Still haven’t been reimbursed and the person responsible isn’t responding - how to handle?

[Anonymous]

WWYD?

I had an out-of-state trip in mid-December to interview with a company, and they had me charge a few items (flight and rental car) with the agreement that I would be reimbursed. They also offered reimbursement for meals up to a certain dollar amount.

I submitted my receipts 12/18. I got an email 12/22 asking that I resubmit these in PDF form, which I did within the hour. I understand the delays from the holidays, but I reached out again last Monday, and got no response. Spoke with this person’s supervisor Tuesday, who said he’d “look into it.” I emailed them back today and bcc’d their supervisor and the hiring manager I interviewed with - she established the terms of the reimbursement - and still haven’t heard ANYTHING.

I am very annoyed. I am owed over $800. How should I handle??

[Anonymous]

Reach out directly to the head of HR or CEO.

[Anonymous]

This happened to me about 35 to 40 years ago with a major stock brokerage firm in their Boston regional HQ. I was owned a bit more than the $800 that you are owed (value in today's dollars is roughly $2,100). I just let it go.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry this happened to you and agree with contacting internal HR person (with emails saying that you would be paid included.)

Is this typical, everyone, that a place out of local area wouldn't cover the costs up front for a job you don't even have yet? (It seems a bit sketchy to me, but never been in this situation.) I'd want everything covered in advance and not on my card.

[Anonymous]

It's not unheard of. Both DH and I made trips for interviews that were reimbursed. Those were with universities and well known companies.

[Anonymous]

Have you heard anything about your candidacy?

Why are you bcc’ing people? So passive aggressive.

[Anonymous]

Whoa. When I interviewed (for a job I didn’t get) I was reimbursed quite quickly.

Did you submit clear/straightforward receipts?

[Anonymous]

Do you have the reimbursement agreement in writing? I would not expect instant payment. Continue following up every few days.

[Anonymous]

This happened to me when I was on law school and interviewed with a top law firm in London. I think it took them at least a month or so to pay me back. Maybe more. I thought it was a really inconsiderate thing to do to a student.

[Anonymous]

If this had happened at my organization, the check request would have been submitted on 12/22 or 12/23, but the Dept Head who needs to approve it is would be gone until New Years. It would ideally have been approved early last week and then a check cut in the weekly run and mailed via USPS on Friday 1/9

Point being, reimbursements are not instantaneous and key people go MIA at the holidays. They should communicate better, though.