Deciding the right time to start after job offer

By Peter Kamuri

Kenya: For the last six months, Christopher has been looking for an alternative job. He wants to move out of his current station. He feels that the position he holds is less competitive.

He has made endless applications for both advertised and non-advertised jobs. However, last week, he got an invitation to attend a job interview in one of the companies he had applied to.

 He was confident of clinching the job. But when he thought the deal is sealed, the tough interview question came: “If you are hired, when would you take up the position?”

This question threw Christopher into a spin. He does not know whether his answer will jeopardise the chances of securing the job. He is startled, before he mumbles something incomprehensible for an answer. Christopher is not alone in this kind of predicament.

Many job seekers, including seasoned ones planning for a career change, often find it difficult to handle this interview question. Deciding when to start working after an interview can be tricky.

Being honest

 This is regardless of whether one is already working or is a first time job. However, the basic rule is that, ‘be as honest as possible.’

Sometimes, due to some commitments, it may be impossible to start working immediately. You should tell the interviewer the correct position in a positive way.

In most cases, you will be told if they cannot wait beyond a specific date. Due to desperation, many unemployed job seekers think they can impress a prospective employer by saying that they will be available immediately but later they fail to meet their own deadlines. Never promise anything that you cannot deliver.

On the other hand, if you are currently working, you need to give your present employer some time to find your replacement. This will allow for a smooth transition. If the would be employer discovers that you do not have regard for the former employers, he may conclude that you are unprofessional and do not know how to treat employers fairly.

What will stop you from repeating the same in future? It is good to leave the current employer in a friendly manner.

Relevant experience

After all, he could be the one who helped you to develop your current skills and the relevant experience that is now giving you leverage in the job you are seeking.

However, the time you may need to hand over your responsibility to other colleagues may vary from one organisation to another. It may also vary from one job to the other. Some may take days while others take months.

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