I want to relocate and I am sending out resumes, can I expect a company to help with relocation costs?

Question

I have no doubt that if I was doing an inter-company transfer or if the new company approached me and not the other way around, they would of course pay the relocation costs. But, since I am calling on them is it out of order to expect them to pay? Same with the flights and hotel when I go out to interview.

I work in a pretty specific industry have 10+ years experience and make a good salary.

Answer 1

It depends on your level, but it doesn't depend on who approached who.  For example, my company would never pay to relocate a clerical employee, but would typically pay to relocate a senior professional or manager.  It sounds like your relocation could be covered, but check with the specific company or a similar company in the same industry to get some further insight.  

The company you are interviewing with could answer your question, but you may not want to ask them until they have made a job offer or are about to make one.  Then you can ask what their standard relocation benefit is or attempt to negotiate what you need to relocate as part of your job offer.

Answer 2

I have never heard of a company paying for someone to come to an interview, and do not believe that's a reasonable expectation on your part, unless you're very well known in your field (i.e., an expert, have been a panelist at industry gatherings, etc.).  Otherwise, your costs of interviewing are probably going to be up to you.  You could make a blind call to the company's HR department to find out if they have a policy on relocation expenses.  In my experience, this happens only for "key" executives, but some companies are more liberal than others, and also if they've been trying to fill this position for a while & find you to be the perfect fit, you have a better chance.  You can always negotiate for it if they make you an offer.