ASK HR: Should I ask the company to facilitate my travel?

Q. I interviewed for a digital content generator job and the phone interview went well. I have been asked to meet the company’s director in three weeks’ time. The problem is that this company is out of town, which means I have to pay for accommodation besides the fare. At the moment, I cannot afford to meet such expenses. Will I be going too far if I asked the company to facilitate my travel? I don’t want to borrow from friends because I have no idea how I will pay them back.

In your hands is a chance to get a job and you should take the steps necessary to ensure it does not slip away, especially through means that are unrelated to your suitability for the role.

It is easier to find a little money to facilitate your travel to the venue of your next interview than to be a qualified and capable digital content generator.

As is true of any significant achievement, there is often a price to pay in advance. The silver platter is rarely the mode of delivery for great opportunities. How much is the chance of getting the job worth to you? To what lengths are you prepared to go to ensure that the job becomes yours?

Do you have close relatives that you could approach to give or lend you money for the purpose of travel? Do you have some close friends who wish you well?

It is likely that they would not consider the request frivolous once you explain the reasons for your plea. It may surprise you that among them might be a few who would not expect you to pay the money back, whether you get the job or not.

And yes, you can also reach out to the company, share your circumstances and enquire whether they could support your travel. Some companies may offer financial support with travel to attend interviews even in situations where the candidates are able to settle their own travel expenses.

If you are left without other options, make the call and request for the company’s assistance. You might be pleasantly surprised, more so if you are a serious contender for the role in question.

While your concern about travel is understandable, your greater focus should remain on your suitability for the role as this will ultimately determine whether you will be the preferred candidate.

Ability to get to the interview venue is important, but preparing yourself to leave the interview room having convinced the company that you are the most suitable candidate for the role must take priority.

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