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Is 6-8 weeks too long to ask a prospective employer to wait for you to become available?

It's finally official - my company is closing. I haven't posted in a while cause everything's been pretty sketchy lately. Ironically I have another company that I have already interviewed with a couple of times showing a lot of interest right now. However, my current place has offered me a decent severance package, with an incentive bonus payable in mid-September. Also, as of early September, I'm waaaay more vested in my 401K than I am now. So, it's worth a good chunk of change for me to stay here until then. Also, the "new" place does background checks, etc..which takes a little time, too.

Any thoughts on whether they may wait for me? (IF it comes through...not to put the cart before the horse) Thanks

MojosMama wrote:Is 6-8 weeks too long to ask a prospective employer to wait for you to become available?

It's finally official - my company is closing. I haven't posted in a while cause everything's been pretty sketchy lately. Ironically I have another company that I have already interviewed with a couple of times showing a lot of interest right now. However, my current place has offered me a decent severance package, with an incentive bonus payable in mid-September. Also, as of early September, I'm waaaay more vested in my 401K than I am now. So, it's worth a good chunk of change for me to stay here until then. Also, the "new" place does background checks, etc..which takes a little time, too.

Any thoughts on whether they may wait for me? (IF it comes through...not to put the cart before the horse) Thanks

How is the job market up there Sandi?

PHBeerman wrote:

MojosMama wrote:Is 6-8 weeks too long to ask a prospective employer to wait for you to become available?

It's finally official - my company is closing. I haven't posted in a while cause everything's been pretty sketchy lately. Ironically I have another company that I have already interviewed with a couple of times showing a lot of interest right now. However, my current place has offered me a decent severance package, with an incentive bonus payable in mid-September. Also, as of early September, I'm waaaay more vested in my 401K than I am now. So, it's worth a good chunk of change for me to stay here until then. Also, the "new" place does background checks, etc..which takes a little time, too.

Any thoughts on whether they may wait for me? (IF it comes through...not to put the cart before the horse) Thanks

How is the job market up there Sandi?

Not loose enough for me to consider passing up a sure thing by getting greedy. I figure, I can always ask - right? If they're like NO WAY, I'll deal with it, I guess.

It really comes down to the hiring manager and how quickly he/she needs to fill the position. Maybe they have a deadline or else the headcount goes away. Explain it to them just like you have here, and see what they say...

I agree. However if you want a good way to sell it to the new company, say that you "owe it to the old company" or you "would like to stay with them to help with the shut-down process".

The plus is they need a backgound check. If it needs to be complete and not just started that could take 4 weeks. Talk to them like others have said and feel them out. You might find that you wouldn't be starting for 4 weeks and they might be willing to wait the six.
Good luck.

land_shark3 wrote:I agree. However if you want a good way to sell it to the new company, say that you "owe it to the old company" or you "would like to stay with them to help with the shut-down process".

That's perfect - it shows loyalty, which is not all that common these days.

That IS a considerable amount of time for an employer to wait - however it would all depend on their situation surrounding the position they wish to bring you in on... If it's to fill a position that is already vacant they may not be as inclined to wait - however, if it's part of an expansion to meet a new level of demand and they are having to do a "mass hiring" then they could prolly hold off...

Tough decision - you have such a vested interest in your 401K which is a reward of such for your longevity... I know you would hate to lose that after putting a lot into it and strong severance packages are always nice since your basicly receiving something for "nothing" in a sense

It never hurts to ask... well, sometimes it can... but I think if you explain the circumstances surrounding your situation, the new employer might be apt to work with you on it and be understanding and accommadate the request (although they always have to look out for themselves) and if not, then it may be an indication of the type of company they are anyhow and you may find you were better off without them as well

Worst they can say is No...
Oh and the average background check usually takes about 2 weeks to perform - sometimes longer depending on how thorough teyh are in their search...
Drug test - 48 hours (avg.)
Credit Check - an hour or two

also.... if it were me - I would wait to present this to the new employer until AFTER they have performed all their screenings and checks... and are prepared to make the "official" offer... cause at that point, they have more time, effort and MONEY invested in hiring you... I've found companies tend to be more accommodating at that stage Though it is No guarantee

Good Luck!!!

When I started my most recent job. After they made the offer I told them of a planned vacation and how I wanted to start after that vacation because I didn't think it would look good for me to be there a few weeks and take a week off. So 7 weeks was how long it was and they accepted it. Furthermore they said they appreciated me doing it that way.

HsvParrothead wrote:also.... if it were me - I would wait to present this to the new employer until AFTER they have performed all their screenings and checks... and are prepared to make the "official" offer... cause at that point, they have more time, effort and MONEY invested in hiring you... I've found companies tend to be more accommodating at that stage Though it is No guarantee

On second thought... this portion may be bad advice... I tend to take chances to do things more on my terms... so dont listen to that

Be as upfront and honest as possible. Don't try to sneak anything by them.

PHBeerman wrote:Be as upfront and honest as possible. Don't try to sneak anything by them.

Yeah.... thats why I went back on the one statement... in a lot of cases it has worked for me... but just last year, it bit me in the ass ... and I havent found another position since that compared.... I would be back on "comfortable street" (never knew EZ street) if I had handled one detail differently.... oh well, live and learn

He's right. Just tell them the truth and they should respect you for doing the right thing for your old company. I'm sure they would hope you would do the same thing in the tables were turned.

I deal with this everyday being in HR and all..... 2 weeks is normal....30 days is excessive (unless a relocation is involved) and more than that is usually unheard of. However if you speak to the new company as others here have written, it may work to your advantage.

Most of the time, employers have an immediate need.... another candidate may be able to start right away...leaving you out.

Best of luck!