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Interview Tips
1 min read

Notice periods and start dates, said plainly

Edwuma Team

Tell the employer the date you can start and what that date depends on. A vague "as soon as possible" creates a bad offer.

Employer forms often ask when you can start. The useful answer is a date, plus the condition attached to it.

Be exact

  • If you are employed, state the notice in your contract and the earliest date that implies.
  • If you need to relocate, say how long the move takes, separate from notice.
  • If you are free now, say so, and say which city you would work from.

Do not offer to walk out on a notice you are legally or ethically bound to serve, in order to look eager. Teams that need someone tomorrow will say so. Everyone else can plan.

When an offer arrives, repeat the start date in your reply so it is written down. If something changes, tell them as soon as you know, with a new date. Silence is what turns a yes into a withdrawn offer.

notice period
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