Q. As part of the search for a new position, I’ve had to travel to prospective employers for interviews. In the last two months I had one interview that was 208 miles from home — which cost me a total of $117.10, including tolls. I asked for reimbursement from the Human Resources person the day after the interview. The other interview was 244 miles, totaling $135.20. On this occasion I asked my potential manager who to contact for reimbursement. After numerous attempts, I finally gave up on trying to be reimbursed per customary business travel expense practices. Was I correct in asking for travel expenses? Was my timing correct? I am currently out of work so the reimbursement would be helpful.
A. G., Methuen, MA

Q. What about those interview marathons in which, in a single day, you meet with a series of up to 7 managers? I have one coming up and I am worried about being redundant. Do I keep repeating the same "stories," or do I look to find a new and fresh way to answer the same question seven different times? Thanks so much.

Q. I would like your perspective on what I perceive to be a frustrating trend: job applicants showing up too early for interviews. When I have interviewed for positions, I’ve made it a point to arrive about 5-10 minutes before the scheduled time. If I arrive earlier to ensure I’m not late, I make it a point not to enter the facility until the 5-10 minute window.

In my current position, I’m often required to interview candidates and have noticed they’re showing up earlier and earlier. Often I get a call from the reception desk that my candidate has arrived as much as 30 minutes ahead of the appointment. I often have a full calendar and cannot take time out to go and greet them, even though it makes me feel uncomfortable keeping somebody waiting idly in reception.

H.S., Mansfield, MA

A: My number one piece of advice for job seekers, and perhaps the most important, is to be on time: not too early and not too late. Being late, even just a couple of minutes late, is a sure fire way not to get the job. You’re starting off on the wrong foot, and you’re making the interviewer wonder if that’s the way you’ll treat clients, prospects, and fellow employees.

Being on time also means not arriving too early. Not only does it create an awkward situation for the interviewer, who feels responsible for your comfort during the wait time, it also can create difficulty for other interviewees, who may not want to be seen interviewing. Often, interviews are staggered so that candidates don’t meet in the waiting area.

Q. Could you give me some advice regarding a past (and last) employer of
eight months, (six of which she was on maternity leave) who will not give
references to any of my potential employers (hence, preventing any sort of
employment possibilities)?

A. Lacking a reference from a supervisor for a job of less than a year, even if it is your last job, will not prevent you from finding successful re-employment. Let me offer some strategies for doing an “end run” around the missing reference and then discuss general reference etiquette.

I can understand why an employer who has supervised you for only two months would be unwilling to provide a reference for you. It is unfortunate, but not fatal, that this is your most recent employer. Here are some possible ways to help solve your immediate problem:

1. Check with human resources in the company. Many companies now have a policy of only verifying dates of employment and prohibit supervisors from providing references. If that’s company policy, you’re off the hook. When asked for a reference, simply state company policy and provide the interviewer with a name and telephone number in human resources.

Q: I held a state position as a Court Administrator for ten years. I have been looking for work since August 2008. I have completed every training course provided by the state and hold many certificates. I have so much experience in what I do and applied to so many positions within the state and all I receive are thank you but no thank you letters. Why? I have gone on one interview where I made it to the second interview, had my references checked, and no call back yet. They seemed like they were really interested so I called human resources and she tells me by next week I should know something. The position has not been filled. It’s almost 2-1/2 weeks since the interview. I'm confused as to what they are looking for and why work experience and certificates don't even land you an interview...

A: Searching for a job, at any time, is an incredibly frustrating experience. You do all the right things, you have all the right credentials, you interview well, and still there is no job offer. Add in this horrible economic environment and you have an incredibly challenging time to find work.

I can only suggest three things:

Q: I just finished an interview and I feel like I missed out. I want to reinforce to the interviewer that I am the right person for the job. I don't live far from the place, and I wanted to see about taking the person to lunch. Is this considered bribing?

A: Ah, the universal longing for an interview do-over! Even the Chief Justice needed a do-over to swear in President Obama properly. You usually don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression, but perhaps there are a few actions you can try that might help. Inviting the interviewer to lunch is not one of those. No interviewer will want to risk the hint of impropriety, the suggestion that he or she can be “bought” for the price of a good meal. If anything, interviewers take applicants out to lunch to impress their future hires or to assess them in a social setting.

Q. Wondering what you think a proper answer is for: "Where do you plan to be in 5 years?"

A. Before I give you a suggested response, let me offer why I think the interviewer may be asking this question.

First, they may be looking for a candidate that is committed to joining a company for the long-term, not just the short-term. The interviewer may want to ensure that a candidate is not using this position or this employer as a short-term “stepping stone” to another role or until a better offer comes along.

I still find it surprising how many people will respond to this question (or a similar one) with an answer like, “I just want to get my foot in the door because I need the benefits but I am hoping to move into another role soon because this isn’t really what I want to do. But I need an income and the benefits.” The interviewer may then be thinking, “Do we really want to spend time and money on orienting and training this candidate when they plan to move onto another role?”

Q. I have been out of work now for nearly four months. I have had many interviews and great leads through networking. Still nothing has panned out.

Do I long for the days of the rejection letters in the US mail? At least it was closure.

A. The job search is not tennis. In a really nice (maybe not so competitive) well-played match, everyone knows their turn, they know the boundaries, they understand you are not supposed to ignore a ball hit your way, and you are supposed to try and get it back to the person who sent it to you - or at least to the other side! Sounds good, but as I said, the job search is not tennis.