What is your notice period, and can you join earlier?
State your exact notice period from your current offer letter or contract, say what is realistically possible, such as an early release after handover or a buyout if the company allows it, and only commit to a date you can meet.
Explain it simply
Freshers who took a first job and are now switching often have notice periods of 30 to 90 days. The new company wants you quickly; your current one wants a proper handover.
Give the exact number. If you can ask for early release after finishing a handover, or your employer allows paying salary in place of the remaining notice (a buyout), mention that as a possibility, not a promise. Leaving without serving notice can mean no relieving letter, which future employers often ask for.
Example
Situation: Abhinav has worked eight months at a services firm with a 60-day notice period and is interviewing at a product company.
Task: Answer honestly while showing willingness to join soon.
Action: He says: "My notice period is 60 days. I can request an early release once I hand over my module, which might bring it to around 45 days, but I can't guarantee that. I would not leave without a proper relieving letter. I can confirm the exact date within a week of resigning."
Result: The recruiter plans around 60 days and appreciates that he did not overpromise.
What to say in the interview
"My notice period is X days. I can request an early release after handover, but I'll confirm the exact date once I resign. I'd prefer to leave properly with a relieving letter."
Common mistakes
- Promising to join in two weeks when your notice is 90 days.
- Planning to abscond from the current job.
- Not knowing your own notice period.