posted 18 years ago
It depends.
Mid to large corporations are more likely to pay for travel expenses (e.g. Google, GE, Earnst & Young) than smaller ones. It's not unreasonable for small ones not to pay in that, as Homer pointed out, there is no moral or legal obligation for them to do so. Companies are also more likely to cover expenses for more senior roles, the idea being that they are harder to fill, and so it takes more resources to do so.
Personally, I won't spend my own money on flights and hotels for interviews. It can really add up. You can support a family on $60k in greater Chicago, but it's just a question of where you want to live (schools, commute, home) and the lifestyle you want to have. It's cheaper than NYC/Boston/SF more pricer than many other cities. If you do consider the job, see if they'll help with relocation expenses.
If you do travel, remember that unreimbursed job search expenses are tax deductible. (Consult an accountant or tax attorney first.)
--Mark
Mark Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit
https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com/