New Grad interview, 900 miles away, expensive...HELP

[MariahCareyizQUEEN!]

I applied for a new grad position at a hospital over 900 miles away from where I currently stay. I received a phone call from the HR office and they asked me if I could come in this Friday for an interview, I told them yes hesistantly. Thinking maybe some friends and I could drive and split expenses but everyone I spoke with either works or are not financially capable to assist me while on the drive. My question is would it be unprofessional to call them on Monday and ask for a phone interview explaining my circumstances financially. I did not think I would be asked to come in for an interview so abrupt because I applied a week and half ago for the position. Im really interested in the position as this is a magnet hospital in a metropolitan region across the country. I feel if I get the job that money can be used towards moving expenses but if I didnt get the job then all of that money to travel there would be a waste to my already tight budget.

[sauconyrunner]

It can not hurt to ask. They may say No, and you will end up going out there anyway, but I don't think asking will decrease your chances or getting the job. Do explain to them that it is financial. They might have a program to assist a little bit with moving expenses. Good Luck!

[33762FL]

I agree with the above poster that you can ask but it would decrease your chances of getting the job. You said you asked friends for a ride. Did you ask your parents about any of this? Ask if mom and/or dad will pay for the flight and hotel (or a room on Air B&B, that's way cheaper than a hotel). I know nobody wants to ask their parents for things when they're an adult, but as your parents they have a bigger interest in your success than friends so it can't hurt to ask them. What about grandparents?

[mgp6]

In my opinion, it's better to have an in-person interview to truly show your personality and potential. They might also think that if a new grad truly wants a job in their facility, he/she would go to the in-person interview (considering they might give you a tour etc). Also, if it's a new grad program, they usually prefer to see the candidates in person.

[Jayden8139]

I say try to get the money some way if you can borrow it from family maybe and explain that they are investing in your future. I agree it's better to have a face to face interview. When you get there be sure to bring up the fact that you traveled 900 miles bc you are just that interested in this hospital and you really believe in what they are trying to do. I think a 900 mile travel for an interview should definitely earn you brownie points:(

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

I would really try to go to the interview. If you get the job you will be able to recoup any funds lost.

[DedHedRN]

Its been my experience that new grad programs will invite several hundred people to the first rounds of interviews. They usually only plan to hire about ten to fifteen of these. You may want to call and ask how many they plan to hire, how many are coming to the interview, how many rounds of interviews they plan to do before they pick. If your going up with several hundred and they want you to attend three or four rounds of interviews that may be something you may want to consider.

[MariahCareyizQUEEN!]

Everyone offered great advice and input. Im going to call the Human Resources office tomorrow and ask them some questions in regards to how many they plan to hire, and do they offer phone interviews, I feel that a magnet hospital has the upperhand with applicants that they wouldnt see a strong need to hire a person who did a phone interview

[Tarabara]

Its been my experience that new grad programs will invite several hundred people to the first rounds of interviews. They usually only plan to hire about ten to fifteen of these. You may want to call and ask how many they plan to hire, how many are coming to the interview, how many rounds of interviews they plan to do before they pick. If your going up with several hundred and they want you to attend three or four rounds of interviews that may be something you may want to consider.

This^

I applied and ended up moving out of state for a job. I was willing to pay to interview out of state but only if I knew I had a fighting chance at it and wasnt one of hundreds for a few spots. I would usually ask if they did a few rounds of interviews and if so could I please do a phone interview for the first round and if asked for a second do that one in person. Good luck!

[MJB2010]

When you applied for this job, what was your plan if they called for an interview? I am asking because if they do offer you a position, how are you going to afford to MOVE there and make it work? What if they invite you for a second interview? You need to think these things out when applying. Can you make it work if they offer you the job?

[MariahCareyizQUEEN!]

Clearly if they called for the job I can afford to move there but I was told within one week to be somewhere 900 miles away. Also I dont want to waste money if their interviewing hundreds of applicants i'm not auditioning for American Idol.

[evansmum]

I recently had a very similar situation. I am a new ADN grad out of Florida, and applied to an ICU and ED position in a hospital in Virginia (old military stomping grounds). I was SHOCKED when I received an email two days later requesting a phone interview. I interviewed with both their talent recruiter and ED manager on the phone, about an hour a piece. They went so well that the ED manager asked if I could come shadow the department (a 14 hour drive, alone, with two kids). I did it. Two days later, a job offer as a FT nurse in an ED/level II trauma facility :) Take the gamble. Call them and ask if accommodations would be made for out-of-state applicants, but they may be assessing your level of commitment to the position. That's how I viewed my opportunity to shadow: they wanted to see if I would commit to moving...which I do so in three weeks :) Best of luck!