Asking for a start date 4 weeks from offer date - is that too long? (employed, interview)

[the_contrary]

I've had several interviews recently (with one place calling my references at the moment) so I am anticipating an offer to come soon. I'm dying to take some time off to visit family overseas but I don't want to schedule anything until I have a new job secured.

I am currently employed so I'd have to give the customary 2 weeks notice here. Is asking for an additional 2 weeks for traveling too much?

[jaypee]

no, but it depends on how urgent the new company needs you.

[NC-guy]

If you are talking about a cross country relocation they may be flexible, but otherwise I would lean towards yes - that is too long.

Was there a listed or discussed start date btw? Unless there is an unforeseen issue (death in family) I wouldn't start a new relationship with an org as requesting time off (even if it isn't their time yet). It just sets a bad first step.

[Suburban_Guy]

It's something you discuss AFTER you receive the offer (which you are expecting soon).

Just mention that you have a planned trip and go from there. Don't demand it or anything, but just inquire if it's possible to start later than what your offered start date.

It depends on the company as said, but never hurts to ask.

For my current job, during the background check, my current manager contacted me and asked when I could start, and told him I needed 3 weeks. He gave me a choice of two start dates, and it ended up being three and a half weeks, so worked for me.

Haven't they asked you at some point when you could possibly start? Usually they do a 'soft' ask during/after the interview (during background checks).

[macroy]

Originally Posted by the_contrary

I've had several interviews recently (with one place calling my references at the moment) so I am anticipating an offer to come soon. I'm dying to take some time off to visit family overseas but I don't want to schedule anything until I have a new job secured.

I am currently employed so I'd have to give the customary 2 weeks notice here. Is asking for an additional 2 weeks for traveling too much?

The only response that means anything is the one given by your new company. There really is no absolute answer. As stated earlier, it really depends on the situation at the new company. Some places would have no problems, and others would not be able to have that spot vacant for that long.

In the end, you just have to ask.

[NYCresident2014]

I was recently in a similar situation and I pushed for 4 weeks. It's not an unreasonable request, for the reasons you laid out (2 weeks notice plus 2 weeks off), but the company may or may not grant it based on your role (i.e. if you are needed for a quarterly close process or something).

[Jardine8]

As others have said, it depends on the company. When I moved 200 miles to a new city for my new job, I requested 3 weeks and my new employer accepted that request.

[joe from dayton]

It depends on the company and their needs. In some cases it would be fine, while in others it would not be.

[cub81015]

To answer your question: No

As a matter of fact, I work in a very project-centric position where leaving a project at a drop of a hat is frowned upon. So, our employer (and a lot of folks in our industry expect AT LEAST 4 weeks notice (not kidding!). So, I would say go for it but do it like the previous poster suggested (AFTER YOU GET THE JOB OFFER...if they offer you the role, then they want you and 9 times out of 10 don't want to lose you....just tell them that you had some previous vacation or travel arrangements that you can't cancel). If you want more job/career advice, DM me and I can give you some online resources or folks you can follow on Twitter for staying connected to cool job advice you can actually use.