During job interviews, employers are likely to inquire about your availability to work as soon as possible, especially if the position you are applying for is currently open and essential to the company’s operations.
What the interviewer wants to know
First and foremost, the interviewer wants to know when you will be available to work. They are likely hoping that you will be able to start working sooner rather than later.
However, they will also pay attention to how you answer, not just when you will be ready to work. If it seems like you are willing to leave your current employer in a difficult position, the interviewer will worry that you will do the same to the new employer if you are hired. This is another reason why it’s better to give a two-week notice (or whatever notice is required by any employment contract).
How to answer the question
What should you do if your current employer wants you to stay longer? What about when you want to take some time between jobs? There are several different options to choose from when discussing your start date for a new position.
When you are available immediately
Generally, the best answer is to express your willingness to start working as soon as possible. The employer will be pleased with your flexibility, and this will help ensure a smooth transition into the new role.
However, if you have another job during the application process for a new job, you should be careful in your response. This type of question can be a mechanism to test your ethics.
When you need to give two weeks’ notice (or more)
You may have a commitment that requires giving a longer notice. In this case, if vacation days can be used for training or orientation, let the potential employer know about your availability.
You should offer a two-week notice; however, your current employer may offer you the option to leave earlier. While this is unlikely, there are situations when an employee is told to leave immediately once they give notice. If that happens after you’ve been hired, you can mention that you are available to start earlier than you initially expected. Again, do not mention any exceptions to the standard guidelines at this point.
When you want more time before starting
Employees often want to take some time between jobs. You may want to take a vacation, some time to relax, or need to relocate.
If you need time to relocate for the job, it’s acceptable to inquire about the best timing that suits the company. After all, you will need time to move to the new location.
Or perhaps you just want to take some time to relax, so you feel refreshed on your first day in the new position. This scenario is more challenging to navigate.
It’s not ideal to share this information before receiving a firm job offer. Instead, you can use the question to find out the interviewer’s preferred start date. You may find that their timeframe is more flexible than you thought.
Overall, it is generally acceptable to indicate your need for an adjustment period as long as you also express great enthusiasm for the job and some flexibility to accommodate the employer’s needs. You can always frame your response as being helpful to the employer, as it will give you a few extra days to be ready to start working.
Examples of the best responses
Ideal Response #1
According to the terms of my contract, I am required to give three weeks’ notice. However, I can start the day after that, once this requirement is met. I am eager to meet the rest of the team and get started.
Why
You work: Your enthusiasm and desire to start as soon as possible are evident in this answer. Although the hiring manager may wish you could start earlier, they will respect the fact that you are loyal to your current employer. Remember that interviewers assume you will treat them the same way you treated your previous employers. So, be positive even if you have complaints about the company or your current contract.
The Ideal Answer #2
I can start immediately, if that works for you. When do you hope to have the team in place?
Why it works: Any hiring manager will be happy to hear that you are available immediately. However, don’t offer this answer with excessive details about why you can start immediately. There’s no need to remind the interviewer that you are unemployed, for example.
The Ideal Answer #3
I will need to give a two-week notice, of course, but after that I am ready to start.
Why it works: Again, hiring managers want to know that you will be loyal to their company and treat your new colleagues with care. This answer makes it clear that you will not leave your team in a bind.
Tips for Giving the Best Answer
Be flexible and accommodating. Your answer to this question should address the employer’s needs. So, try to be as flexible and accommodating as possible in your response. Avoid making it about you, even if you have conflicts that prevent you from starting sooner.
Be honest. If you know you will need extra time after your two-week notice and won’t be able to start until three weeks after accepting the job offer, be upfront during the interview and application process. If you aren’t, you might start the job off on the wrong foot – with your manager feeling you are not being honest.
What Not to Say
Don’t provide too much detail. The interviewer doesn’t need to know your entire life story. There’s no need to delve into specific details about your moving plan, the honeymoon you have on your calendar, or specifics about your current work contract. You can simply say “I’ll need to check the details of my current contract, but I’m definitely eager to start working immediately,” or “I have a trip in August, so we may need to arrange the schedule around that, but I’ll be eager to start working right away.”
Avoid setting specific dates. Interviewers are interested in your time frame and availability. Unless this question is prefaced with “We would like to offer you the job,” it is not a job offer. So, you don’t need to set a specific date at this stage – just let the interviewer know if you will be able to start immediately, within two weeks, or if you will need a little more time.
Potential Follow-Up Questions
What will you miss most about your previous job? – Best answers What are your salary requirements? – Best answers Do you have any questions for me? – Best answers
The Takeaway
Be flexible: If possible, try to meet the employer’s needs.
Be honest: If you need more time than the standard two weeks, be open about that when asked.
Don’t provide excessive details: No need to get into the nitty-gritty about dates before receiving a solid job offer.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/interview-questions-about-when-you-can-start-work-2060985
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