Leaving your current role without another lined up is a risk – both financially and professionally. But if you can land a new job before handing in your resignation, you gain negotiation power, stability, and the ability to leave on good terms.
Why should you try to secure your next role?
- Financial security: Having an offer in hand means you don’t face a gap in income, which removes a major risk.
- Stronger negotiation leverage: With a job offer, you can negotiate your salary, benefits, and start date more confidently.
- Professional exit: It allows for a smoother handover and maintains relationships, which is critical if you ever cross paths with former colleagues.
How do you navigate the search while still employed?
- Be discreet but proactive
- Keep your job search confidential where possible: don’t broadcast your intentions on social media or to coworkers.
- Use trusted contacts, your network, and recruitment consultants who understand your current employment status.
- Work with recruiters effectively
- Let recruiters know you’re employed – this often positions you as less desperate and more desirable. Ask them to schedule interviews outside of working hours, or take personal days.
- Trust their market knowledge but clearly communicate what you’re looking for: your ideal role, company culture, salary expectations, and notice period.
- Time your resignation strategically
- Once you have a written offer, align your notice period with your new start date to avoid gaps. Avoid resigning immediately after accepting an offer; make sure you have all terms confirmed in writing.
- Be ready with a handover plan: document your responsibilities, train colleagues, and prepare any transition materials.
- Negotiate smartly
- Use your current employment as leverage. For example, you can request a more flexible start date, sign-on bonus, or relocation support.
- Don’t rush: give yourself time to review the new offer, and don’t feel pressured to resign the same day.
- Maintain professionalism throughout
- Continue delivering in your current role while interviewing. Your performance now impacts your reputation later. Express genuine gratitude when you resign: thank your manager, your team, and HR.
- Stay in touch: offer to help with handover, remain open to future collaboration, and leave on a positive note.
Checklist
- Do I have a contingency plan in case something changes?
- Do I have a written job offer before resigning?
- Have I negotiated salary, notice period, and start date?
- Is my handover plan ready (tasks, documentation, training)?
- Have I kept my departure professional and respectful?
Related Article: What NOT to do when quitting your job
Related Article: Answering the question: Why did you leave your last job?
Disclaimer: Opinion of Recruitment Consultant
The advice provided in this article is based on the opinions and expertise of a recruitment consultant. It is important to note that individual circumstances may vary, and the information presented here is intended for general informational purposes only. The recruitment consultant’s opinions and recommendations are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice tailored to your specific situation. The recruitment consultant assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided in this article.
Furthermore, the recruitment landscape is dynamic, and industry standards may change over time. The opinions expressed in this article reflect the perspective of the recruitment consultant at the time of writing and may not necessarily represent the prevailing views in the future.
By accessing and reading this article, you acknowledge and agree that the information provided is not a guarantee of specific outcomes, and you should exercise your own judgment and discretion when applying any advice or suggestions contained herein.