When can you start?

When can you start?

When asked “When can you start?” at the end of an interview, your answer will depend on your current employment status and any prior commitments. Here’s how to structure your response:

Structure Your Answer #

1. Be Honest and Clear: Provide a realistic start date based on your current situation.
2. Express Enthusiasm: Show your excitement about the opportunity.
3. Consider Notice Period: If currently employed, mention the notice period you need to give your current employer.
4. Offer Flexibility: If possible, show your willingness to negotiate a start date that works for both you and the employer.

Example Answers #

1. If You Are Currently Employed: “I am excited about this opportunity and would be eager to join the team. I am currently employed and would need to give my employer a two-week notice. Therefore, I could start [two weeks from your potential offer date]. However, I am open to discussing a start date that works best for your team.”

2. If You Are Not Currently Employed: “I am very enthusiastic about the role and am available to start immediately. However, I am flexible and open to a start date that works best for your team.”

3. If You Need Time for Relocation or Other Personal Commitments: “I am very excited about this opportunity. I would need [mention the amount of time] to manage my relocation/personal commitments, so I could start on [specific date]. However, I am flexible and can adjust to accommodate the team’s needs.”

4. If You Have Upcoming Prior Commitments (e.g., Vacation): “I am thrilled about the opportunity and am looking forward to joining your team. I do have a prior commitment that I need to fulfill, so I would be able to start on [specific date]. If there’s any flexibility needed around this, I’d be happy to discuss it further.”

Tips for Answering #

1. Be Honest: Always provide a truthful and realistic start date.
2. Be Enthusiastic: Show your eagerness to join the company.
3. Consider Your Notice Period: If currently employed, account for the standard notice period required by your employer.
4. Be Flexible: If possible, show your willingness to work with the company’s preferred timeline.
5. Be Prepared to Negotiate: Understand that start dates can sometimes be flexible and open to negotiation based on both your needs and the company’s requirements.

Example Dialogue #

Interviewer: “When can you start?”

You: “I am very excited about the opportunity to join your team. Currently, I am employed and would need to give my employer a two-week notice. Therefore, I could start on [specific date two weeks from the potential offer date]. However, I am open to discussing a start date that works best for your team.”

Or

You: “I am thrilled about the opportunity and am available to start immediately. However, I am flexible and open to discussing a start date that aligns with your team’s needs.”

By structuring your response this way, you show that you are eager to start the new role while also being considerate of your current commitments and the company’s needs.