[Anonymous]

So I have a phone interview this week at a big 4 firm in NYC. I wasn’t planning on applying for a while but since I got in contact with my friend, he referred me to his former coworker and then he then referred me to HR all in a matter of 3 days :s I have my CPA and will be getting my CFE next few weeks (applying for a experienced fraud position) so I feel I’m very qualified for the position. The thing is my lease states that I can not terminate between September-April…and if I do I have to pay rent in full until it terms (dumb). Originally I was thinking at start date in Jan would probably be fine before I found out about my lease last night. Anyways, I’m not sure whether to bring up this start date issue during the phone interview (thinking probably not a good idea) rather than waiting until I possibly get an office interview or offer. Advice??

[WantToBeDone]

I wouldn't say anything until after you get an offer. This can only hurt your chances before receiving an offer. If they really like you and want to hire you, they might be able to work with you. You have the most leverage with negotiating these things after receiving an offer.

BEC - 80
AUD - 85
FAR - 76
REG - 75

[sarah210]

Yeah, definitely do not mention this before you get an offer. Also, can you not get someone to sublease the property from you?

REG- 53, 91
BEC- 88
FAR- 62, 85
AUD- 85

Ethics- 93

[Jeremy]

Most leases (at least down south) have a clause about moving for employment, so you should check for that before making a decision.

Also, I personally would recommend talking about the start date in the phone interview, maybe through a question about the timeline for hiring. Try and think about it from the company's perspective. If the firm needs someone to start tomorrow, then they will resent having gone through the time and expense to interview and vet you, which may hurt your prospects in the future. If you are honest up front, even if your timelines don't match up, they can always hold onto your resume. If it has only taken three days to set up a phone interview, they are obviously very interested in you and will probably keep you in mind down the road.

B- 8/13/2012- 92
A- 7/19/2012- 83
R- 5/30/2012-82
F- 7/3/2012- 90

[Anonymous]

I did this very thing, but like the other posters recommended, I waited until they gave me an offer at the end of my internship. The big 4 firm I work for wanted me to start after my undergrad was finished, but I explained that I wanted to get my Masters degree and to see if they would defer it for another year (2 years). The partner who extended me the offer explained that they don't defer offers and essentially implied that “this was the only offer” (“take it or leave it” sort of deal). At that point, you have to be a tough negotiator and know when to walk away…I was extremely courteous, but I said, “Ok, well I completely understand your position. Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to learn from the people at this firm. I certainly hope our paths cross again in the future, but pursuing my Masters education is something that I'm very set on doing”. Lo and behold, he got the recruiter on the phone and my offer was extended an additional year. Not to say that result is guaranteed…he could have just as easily said, “Alrighty, thanks for putting in your 8 weeks with us…bye-bye”. But the thing is, if he would have said that, I would have peaced out, crushed my Masters, dominated the CPA, and gone to work for another firm. It's all six of one, half dozen of the other in this industry.

At the time, I wasn't a CPA yet and I hadn't even completed my undergrad, but if you're qualified enough, they'd be crazy to pass on you. My advice would be to bring it up once you get the offer but like all negotiations, you HAVE to be prepared to walk away…otherwise you look weak…like you're making empty threats. But just always be polite…you don't want to burn any bridges. You should evaluate how important the job is to you vs. the importance of not shelling out for the lease break. If the former is more important, dish the dough and be done with it, if not, then there's plenty of other firms out there that would probably love to have you.

However, this is just my opinion…it doesn't suit all, so give it some thought.

[Author]

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