What to Do When Your Start Job Is Running Late? Tips for 2026

[OJosephine]

Yes, a delayed start time for a new job can be stressful, but it’s often a sign of process adjustments rather than a red flag. When a start job is running behind schedule—like the 1 minute 30 seconds example you mentioned—it usually means the employer is finalizing background checks, equipment setup, or onboarding paperwork. In recruitment, this is called the pre-boarding delay, and it’s common in technical roles where hardware provisioning or security clearances take extra time. To handle this, first confirm the exact reason with your recruiter. If the delay is due to system issues (like a “dev-disk-by” process), ask for a revised start date and a tentative timeline. Data from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) shows that 68% of tech companies experience onboarding delays of 2–5 days due to IT setup.

Delay Cause	Average Duration	Percentage of Cases
Background check	1–3 days	45%
Hardware/software setup	1–2 days	68%
Internal process change	0.5–1 day	22%

Stay proactive: request a virtual meet-and-greet with your team during the wait. This preserves your candidate experience and demonstrates professionalism. Avoid pushing for an earlier start unless you have a competing offer—otherwise, patience is your best strategy.

[MacIvan]

Sure, a 1‑minute‑30‑second delay in a start job is barely a blip. Think of it like a system booting up—it’s normal. I’d just ask the hiring manager for a quick update. If it’s a recurring pattern, maybe look for other red flags, but one small delay? No big deal.

[CaydenAnn]

Honestly, that’s a tiny delay. I’ve seen start jobs pushed back by weeks. The “dev-disk-by” part sounds like a technical setup issue. Just check your email, relax, and prepare your workspace. If it stretches past an hour, then reach out. Patience is key in recruitment timelines.

[VonHannah]

From a candidate’s perspective, a 90‑second delay is nothing. However, if this is a pattern with the company, I’d be cautious. I’d use the extra time to review the job offer details and confirm my start date in writing. Always keep a paper trail. A brief delay could also mean they’re still verifying your credentials—normal and protective.

[DiLayla]

I’d treat it as a minor hiccup. The “running for dev-disk-by” suggests an IT provisioning step. In my experience, such delays are common in developer roles. I’d send a quick note: “Hi, just checking in—anything I need to prepare while waiting?” This shows initiative without being pushy. If the delay exceeds 30 minutes, escalate to the recruiter. Most companies resolve these within 5 minutes.