I wanted to check if it is a common practise for big 4 consulting companies not to pay for travel expenses when calling for interviews? I do understand that depending upon situation it may / may not be much money. But what I am not sure whether it also reflects seriousness of the situation? Or indeed these firms do have a policy for not to pay for any travel expenses related to interviews.I had experience with accenture where it seems they cover partly upto 150 pounds but then I came across other firms where they donot pay anything. Pls. advise on this situation. How to deal with this? Money is not the issue but how to make sure that they are indeed also serious. If it is a general policy which all of you confirm then I think there is no issue.

so you say money is not an issue, yet you write a whole post asking about it?

If they are taking the time to interview you, they are generally serious. Think about this way - a mid level practitioner's billable rate will be about £150/£200 p/hour. That's how much they are spending to interview you.

folks,I almost knew the risk that I would have kind of replies I received :)May be I should have been more crisp in my question --What would be firm's rationale for not footing these expenses? Some do and other not.Still in both cases firm's are willing to hire a recruiting agency to fill in positions which might charge an amount close to any where up to six months of consultants salary! In that respect travel expenses is peanuts amount. Am I completely off in my thinking here?

I dunno to be honest. Tax reasons perhaps?

Are you coming from overseas? As far as I was aware all the Big 4 cover expenses up to a certain figure i.e. the £150 you mentioned. I haven't experienced an occasion when I haven't been reimbursed.