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Post-Redundancy CV & Interview Preparation

Before you start your post-redundancy job hunt, you need to make sure your CV and interview technique are up to date and up to scratch.

 

Post-Redundancy CV Tips

Here’s what to include and what not to include in a post-redundancy CV.

  • Be concise – Employers don’t have a lot of time to look at CVs nowadays so keep it punchy and focus on the main points. No more than two sides of A4 paper.
  • Be specific – You may be applying for lots of different jobs but make sure you highlight the skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications you have that are specific to the job you’re applying for, rather than submitting the same CV for every vacancy.
  • Be honest – Include your contractual end date in the most recent entry of the employment history section, with a brief sentence explaining you left the position because of redundancy. It’s better to be honest than to leave an unexplained career gap.
  • Remember the basics – Every CV should include personal details (name, address, telephone number, email address), education/qualifications, references, and a personal statement highlighting your strengths and why you’re the right person for the job.

 

Post-Redundancy Interview Preparation Tips

Here's the do's and don'ts for preparing for your first interviews following redundancy.

  • DON’T be negative about your former boss or workplace. Yes, you’re probably still feeling hurt, frustrated and bitter about being selected for redundancy but the interview room is not the place for these emotions to be on show. A negative attitude – even if justified – will only reflect badly on yourself.
  • DO be prepared for tough questions, such as ‘Why did you leave your last job’ or ‘Why were you made redundant?’ Explain briefly why your employer had to make redundancies (e.g. closing premises, relocation, etc.) and the number of staff who were made redundant in total. Redundancy is not something you should feel ashamed about and most would-be employers will be sympathetic about your situation.
  • DO emphasise your skills and knowledge – especially those gained since being laid off. For instance, you may have used the time for retraining, evening classes or voluntary work.
  • DO be prepared for different interview methods. Companies still opt for the more traditional face-to-face interview when possible but many now conduct interviews via Skype, telephone conference call and video conferencing as well
  • DON’T allow your confidence to suffer. Okay, so you don’t want to be in this position. But you are and it’s important to make the most of it. Make sure your enthusiasm about the role and excitement at the prospect of a new challenge comes across in the interview – as well as confidence in your ability to do the job.

Looking for more tips and advice? Check out our guide to what you should ask at your interview.