(NECRO) people who get flown across the country for job interviews

[gorcorps]

Well, that was quite a necro but since it's still a valid question, I'll bite:

My school in Colorado is still one of the few that considers Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science separate programs, so our Metallurgical Engineers are much more focused on the metals side (specifically steel) compared to other schools. The company I work for now is mostly located in Indiana, and they have no qualms about flying people in for on-site interviews because of that extra focus.

Many companies have specific skills in mind, or know certain schools that have something special about their education.

 

[JM Aggie08]

You're just not pro, OP.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I have never gone far enough through the interview process to warrant being flown anywhere. I could have but I just don't want to live anywhere else but here.

 

[cbrunny]

I once flew from Ontario to Prince George BC for a job interview. I turned them down.

 

[Insomniator]

There is not a lot of good help out there. If you are the right person for the job flying you out for a few grand is well worth it.

I've interviewed some IT temps with my manager trying to replace a couple of positions. Its not pretty. Eight page resumes with tasks like 'reset AD passwords' repeated 3-4 times. Guys falling asleep or disappearing. This is for $40/hour jobs, not fast food.

I'd imagine if you are an actual professional with certifications, history and can articulate what you do in your field, companies will be happy to fly you around.

Some day when I'm not so lazy and unmotivated maybe I'll be one of those people. :'(

 

[DrPizza]

I believe my son was flown in for an interview with a company because he had a very unique combination of skills.

E.g., imagine the job description: wanted, diesel mechanic. Must have experience repairing large diesel motors; experience with many megawatt generators preferred. Must also have experience as an electrical linesman or electrician working with high voltage power supplies. Must also have networking experience, be able to set up a computer network, both hardware and software. And, be able to do some limited computer programming.

 

[deadlyapp]

While it's a necro, I'll respond anyways.

For the company I work for, we bring people in via a two day interview session where they go through various one-on-one interviews, a couple of groups sessions, and a case study. We usually do around 60 people in 2-3 different locations in the US and we pay for their hotel rooms, travel to and from (either plane or driving), and all the meals are catered and paid for. For the most part we've found that this pays off pretty damn well.

In the engineering field, this is all pretty typical. I've made 3-4 moves in my company and have flown to interviews each time.

 

[videogames101]

I've been flown out for any serious interviews coming out of school. Supply of competent hardware engineering isn't high, and the only real way to evaluate someone is in person. Seems reasonable.