Getting a new job is always an exciting time. But deciding when to actually start your new role can be tricky. Here are some tips.
Listen to the Company’s Offer
In most cases, a standard job offer comes with a start date in about two weeks. This gives you time to provide notice to your current employer, while allowing the company enough time to prepare for your arrival. But if they urgently need help, you might be asked to start sooner. Or if the company still needs to run a background check or drug screening on you, the proposed start date could be a bit later.
Show Flexibility
Sometimes the start date the company offers doesn’t fit your needs. Maybe you have a long-planned vacation. Perhaps your current employer wants a month’s notice. Or you might be wrapping up a project and not want to leave your soon-to-be ex-workplace in the lurch.
Many employers will be flexible with your start date if you have a good reason for requesting a change. But you’ll need to show flexibility as well. Maybe you could start training before leaving on your vacation or work extra hours to finish up your project ahead of schedule.
Negotiate a Win-Win
The goal is to find a solution that is a win-win for both you and your new employer. To do this, you’ll need to think through why the company wants you to start on a particular date and what you can do to keep the delayed start date from becoming a problem for them. Meanwhile, lay out your own concerns about the suggested date. With a bit of honesty and open communication, you and your new boss might just land on a start date that works well for both of you.
Choosing just the right time to start a new job isn’t always easy. But following the tips above can help to ensure that you start off on the right foot. After all, you’ll need good negotiation skills throughout your career, so it only makes sense to start practicing them now.
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