Quote: Original post by Anonymous Poster
Every company I've worked at has flown people out for interviews and paid moving expenses. This includes companies from giant developer/publishers to small 'indie' (in terms of publisher association) companies. And yes, this includes college freshies.

If the company has any kind of success/revenue, it should not be an issue for them to handle these costs. The cost of employing someone is far higher, and it pays to get the right person, no matter where they are from.

Hmm. There seems to be a difference of opinions. Is it okay to apply to a company twice: Once out of town and again to let them know I've recently moved nearby?

Edit: I only ask because human resources might end up getting the resumes confused.

- Evan

I don't have much experience with game companies in particular, but companies hiring CS and Engineering students fresh out of college will fly prospective employees out in almost all cases for interviews. In fact, some companies even fly candidates for internships out. I don't know if this also applies to game companies, but I would assume so since they are in the CS realm.

I have to agree with Tom. If I had a tremendous amount of applicants coming in, most local and a few out of state - about the only reason I would bring an out of state guy in would be if his skills/resume/demo completely smashed all of the local applicants.

It's an interesting risk... For me, I know I will live in California after college, so I absolutely have no problem moving out there to drop that extra hurdle before applying.

You're going to get different perspectives because it has worked for some people and not for others. Don't let it discourage you, but just be aware of the reason.

Afraid I have to agree with Tom. Companies do pay to relocate new employees IF they have experience and skills the company can't get locally. With new graduates going for entry level positions that isn't the case. There are always more applicants than jobs so there is no need for employers to pay relocation.

Similarly they will hire someone who is already local over someone who isn't. Relocating can be expensive and stressful for some people and companies don't want to take the chance that a new hire will back out because they can't find suitable accommodation or find that they aren't happy.