“When Can You Start?” 3 Ways to Answer the Interview Question

I remember in one of the interviews, I was asked when I was ready to start if given the offer. I was totally unprepared for that question and I was caught off guard. I panicked and what came to my mind was to say “tomorrow”. The interviewer smiled and noted that on her notebook and I thought I had made a great impression. Ultimately, I was not offered the job.

I know many candidates believe that the best way to land a job is to show that they are flexible and most are like me who can be tempted to respond that they can start immediately even if they are still working.

I later booked a one-on-one interview coaching session where Mary, an expert in coaching professionals preparing for interviews helped me to understand how to tackle such and other interview inquiries.  

“This question can be approached from different angles but you need to understand the employer’s perspective because they have a timeline.” She pointed out.

Here are three ways to answer the question depending on the situation.

1. Put Your Notice Period Into Consideration

If you are still working and you have gotten a new job, it is important to let your employer know that you are leaving.

Give a notice period and leave professionally and positively so that you get a smooth transition to a new job, remember ‘never bang a door while going because you might need it while coming back.’

Keep in mind the employment contract that you signed with your employer and figure out the appropriate time that will allow you to serve the notice period.

Claiming that I was ready to begin immediately yet I was still working and my contract required me to give a notice of two weeks, was a red flag to the employers.

This is how I was supposed to answer the interview inquiry according to Mary, “If considered for the role, I will request two weeks because I still have a few things to finalize in my role. I am planning to serve a two-weeks notice so that I hand it over to someone and will be happy to come onboard after that time.”

2. Consider The Needs Of The New Company

When researching and preparing for the common interview questions, get the idea of how urgent the role is and when the employer needs the successful candidate to report.

I have seen many job posts that encourage candidates who are not working to apply especially if the role requires to be filled immediately.

If you are not working or you don’t need time off in your previous role and the role requires you to report immediately, you can convey your flexibility to start as soon as they need you to start.

For example, “my ideal start date is in a week- time but I am flexible and I’d be happy to figure out the appropriate date that works with your timeline.”

3. Consider A Time Off Before You Start

One of our recruitment managers was giving me a story of a candidate who had said that he was willing to start immediately because he was not working but didn’t report on the same day. He later wrote an email claiming that he had financial constraints and was not able to relocate.

When answering the cross-examinations questions with the interviewer about your availability to begin the role, give yourself a realistic timeline to prepare for the new job, for example, the time to relocate.

“Since this role requires me to relocate from where I reside, what timeline do you think is appropriate for a candidate who is transitioning from another place I am thinking two weeks will be suitable for me?”

Finally

When answering the “when can you start?” inquiry during the interview, show your enthusiasm for starting as soon as possible but never dismiss the obligations you have with your present employer. Have a mutual agreement in case your timeline does not align with what the employer is looking for.

Wondering how to tackle this and other common interview queries? Invest in mock-interview coaching and get our coach to help you today!