Finessing the start date question

I know this seems like it should be fairly straightforward for most, but I'm in a structured program that ends in August. So my preferred start date is August/September, however, the country I'm in, the fiscal year stards in April and that's when most new hiring takes place.

If I'm asked what my preferred start date is should I say:
"I'm open to whatever would work best for the firm."
"I would prefer August, but if there's a fixed starting date, I'm flexible and talk with my current employer since this position is obviously my priority."
"August is my preferred date."

Other suggestions?

4 Comments
 

If you already have the position and they ask: "August is my preferred date." They will make it clear if this doesn't work for them.

If you're looking to get hired, then you're start date is whatever works for them. That's assuming that you can leave this 'structured program' early and isn't, say, the last semester of your university studies.

 

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