Negotiating a Start Date for a New Job

Negotiating a Start Date for a New JobNegotiating a Start Date for a New JobYou have just landed a great job offer, and you are thrilled, but the employer wants you to departure earlier or later than would be optimal. Is there a way to change your abflug date without sending the wrong signal to your prospective employer? Whats the best way to ask to change the time frame for when you abflug your position? Can you negotiate the start date for a new job? Tips for Negotiating a Start Date for a New Job In most cases, a typical start date is two weeks from when you accepted the job offer. However, depending on the job and the employer, it could be as much as a month, or it could be sooner if the company needs to get someone on board immediately. If youre not able to start on the employers preferred date, you dont want to take a chance on losing a job offer because of your lack of availability.Be careful how you discuss it. Dont say that you cant start then. Instead, see if there is a ny room for negotiation. If you frame your request carefully, you may be able to start on a date thats a perfect fit for your schedule. Salary isnt the only thing thats negotiable in a job offer. Your start date, along with some benefits and perks may be something you can negotiate. Start by saying thank you. Your immediate response to an attractive job offer should always be enthusiasm at the prospect of working for the employer, so there is no doubt that you are very pleased to receive their offer. If youaccept the job offerfirst, then discuss a start date, youll likely be able to negotiate something that fits both your needs and those of your new employer. Options for Asking to Delay Your Start Date If the employer wants you to start earlier than you would like, be prepared to offer a solid rationale.Reasons for postponing the start date night include a contractual obligationwith your current employer or company policy which requires a longer period of notification.Explain th e circumstances to the employer, and ask if there is any flexibility. Another possibility would be to explain a commitment you have made to your current employer to follow through with a project or to train your successor.Most employers will respect your dedication to your current organization since they will hope to receive the same consideration. If you have an already planned vacation or event that might impact your start date, such as your daughters wedding in Jamaica or a family reunion thats already scheduled, the employer might also be willing to accommodate you. Sometimes making yourself available for some training before your official start can help to bridge a gap. If feasible,perhaps you could use leftover vacation time at your old job to start training for the new one. Reasons Employers May Not Need You to Start Immediately Less common is a scenario whereby your new employer would like you to start at a later date. However, there are a variety of reasons why employer s may schedule a start date further in the future than you expected. It could be because the company needs to run a hintergrund check or a drug screen. If thats the case, they will schedule your starting day for after the results come back. The person you are replacing also may have given a longer notice than usual, and the company may not want to have two people on the payroll for the same job at the same time. The company may have budgeted for the position to start on a set date, or may not need the help immediately. When You Are Available to Start Sooner In some instances, your current employer may have a policy or practice where they let staff go once they learn about a new job commitment. You may be available to work sooner than the new employer expects. When youre collecting unemploymentor are out of unemployment benefits, the earlier your start date,the sooner your paychecks will start. Even though it may not be an option, it wont hurt to ask if there is a chance you can start sooner than the date mentioned by the employer. If you dont ask, youll never know if you could have started at a more convenient time. Approach your prospective employer, express your excitement about getting started as soon as possible, and let them know the implications for you if your start date is so far into the future.Explain that youre available and willing to start as soon as possible if it would be feasible. Be Flexible As with all employment negotiations, be ready for some give and take with both your current and prospective employers.For example, if your current employer prefers a months notice, you mention that your prospective employer wants you to start in two weeks and try to land on a start date three weeks into the future. Once you have agreed on your start date, take the time to get ready to start your new job so theres a smooth, and stress-free, transition. Getting organized ahead of time will make it much easier to get your new job off to a great start.