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In India, notice periods for experienced professionals are often 60 to 90 days, much longer than in many other countries. That changes how you should plan a job switch: start too late and you miss roles; start too early without a plan and you lose momentum.
This guide covers when to start reaching out, how to talk about your notice period, and how to keep your search moving while you serve it.
Why notice period matters to recruiters
Many roles in India, especially at startups and product companies, need someone to join soon. When recruiters compare two similar candidates, the one who can join sooner often has an advantage.
That doesn't mean a long notice period rules you out. It means you should be upfront about it and plan your search around it.
When to start reaching out
A practical approach:
- Before resigning: start searching while you're employed. You have more negotiating room, and companies hiring for future needs can plan around your joining date.
- Target roles that can wait: larger companies and planned team expansions can often accommodate 60 to 90 days. Urgent replacement roles may not.
- After resigning: if you've already resigned and are serving notice, say so clearly. Many recruiters prefer candidates whose last working day is already fixed.
How to mention your notice period
Be clear and brief. In your email or first call:
I'm currently serving a 60-day notice period, with my last working day on 15 January.
or, if you haven't resigned yet:
My notice period is 90 days. There's some flexibility depending on handover, and I'm happy to discuss.
Only mention flexibility or an early release if it's genuinely possible at your company. Don't promise a date you can't keep.
Early release and buyout
Some companies allow you to leave early, either by using leave balance, by agreement with your manager, or through a notice-period buyout, where you or the new employer pays for the remaining days. Policies vary widely between companies, so:
- Check your appointment letter and HR policy before making any promises.
- Ask your manager early whether a shorter handover is possible.
- If a new employer offers to cover a buyout, get it in writing in your offer letter.
Plan your search around your notice period
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Not resigned yet | Apply selectively to roles that can wait; mention your notice period upfront |
| Resigned, serving notice | Say your last working day clearly; target urgent roles too |
| Immediate joiner | Highlight it in your subject line and first line |
Use the waiting time well
A notice period can feel like dead time, but it's useful:
- Tailor your resume for the roles you really want. Here's how to do it honestly.
- Reach hiring managers directly, not only through job portals. See how to email HR for a job.
- Ask for referrals from people at your target companies. Here's how to get a referral.
- Keep a simple tracker of where you've applied and who you've contacted.
Common mistakes
- Hiding your notice period until the offer stage. It wastes everyone's time and can cost you the offer.
- Accepting several offers to "keep options open." It damages your reputation with recruiters, and the industry is smaller than it looks.
- Resigning before having any interviews, unless you've planned for it financially.
- Applying to everything while you wait. Fewer, well-matched applications work better. Here's how many to aim for.
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