Collective agreements can determine the extent, timing and preconditions for the entitlement to time off for job search. The extent varies considerably across collective agreements. Collective agreements can also foresee that the time off should exclusively be dedicated to job search. Some collective agreements (e.g. metal and iron processing industry, hotel and catering industry) also grant employees the right to take time off for job search in cases when employees themselves terminate the contract.

The timing of the time off has to be agreed upon with the employer.

According to a judgement of the Austrian Supreme Court (2012) dismissed employees are not entitled to additional time off for job search in cases where s/he is already consuming paid leave during the period of notice (Kündigungsfrist).