How to Effectively Address Redundancy on Your CV and During Your Job Search

Redundancy is an increasingly common part of today’s job market. Even the best performers can be affected when organisations restructure, downsize or close operations. While the experience can feel unsettling, it does not diminish your value as a professional. With the right approach, you can address redundancy confidently on your CV and position yourself strongly for new opportunities.

This guide explains how to handle redundancy on your CV, how to approach the job search, and how to maintain confidence and direction while rebuilding your career.

How to Address Redundancy on Your CV

You should never hide a redundancy — employers understand it happens, and being upfront prevents doubt or assumptions. The key is to present the situation professionally, factually and with a positive tone.

Best Practices for Mentioning Redundancy

• Be brief and factual: A simple line is enough — “Role made redundant due to business restructuring.”
• Provide context if helpful: For example, “One of 50 staff affected by division closure.”
• Highlight achievements before the redundancy: Show that performance was strong and the role ended due to external factors.
• Use positive, future-focused language: Emphasise what you gained, not what you lost.

Handled correctly, redundancy will never be viewed negatively. Employers value honesty and resilience.

Finding a Job During the Redundancy Notice Period

If you are still employed but have received notice, you have an advantage — you can plan your next move while maintaining financial stability.

• Start networking immediately: Let trusted contacts know you are exploring new opportunities.
• Clarify what you want next: Job title, industry, salary expectations and location.
• Take advantage of employer-provided support: Many organisations offer outplacement, coaching or resume support — use every resource.
• Refresh your CV and LinkedIn profile: Tailor them to your new direction.

Being proactive during this period often leads to a smoother transition and faster job placement.

Finding a Job After Redundancy

Once your role has ended, it’s normal to feel uncertain — especially if you were with the same employer for many years. Use this stage as an opportunity to pause and reassess.

• Re-evaluate your career goals: What do you want more of? What do you want less of?
• Reconnect with your network: Former colleagues, managers, clients and industry contacts are often your fastest pathway to new work.
• Attend industry events and webinars: Keep knowledge fresh and broaden your exposure to potential employers.
• Tailor every application: Focus on achievements, impact and alignment with the job criteria.

Redundancy often leads people to better roles, improved work–life balance or entirely new career directions.

Coping with Redundancy: Practical and Emotional Support

Redundancy can trigger stress, anxiety and uncertainty. These feelings are normal — and temporary. Here are constructive ways to navigate the transition:

1. Take Time to Reflect

Redundancy can act as a circuit breaker that encourages re-evaluation. Think about what you enjoyed, what frustrated you, and what you want the future to look like. Many professionals turn redundancy into a positive turning point.

2. Stay Positive and Goal-Focused

Create a simple plan for your job search. Celebrate small wins — updating your CV, securing a recruiter meeting, applying for roles. Working with a career coach can help keep you accountable and motivated.

3. Stay Active

Physical activity reduces stress and improves energy. Walk, exercise, spend time outdoors — it improves clarity and resilience during job hunting.

4. Seek Support

Talk to family, friends or a counsellor if needed. Emotional support helps you process the transition and regain confidence. A career counsellor can also help you manage job-search anxiety.

5. Be Open-Minded

The next opportunity may come from a different industry, a contract role, or a hybrid job you hadn’t considered. Flexibility widens your options.

How Soon After Redundancy Can You Start a New Job?

This depends on your circumstances, finances and any conditions in your redundancy agreement. Consider the following:

Check Your Redundancy Agreement

Some agreements include non-compete clauses or restrictions. Ensure you understand the terms before accepting a new role.

Consider Your Financial Position

If you have a redundancy payout, you may have breathing space to choose a role carefully rather than rushing into the first offer. On average, most professionals secure their next role within three months — longer if changing industries.

Have a Career Plan

A clear plan prevents reactive decision-making. Think about the long-term vision for your career — salary growth, work–life balance, development opportunities, location and industry. Working with a career coach can help you map out the right path.

How to Explain Redundancy on Your CV

Employers appreciate clarity. Here is how to explain redundancy effectively:

• Be honest: Keep it factual without unnecessary detail.
• Provide context where helpful: “Role made redundant due to national restructure.”
• Highlight your contribution: Present your achievements and value clearly.
• Use positive, forward-focused language: Frame redundancy as a career transition, not a setback.
• Keep it concise: A single line is enough — the focus should remain on your capabilities.

Handled well, redundancy never disadvantages a candidate — most employers have experienced it themselves.

Redundancy may feel destabilising, but it can also create space for new direction, development and opportunities. By addressing redundancy openly on your CV, staying proactive during your job search, and maintaining your wellbeing along the way, you put yourself in the strongest position for success.

Remember: redundancy reflects the needs of a business, not your worth as a professional. Your next opportunity could be your most rewarding one yet.

If you need help updating your CV after redundancy or planning your next career move, our team at CV Writers Australia is here to support you.