An Indian subreddit came into focus this week after a point about lengthy notice periods sparked discussion. The Reddit user wrote that he had been contemplating a resignation without new offers on hand as recruiters were put off by the 90 day notice period.
“Had been applying for jobs here and there but with no luck. Luckily I received a call from a recruiter yesterday and she just asked 1 question – What is your notice period? And that was it. The moment I said 90 days nothing else mattered and the call ended. Even though I mentioned about the buy out option I have nothing really mattered. The ’90 days notice period’ now feels like a curse. Thinking about resigning without any job offer. Need advice,” the Reddit user wrote.
The post has since prompted discussion about job application etiquette and hiring practices — with some revealing that they often withheld certain details while applying for new positions. Others outlined a grim reality where recruiters avoid lengthy notice periods as well as those who have resigned without something in hand. One commentator also noted that in particularly toxic work environments people were not allowed to take any leaves (including sick leaves) once an employee was on notice period.
“Don’t resign. You can worm your way in the conversation that there may be an option to buy out the notice or use your leaves to encash/leave early if the manager and HR allow. The moment you resign without an offer, your value goes down FAST. Hiring manager wants to hire someone immediately, but will question why the talent has resigned without an offer, and HR will suggest that the person was a non-performer, hence has resigned,” warned one Reddit user.
“Before answering the question, I usually ask about their notice period. If they say sixty or ninety days, I say the same. I don’t even tell my current CTC to any HR; I only state my expectations. I have been doing this for four years and have received 200% and 50% salary increases because of this. It also helps me filter many companies…I always say that I am expecting an offer from a company in a few days, as I have already cleared all rounds and my salary discussion has also taken place,” revealed another.
“I was stuck in my first company for more than 8 years unable to get a single offer. My notice period was also 90 days. After spending 8 years I finally had enough. I resigned without having an offer and it was the best decision I made in my life. I got multiple offers and the highest was 200% hike as my salary was low,” recounted a third.