10 Tips for Dealing with Redundancy
Being made redundant is never a good feeling. Your job plays a huge part in your life, and your home, lifestyle and perhaps even your family depend on your income. This being said, it’s only natural that facing redundancy can cause stress and worry, while also knocking your confidence.
But stop, take a breath and keep calm because it’s time for you to evaluate what’s next. Follow our 10 tips below and you will be able to bounce back in no time.
1. Try not to take it personally
When you’re made redundant it can feel like a personal blow. However, companies have to make redundancies for a number of reasons and more often that not it’s not you that is redundant, but your role.
2. Know your rights
If you are unsure about any aspect of your redundancy, it is worth taking a look at the Citizens Advice Bureau. They can advise you on your employee rights and with this knowledge, you can ensure that everything is handled correctly.
3. Think positive
It’s not an ideal position to be in, but in order to move forward successfully following redundancy, you need to do your best to put it behind you and be positive about the future. Visualise what you want next for your career and go out there and get it.
4. Ensure your CV is up-to-date
So the next step is to start looking for a new job, which means it’s time to dust the cobwebs off the old CV. Make sure you add in your most recent role and show off your skills and experience.
5. Request a reference
Before leaving your current company, request a reference from your Manager or the HR department. It can also be valuable to ensure you have phone numbers and emails of your colleagues as you never know when those connections may be able to help you in the future.
6. Start job searching
When you’re ready to kickstart your job search, your first port of call should be to register with job boards and relevant recruitment agencies in your industry. If you already have some companies in mind that you are interested in working for, visit the careers sections on their websites and send them your CV. It’s also worth speaking to friends and family about what you’re looking for next. Word of mouth is a powerful tool and you never know, Gary’s friend’s uncle might have the perfect opportunity for someone with your skill-set.
7. Be open-minded
It’s not always as straightforward as being able to walk into your role equivalent in a different company. Use your redundancy as an opportunity to assess what roles are a great fit for you. Think about your transferable skills and what you enjoy. Your next role may well be your best yet!
8. Be flexible with your salary expectations
The job market is constantly changing; salaries fluctuate and your competition could be fierce. You may not have to, but sometimes being open to compromise when it comes to your next salary can be key to finding your next opportunity. A lower salary could be a temporary measure that will allow you to get your foot in the door at a great company that can offer you fantastic benefits and career progression.
9. Be available for interviews
Timing can often be crucial to landing your next role. Try to be available to take calls from employers and recruiters throughout the working day and do your best to make the initial interview date. Delaying these things could result in the position being snapped up before you get your chance.
10. Be interview-ready
Sometimes you can be invited to an interview at very short notice, so make sure your interview outfit is always ready to go. As we already mentioned, unnecessary delays can be costly. If you’re feeling a bit rusty, practice your interview technique with friends and family so you can walk into the real thing filled with confidence.
