Never Resign Before It's Time!

Don't Quit Your Current Restaurant Job Before Accepting a New Position

Recently, I received a follow up call after an introductory email from a mid-level restaurant operations director looking to make a change from a national brand in the northeast. We spoke at length about her professional credentials, restaurant operations experience (including her reviews and current standing with her concept), and her motivation for looking at another position. Uncertain economy notwithstanding, this was a rockstar candidate and one that I would usually represent eagerly. In fact, even in this market, I still considered representing her because her credentials and operations experience were tremendous.

As I was about to say, "Sure, I think I can assist you in your job search," this candidate tells me, "I already put in my notice and have two weeks before I am finished at my current restaurant."

After what seemed like an awkward eternity of silence, I replied with "You did what?"

It was true.  This rockstar candidate had quit her job before securing a new one. Where has she been living...under a rock? I guess she hadn't noticed that we are still experiencing the after-effects of an enormous economic recession that has bruised even the strongest restaurant brands with the blows of the past two years.  Has she not read about the massive layoffs at countless restaurants across the U.S.?

By resigning from her current job, this Regional Director just made her job search considerably more difficult, if not impossible. Even the best restaurant concepts are still cutting back on lateral hiring, and many of those that are hiring are moving slowly and cautiously. Right now the market is flooded with highly credentialed restaurant leaders with impressive experience from the top restaurant brands in the country.

As a restaurant executive recruiter, it seems obvious to me that a restaurant leader should not quit his or her job before securing a new one. Evidently, this isn't as intuitive as I would have thought.

Following are several reasons one should not quit his or her job without finding a new one first:

• Lack of Exclusivity - Potential hiring managers know you're actively looking and talking with multiple brands who may be calling you after you accept their offer.
• Lack of Bargaining Power - Your ability to counter a salary offer is now off the table as anything a restaurant hiring manager offers you is more than you're making.
• Lack of Time - Your financial situation may not allow you the time to do a comprehensive job search because you need to get back to work quickly, possibly forcing you to "settle" in your decision.
• Lack of Benefits - If you choose not to pay the outrageous cost of COBRA coverage while waiting for the new benefits at a new position to begin, anything serious medically that happens to you or your family can wipe you out financially.

So, the next time you feel like quitting your job, remember: doing so may make your job search process a much more difficult one. By way of example, I have to say that upon learning that the top-shelf director who gave her notice without securing a new position, will not be my highest priority. I will work with her, but in this tough economy, the single act of quitting makes her very difficult to represent.

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Comments

[James Kasel Jenkins]

I bet that was an uncomfortable silence. I'm sure that was not on the top of your list on things to do. Hopefully, she finds out how great a recruiter you are. Work your magic.

[HeadHunterBrian]

Thanks, James.