By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Sarah sat across from yet another “perfect” person for a role on her team. His resume was impeccable, his technical skills were top-tier, and the cultural fit seemed seamless. Then, she asked the standard closing question: “So, if we move forward, how soon can you start?”
The candidate shrugged, offering a breezy, “Honestly? I’m flexible. Whenever you need me!”
In his head, he was being easygoing and accommodating. In Sarah’s head, a red flag went up. To a hiring manager, “I’m flexible” doesn’t sound like helpfulness; it sounds like indecision. It suggests he hasn’t thought about his transition, doesn’t have a plan for his current responsibilities, and lacks the professional boundaries she needs in a lead role.
It’s Not a Timing Question—It’s a Maturity Test
When a recruiter asks about your availability, they aren’t just looking for a coordinate on a calendar. They are evaluating your reliability, planning, and professional maturity. The way you handle your exit is the clearest indicator of how you will eventually handle your entrance. If you’re willing to drop everything “ASAP” without a backward glance at your current team, you’re signaling that you’ll likely do the same to your new employer. Conversely, being too vague makes you look like a passenger in your own career rather than the driver.
To help you navigate this high-stakes moment, here is how to frame your answer based on your specific situation.
The Professional Playbook: What to Say
The goal is always to signal control. Use these scripts to show you’ve thought through the logistics of your life and work.
1. If You’re Currently Employed
You want to show loyalty to your current team while showing excitement for the new one.
The Script: “I want to give proper notice, so my earliest start date is [DATE]. I’m happy to complete any onboarding steps before day one.”
2. If You’re Currently Unemployed or Laid Off
Avoid sounding desperate. You want to sound ready and organized.
The Script: “I’m available to start as early as [DATE]. I’m also flexible if you’d like me to align with your onboarding schedule.”
3. If You Have Pre-Planned Travel
Honesty up front saves a massive headache during the first week of work. It shows you respect their time.
The Script: “My earliest start date is [DATE]. I do have pre-planned time off [DATES], and I’m happy to plan around it.”
4. If You’re Finishing a Major Project
This is the ultimate “reliability” flex. It shows you don’t leave people in the lurch.
The Script: “I’m wrapping up a deliverable by [DATE], so I can start [NEXT DATE] fully focused.”
5. If You’re Relocating
Show them you’ve already done the math on the move.
The Script: “I can start remotely on [DATE] and be onsite by [DATE] once relocation is finalized.”
Why “ASAP” is a Hidden Red Flag
Many candidates think “ASAP” shows enthusiasm. In reality, it often reads as needy and desperate, not readiness. A high-value professional usually has loose ends to tie up–a project to hand off, a desk to clean, or even just a week to reset their mind so they can hit the ground running. By giving a specific date, you prove that you are moving toward a new opportunity, not just running away from a void.
The Golden Rule: One Date, One Option
The most effective way to signal maturity is to provide one clear date and one reasonable alternative. For example: “I can start on Monday the 12th, or if it’s better for the cohort onboarding, the 19th also works for me.”
This approach tells the hiring manager that you are organized enough to have a “Day One” in mind, but collaborative enough to care about their internal processes.
Ⓒ The Big Game Hunter, Inc., Asheville, NC 2026
Break a Rule and Lead Your Life
ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS Career Advice globally because he makes many things in peoples’ careers easier. Those things can involve job search, hiring more effectively, managing and leading better, career transition, as well as advice about resolving workplace issues.
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