How you can start an online job?

How should I approach the "when can you start" question for potential job?

• I am currently looking for another job. My current place of employment is a very toxic place to work and I'm really looking forward to getting out of there. That said, I don't want to burn any bridges and want to be as professional as possible. When asked the inevitable "When can you start question?" by the interviewer, I'm not sure how to answer. This job opportunity is obviously my priority over doing the right thing at my current place of employment (I've been there 3 years). What if they need me to start right away? What if by saying I want to give notice, I'd be inadvertently shooting myself in the foot and taking myself out of the running? What if by saying I can start right away makes me look unprofessional for bailing on my boss. What's the best way to handle it? This far I have been saying that I'd like to give my boss at least a week's notice but if they need me to start sooner, I can do that. I could offer to help my boss transition someone over on the weekend or in the evening. Perhaps I'm overthinking this. I'm going on 3rd and final interview next week for a job I really want and I want to make sure I handle this right....

• Answer:

  Out of the 20+ years I've been working I've only had that happen once. Most companies realize and respect an employee and future employee who gives at least two weeks notice. If the company asks when can you start, just tell them out of respect for your current employer you'd like to give them at least two weeks notice if possible (throwing in the "possible" lets them know you are flexible. You more then likely won't even get asked that question unless you are offered the position. You are right for not wanting to burn your bridges, if you aren't able to give notice and just quit you run the risk of getting a bad future job reference. Hey, good luck. Don't beat yourself up if you don't get the job, I know it's hard (I've been looking for a couple of years now), just be proud that you are good enough to even get a 3rd interview especially when a lot of are struggling to just get one.