How soon after a job offer did you start?

[adpiRN]

I got an unofficial job offer and the manager said I should get an official one from HR next week. And that the HR process can take 4-5 weeks for background check etc which would put us at mid June.

I'm thinking of asking if I could start the 2nd week of July.

I'm scheduled at my current PRN job through June and then had already planned a trip for late June-first week of July.

I didn't tell the manager about it during the interview. I just tried to feel her out about when she'd want me to start and after she said it would take a month or so I said "so June or July?" and she said yes.

Was thinking when I start discussions with HR about orientation details I'll ask them if I can start with the July group. Or better to ask manager first?

[adpiRN]

Also do I give notice to my current job when I get the contingent offer from HR?

Or is it customary to wait until background check etc is complete and you sign paperwork?

Because if those are a few weeks apart that might affect my start date since I want to give two weeks notice.

[CelticGoddess, BSN, RN]

When I changed jobs, I waited until I got my official offer (in writing) before putting in my notice. And, as the system I work for is very large, they only have orientation starting at specific dates. (For example, my orientation class started June 9, 2014) The only option I was given was to wait until July (which I din't have to as I was given more than a month to work out my notice)

One more thing: I got my unofficial notice from my manager in late march, but didn't get the official notice until late april. It was nerve wracking to say the least.

Personally, I would wait for the official offer. Most companies understand that you will need to work out a notice.