You’ve applied, interviewed and are waiting for the job offer that you hope is coming. Then, the offer is made and you accept it, but even though the interview is over, one more question for you awaits.
“When can you start?”
How you answer that question depends on your current situation.
• No ladder. If you aren’t currently working, tell your new employer you could start tomorrow. If that isn’t possible because of child care or prior plans, ask the manager when they’d like you to start. They might want you to start the next day, or they might prefer to wait until the start of a work week or pay period. Of course, if you want a paycheck as soon as possible, starting tomorrow is your best bet.
• Middle rungs. Giving two weeks’ notice is pretty standard if you are already employed. This provides you with ample time to complete or reassign any current projects. When some people turn in their notice, they are told to immediately clear out their workstations and are shown the door. If you think that might happen, tell your future boss. Explain that you are going to turn in your two week’s notice but mention the possibility that you might be available sooner.
• Top of the ladder. If you are a manager or have an upper-level position, giving three weeks’ notice is a safe bet. Given your position in the company, two weeks might not be long enough to make a clean break. It’s important to never burn bridges with former employers, and this is especially tricky for those in high-level positions.
• Pack up the ladder. If you are relocating to a new city or state, starting in four weeks or a month is reasonable. If your new employer balks at your timeframe, try and work out a financial arrangement where you can start earlier while not being burdened with bills from two residences for an extended period of time. You’ll have the stress of leaving a job, packing up your worldly possessions, finding somewhere to live and moving. Not to mention dealing with packing and unpacking, change of address notification and all the other headaches associated with a move.
What did you do the last time you changed jobs? Did you give your notice in person, electronically or in writing?
Comments
how do i no if you are not like the other temp. companys. yeah they want you to sign up but never get you a job. it seems to me the more people the temps have singed up the more they get from the government. all the temps say they have jobs waiting, but after you sign up the has be giving out or that ad is old or placed there all the time. i would to sign up with express, but will it be the same are a low playing job with no chance of hire. thank you
Express finds jobs for about 350,000 people a year, so we have a good track record of finding work for job seekers. Sometimes, employees can’t be immediately placed in a job because their skills don’t match our openings. But, it’s our goal to find workers jobs that match their skills and interests. Nearly 70% of our associates are eventually offered full-time employment and associates are eligible for health insurance after beginning a job. To find out if your local office has job openings that match your skills, go to http://www.expresspersonnel.com/us/locations/search.aspx. I recommend giving the office a call or stopping by to meet with a staffing consultant. Best wishes in your job search!