When I got out in 2005, I submitted my PC request and airline apps at the same time. I gambled that my PC request would be approved and put that down as my availability date. I was called for an interview 3 months prior to my availability date, received notification that my PC app was approved and that I was hired within 24 hours of each other, started at my airline 7 days after after I started terminal leave. The moral of the story here is that you should do what is best for you. If you do the legwork, get hired, then have to back off the availability date, then you've lost nothing. Worst than can happen is that they rescind the job offer, best is that they work with you for your avail date. If you act in good faith, then you won't go wrong. IMHO.