If you have recently been offered a job or are preparing for an interview, the hiring manager will often ask you your available start time. Although this may seem like an easy question to answer, it does take some time to think through and prepare.
You have to consider many factors. If you are currently employed, you need to check out your employer’s rules about leaving and if you have to complete a notice period. You also may want to factor in your projects in your current role and tie up any loose ends.
So, if you’d like advice on How to Answer “When Can You Start”?… just keep reading!
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Prepare An Answer Before They Ask the Question
It may be a little hopeful but come prepared for your interview knowing your answer. For example, if a potential employer asks about your availability to start, you don’t want to stumble on your words or sound unsure. It’s better to give yourself an extra week so you can be sure everything goes smoothly with your current employer.
If you are unemployed, you’d still better not answer with ‘tomorrow.’ After all, you may need to prepare your work uniform and adjust your schedule. Instead, give yourself a few weeks to accept the role and organize your other commitments, whether it’s child care or planning your commute.
Don’t burn bridges…
Be careful if the potential employer wants you to start earlier than you state. It would help if you reiterated that your current work commitments are still important to you, and you wouldn’t want to put your current employers in a bad situation. This looks good on you too. It shows you are a committed individual who is loyal and has strong morals.
How to Answer?
Many things factor into this as it depends on your current situation.
Notice on Contract
It is essential to check your contract and how much notice you need to provide. You may not remember this if you started your job years ago, so pull it out or speak to HR, so you are aware of the rules and procedures.
Work Commitments
If you are currently working on a project with clients, it will look unprofessional to leave the job incomplete. Although you could do this if your contract states, however, it doesn’t look great on you as a person if you can’t finish the job.
This is especially the case if you are going to a similar role with another company that may cross paths with that client again; they won’t want to work with you if you can’t finish the job or leave it halfway through.
Personal Plans
Perhaps you have used all your vacation and sick leave, and the contract states you must work a certain amount of days. You may not receive your full payment before you leave. So if you have commitments and a mortgage to pay, you should factor this in too.
Sample Answers If You Are Currently Employed
If you are currently employed, you want to still sound enthusiastic about the new job prospect. Show your loyalty to your current company and don’t give out too much information. Be truthful and honest but keep it straightforward.
Example 1:
“I am currently still employed, so I would have to complete my notice according to my contract. I have to work a four-week notice to start on Monday 25th of September.”
Example 2:
“I am currently involved in a work project that I hope to complete within three weeks. I want to complete the task for my clients and tie up any loose ends. Once it is complete, I can start immediately after that.”
Example 3:
“I am currently working on something for a client that will finish in six weeks. Suppose the project ends before I would be willing to start as soon as it is complete. I will, however, be ready to start on Monday 18th of August if that works for you.”
Example 4:
“In my current role, I have to give a two-week notice period. I am happy to start as soon as that is over. ”
Example 5:
“Ideally, my start date would be the 1st of July; however, if you require me sooner, I am happy to be flexible and work something out together that works for us both.”
Taking A Break Between Jobs
With limited vacation time throughout the year, it might be in your interest to take a little break between jobs, only if this is possible for you financially, of course. Some people like to split the time and go on a vacation or just generally take a well-needed rest.
You don’t want to give too much away to your potential employer and tell them you want a break. Just offer a later start date, and if it works for them, great. If they wish to have you sooner, you can offer some flexibility.
If You are Currently Unemployed
This is a little easier as you don’t have any work commitments; however, you may have financial commitments. If you need to start right away as you have bills to pay, that’s fine.
However, if you can take a few days before jumping back into the world of employment, it may be better for you to mentally prepare and physically prepare for the role.
Make sure you’re prepared first…
You’ll feel a weight lift off your shoulders if you have been on the job hunt for some time; therefore, it may be nice for you to take a few days to relax and get prepared for work. You may spend the time buying a new uniform, organizing childcare, looking into your new commute, or simply doing a food shop and getting your house prepared for your life back at work.
Example 1:
(If you urgently need to start work). “I can start tomorrow or whenever you need me. Anytime this week suits me.”
Example 2:
“I would greatly appreciate a few weeks to prepare for returning to work. I can start the week beginning the 20th of July if you need me earlier though I can be flexible.”
Example 3:
“I would appreciate a few days and the weekend to get ready and organize childcare. That means I am available to start the following Monday!”
When Do You Need Me?
Suppose you go with this answer instead of having a pre-planned start date, ok. However, be prepared that the employer may offer an unrealistic start date. Whether you have other commitments or have a more extended notice period at work, you should always reply positively and quickly.
Suppose they offer a start date that works for you, great! You don’t have to worry about anything else. However, if it doesn’t work for you, speak up.
Example 1:
“Unfortunately, I can’t start on Monday 2nd. I have to complete three weeks’ notice with my current employer. Is Monday 24th ok for you?”
Example 2:
“Unfortunately, I have other work commitments and a project I need to complete with my current employer. I want to stay fair and loyal to them and finish the job. It is possible to start in four weeks instead if that would suit you. I apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to working with you.”
Example 3:
“I can’t start on that date. Unfortunately, it’s impossible for me due to my current work commitments. I am, however, available from the 28th of February. I hope that works for you too.”
Top Tips For Answering “When Can You start”?
Don’t say tomorrow!
Although it makes you sound very excited and eager to start the job, give yourself a little time to prepare yourself. If you accept the job on a Friday, you may think after the weekend is enough time to get yourself sorted, that’s great. But if you want a little more time, go with the safe bet, and that’s usually around one week.
Give Notice
Please, don’t leave your employer hanging and quit on a whim. Even if you detest your job, you must finish your notice period. You may need a reference in the future, and you don’t want to leave on bad terms. If you like your colleagues too, do it for them and finish your work. You wouldn’t appreciate an extra job load because someone couldn’t complete their job commitments.
Wait for The Job Offer
It is easy to get excited and ahead of yourself, but please do not hand in your notice until confirmation is written in an email or on paper. Make sure you have signed something for your new job before giving up your old one.
Too often, employment can fall through, or something doesn’t work out, so make sure to wait until everything is certain before informing your current employers.
An official job offer should include the following information;
- Job Title
- Company Name
- Hiring Manager
- Salary
- Location
- Expected Start Date
Verbal agreements between you and the hiring manager are great, but most importantly, a confirmation email or interaction between you both to solidify your agreement is best before giving your notice.
If you Don’t Know, Don’t make it Up.
If you are unsure about your notice period (the average is two weeks for the US), don’t make it up on the spot. You can always say no later than six weeks, but please let me get back to you with a specific date. Once your interview is complete, you can email them the same day when you check your contract.
Let’s Help You Ace That Interview!
Interviews can be daunting, no matter how many you’ve been to. So, we’ve put together additional interview advice on How To Answer What Are You Passionate About, my Strengths And Weaknesses For Job Interviews, or perhaps Why We Should Hire You, How Do You Handle Stress, or how to Answer Why Best Candidate Position.
Next, we’ve also covered How Would You Describe Yourself, or even Why Do You Want To Work Here, What Are Your Career Goals, and What Are You Most Proud Of, or How Do You Handle Conflict, and What Makes You Unique and finally the Best Questions To Ask In An Interview to see if you are fully prepared.
If you’re still not feeling confident, check out these insightful guides on the subject such as 60 Seconds and You’re Hired!, the Knock ’em Dead Job Interview: How to Turn Job Interviews Into Job Offers, or How to Answer Interview Questions, the High-Impact Interview Questions, Fire Interview: The Storyteller Method and The Key to Landing A Job – The Interview all available online in 2023.
Final Thoughts
As much as “when can you start” may sound like a simple question, make sure to do your research before answering. If you are currently employed, you should always check before attending an interview.
You should check your notice period and be well aware of any projects you need to finish. Also, remember, it’s ok to take some time off between jobs to get ready and rest before a new exciting opportunity.
All the very best in starting your new adventure!
