What To Do If You Left Your Job Yesterday

Walking away from a job with nowhere to go can leave you in a vulnerable place. If it does happen, this isn’t something that is not completely new that recruiters experience. They have seen this on many occasions.

Resignations are now at their highest since 2009. Recent analysis by Deutsche Bank highlights that redundancies in the UK are at their lowest level since the mid-1990s, while the level of open vacancies is the highest on record. 

Let’s share with you the first steps if you leave your job, but don’t have anything prepared or ready.

Kimberley Best, Recruitment Consultant, shares her own experience. “I recently met two candidates who were made redundant and nowhere to go. Whilst it is a natural place to start, make sure your CV is updated, replace outdated skills or overused buzzwords and be current. Fortunately, their CVs were both in a strong place and now that have three interviews each lined up.”

Gemma Emery, Commercial Consultant, has also spoken to people who have left their jobs and no next step. “Whilst it could be risky leaving a place of work with no alternative, there are options that people may not have considered. A move to temp work can help with a morale boost as well as the potential for other companies to see you.” 

There are many reasons for a person to step away from their job in search of better work and new opportunities. Yasmin Cottrell, Senior Industrial Permanent Consultant, highlights where conversations start. “If you left a job promptly, one of the first questions I am going to ask you is why? There is always a reason. Make sure that is clear as you step forward for your next position. That way, a recruiter can understand the companies you have worked for and what can be suitable for you. For instance, if it was a high-pressure place where measurement was on continual KPIs (key performance indicators), then perhaps a slower pace is more suited.”

Ryan Morling, Industrial Recruitment Specialist, agrees with Yasmin’s approach to having an open conversation. “For me, before any CV is sent to me, you have to know a candidate’s reasons and get to know the person who has made that decision. This helps to set up the next steps. Everything is relationship-driven and I will always say to a candidate, ‘give me 24 hours’ and I will come back with the shape of a plan for us to pick up and work on together.”

Whilst leaving a job with no new workplace to fall back on can feel daunting, it is an occurrence, that does happen. 

When you are in the moment of no man's land between jobs, it can be a scary and lonely place. However, it is important to remember that you are moving closer to your next opportunity, rather than taking a step back to where you once were.