How to ask your new boss for time off before starting the job

Your new boss wants you to start ASAP but you’re buggered from your last job and want a break. Recruiters reveal how to get it.

CAREERS’ panel of expert recruiters answers a reader’s question each week. Have a question? Email [e-mail]

I want a break before I start my next job. Can I negotiate that, and if so, how should I phrase the request?

Lisa Morris

Director,

Hays

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to negotiate your start date, provided you are realistic in your expectations. As a new starter, you might feel pressure to begin immediately once you’ve been offered a role. But it’s important that you are truly ready before you immerse yourself in a new job. If you’re worn out from your previous role or your job search, for instance, it’s a good idea to take some time to rest so you can begin your new role with enthusiasm. If the hiring team is desperate to bring someone on as soon as possible, the start date would be raised during the interview process. Even if the preference is to have you start sooner rather than later, most hiring managers would prefer to wait a little to secure the right candidate. Before you approach the topic with your new or prospective employer, determine first how much time you want before you start. In general, one week is considered a normal break between jobs. Then, suggest your preferred start date. If you feel comfortable doing so, share why you want the extra time. Most employers are flexible, and by giving an exact date to work with, they will likely be more inclined to agree to the time you’re after.

Lisa Morris says time off between jobs is good way to rejuvenate and be ready to start the new role with enthusiasm.

Megan Nicholson

General manager

Entree Recruitment

It is always best to be transparent and honest at the interview. One of the questions we always ask is ‘When can you start?’ and ‘Do you have any leave planned?’. It’s more than reasonable to take a breather before stepping into a new role. The best way to phrase the request is by stating clearly when you are available, including your notice – regardless of whether it is two weeks or six. If this doesn’t suit the new employer, they will let you know, just as you have with them. However, if you do have to start sooner than you’d like, you can negotiate guaranteed time off with the employer to take once you have settled into the role. Future employers will always appreciate honesty. The worst thing you can do is accept a role and then tell your new employer you can’t start when you said you could.

Megan Nicholson says employers always appreciate honesty from candidates.

Andrew Sullivan

Managing director,

Sullivan Consulting

A break between jobs can be a great idea. It lets you prepare yourself for the next opportunity while allowing time to tie up any lingering loose ends with your previous workplace. The simplest way to create yourself a break is to tell your new employer that you’re only able to start working from a certain date, which includes a break period. Most positions require a period of notice before resignation, so if you include one or two weeks after this notice period that becomes the date you will be available at your next job.

Andrew Sullivan says a break can help ensure all loose ends from the previous role are tied up before embarking on the new one.

Alexandra Rosser

Head of Organisational Psychology Consulting,

Stillwell Management Consultants

It is common for candidates to negotiate a break in between jobs. However, before you do, reflect on whether during the recruitment process your new employer has communicated to you their needs or expectations around your commencement date. For example, they may wish to have a handover period with an outgoing employee, or have highlighted an existing or impending project for which they need you immediately. In this case, your request may be less feasible, or we recommend being prepared to show a degree of flexibility. If no such need has been expressed, when they make you the offer and commence start date discussions, specify an exact date which encompasses your notice period at your current job plus the amount of time you want between jobs. If an explanation is sought, be truthful and specify that you need to serve your notice period, plus you would like some time to travel/move house/attend to some existing obligations/recharge the batteries, etc.

Alexandra Rosser advises jobseekers to keep the employer’s needs in mind and be flexible if required.

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