[Saraaa Li]

I am currently having an interview set up with a regional firm. The job was posted online in June 2016. Because I knew the HR person from a school event, so she passed my resume to the dept. manager/shareholder, they are interested in giving me the interview. HR specified that I will have the interview with the shareholder, does this mean I skip the first HR interview and going directly to the second interview?

Another question would be how to answer when can you start? Well, my family is coming to town in thanksgiving week and the following week. I planned to take a week vacation (which is after thanksgiving) in Nov. Assume I have my interview in mid- sept, and lets say I get hired, and can immediately start after two weeks’ notice to my current employer, that will give me a time to start in Oct. My concern is I do not want to affect my new job by taking a week vacation within the first 2 months of employment. (that does matter right?) Or maybe I should just tell them the best time I can start is the first week of Dec, so I do not have to take vacation in the new job.
I do not have much experience on recruiting. Please help !!!

REG-84
BEC-76 (Thank you God!)
AUD-71,82
FAR-79 (what a surprise and I am finally done !)

[Missy]

If you've talked to the HR person by phone, you can consider that conversation to be the first interview.

Regarding when you can start, explain exactly what you've explained above. You've already planned to have family visiting for a week (I wouldn't say two) after Thanksgiving and would the employer prefer you start after that or before. Time off at the beginning of a job is not an issue if it is presented at the stage of interviewing, it is only an issue if not brought up until after an offer is extended.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Saraaa Li]

Thank you for the advice.

I did not have a phone interview with HR. My friend told me HR does not interview in that company, which is wired, HR person said she will email more details when approaching the interview.

You are right, I should mention it during the interview at a suited time. let's see how the interview goes, and then I will make my decision.

REG-84
BEC-76 (Thank you God!)
AUD-71,82
FAR-79 (what a surprise and I am finally done !)

[Author]

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