Is two weeks' notice required?

It depends on your contract and where you work. In the US it's a common professional courtesy for most roles; many contracts and many countries set longer periods. Check your own contract.

Can I ask for a week off between jobs?

Yes. A week or two is common and easy to explain. Build it into your date rather than asking permission.

Should I say I can start immediately if I'm employed?

No. It suggests you'd leave without notice. Give your notice period and say you're keen to start as soon as it ends.

What if they want me sooner than my notice allows?

Ask your current employer whether they'll release you early, and offer preparation before your start. Don't promise to break your notice.

Does "When can you start?" mean I got the job?

Not necessarily. It's a good sign late in the process, but some recruiters ask everyone. Answer it well and wait for the offer.

When can you start? How to answer and handle your notice period

What the question really means

"When can you start?" is usually a scheduling question, not a test. It often comes late in the process, sometimes as a hint that they're seriously considering you. They need to plan training, equipment and the team's workload. Your job is to give a clear, realistic date and show you'll handle your exit properly.

Don't read too much into it, though. Some recruiters ask every candidate in the first screening call.

Work out your date before the interview

You should never have to calculate this on the spot. Before any interview, know:

Your notice period. Check your contract or offer letter. In the US, two weeks is the common courtesy for most roles, though some contracts, senior roles and other countries require longer. If you're unsure what your contract says, ask HR or check before you answer.
Anything else that affects your start. A planned holiday, a course finishing, a move, a handover of a big project.
Whether you want a break. A week between jobs to rest or sort out life admin is common and reasonable.
Your earliest realistic date. Count forward from when you'd likely receive and accept an offer, not from today.

What to say in each situation

Your situation	Example line
Employed, two weeks' notice	"I'd give two weeks' notice once I've accepted an offer, so I could start about two and a half weeks after that."
Employed, longer notice	"My contract has a one-month notice period. I'd want to honour that and hand over properly, so I could start about five weeks after accepting."
Want a break between jobs	"With two weeks' notice and a week off to reset between roles, I could start three weeks after accepting."
Not currently working	"I'm available immediately, though I'd appreciate a few days to get set up. Any Monday from the 10th would work."
Student or graduate	"I finish my exams on 5 June and graduate on the 20th. I could start any time from Monday the 23rd."
Planned holiday already booked	"I could start on the 3rd. I do have a long weekend booked in August that I'd mention now so it's not a surprise later."
Not sure yet	"Normally two weeks after accepting. Let me confirm my exact notice terms and come back to you today."

Example answers

These use made-up details. Use your real dates.

Example answer if you're employed

"I'd want to give my current employer two weeks' notice and make sure my projects are handed over properly. If we agreed an offer this week, I could start on Monday the 17th. I'm really keen to get started, and I'd be happy to read up on anything useful before then."

Example answer if you'd like a short break

"My notice period is two weeks, and I'd like to take one week between roles so I start fresh. So realistically, three weeks from when I accept. If timing's tight for you, I'm happy to talk about it."

Example answer if you're between jobs

"I'm available right away. I'd suggest a Monday start so I can join the beginning of a week; the earliest would be the 10th."

If they push you to start sooner

Some employers will ask you to cut your notice short. This is a moment where saying no can actually help you.

"I understand the timing's tight. I'd like to leave my current team the same way I'd want to leave yours one day, with a proper handover. What I can do is make myself available for a call or some reading during my notice, so I'm ready to go on day one."

Offering to skip your notice tells the new employer you'd do the same to them. You can, however, offer something that helps: an earlier start on part-time hours, a call with your new manager, or asking your current employer whether they'll release you early. Only offer what you can actually deliver.

Asking for a later start

If you need more time, for example for a move or a family event, say it plainly and give the reason in a few words:

"I'm relocating for this role, so I'd need four weeks rather than two to move and settle in. Would a start on the 1st work?"

Most employers will accommodate a reasonable gap, especially if you raise it before the offer is final rather than after.

Mistakes to avoid

"Whenever you need me." It sounds eager but can trap you into a date that breaks your notice.
Offering to leave without notice. It signals how you'd treat them.
Being vague. "In a few weeks" forces them to ask again. Give a date or a clear count of weeks.
Asking for a long break without a reason. One week is easy to explain; six weeks needs a sentence why.
Surprising them later. Mention booked holidays and fixed commitments now.

Say it before you need it

Start-date questions feel simple, but people often agree to the first date the interviewer suggests because the moment feels awkward. Rehearse your line, and the polite "I'd like to honour my notice" line, out loud until they come easily. In Speaking Coach, you can ask the interviewer to push for an earlier start and practise holding your date politely. For the related question about notice terms, see what is your notice period?