When would you be available to start? (+10 Examples)

How to Answer

Before your interview, make sure you have a start date in mind for the new employer. You may need to give two weeks to your previous position. If you are unemployed, perhaps you can start right away. In either situation, be prepared with an affirmative answer.

If you are currently working, you should always show professionalism by offering two weeks' notice to your current employer. No hiring manager is ever impressed when they hear 'I can quit my job today and start tomorrow!' Show that you are professional and reliable in all situations.

Professional Answer Examples

General
Answer example

"I am currently unemployed and am willing to start as soon as needed."

Admin
Answer example

"Could you share with me your ideal start date? I am happy to be flexible. However, I will need to give at least two weeks' notice to my current employer."

Manager
Answer example

"I am currently looking for a career change within a 6-week turnaround timeline after an offer letter is signed. This timeline would give me enough time to smoothly transition my team and help to find and train my replacement."

Marketing
Answer example

"I need to give my employer two weeks' notice. Due to my length of employment, it is possible that I may need to work an additional week if they were to request it of me to aid in the transition to the next content manager, but I am available immediately following. Can you clarify your timeline for me?"

Retail
Answer example

"I would need to give my current store the courtesy of two weeks' notice, but I am available anytime after that! Looking forward to getting started!"

Sales
Answer example

"I would need to give the customary two weeks' notice to my current company so that they could choose if they want me to stay and transition accounts or make it my last day. But, out of courtesy to them, I need to let them make that final decision."

Teacher
Answer example

"I plan to finish out this school year so that I can offer my students a clean transition. Will this timeframe work for you?"

Clinical Research
Answer example

"As a professional courtesy, I would like to give my current employer two weeks' notice. I could start anytime after that."

Chef
Answer example

"I can quit my job today and start tomorrow!"

Restaurant Manager
Answer example

"I am currently unemployed and am willing to start as soon as needed."

Written by:

Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is a job search expert, executive headhunter, career catalyst, and interview coach. Utilized by top talent from Fortune companies like Microsoft, General Electric, and Nestle, she helps professionals position themselves in today's competitive digital marketplace. Rachelle founded Renovate My Resume and Executive Resume Solutions, two companies focused on helping job seekers get their edge back. She helps everyone from new graduates looking for their first placement, to CEO's who want more out of their career. Rachelle coaches students to executives on how to master the toughest interview questions and how to handle the most bizarre interview situations; all with confidence and poise. Rachelle trains other career coaches, recruiters, and resume writers, globally. A big part of her job is also spent coaching HR professionals on how to bring the human touch back into their interview and hiring process.

Ryan Brown

Ryan Brown, is the creator of MockQuestions. He has over ten years experience creating interview questions. His website has helped over 10 million job seekers in their interview preparation.

Published: 06/29/2018
*Specific career answer examples vary on published date

View user-submitted Answers

When would you be available to start?

In two weeks.

My employer requires me to give of notice before I leave.

I'm available to start this position as soon as I finish my placement which is done on May 27th.

When would you be available to start?

1 of 30 Telephone Interview Questions and Answers Written by Rachelle Enns

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