Method of long distance interviews?

[winger7]

Hey people,

Just wondering if one applies for a post outside of the country and gets chosen for an interview, in what ways can the interview be conducted? The webcam I know because I've gone through that, are there any cases where one is asked to fly to the country to interview, if so, are expenses covered? Just out of curiosity. Thanks.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Depends on the employer and the distance. Some employers will ask you to fly in on your own expense and then reimburse. Other will have you fly in on your own expense after a phone interview or conference call/interview. Others will reimbursement you if you are selected for the post. There are no set methods. My initial interview was done via standard phone conversation and I received my contract via "Telex" when I first came to Singapore. I never really had a face to face interview before signing my contract. It's all a case by case basis. Nothing is hard and fast.

[Steve-R]

I just got here and have a couple local interviews lined up but I also just received an email from Apple in the U.S. for a phone interview. Will there be any issues with having them call me here? I would definitely go back for an opportunity to work there and don't want to screw up my chances.

[beppi]

I was recently invited for a job interview overseas, but told that they will not reimburse travel costs.
Well, I suggested a phone conversation first to check mutual fit before I decide on such an expense, and they arranged that in the end.
These are bad economic times and companies can get away with things that were unthinkable a few years ago.

That said, I also had an interview in the USA in better times, where they agreed to reimburse travel costs but I booked the flight. When I submitted the receipt they said that it would have been cheaper to book in USA so they only reimburse that amount. The difference was US$50, which I swallowed (and didn't take the job).

Greetings,
Frank

[winger7]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I guess there is no model answer. But of course for me I'm speaking in the case of trying to get hired in Singapore from abroad. Anyway thanks

[Steve-R]

I just had an initial phone interview last night. They would normally fly me in for the day for a second interview but since I'm in Singapore and not the U.S. they are going to setup a conference call next. It seems kind of risky to hire someone without meeting face to face first though so I don't know if I stand a chance against other local applicants.

[winger7]

True, it only makes sense to have a face to face interaction before anything. Good luck buddy

[FaeLLe]

There are singapore companies giving employment offers with just telephonic interviews and final round being done over video con from one of their local geo offices.

[ceej1979]

I don't think they'd hire you over the phone, or a web cam.

They may well give you a first interview like that. And then want to meet you for a second.

I was basically told that meeting them was a condition of getting the job. They basically told me that they had an offer ready for me, but I just had to meet them face to face so they couldn sign it off!

If you think from their perspective. It's risky hiring somoene new anyway. Someone new who you are going to give a new contract without meeting them?

[sundaymorningstaple]

It's rare, but I got my first job in Singapore on the strength of one personal recommendation, my CV and one telephone interview (non-video) with the Operations Manager on a Friday night (New Orleans time - Saturday morning Singapore time) and I had my contract sent to me via "Telex" before lunch on Saturday. A week later I was in Singapore. I spent 8 years with that employer before moving on but I'm still here.