Apply now or later?

[hamchan]

I have been planning to apply for a new job for about a month now. I wanted to wait to leave my old job until one of my long term clients moved out of state. She is moving the 2nd of October, so my plan was to apply to the new job a couple of weeks before the last time she will be in to see me. So based on that I should be sending my resume in now.

But my grandfather passed away a few days ago, and I will not be available for an interview until a week from today because I am going out of town for the funeral. Should I still apply now, or wait till I get back? My biggest concern is that the location I most want will not be available once I get back, as they tend to have the fewest openings. All the other locations have had openings for over a year straight now. But if I can't interview for a week then that could theoretically happen anyway.

[disneysteve]

Sorry for your loss.

I would apply now and tell them that you will be available for an interview on or after whatever date works for you due to the funeral. They'll probably be willing to wait a week to get the right person in the job.

[hamchan]

OK. My hesitation was because when you work in an industry that has far more job openings than qualified applicants they have a tendency to call you back within hours of applying. I didn't want to annoy them by not being available soon.

[disneysteve]

OK. My hesitation was because when you work in an industry that has far more job openings than qualified applicants they have a tendency to call you back within hours of applying. I didn't want to annoy them by not being available soon.

I would definitely tell them upfront when you apply. Let them know the situation and let them decide from there.

[ua_guy]

In an industry where there are more positions than qualified applicants, you have the upper hand. Apply and manage the interview/hiring process on your terms, whenever possible.