Is it likely that a company hold open a job position for 10 months until I transition?

Depends on the organization and the position in question. Make damn sure though, that they are aware ahead of time what your horizons are. At best it won't help you or them to go through a process made pointless if its too long a time to come on board.

I've never seen one do that, but if you have skills no one else does, perhaps.

Couldn’t tell you, but I know who can - (as has been mentioned) said employer.

I’m sure it depends on the postion, but rarely do companies have the foreknowledge to be able to post positions that far in advance (unless it’s unique circumstances, like an upcoming expansion or such), but most are looking to fill a CURRENT need and are unable to function as desired without it (if they could, they wouldn’t be hiring for it and would just eliminate it).

Your best bet would be to explain your desire but extenuating circumstances. Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy (especially for those of us who chose to live by a different and higher standard! U.S. Armed Forces). Best of luck and I hope it works out for you. If not, there’ll be others. Remember, it’s never about the direction the wind blows, but how YOU adjust your sails. HOOAH!

Make a difference . . . TODAY
- BkR

SPC (Join to see) That's a Long Time Lad, I wouldn't Hold My Breath on that One but the Only Way You'll know is to ask Said Employer. I wish you luck.

For the short time I ran my business, one of the things I found out; if I can get along without you for a month, I don't need you.

LTC Ivan Raiklin, Esq.

I would say, it depends on their immediate need. As an employer, I have waited, but for 30 to 60 days. Anything longer than that, well, I can't predict the future. As was already pointed out, I would not hold my breath.

It's possible, but rare. It depends on a couple of factors. Do you possess an unusual skillset that would be hard to replace? Does this potential employer need this position filled quickly (usually the case)? Does this employer place an emphasis on hiring veterans? Were you extremely impressive in the interview? These are all questions that are factors in how long the employer will hold a position open for you. I suggest that you should develop a backup plan in case this position is no longer available. About 5-4 months out, start looking again for employment. Around 2-3 months before terminal leave you should start submitting resumes and interviewing. Remember that you will need to tailor your resume to the business you're applying. When you get an interview, know somethings about the company so you can ask pertinent questions. Employers love it when applicants care enough about the company to have done their research.

It depends on the position and what your skills are. You can drop 2-3 months on your current enlistment contract via an ROTC enrollment which your future employer might also like because it means someone else is paying for your college and gradually your getting better as a employee via education...........you might want to look into that Army program. However holding the position for you open for 7 months is even a stretch. You might be able to argue that length of time if the position requires a background check or clearence before hire because that would eat up more time. Thats about all I can think of though. You do have to ask the employer and maybe you can sweeten the pot by telling them if they are willing wait the Army will pay for college and that will drop 2-3 months off your enlistment contract? Most companies are fairly selfish though and want you ASAP after you clear their HR department requirements.

The other item is to have them keep your resume handy in case there is more staff departures (highly likely in this current environment) or someone doesn't work out.

As advised, it’s best to go back to the hiring company. I know when I was hiring, I was limited by the budget cycle, in 10 months the position may be lost. If you are being looked at for a specialty reason, they may wait
Good luck!

SPC McSwain,
I don't know about "likely" because that's a long time. With that said, I guess it would be depending on the company's situation and yours. In my case, the company I currently work for hired me 3 months before I started, and I wasn't even on leave yet or started clearing. I could've had started once I went on transition leave, but the company had to do a background check first even though I had a clearance already. Then I had to go through another check at the location where I actually conduct daily business.
Also, the company knew my situation/retirement so, I hope you are disclosing that at the time of the interview because you want to keep them informed. Again, 10 months is a long time...I wouldn't hold my breath. Good luck!