How Much Time Off Can You Ask For Before Starting?

Candidates often ask me how much time they can ask to take off before starting a new role. The minimum is 2 weeks since that’s the standard notice period. You can easily ask for 3 weeks without pushing the envelope. If you are asking for 4, it won’t raise eyebrows, though I suggest you give a strong reason like a pre-planned family reunion (and the employer can certainly push back if you’re needed sooner). If you ask for 6, that could be granted if you are wrapping up a complex matter or if you are moving cross-country (and in that case, you could ask for more). I have seen some employers wait a couple months, but that’s only for the rare employee with skills they can’t find elsewhere.