Definition
Notice period — A notice period is the gap between when an employee formally resigns and their final day of work, giving the current employer time to hand off responsibilities and start a replacement search. Two weeks is standard in most US roles without a contract specifying otherwise; contracted, unionized, or senior positions can require a longer period, sometimes 30 to 90 days.
A new employer asks about notice period to plan a realistic start date into an offer, not to evaluate the candidate. Trying to shorten a stated notice period to look more available rarely helps, since a candidate who cuts their current employer's notice short can raise a quiet concern about how they'd handle the same situation on the way out of the new job.
Being direct about the actual length, and any flexibility around it, is the straightforward answer.
Frequently asked questions
Is two weeks the standard notice period everywhere?
It's the common default in the US without a contract stating otherwise. Many other countries, and senior or contracted roles, often require a longer period, sometimes a month or more.
Why do interviewers ask about notice period?
Mainly to plan a realistic start date for the new role, factoring in how long it will take the candidate to wrap up at their current job.
Can a candidate negotiate their notice period?
Sometimes, especially if the current employer is willing to waive part of it, but it isn't guaranteed, and a candidate shouldn't promise an accelerated start date to a new employer before confirming it's actually possible.
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