Questionable request from potentially new employer.

Hi, guys. I did like to get the opinion/advice of those who have been or are in this situation I'm in right now & would also like to know if it's common practice in any industry as a whole.

Quick summary: - Male in mid 20s. Been in full time workforce for almost 4 years (coming 5), with just completed WSD Diploma. - Given opportunity to do interview for a new job, that I applied for - Received call on the weekend that I got "shortlisted" - When I asked to setup Date & Time to head down the office to review contact terms, pay & leaves before I submit my resignation with my current employer. - Interviewer "requested" me to first submit my resignation and serve my notice with current employer, only then he will setup Date & Time for me to start the contract signing process & onboarding. - What if the new employer low balls me and the contract isn’t favorable.

Leads to the Question: - Want to ask is it normal for new employers to ask you to resign your current position first before reviewing your new contract with the new employer? - I’d like to also know if anyone has encountered such a situation and what advice you can offer?

For the long story, whoever needs a clearer picture of the events that transpired.

I’m in my mid 20s a male currently employed with my current employer for almost 2 years 9 months. I’ve completed my WSD diploma, and my graduation is scheduled for sometime in May 2025.

Throughout December 2024, I actively searched for new jobs to replace my current position, as it lacks new skills since it’s a family-run business (not mine).

Last week, I had an interview with a potential new employer. The interview concluded with the interviewer stating, “We will get back to you to notify you if you are shortlisted.”

Over the weekend, I received a call from the interviewer. During the call, they asked various questions about what I know of the company and about myself. Afterward, they informed me that I had been shortlisted for the company and requested that I submit my letter of resignation to my current employer and serve my notice. They also mentioned that they would arrange a meeting with HR to review the contract terms and possibly negotiate.

Naturally, I had several questions during the call. I inquired about the basic pay, as I know it’s considered taboo to ask about salary during an interview. Since I had been shortlisted, I wanted to know what the company was offering me. I also asked about the leaves and when I could view the contract terms in case I needed to negotiate. However, the interviewer seemed reluctant to answer these questions and instead diverted me to their pay scheme. They implied that commissions were high and could potentially exceed my expected pay, but that is considering the team’s ability to hit the target KPI. This explanation made sense when I realized why the company had listed a salary range of $3k to $5k on Indeed.

After seemingly answering my questions, which mostly went unanswered, I questioned them about why they would ask me to resign from my current position first instead of arranging a meeting to discuss the contracts and relevant matters. My previous two employers had sent me a text or email with my pay and a quick job interview. However, the interviewer reiterated that I should submit my resignation so that they could arrange a meeting with HR after I completed my notice.

After hanging up, I felt uneasy and skeptical. It seemed strange and highly questionable to ask someone to resign from their current job before scheduling another interview with their HR to review contract terms. Moreover, he hadn’t sent a written confirmation of my shortlisting. (What if they offer me a lowball salary, what if the contract isn’t favorable, etc…) After the call, I discussed with my mom about everything that had happened. She advised me to lie to them and say that I had submitted my resignation, but I’m not much liar, and I’m still conflicted about my decision to join them.

Now, I have a question: is it a common workforce practice to get someone to resign from their current position before allowing them to review their upcoming contractual terms? In my first and second jobs, I received a written email or text stating the pay and a brief overview of the position. I was also given a quick interview back to the respective offices to review the contract terms.

I’d like to also know if anyone has encountered such a situation and what advice you can offer.

Thanks, and happy new year to all!