what is the maximal allowed period between interview and job start?

Hi,
I was in a similar situation and it wasn't an issue (I delayed my starting period by 4months). I was simply honest with them. I already mentioned to HR briefly during a call to schedule the next round that I was on another project (just casually). Then when the offer kicked in I was honest: I told them that I was very flattered and that I would like to start in four months as I wanted to finish all the project I had with my firm and left it in good hands.

They understood and I think it even gave them a good impression on me as they realized that this also mean that if by any chance I were to leave them, I would do the same.

So my advice is simply be honest when the offer kicks in. They will most likely be ok with it.

Hi Sinisa,

First: Do not give notice to your current employer until you have signed all documents with the major consulting firm.

Now, in terms of start date, the major consultancies are generally quite flexible. They like you to start in cohorts, but will generally allow you to select a few starting dates.

Simply inform them of your situation and they should be fine with it. That said, I'm shocked that your current company has a 3-month notice period! I sincerely hope that goes both ways. I wouldn't be surprised if they allowed you to leave earlier if you so choose.

Finally, feel free to take a break in between roles! A month or so is perfectly reasonable if you'd like some time to yourself :)

Hi Sinisa,

Make them aware of your notice period and they will oblige. In some circumstances, they may ask you to join sooner as there could be an urgent project kicking off needing your skills, in that case you can negotiate with your current company for an early release. Equally, it is possible that they may delay your start date for various reasons - budget approvals, client delays etc. Only resign from your current company when all paper work & background checks are done and you have a mutually agreed start date with the new company.

But in majority of cases, notice period length is not a problem for major consulting firms.

Hi Sinisa,

normally, consulting firms "hire people" and don't just "fill positions". If they want to hire you, your notice period shouldn't be a problem at all. I know many cases where candidates signed the offer >6months before their start.

Best,

Florian

Hello, Sinisa!

I would say you, do not have to worry about it. The major companies always take into consideration the circumstances of the employee, especially if they made you an offer. So if your cancellation notice is 3 months, you will get a chance to start your work after that period exactly. 

Cheers!

GB

Hi Sinisa,

Major consulting companies are normally pretty flexible – sometimes they give you up to 12 months to join.

There may be situations where they ask you to join right after the offer proposal, but that's quite rare. If you have a 3-month notice, I am pretty sure they will be fine with it.

Hope this helps,

Francesco

Firms are super flexible and they are too smart to lose a great candidate just because they have a 3 or even 6 months notice. They will wait until your notice period is passed.

Short answer: your 3 months notice period WON'T be a problem.

I've seen new hires postponing their start date by several months to travel or for other not work-related reasons. Companies are pretty flexible and, especially if the office you applied to is big enough, they can manage a delay of a few months on your start date without any issue.

Hey there,

MBB is extremely flexible in that regard. It depends on the location though. For instance, in McK DACH for example it is 12 months, however, in special cases can even be extended. Just clarify with HR and discuss your individual situation.

Cheers,

Florian