A Candidate’s Experience Seeking Advice from a Recruiter
I’m not quite sure where to share this, so if this isn’t the right place, please let me know. I was recently recruited for a position in a neighboring state, and I underestimated the time and effort required for relocating—like finding a new place to live, managing the move, giving notice at my current job, and breaking my lease. Initially, I planned to start in late October, but after Hurricane Helene hit the area where the job is located, my plans were delayed by two weeks since I couldn’t work with a realtor due to power outages and blocked roads. As a result, I hesitated to give my current job and apartment notice because I didn’t want to risk becoming homeless and jobless without securing a new home first.
After a long search, I finally found a place last Thursday and asked the recruiter to push my start date to November 11. I intended to give my notice that same day, but then I learned that my company requires six weeks’ notice to keep my PTO—this was an oversight on my part. I didn’t want to bring up my departure until I was certain about everything. Now I find myself needing to ask the recruiter again if I can postpone my start date to late November.
Additionally, I discovered that my current apartment added a new clause in the lease that imposes not only two months’ rent but also a $3,600 penalty for breaking it. It’s frustrating to think I may have to pay out of pocket as I start my new job. While I might be stuck with the lease situation, keeping my PTO is important to me.
I’m really anxious about having to ask the recruiter for a start date extension once more. Given these circumstances, do you think such a request is unreasonable?
RCadmin
It’s completely understandable to feel nervous about asking for another extension on your start date, especially given the circumstances you’ve been facing. Here are a few points to consider that may help you in your conversation with the recruiter:
Transparency: Be open about the challenges you’ve encountered. Explain the situation with the hurricane impacting your ability to secure housing and the new lease terms you’ve discovered. Recruiters often appreciate honesty and may be more sympathetic to your circumstances if they understand the full context.
Emphasize Enthusiasm: Reiterate your enthusiasm for the new position and your commitment to starting as soon as possible. Showing that you are still excited about the opportunity can help reinforce that your request is temporary and rooted in practical challenges.
PTO Concern: Since keeping your PTO is crucial for you, explain this concern clearly. Many recruiters understand the importance of financial stability, especially when transitioning jobs. It’s reasonable to prioritize this, and framing it as a need rather than a desire may elicit more understanding.
Flexibility: If possible, offer a compromise. For example, if the role allows for remote work, you could propose starting part-time or on a project basis until you can be physically present. This could demonstrate your commitment while giving you time to sort out your current situation.
Professionalism: Regardless of how the conversation goes, maintain a professional demeanor. Misunderstandings happen, and the way you handle this situation can reflect positively on you in the long run.
Ultimately, it’s not unreasonable to ask for another extension given the circumstances you’ve described. Most recruiters have likely encountered similar situations, and it’s better to be upfront about your needs than to rush into a situation that might create additional stress for you. Good luck!