1

I have been given a phone number for my interview, using which and a reference number, I can connect to any number of interviewers in a room. The drawback for me with this is that I do not have a proper data plan with my provider for this call and I will be incurring enormous charges.

How do I communicate this appropriately to the interviewer? Should I offer alternatives like them calling me on my mobile number? Will that be appropriate?

EDIT: Wanted to add that the number provided to me was a 0330 number - both of us are based in the UK. I checked with my provider and the per minute costs are 20p, working out to £50 for a 2-hour interview - more than the cost of transport to that city!

Improve this question
7
  • 6
    Can you not just use wifi?
    – Twyxz
    Jul 27, 2018 at 11:36
  • 1
    Is it the data or phone call costs that is the problem? Given the answer and the word "data plan" it sounds like the data limit, but from the rest of the question it sounds more like it is the minute cost for phone calls that is the problem. That would lead to different answers.
    – rasan076
    Jul 27, 2018 at 12:27
  • Is it normal in your region that you call employer for interview? I've never had such interview.
    – SZCZERZO KŁY
    Jul 27, 2018 at 14:54
  • I've had telephone interviews before, apparently to screen out people with good-looking resumes before in-person interviews. I've never been hired without at least one in-person interview.
    – David Thornley
    Jul 27, 2018 at 15:20
  • @Twyxz: Sorry how to make phone calls using WiFi? You mean PopTox?
    – Jara
    Jul 27, 2018 at 16:19

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
7

It's completely reasonable to mention that what they are suggesting for an interview will be very expensive. Suggest a few alternatives (Skype, the company calling you, etc). If they are really interested in you they shouldn't be put off by this. And if they are upset about it, you might not want to work for a company that is that rigid.

Improve this answer
1
  • 2
    or that tight with money
    – WendyG
    Jul 27, 2018 at 14:43
3

Find somewhere with WiFi that you can call from without impacting your data charges (you'll probably get a better connection anyway).

If you tell them that the data charges are a concern to you, you're in danger of appearing to be a bit desperate (or cheap).

Or simply buy a data bundle for your phone - paying for data upfront is usually a lot cheaper than paying fees when you blow your limit.

Improve this answer
2
  • I didn't understand - how will WiFi help to make calls?
    – Jara
    Jul 27, 2018 at 16:16
  • @Jara Smartphones (eg. Android, iPhone, etc.) can make calls over the internet using WiFi, which avoids the phone company's data usage.
    – Jim Clay
    Jul 27, 2018 at 16:21
2

Figure it out! This is a relatively easy problem to solve and not being able to do so, could make you look incompetent. Options include

  • Make sure that the access number you have isn't already toll free. Most conference call services offer toll free access numbers
  • WIFI
  • Skype calling using your laptop and headset. You can upload a few bucks on yoru skype account and use it to call numbers anyhere in the world for very little money
  • Get an international access plan from a third party provider. These are available for most countries to most countries and can be "pay as you go". I can call Germany from any phone in the US for 1c/minute using something like https://deutschlandanrufen.com/ (not affiliated, no endorsement intended)
  • Borrow a phone from a friend or family member that have an unlimited access plan or enough to share.
  • Buy a one time data package from provider
Improve this answer
2
  • +1 for the get a Skype account with outbound calling if the cell phone plan is that unworkable.
    – RandomUs1r
    Jul 27, 2018 at 15:50
  • Yes thanks, Skype calling didn't occur to me, will check the rates.
    – Jara
    Jul 27, 2018 at 16:20

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .