If you are unemployed - it's ok to say available for immediate hire. If you are currently working - two weeks is better since it will show that you will give your current employer consideration and not leave them in a bind. Many recruiters understand that there are a lot of people out of work and are available for immediate hire because they are unemployed.

What would make you sound desperate is to say things like "I really need this job." or "I've been looking a long time. The puts the focus that you're not really interested in the job, but you just need ANY job. That doesn't show that you have a particular interest in the company.

Best of luck with your job search!

I know that when I did an application and it asked me a lot of different date available for work it also said on top of the questions mark all! in other words you don't want to sound picky, the best is to let them know your available for work when ever they are ready to take you. It is important not to sound desperate cause then they will take that as an advent-age of you and put you some where where usually nobody applies for. Since your "desperate" they think you'll take it and not mind. lol. If you don't want to mark all, just put down any time instead of asap! (as soon as possible) Some companies won't take you if you mark asap, because some times they can't take you asap. I hope that helped you.

You're better off just writing "immediately."

Employers don't really care if you are working or desparate - they ask this question because they need to know when you are available to work for them. I don't think it is a problem for you to say you are available immediately. It may end up that they need someone immediately, and you may get the job!