I also had an interview on Friday, where it was obvious from the start that it was a 'done deal' and it was really hard to relax. 

The feedback I got in the 'no' phonecall was excellent and I should have been jumping up and down with such good feedback, but not when it was a no!!

I have never claimed expenses, didn't think it was possible, so I can't comment on that, sorry! ...but I do feel your frustration with the whole interview process.

The answer is that you are not entitled to anything by law but there is no harm in asking. I've been to 6 interviews in the last 2 months, 1 has paid up, 1 just ignored my call, 1 I'm told is in for processing, 1 I'm told the form is in the post, and 2 I still have to chase up (interview was Monday and Friday of this week).

My advice is call with the assumption that you expect it to be paid, "Hi, I forgot to request my expenses form on the day, could you post me one please?". Be polite, it isn't the woman on receptions fault you were screwed over. Be warned though, I'm quite sure they don't pay expenses for loss of earnings, only fuel and possibly accommodation in certain circumstances.

Regarding, how honest is acceptable, well lets no go burning any bridges now, if you go all out on the honesty and upset and offend anyone you could potentially get a bad reputation as being a crazy person, especially if you start throwing accusations around. I had a similar experience on Friday, they gave me some really bad reasons for what was wrong with my lesson, I just bit my lip and left, I was so angry I actually had to get out before everyone could see my tears of frustration. I felt really hard done by, they brought me (and my 1 year old baby girl - not that they knew that) 250 miles and had no intention of even considering me. I didn't ask for my form then as I rushed out the door so quickly - I will phone on Monday.

I hope you feel better about it soon. If they ignore you like one school did to me, don't turn into a crazy stalker caller but feel free to resent that school forever and swear never to send your children to that school or apply there again. They obviously aren't good enough for you!

Some excellent advice there from ICatherine.

To sum up:

• No, there is no entitlement to expenses, and nowadays many schools do not give them at all.
• But you can try asking for actual expenditure - not loss of earnings
• Keep the receipts for your travel
• Do not book overnight accommodation without agreeing it with the school beforehand unless you are prepared to pay for it yourself
• Always be polite, even if they didn't treat you well
• Cross your fingers

lCatherinel

(and my 1 year old baby girl - not that they knew that)

I didn't know that either!  How cute!  How lucky to have a baby daughter!

Best wishes

_______________________________________

TheoGriff. Member of the TES Careers Advice Service.

For the full TES Weekend Workshop programme please visit www.tes.co.uk/careerseminars or contact advice@tes.co.uk for one-to-one sessions.

I shall be contributing to the Moving into SLT seminar on 5th May.

 Try checking the school's policy on interview expenses before attending. If there's no policy on the website/application pack ask the school secretary.

I'm a big believer that if employers are going to pay people's expenses they are seriously considering their applications, otherwise it would be a huge waste of limited funds. (I've always received expenses and would be reluctant to interview anywhere that didn't. If I'm giving up a day's pay and jumping through hoops I would expect a future employer to provide me with tea/coffee and my petrol costs.)