Key Interview Questions: Availability

Many applicants are very motivated and will mark the “availability” section as immediately. This could be a good and a bad move. Most employer are looking for applicants to start within the next week or so, in comparison to the interviewing date. But, keep in mind you don’t want to look “too” available. If applicants appear to be “too” available employers are likely to wonder why. Here are some tips for you when you are asked the classic interview question: When are you available to start?

Now that you have made it to the interviewing process, and you are near the end of an interview, you’ve answered all the required questions and the selecting official asks you the question of: “When are you available to start?” The humanistic answer is to say “today” but you need to be mindful and think about the date you can actually start. Before you go to an interview be sure to have a pre-selected date in mind when you are asked this question.

After you state the date you are available to start, make sure you add a personal statement about yourself such as “I have my affairs in order, and if you need me to start earlier, say the 10th of April, then I will be able to manage that start date as well.” Make sure you know what the current date is. When you are interviewing for a position knowing what day it is, is important. This shows the selecting official that you are aware of your current, place and time. This also shows the selecting official that you are mentally organized.

All in all, know your exact availability dates and the current date. It sounds simple, but these are interviewing techniques that are true and work. All the best to you on your job hunt and finding your dream job.

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