencing thing; no clue what yet. I just hope I can manage it, I'm pretty awful at talking on the phone (so...unnatural, speech without the vital visual cues). It'll be a learning experience at least.
QuoteIn general I've found London to be safer than the NE of England. They like their closing-time fights back home and don't really care who they drag into them :P
I've got a good saving throw vs. bludgeons, I don't do so well with pointy things though. ;)
But anyway. Fingers crossed within a month or two I'll be starting a thread for moving to London advice.
Quote from: Tyr on March 25, 2010, 08:14:36 AM
They seem open to a phone/video-conferencing thing; no clue what yet. I just hope I can manage it, I'm pretty awful at talking on the phone (so...unnatural, speech without the vital visual cues). It'll be a learning experience at least.
Like I said, practice. Get a friend to call you up and ask you open ended interview questions. Yes, it's embarrassing, but so's the real thing so it'll get you used to it. If you're not on webcam stand up when you talk. It really does help.
Quote from: Brazen on March 25, 2010, 08:39:51 AM
Like I said, practice. Get a friend to call you up and ask you open ended interview questions. Yes, it's embarrassing, but so's the real thing so it'll get you used to it. If you're not on webcam stand up when you talk. It really does help.
This. Don't worry about not getting the visual cues. See, they face the same problem, so the odds are even ;)
Quote from: Tyr on March 25, 2010, 04:52:07 AM
Whats your obsession with provinciality? I'm one of the least provincial people around.
Around where? :lol:
Quote from: garbon on March 25, 2010, 10:25:41 AM
Quote from: Tyr on March 25, 2010, 04:52:07 AM
Whats your obsession with provinciality? I'm one of the least provincial people around.
Around where? :lol:
Here.
Mister I fart higher then the hole.