Notice periods and interview timing in Germany
A long Kündigungsfrist changes how you schedule interviews, talk about start dates, and handle competing offers.
Candidates moving between German employers often underestimate how early they should raise notice periods. Waiting until the offer call can create avoidable friction.
Say it without apology
A clear line works better than a long defence: your contractual notice, any remaining vacation that affects the date, and the earliest realistic start. Practise it until it sounds factual, not apologetic.
Competing timelines
If one employer moves faster, ask what flexibility exists on start date before you invent a resignation plan you cannot keep. Sales leaders usually prefer honesty about constraints over a surprise delay later.
Coaching angle
Our offer and notice-period clinic rehearses these conversations and one follow-up email. It is not legal advice — employment contracts still deserve a qualified review when terms are complex.