Which is better to say?

Question

If I am asked in an inverview, "When can you start if you were hired?" should I say, "I can start at any time." or should I say, "I'd like to give my employer two week's notice but if you need my right away I wouldn't have a problem giving less notice to my current boss."?

The first option is straightforward but means I would burn my bridge with my old employer but the second option tells the interviewer that I don't have good character because I'm not willing to stand up for what I believe in.

Answer 1

Good question!

If you modify the second option a bit, I think you'll have it covered. Try this:
"I'd like to give my employer two week's notice but if you need me right away, I'm sure they'll be flexible and work with me on the time frame."

Answer 2

Not employed currently = I'm availble to begin work at any time.

Employed = I would like to give my current employer 2 weeks notice (4 weeks if employed 8-11yrs, 6 wks if employed 12-15yrs and 8 wks if employed 16yrs or more with current employer.). If your qualifications are what he is looking for the position will be there for you and he really shouldn't have a problem with this if he is an ethical and straight up employer.

By indicating you wish to provide notice to the current employer you are suggesting that you are dedicated, considerate, responsible, ethical. You are standing up for what you believe in by giving your current employer the opportunity to ensure your position is adequately filled and the transition to a new employee in your position is as smooth as possible.

The future employer will take this as a good quality...he then knows that should you leave his employment, he will be garnered the same level of respect as you've shown to your past employer.

If however, this employer insists he needs someone immediately, weigh your position in your current employ and decide how large a whole will be created should you depart immediately. If you are a key employee (reception/exec asst., head clerk/cashier, supervisor, etc) then giving no notice will probably cause problems for the current employer. If however your position is part of a larger group where your departing can easily be covered by others til a replacement is found...no notice is a more viable solution IF it is necessary.

It sounds like you do wish to respect your current employer so weigh it all prior to the interview...and you'll then provide the new employer with the right answer that is best for the situation.

Besides, if this new employer has planned correctly, the new position will not be one that needs immediate filling unless it is a key position that was vacated unexpectedly.

Good luck and much success

Answer 3

No company worth working for would expect you to be there before giving your current employer two weeks notice. Even starting two weeks after accepting the job is great since many people want time off between jobs. And stating that you need to give two weeks notice does show you are an ethical person who wants to do what's right by your current employer (never hurts).

I think the best answer will always be: "Of course I need to give my current employer AT LEAST two weeks notice, but I could start soon after that."

Answer 4

I was recently in this situation. I told my new employer that I wanted to give two weeks notice to my old job. That's all. A good employer will accept that. If you would just walk away from your old job without notice, what is stopping you from doing it to your new employer? Giving two weeks notice is the right thing to do, and it makes you look like a better employee.

Answer 5

I would say "Two weeks from the date of hire" no matter what. If they want you to start right away anyway, despite wanting to give your previous employer two weeks' notice, that should be a major red flag-- that's very unprofessional of them. Unless you can work both jobs, I'd never start right away. You NEED to be good to your previous employer-- if for no other reason than you might need them for a reference in the future.

Give them a reason, make sure they know that you're only being good to your previous employer by taking two weeks. But saying you can start in two weeks should be good enough.

Answer 6

Always say that you have to give your present employer 2 weeks notice. It shows that you're a dedicated worker and you don't just look out for yourself but you give others the sense of loyalty.

Answer 7

Go with the second for sure DEPENDING on your industry. Is this an office job - you might want to add that you'd like to help get people up to speed on your duties and projects - this gives the new employer the impression that you were essential to your old job.

Answer 8

Ask to give two weeks notice, your new employer will understand and respect your courtesy to your old employer. Integrity is key.

Answer 9

Never tell prospective employer that you are willing to give less than proper notice. They will think "she might do the same to me"

Answer 10

I think if you give two weeks notice that WOULD show good character. It shows that you still have responsibilites that you can't walk away from. It also show the new boss that you would give the same respect to him if you would leave. You won't just cut and run.