Best Answers to the question:(ranked by the quality)
1. Xuelei - August 17 2008 (Answer ID: 285)
I have three suggestions to answer the question, "When can you start to work if hired?".
First, be honest. Never promise anything you can't deliver. For example, if you can't start to work until one month later, tell the interviewer the truth. However, explain it in a positive way. Check my samples for details.
Second, show you are eager to contribute to the new team as early as possible.
Finally, if you are currently hired, give your present employer some time to find your replacement and make a smooth transfer.
I make the suggestion for two reasons:
1. This is simply the right thing to do. Your current employer offered you the job opportunity some time ago, and they made a contribution to your career development. They deserve the respect.
2. The interviewer will like it. It proves that you are professional and understand how to treat employers fairly.
Example 1:
Scenario:
You are a senior student, and you will graduate in May. Now you are taking an interview in March. Suppose you can not start to work until May because you need to finish lots of papers and finals during the meantime. To make the situation tough, let's assume you get the interview by directly applying through the company's website, because on-campus recruiting program usually don't expect students to start before they graduate.
Sample Answer:
"I hope my start date will be sometime in May, after I graduate.
I understand it is two months from now. While I'm very eager to start as soon as possible, I have lots of papers and finals to complete before graduation. I want to concentrate on my academic study at this time, so when I start to work, I won't be distracted by anything, and will be fully devoted to make great contribution to the team. I want to emphasize again that I'm very interested in the position and I think it's a great long term career opportunity.”
Example 2:
Scenario:
You are still employed at company A. Now you are applying for a position at company B.
Sample Answer:
"If I'm offered the position, which in my view is a great match to my skills, experiences, and career plan, I will be eager to start as soon as possible. However, I will highly appreciate if you can give me some time, such as two weeks, so I can transfer the responsibility at my current employer to the colleagues."
Comment: the actual time you need to transfer your responsibility to the colleagues vary from job to job. For some jobs, several days are enough. Some other jobs may require one month for a smooth transfer. Just use your best estimate.
Possible follow up question:
In most cases the interviewer will be satisfied with the answer. Now let's assume, for some reasons, the new employer urgently needs somebody to take the position, what should you do?
You may want to work with the employer to find a solution which meets both the company's business needs and your own schedule. For example, if the interviewer says:" Usually we don't mind waiting for two weeks. But we have a special case here. There is a one-day training program next Thursday. If the new hire misses it, he may need to wait for several months before a similar training program will be organized. “You can answer:” The training program is certainly useful and important. I want to emphasize that I'm really interested in the opportunity and want to develop the career at your company in the long run. I'm sure we can find a solution to any short term schedule problem. For instance, I can take next Thursday off, from my current employer, to participate the training program, and officially start to work after two weeks. Is this arrangement OK?"
2. Libra - August 12 2008 (Answer ID: 251)
I would say that 2 weeks is the maximum transition time. (Maybe even pushing it) Your new employer will want this position filled as quickly as possible, while you may have yet to turn in your 2 weeks with your previous company or maybe even secretly plotting a getaway week vacation. The more time you need, the bigger and better explanation you should supply to the interviewer. Don't be embarrassed to discuss your yet-resignation. It's actually quite common, and is seen as a safety net.
3. Matt - August 18 2008 (Answer ID: 310)
Answers will vary based on your true availibility:
Say tomorrow if you are currently unemployed. Say two/three/four weeks from tomorrow if you are currently employed and have to give your notice to a current employer.
4. Sondra - September 28 2008 (Answer ID: 642)
You might have an employment contract that requires you to give even 60 days notice. Hopefully,your new employer will respect this and see it as a positive reflection on your character. This has been the case for me with my last job, and hopefully my next job!
5. pcrayton - October 03 2008 (Answer ID: 650)
I can start tomorrow, or the next start date this position begins.
6. Miss Lady - October 26 2008 (Answer ID: 706)
Next week
7. archie - February 04 2009 (Answer ID: 1223)
Now, after my interview.
8. JEAP - August 16 2008 (Answer ID: 283)
Any suggestions for me? i have an out of state interview on 9/2/08/. I live in WI and would be relocating to MI. All appreciated. Thanx
9. mitch - June 17 2009 (Answer ID: 2095)
I can start at your convenience. When would you like me to start.
when do you want me to start ask to the employer and they will tell you the date and time they have got and then decide weather it suites you or not if it does say that's fine i will be there on time.
Suggest an Answer to the Question or Make a Comment
When can you start to work if hired?
(Question ID: 156) Contributor: Xuelei
1. Xuelei - August 17 2008 (Answer ID: 285)
2. Libra - August 12 2008 (Answer ID: 251)
5. pcrayton - October 03 2008 (Answer ID: 650)
6. Miss Lady - October 26 2008 (Answer ID: 706)
8. JEAP - August 16 2008 (Answer ID: 283)
9. mitch - June 17 2009 (Answer ID: 2095)