How to politely reject an earlier onboard date?

onboarding
New answer on May 20, 2022
5 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on May 16, 2022

I have signed the job offer previously and the company has agreed on my proposed onboard date. However, the company reached out to me and asked if I can start earlier after a couple of weeks due to tight human capital demand. 

Personally I'm not willing to do so as I'm relocating to a new city and have some personal things to do. Should I provide specific and concrete detials to reject starting earlier? Or, is it reasonable if I propose onboarding according to the original schedule without giving specific reasons? Thanks.

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Pedro
Expert
replied on May 16, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger |Former Head Recruiter | Market Sizing

I don't see why you wouldn't give the specific details of your situation. You need to take care of your relocation to be 100% ready for the starting date. It's a perfectly good reason. You'd be basically saying that you would start earlier if you could but unfortunately you can't.

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 17, 2022
MBB | 100% personal interview success rate (8/8) and 95% candidate success rate | Personalized interview prep

Hi there,

You don't need to defend yourself!

Keep it short and sharp. Say you really wish you could, and are generally a team player, but just physically can't due to personal matters - say you would if you could.

That's it!

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Francesco
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 17, 2022
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.000+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success (➡ InterviewOffers.com) | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi there,

Q: Should I provide specific and concrete details to reject starting earlier? Or, is it reasonable if I propose onboarding according to the original schedule without giving specific reasons?

I would call HR and explain over the phone you have set a few personal appointments following the original schedule in a different location, so unfortunately that won't be possible. I don’t think there could be any issue if you clarify it in this way over the phone.

All the best for a great start!

Francesco

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on May 20, 2022
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Totally depends on your style. Both are valid, as long as you are kind and polite. 

Cheers, 

Clara

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Ken
Expert
replied on May 16, 2022
Ex-McKinsey final round interviewer | Executive Coach

It sounds more like a question than a demand.  I would just respond saying its not feasible “due to timing of relocation”.

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Pedro gave the best answer

Pedro

Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger |Former Head Recruiter | Market Sizing
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