How do you give your job a two week notice, when you don't know if or when you're going to be hired

Question

I'm looking for a better job, and have applied to several places. If I am considered for one, I'm sure being able to start sooner would be a factor for the employer. I don't want to say, 'thanks for the job, yeah, I can start in two weeks.' I also don't want to s***w my current employer over by just leaving.

Answer 1

Don;t give any notice until you absolutely have the new job.

If someone makes an offer and you accept, tell them,. you would like to give your present employer 2 weeks' notice .This would be acceptable almost anywhere.   True, they might like to have you start sooner, but they realize you just don't walk out on someone.

Answer 2

There is nothing wrong with not starting a job for 2 weeks so you can give your current employer a notice.  It's a pretty standard practice.  Your new employer should be grateful that you are showing consideration to your old employer.  So don't give your notice until you have gotten the new offer.  Then immediately give your notice.  Good luck on your new job!

Answer 3

You shouldn't have a problem.  2 weeks before starting is standard.  As far as your new employer is concerned they still have paperwork to do to get you set up for timekeeping/payroll, a place to make for you (cubicle or locker or inbox or whatever).  If you're worried about it you can always ask when they offer you the job if it's okay if you start in 2 weeks.  Chances are they'll say that's perfect.  IF they need you sooner then you can discuss that.  All you did was ask a question, you haven't said you won't/can't start before such and such a date.  

Answer 4

you DON'T give notice until you have a guaranteed job and starting date - it's that simple

Answer 5

Never burn your bridges. You'll hear that plenty when it comes to business. Don't mention anything to your current employer about looking for another job or even that you might be considering doing this. In fact, do not even mention this to your co-workers. Corporate slugs are everywhere and wouldn't think twice about ratting you out if they thought it would give them some "brownie points". As one poster said, they won't think twice or even care nor give you a 2 week notice before firing you.

I would say there are very few extremely rare circumstances where telling your current employer that you are looking for another job could actually benefit you. If you have the rare job that few people can actually do or your employer knows they would have to hire more than 1 person to fill your vacancy, even for a short term, then it would benefit them more to keep you and may offer you more money. But understand that would be for their best interest. Not because they value you.

Good luck with your job search.

Answer 6

You wait til you have accepted another job, and it's acceptable to tell the new employer that you want to give two weeks notice.  It will make you look that much better to them.  If it works out that you can't give them two weeks, to bad, they wouldn't think twice about firing you at a moments notice, and you have to do what is best for you, not your employer!

Answer 7

Most employers know when they are hiring for a position that anyone who they hire (unless not currently employed) are going to want to give their old company two weeks notice.  That's just a respect thing in the employment world.

If they offer you the job, be upfront and tell them that you would like to give your old employer two weeks notice.  Notice that I said "like".  If they say sure that's fine, then go for it.  Most of the time it just gives them more respect for you, because it shows that you have morals.  If they don't, then they don't and you are going to either have to leave on bad terms or turn down the job.  

If you are on good terms with your current employer, you may want to be up front with them and tell them that you are in the process of looking for a new job, so they can be prepared.  Do this only if you are on good and comfortable terms with your employer.  Either way, good luck!