If the interview goes well, and the interviewer asks…”when can you start?” what is the best way to handle this question?

It depends.

Situation 1. They have made you an offer, the job and the compensation plan are to your liking. But you are helping out at a volunteer agency that really needs your help for about a month longer. You are afraid the new company will want you to start sooner.

As always, honesty is always the best policy and should govern all that you do. If you have made a commitment, it is best to keep your commitment. I would recommend discussing it with both the new company and the volunteer agency. Perhaps you could work part-time, for both or either. The key issue for you is to do your best to keep the job offer while maintaining your own personal commitments. Most companies have a little bit of flexibility for the right person and will make some adjustments. This is one of those worrisome situations that might cause a sleepless night or two…but just think it through and be open and honest.

Situation 2. They have not yet made you an offer. You are working and feel like you must give at least two weeks’ notice.

This one is more typical and fairly simple. You can simply say that assuming we are in agreement here, I can give my current employer two weeks’ notice, so my start date will be….. If the company says they want you to start sooner, the best way to handle this is to say that you would be happy to see if your current employer will allow you to leave sooner…but that the decision should be theirs. You are more than willing to do what you can on your offtime to get started.

Situation 3. You are not currently working.

Also simple. Just let them know that you are ready and willing to begin as soon as they are ready for you.

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