4 Ways Of Negotiating Start Date For Your New Job

Getting a job is the happiest moment but clearing every step of the selection process is precious. During the interview session, the employer may ask about your preferred date for joining. You must articulate your answer before replying. Don’t answer in a haste. If you find that the employer's preferred date and yours are not aligning then negotiating the start date of the new job is the only option. To do so, you must know how to negotiate a start date. At times, it may be possible that you receive the job letter and accept the offer but you are facing a problem with the new job start date. In that case, you must discuss your concern with the employer and try negotiating the start date of the job.

Negotiation is important because you need an ample amount of time between a job offer and the start date. Before the commencement of the new job, you will surely need a good amount of time to fulfill previous commitments and to give time to yourself for adjusting to a new environment.

4 Ways of Negotiating a Start Date for Your New Job

The new job comes with a lot of responsibilities and duties. Negotiating the start date helps you in expressing your point. Give yourself a break before the new job start date comes to your door point. You must be thinking about how to negotiate a start date with your employer. Negotiate your joining date in a polite, honest, and clear manner. It will increase the chances of your employer agreeing to your term. Here are the steps you can follow and convince your employer –

Be Honest

Communicate your concern with the employer regarding the joining date with honesty and clarity. Being honest can help you express your points properly. If you find that the joining date provided by the company and yours is not matching, then share your problem with the employer. By doing this, you will create an impression on the employer and he may understand your point. Also, provide them with a proper explanation as to why you need time between a job offer and the start date. You may be granted the time.

Be Specific

Put across your point in a specific and clear way. If you want a week's gap after receiving the offer letter, then talk to your employer and specifically, tell him about the same. Don’t hesitate or be afraid to speak up. If you are selected by the company, then you must possess the qualities that they were looking for. So, you don’t need to be afraid of anyone or anything. Speak your mind and express your concern. Be specific about the date of joining, this will help you as well as your employer in getting things fixed and settled.

Be Flexible

Express your points sincerely without being rigid. You have to be flexible throughout the selection process. If your job title demands urgent joining and your employer is not ready to negotiate the new job start date, then accept the offer. Being rigid and sticking to your date can cause the termination of your job offer. It will also affect your personality and portray you as an unreliable employee so you must know when and how to negotiate a start date.

Show your gratitude

Before going ahead with the negotiation process, show your gratitude and thanks to them for appreciating your ability by offering you the job. This will help you in creating a good impression on your employer. Also, they will find you sincere and apt for the job title. After that, ask for a different date for joining. Don’t jump on “negotiating start date” without showing your thankfulness to them.

Why Negotiating a Start Date is Important?

Below are the points on the significance of negotiating a start date:

Prior Commitments

Before starting a new job, you need to fulfill your aforesaid commitments. You cannot jump into a new job without giving notice to your current employer. It’s your responsibility to fulfill your prior obligations before the new job start date knocks on your door. “Negotiating start date” can be a tricky job but it is important as well. You cannot ignore your prior responsibilities, policies, and rules of your current job. So, it is advisable to negotiate the joining date of the new job.

Time for Accommodation

If you belong to a different state or city from your workplace then, you surely need to move in. Shifting to a different place is itself a complex and time-consuming process. You will surely need time between the job offer and the start date before moving in. You need time to make proper accommodations. Moving to a different place requires adjustments. Settling in an entirely new place takes time and for that, you need to negotiate the date of joining your employer.

Need to Take a Break

Time is a healing tool and so, you must give yourself a little break before commencing your work at the new job. Don’t jump on things, give yourself time for calming down. Don’t be in a rush, take time to charge yourself. You will only be able to give your best and be productive when you are in a fresh state of mind. This is only possible if you put a full stop to work for some time and go into relaxation mode. If you will not negotiate the start date of the new job, then you will be compelled to join your employer’s preferred date. This will hamper your productivity and slow down your growth.

Conclusion

While getting a job offer is an exciting time, don’t forget to clarify everything with your employer. If you both are clear on every point, the chances of misunderstandings and miscommunication will not occur. If you are aware of how to negotiate a start date then you will be able to put across your point. Negotiate your date of joining politely and make sure you don’t take any decision in a rush. Give yourself a break from work and come back with double energy. It will not only increase your productivity but also increase the growth of the company.