We all have heard that expression. I know I have. Usually when I'm brave enough to sing outside the privacy of the shower. The advice is a little more serious when it comes to a job search. Many job seekers are aware it is better to look for a new job when you still have one. And yet, some do not fully appreciate the reasoning behind this logic. There are several reasons as to why you should hang on to your current job while searching for a new one.
Even though there are many outstanding candidates who currently don't have a job, there is still a concern raised by some hiring managers who ask, "Why isn't this candidate currently employed?" Layoffs, mergers, and company relocations are all understandable reasons for losing a job. But it is often hard to justify to a hiring manager the reasoning behind simply quitting because you were not happy with your job. Frankly, there are many who are not happy in their current job, and most are able to continue showing up for work.
You also have negotiation strength if you still have a job. Firstly, the hiring company knows you have a job and are not pressed to take theirs to pay the bills at home. This might impact the salary negotiation. Secondly, you will be able to evaluate the job more objectively and consider all aspects of the opportunity beyond salary. You might ask about other benefits or long-term growth for the position. If you don't have a job, you might have to take whatever they offer.
Another reason to "search first and quit later" is you may not end up quitting at all. When you embark on a job search, you likely have the mindset that the "grass is greener on the other side." You may find out that it is slightly brown or yellow elsewhere, too. Sometimes, you are in a better situation than you realize. Keep in mind, you need to be careful about applying for positions and turning them down as this is a big time waster for the hiring manager. This could hurt your chances to be hired later on if you return. You might be able to learn a lot without interviewing by talking to people who work at prospective companies.
Although it seems like a lot of effort to work and interview at the same time, it can make a world of difference in the outcome. So remember all you bad singers out there, don't quit your day job.
Jeff Lipschultz is a founding partner of A-List Solutions, a premier recruiting firm in Dallas-Fort Worth. Jeff shares his views on employment trends and quirky observations of society at http://jefflipschultz.wordpress.com
Become our fan on Facebook!
Follow @jobsearch on Twitter!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark Freedman says: (11:59PM on Jan 27th 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
This makes sense in most scenarios. But I know people who are so miserable in their current job that they need to get out of it just for sanity's state. I also have a couple of colleagues who want to start their own business, but their current work situation is so poor, that they are not only working 12 hour days, but they are so emotionally, mentally, and physically drained at the end of the day, they can barely function, much less work on their new venture.
My main point is that although this is great advice in most situations, there are edge cases which do warrant a different strategy. Not that this should give anyone an excuse to take the easy way out. If you are thinking about quitting your job, keep in mind that this may be one of the most important decisions of your life, and treat it as such. The choice you make now will have an impact on the path you take for the rest of your life. There are no easy answers. But if you still decide to leave your job before securing a new job, and you have considered all your options, and if your situation is unique, don't feel guilty about doing so.
Reply
Jörgen Sundberg says: (4:34AM on Jan 28th 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Good article! I would agree that you need to have a good idea of what you want to do when you leave, if you don't have this it will take months before you find the right thing for you and you run the risk of actually going back to the job you just left as you hadn't thought everything through (trust me I know :-)).
Reply
Nick says: (11:00PM on Feb 15th 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I agree with you Mark. It is important to have a plan before you leave your job, but that plan need not be another job right away. If you are unhappy with your current career, it may be time to go down a new path altogether. As long as you have a plan and a list of goals to help you acheive it, there is no reason to stay put in a miserable job.
http://www.escapefromca.com
Reply
keyiheniyiqi says: (9:39PM on Jun 16th 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
======= http://www.ccshoper.com =======
Hello, summer, good place for shopping, fashion, sexy, personality, maturity, from here to begin. Are you ready?
free shipping
competitive price
any size available
accept the paypal
Air jordan(1-24)shoes $33
Nike shox(R4,NZ,OZ,TL1,TL2,TL3) $35
Handbags(Coach lv fendi d&g) $35
Tshirts (ed hardy,lacoste) $16
Jean(True Religion,ed hardy,coogi) $30
Sunglasses(Oakey,coach,gucci,Armaini) $16
New era cap $15
Bikini (Ed hardy) $25
======= http://www.ccshoper.com ========
#@%#@%#@%
Reply
true religion jeans says: (9:26AM on Sep 1st 2010) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
true religion jeans provides you the best and cheapest jeans. All the products at
http://www.truereligionofficial.com are 100% high quality, competitive price, free shipping with best and timely service, 100%
satisfaction. Big discount for big order. Welcome to make your choose.
Reply