Interview in another country - what to do?

Hi WSO,

I'm an undergraduate in my senior year from Singapore, studying at a university in the USA. I've recently received an invitation to a first round interview with Citi for their cross-franchise Management Associate Program during my winter break. The problem is that they want to interview me in their Singapore office, and I wasn't planning to return home this break because of the price of airfare.

I don't want to turn down an interview chance opportunity, but neither do I want to buy a $1600 ticket home and cancel my existing holiday plans. Does anyone know if there's a precedent for making alternative arrangements in this kind of situation (interview in another office, via phone or Skype, etc.?) What's the best way to respond to the recruiter?

Thank you!

 

Send them an e-mail telling them that you're in the US, was not planning to be in Singapore, and ask whether there are alternate method (eg video conference) you can use for the interview.

Those who can, do. Those who can't, post threads about how to do it on WSO.
 
Best Response

It's not possible to schedule for an alternative.

The graduate program prefers to interview in person and have candidates come in an interact and interview in a group setting. Having an alternative method precludes you from the core interview process (assessing your abilities in a group dynamics). I'm sure that the interviewer must have spoken to you about the process knowing that you are not in the country.

At this point, I would recommend you consider your long-term career objectives (to remain either in the US or in SG). And weigh your preference for working in Citi (SG). Personally, I would do it; interview for a great graduate program and the chance to catch up with friends and family

i'm not smart enough to do everything, but dumb enough to try anything
 

I don't know how common it is for this particular company, but back in the day when I was interviewing just out of graduate school, companies would fly you in for the interview + pay for hotel for a night if necessary. You should at least ask what the options are. Worst thing that can happen is that they tell you the only option is for you to get there on your own dime.

 

I was requested to find a VC (video conferencing) hookup at a hotel or embassy for my interviews. When I couldn't find one, I did a cell phone interview, no problem. I was worried about my inability to get a VC hookup, but I made it to the next round and ultimately got the job. If they want Skype, great, do Skype, but make sure it's in a quiet, non-distracting place (for you or the interviewer) and that you look good and there's nothing lewd in the background. For the final round, they should be flying you to the international office.

 

If they are with BB's, a few years ago a BB in NYC flew my buddy in from study abroad in Spain to interview for an investment management SA position and he ended up getting the job. Don't know about smaller firms though, but I would be surprised if boutiques would throw down $1K+ to fly a candidate back for an interview.

I would agree with you, but then we'd both be wrong.
 

Totally depends on the bank. For example, RBS is strictly unable to fly in anyone from abroad, while I know MS will do that (yes, maybe this speaks to quality as well). Are these first round interviews, OCR, or super days? If first round, phone should do regardless. OCR I seriously doubt would fly anyone in to interview, and super day as I mentioned above is bank dependent- if you have already gotten to this round, however, they are clearly interested in you and might be willing to pay that expense.

 
BlackCrow:
Hi, Can I ask for a skype or phone interview? Thanks
If you applied for S&T at a BB this is not going to happen. Actually one reason for banks to do interviews is to get to know you face-to-face. Smaller shops maybe...

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