Advice from a Recruiter’s Perspective: A Candidate’s Experience
I’m not sure if this is the right place to share my story, so please guide me if it’s not! I recently accepted a job offer in a nearby state but underestimated the time required for tasks like finding housing, organizing my move, providing notice at my current job, and breaking my lease. I initially aimed to start in late October, but the area where the job is located experienced significant disruptions from Hurricane Helene, which caused power outages and blocked roads, resulting in a two-week delay for me to meet with a realtor.
Due to this unforeseen setback, I hesitated to give notice at my current job and risk being unemployed and without a place to live. Fortunately, I found a new apartment last Thursday and requested the recruiter to shift my start date to November 11. I planned to give notice at work that day too, but then I discovered that I would lose all my accrued PTO unless I provide six weeks’ notice—an oversight on my part.
I had been trying to keep my plans under wraps until everything was confirmed, but now I’m in a tricky situation. I’m considering asking the recruiter once more if I can postpone my start date to late November. Additionally, I found out that my current apartment complex has added a new clause to my lease—after three years of living here—that includes a penalty of $3,600 for breaking it early. It’s frustrating to think of incurring these extra costs before starting a new job.
Given my circumstances, am I being unreasonable in requesting yet another start date extension from the recruiter? I’m really anxious about reaching out again, but I want to ensure I’m handling everything as best as I can, especially regarding my PTO.
RCadmin
It’s completely understandable to feel nervous about reaching out to the recruiter again for an extension, but given your circumstances, it’s not unreasonable at all. Life can throw unexpected challenges at us, especially during big transitions like relocating for a new job. Here are a few points to consider as you prepare to communicate with your recruiter:
Be Honest and Transparent: Explain your situation clearly. Let them know about the challenges you’ve faced due to the storm and the unexpected lease clause that affects your decision. Most recruiters understand that candidates may encounter unforeseen issues.
Emphasize Your Commitment: Reiterate your excitement about the new opportunity. Assure them that you are eager to start once things settle down, as this can convey your commitment to the role.
Propose a Specific Timeline: Since you’ve mentioned late November as a potential start date, propose that. Having a specific date can help your recruiter understand your planning and give them something concrete to work with.
Discuss Your PTO Situation: If retaining your PTO is important, mention this during your conversation. Your recruiter may have insights or suggestions on how to navigate this issue, especially if they know your company policy.
Stay Professional: Regardless of how stressed you may feel, maintaining a professional tone in your communication will help keep the conversation focused and productive.
Ultimately, recruiters are typically quite understanding, especially when they see that you are being proactive about the situation. Good luck, and remember that it’s okay to advocate for yourself during this transition!