July 14, 2010

When applying for a job, can I say I'm not available immediately?

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Q: :My husband and I have decided that we cannot afford childcare during the summer months. Is it okay to answer that I am available to start a new job at the end of August?

Kristen says: Obviously the needs of your family are of paramount importance. Instead of answering that you are not available until the end of the summer, you would probably be better served by not pursuing any new opportunities while you are unavailable. Given the tight economy right now, any organization that is looking to fill a position is looking for someone available in a fairly short time frame, usually the standard two weeks (the generally accepted time to give notice to a current employer.)

Recruiting organizations generally use databases called Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage candidate and job openings. The ATS is a workflow management tool, and usually includes documentation such as notes from candidate conversations. Those notes become part of your permanent record with an organization. Applying for a job for which you are unavailable can give you a bad reputation with a company.

If you are also accepting unemployment, stating that you are unavailable for several weeks could cost you your unemployment insurance benefits. WorkSource does contact recorded contacts to verify that a candidate has applied for a position. If a company shares the information that you are not available for immediate hire, this can be viewed as fraud.

Perhaps you might consider applying for part-time evening or weekend jobs when your spouse can share in parenting duties. You might also try looking for opportunities that allow you to work from home or telecommute. It is also increasingly common for companies to offer flextime or job-share arrangements. Your husband can investigate these options at his own employer. There are several industries that have night and weekend opportunities. Education, health care, radio, hotel, hospitality, library, transportation (bus, taxi, airlines) and entertainment (movies, theater, etc.) all have non-traditional work shifts and many offer flexible hours. You might also consider whether or not your profession allows you to become a consultant who can work from home.

Kristen Fife is a recruiter, resume consultant, and employment expert based in the greater Seattle area. She has worked with clients all over North America to help organizations and individuals find a mutual fit in the workplace. Ask her a question at recruiters_inbox@nwjobs.com. Sorry, no personal replies.

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