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

2018-07-13T05:10:56-04:00

I just recently got selected for a job interview, but my problem is that I still have 10 months left on my contract, and I was wonder if the interview goes well and I am accepted for the position, is it possible for any company to hold a position for the amount of time in question?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 13 at 2018 5:58 AM

2018-07-13T05:58:30-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member 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.

Response by SGT Ej P. made Jul 13 at 2018 6:37 AM

2018-07-13T06:37:27-04:00

If you are ETSing, you are "authorized" to leave early as long as you have actively applied for a job and have been accepted for it. Go to your Battalion S1 and inquire about an "Early Separation" due to a job waiting for you (this means DA 4187 request that will come from you through your unit to the BN CDR, etc), the most you might get would be 6 months out but that's still less than 10 and if you have told the employers about your situation, if they really need you then they'd wait or else they'd take the Joe next in line...

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 13 at 2018 7:05 AM

2018-07-13T07:05:05-04:00

That should have been addressed with the company before you got far into the selection process. Your cover letter is a good place to cover that. If it is a small field, it could come back to bite you in the butt. HR professionals, within smaller metropolitan areas talk to each other.

All is not necessarily lost, at least in my day, about 15%-20% of new hires were either determined not to be good matches after a few months; or work for a few months, get a better offer then move on.

Your next best bet is to apply for early discharge.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 13 at 2018 7:36 AM

2018-07-13T07:36:30-04:00

Listen all is not lost. I have seen company’s waite, you just need to inform them that the military will not allow your to separate earlier. Express your desire for the position and that you know you can contribute to the Companies future success etc. thank you for your service.

Response by Susan Foster made Jul 13 at 2018 8:00 AM

2018-07-13T08:00:55-04:00

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

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Jul 13 at 2018 9:37 AM

2018-07-13T09:37:49-04:00

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jul 13 at 2018 9:51 AM

2018-07-13T09:51:57-04:00

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!

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 13 at 2018 10:21 AM

2018-07-13T10:21:13-04:00

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!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jul 13 at 2018 10:51 AM

2018-07-13T10:51:52-04:00

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.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jul 13 at 2018 10:59 AM

2018-07-13T10:59:56-04:00

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.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jul 13 at 2018 1:33 PM

2018-07-13T13:33:16-04:00

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.

Response by PO3 Erik Jensen made Jul 13 at 2018 6:51 PM

2018-07-13T18:51:46-04:00

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.

Response by SPC Brian Roberts made Jul 14 at 2018 11:55 PM

2018-07-14T23:55:40-04:00

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

Response by Maj John Bell made Oct 25 at 2018 2:30 PM

2018-10-25T14:30:18-04:00

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.